NOVEL NEXT Chapter 161
The evening session concluded without incident, and now came the most critical part of the day—a meeting with key members of the Fujinomiya family. The venue was a room adorned with an imposing folding screen depicting a divine phoenix, lending the space a solemn and authoritative atmosphere.
Six pairs of attendees were present, each resembling a master-and-bodyguard arrangement similar to my relationship with KAEDE. Additionally, several individuals who appeared to serve as secretaries stood behind their respective pairs, gesturing frequently at their temples as they silently mouthed words—likely conducting busy conversations over communication devices.
“Master, once the meeting begins, all communications within this room will be disabled. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, no problem.”
The Phoenix Room hosted a modest number of about 20 people: the 12 main participants, a few staff members tasked with preparing records, and attendants serving drinks. Outside, however, security was extraordinarily tight. Advanced anti-surveillance equipment ensured no unauthorized communication could occur within the room.
Despite the stringent measures, the atmosphere inside the Phoenix Room was surprisingly amicable. I had anticipated the air to be fraught with tension, given the nature of high-ranking aristocrats—people constantly vying for power and scrutinizing each other for any slip-up. Yet, the scene in front of me defied that expectation. Some participants had left their seats to engage in lighthearted conversations, even including their secretary-like attendants in their chats. It appeared that many of the Fujinomiya members were on friendly terms with one another.
Just as I was adjusting to this unexpectedly relaxed atmosphere, a sudden announcement broke the air.
“Lady Akane Fuji has arrived!”
The staff member’s voice over the microphone announced the entry of a new figure into the room.
The clock had just passed 10 PM. Considering the meeting was set to begin at 10:30, her arrival was cutting it close.
At the entrance stood a striking woman with long, deep-red hair that cascaded elegantly, contrasting sharply against her tailored black suit. With her hands on her hips, she scanned the room with an almost predatory gaze before exhaling softly through her nose. The heels of her shoes clicked sharply against the floor as she walked, guided by the staff to her seat.
(Is that Akira?)
When the woman named Akane Fuji entered the room, the previously relaxed atmosphere vanished in an instant. A palpable tension took its place, spreading like ripples across the room. Sitting directly across from me, even Taka’s expression grew stern. From the shift in mood, it was clear this Akane Fuji was no ordinary individual.
“KAEDE, do you have any information on her?”
At first glance, I mistook her for Akira. Upon closer inspection, their facial features were distinct, but her slightly wavy deep-red hair and the languid aura she exuded bore a strong resemblance to Akira. It startled me.
Though I managed to keep my expression neutral to avoid suspicion—given my position of privilege at the meeting—her striking resemblance to Akira had certainly caught me off guard.
“Lady Akane Fuji handles diplomacy for the Fujinomiya family. She is 25 years old, originally from Planet Plato, and is Lady Taka’s cousin,” KAEDE explained through a subtle communication link, ensuring no one else overheard.
“A cousin, huh?”
KAEDE placed a hand lightly on my shoulder, relaying the details directly to my mind.
According to her, women of the Fujinomiya family possessing the abilities of a shrine maiden invariably had blonde hair and the appearance of a Caucasian. Those without such abilities typically had black or brown hair and distinctly Japanese facial features.
“Lady Akane is renowned for her exceptional talent in Sen ryoku. Although she is Lady Taka’s cousin, she once served as a maid-in-training here at the Purple Mirror Palace. She graduated at the top of her class and achieved the title of Shusenka every year except her first.”
“That’s impressive.”
At Purple Mirror Palace, completing one’s training formally conferred the title of Senka—a prestigious credential akin to an academic degree. Among these titles, there were three levels: Kousenka for standard graduates, Sousenka for those with outstanding records, and Shusenka for the top of the class.
Graduating as a Senka alone was considered a formidable achievement. To graduate as a Shusenka required extraordinary talent and relentless effort. For Akane, who also bore the burdens of being a Fujinomiya family member, achieving this must have been especially challenging.
“Lady Akane’s talents in Sen ryoku are exceptional, even among the Fujinomiya bloodline. Many Fujinomiya members are naturally gifted with Sen ryoku due to their heritage, and it’s a mandatory part of their upbringing from a young age.”
KAEDE elaborated further, explaining that Sen ryoku, or star energy, existed on all planets to varying degrees. Once a person learned to perceive and manipulate it, they could use it anywhere, not just on Planet Seisen.
Fujinomiya descendants excelled at harnessing this energy, which they were required to learn both for self-defense and to maintain their lineage’s prestige. The family even hosted martial arts tournaments every few years exclusively for Fujinomiya members. Akane, having trained at Purple Mirror Palace, had clearly taken full advantage of her education.
“So, does that mean…?”
“Yes, Lady Akane has dominated every martial arts tournament she participated in. This tense atmosphere likely stems from her reputation in those events.”
These martial arts tournaments, held on Planet Seisen, were open for public viewing, serving as a demonstration of the Fujinomiya family’s—and by extension, the shrine maidens’—formidable capabilities. Akane had overwhelmed even the most skilled competitors, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.
“I guess that explains the mood.”
Even among family, it’s only natural to harbor mixed feelings about someone who consistently outmatches you. The atmosphere in the room reflected this dynamic—a complex blend of respect and underlying tension. It felt almost like the relationship between a schoolyard bully and their victims, with a distinct hierarchy evident even among members of the same family.