[MashUp] Ch 37: Brilliant Move

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Night quietly fell over Amagi Brilliant Park.

Bright lights lit up the park, where everyone was still hard at work.

"Nice."

Takuma strolled through the grounds casually, taking in the sight of the place that had been reborn under his will. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

It was time to go home now.

He turned toward Tohru, who was not far away.

The dragon maid was supervising a group of fairies scrubbing the tiles, clearly enjoying herself.

"Tohru."

"Yes! What do you need?"

She darted over to him like a gust of wind, tail spinning like a windmill, eyes shining with excitement.

She thought for sure she could finally go home with him.

"Tomorrow's the big day. The first impression has to be flawless."

His tone was calm, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

"That's why you're staying here tonight. Keep an eye on everyone and make sure every last detail is perfect."

The smile froze on Tohru's face.

Her golden eyes dimmed visibly, the light draining from them.

"S-Stay… here?"

Her voice was dripping with disappointment.

"But… but my job is to stay by your side, Takuma!"

"And supervising them is also your job now." There was no room for negotiation in his tone.

"Oh…"

Her head drooped, tail sagging lifelessly behind her.

A second later, that thick dragon tail started hammering the ground like an angry jackhammer, scattering pebbles everywhere.

The fairies who had just finished mopping that area went pale.

Takuma couldn't help but chuckle softly at her sulky display. "What's this? Do you have a problem with my order?"

"No! N-not at all!"

She shook her head so fast it was a blur.

Takuma watched her for a moment, then remembered the promise he made to Mafuyu yesterday. Perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone.

"By the way, Tohru."

"I need a nice accessory. Something fancy."

There was a teasing edge to his voice. "Something ordinary won't do."

"An accessory?!"

Her pout vanished instantly, replaced by excitement and pride.

Takuma needed her treasures!

"Yes! Of course I have a good one!"

She puffed out her chest, tail lifting high again.

"My main hoard is still in the other world, but I always keep a few of my favorite treasures with me!"

Her eyes turned serious, as if she was about to hand over a dragon's heart.

"I have a necklace called the Starlight Crown. The elves gave it to me as tribute back in the day!"

"Its defense can block even a forbidden curse—it's definitely worthy of you, Takuma!"

Takuma nodded in approval and reached out to ruffle her hair.

"Good girl."

Just two words and a single affectionate gesture were enough to make Tohru melt.

She let out a happy "Eheheh!" sound and, like a dog proudly bringing back a stick, pulled a small, ornate box out of thin air.

Takuma took it casually, amused.

Using Mafuyu's money to feed the dragon, then using the dragon's treasure to charm Mafuyu.

Brilliant move.

He turned to leave, tossing back one last line. "Tohru, I'm leaving the park to you tonight."

Just then—

Isuzu Sento hurried over, blocking his path, her voice tight. "Takuma, aren't you going to visit Princess Latifa?"

"She's been waiting for you all day. She's been so excited, I…"

Takuma paused, meeting her anxious gaze.

He knew this wasn't just her job as a secretary speaking—it was her duty as a royal knight.

In his mind, the system window popped up.

[Quest: Special Lodging]

[Time Remaining: 18h 12m]

"Let her get some rest."

His tone was light, almost casual. "Tomorrow, I'll give her a much bigger surprise."

Isuzu clenched her fists as she watched him disappear into the night.

This man…

He called it a "surprise," but he wouldn't even see her once.

Yes, he was the savior of the park. But sometimes… he felt more like a devil who enjoyed playing with people's hearts.

— — —

Meanwhile, at Mafuyu Kirisu's apartment.

It was Saturday, and she had no work. She was sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the TV—but her eyes kept darting back to her phone every few seconds.

7:28 PM.

Ever since he told her last night that he had a "surprise" for her, she'd been restless all day.

Bzzzz

The phone vibrated, and she jolted like she'd been shocked.

It was his call.

Her heart skipped a beat. Logic told her to wait a moment, but her finger had already tapped "accept."

"Meet me in an hour. I sent you the restaurant address."

Takuma's lazy voice came through the line. "Wear your prettiest dress."

And then the call cut off.

Mafuyu sat there holding the phone, the busy tone still buzzing in her ear, as heat rushed to her cheeks.

That jerk! How dare he order me around like that!

What makes him think I'd be excited?!

She tossed the phone on the sofa with a huff and stomped toward the bedroom.

---

Re: Wharf.

The most famous restaurant by Yokohama port, known for its breathtaking night view and ridiculously high prices.

By the floor-to-ceiling windows—

A man sat casually, yet somehow became the most striking thing in the entire lavish restaurant.

Takuma wore a black suit, his silver hair shining faintly under the warm lights.

He rested his chin on one hand, swirling a glass of crimson wine between his fingers.

Just his side profile was enough to make nearby socialites and debutantes whisper behind their hands, cheeks flushed.

And then—

A figure appeared at the entrance, instantly stealing the spotlight from the entire room.

Mafuyu Kirisu.

She wore a sky-blue evening dress that showed off the smooth line of her neck and her delicate collarbone.

She should have been the undeniable star of the night, so she was a little nervous.

But when her eyes found her man by the window—when she saw all the other women sneaking glances at him with open hunger—her perfectly made-up face turned to ice.

She was no longer nervous. She strode forward, high heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

She stopped right in front of him.

Bang!

Her handbag hit the table as she sat down with a glare.

"Dressing like this—what exactly are you trying to do?"

Her voice was quiet, but it simmered with anger — the kind that makes the air feel heavy.

It was the tone of a domineering CEO whose wife had just walked into a party and single-handedly turned every head.

Jealousy flared in her eyes like a warning siren.

.

.

.