Chapter 75.1 The Truth of Life

— Mr. Hoshino, you should heed my advice and attend the ministerial reception with the rest of us. — The woman looked as elegant, energetic, and cheerful as ever, but traces of displeasure were already showing.

— I'm sorry, but I have a lot of work to do. — the man waved his hands. — You gave me a new mission the other day, and I have to prepare for the ritual of the Teacher's family. And there's still...

— That's enough. — The woman interrupted Sora with an impatient wave of her hand. — You can make excuses and justifications for a long time. I've already reminded you of your duties and I don't intend to leave your work unfinished. You must be there. And you will be. That's it.

This time, Lucy Dunois looked annoyed and determined, while Sora Hoshino, her guest, sat relaxed in a deep chair with a book on his lap. His whole demeanor suggested that he had decided to spend the evening in peace and comfort, even taking off his perennial gloves, which was also a perfect demonstration of his intentions.

The family gathered in this living room watched the performance in silence, and the girls also looked at the numerous gold ornaments on the Japanese man's hands. Particular attention was drawn to a massive ring with a large ruby, inside of which sparks seemed to appear and swirl from time to time.

The family frankly enjoyed the spectacle, for it was rare to see the head of the family in such a state. The twins giggled, covering their mouths with their palms, Ludovic smiled softly, Angelique grinned, Laura giggled, and Paul shook with restrained laughter.

— I spoke to Victoria, she said you have everything ready. — At these words, Sora, who was lazily looking at the woman, sighed sadly and lifted his eyes upwards, which caused another burst of laughter in the crowd. — And according to the contract, the order doesn't have to be fulfilled right away.

— But for the hospital.

— ...does not have to be fulfilled right now — the previous supply is not exhausted and will be enough for six months of active use of the seals. Any other arguments? — I could tell from the voice of the head of the family that the irritation had passed and the woman was beginning to enjoy herself.

— The payments for the hut.

— Four months ahead of schedule. — The woman seemed to take the matter very seriously, using her position of authority to do so. — I don't understand why you need such a big house, Mr. Hoshino.

— How could I?! — The Dunois family had already gotten to know their guest, who had become quite close to them in just a few weeks, and now it was clear that the boy was making a fool of himself. — Where am I going to organize lavish and terribly indecent gatherings? And where will I take my mistresses and numerous fans? — Sora acted surprised and indignant.

— To the best of my knowledge, — the woman said in a calm tone. — To the best of my knowledge and belief, you haven't crossed the line of respectful acquaintance with any of the girls during your entire stay in France. — Seeing that Sora was about to object, she added. — Dunois and Delacour don't count.

Paul couldn't help himself and his laughter spoiled the whole game, the whole spectacle. From the look on Sora's face, the mixture of pain and confusion, Paul couldn't stand it.

— Mom, he's just afraid of Ternier.... — he laughed again.

The woman's eyes widened at this statement, her whole expression showing surprise and disbelief, but the Dunois family saw the mischief in her mother's eyes, and they barely restrained themselves from not joining the heir. Lucy's acting was impeccable, but it was clear to everyone in that drawing room that she was acting, for for two whole weeks now there had been whispers in society about the strange behavior of the young artist.

At all the receptions, parties, and other gatherings the artist attended, wizards, witches, and magicians were treated to a fascinating performance: "The Fox chases the Rabbit". The role of the "fox" is always played by the red-haired Lilianna Ternier, the role of the "rabbit" by Sora Hoshino.

Occasionally, on very rare occasions, another ambiguous character appears in the play — "The She-Wolf". Sometimes she just observes, sometimes she interferes, and in general her mere presence creates intrigue because no one knows what the silver-haired she-wolf will do this time.

— But is it possible to be afraid of this nice girl? How did she manage to scare you so much, Mr. Hoshino?

By addressing the boy in this way, the woman deliberately created a special atmosphere for the conversation. The last question was also an open mockery — all present understood it. But there had to be an answer, and everyone was waiting for it. And the answer came, but not the one everyone was expecting. Surrender was the answer, — Sora simply got up from his chair and went to get dressed, his lilac eyes glittering with displeasure, the corner of one of them twitching noticeably.