Chapter 236: Ariyama
Chapter 236: Ariyama
The path wasn’t especially wide or long, but it felt surprisingly dark.
Guided by the maid named Diana, Fang Jing and “Dispute Mediator” Myoken-in Ogata arrived at the old Kinugawa mansion.
This residence had undergone multiple renovations; its interior was refreshed, not exactly dripping with gold, but possessing a distinct, pleasing aesthetic.
The country-style living room breathed a leisurely, fresh air. A small crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, the feature wall panel adorned with decorative artificial wall blossoms. White maple wood coffee table, meticulously placed potted plants, and bronze vase ornaments.
It wasn’t a mansion obsessed solely with period charm; it emphasized comfort just as much.
A vinyl record player operated quietly, broadcasting a piece of classical music with a light, airy tune, its tone floating like willow catkins.
“Please rest here for a while, the Young Miss will arrive shortly.”
Mistress Diana apologized to the two. The blonde maid turned and left, crossing the corridor, leaving behind only the fading echo of her high heels.
Unpleasant silence instantly filled the room.
Bored, Fang Jing reached out and rummaged through the bookshelf beside the sofa, pulling out a magazine. It was just an ordinary fashion magazine. He felt this kind of magazine, aimed at women and leaning somewhat tawdry, didn’t quite fit Sakuya Sakuya’s style.
He skimmed through a few pages. Just then, a light cough sounded beside him.
Considering who else could be nearby, it naturally had to be the “Dispute Mediator,” Myoken-in Ogata.
“Oh right, your name is Nishizuka, correct?”
She started the conversation straightforwardly.
“Might you be a friend of Miss Sakuya’s?”
“…”
Fang Jing hesitated a beat before replying.
“I couldn’t say we were especially close friends. More like classmates, I suppose.”
(Telling this much might expose him. But oh well. With the ‘Dispute Mediator’s’ methods, uncovering his situation likely wasn’t particularly difficult.)
He could only give a perfunctory answer.
The atmosphere slid back into silence.
During this time, she tried again, fishing for information through casual conversation. However, Fang Jing deftly deflected her questions with offhand remarks in a cool tone.
…This guy was seriously hard to crack!
Myoken-in couldn’t help feeling exasperated. As a Dispute Mediator, contacting people and starting conversations to gather information was absolutely fundamental.
But this young man was really tricky.
Judging by his age, he was probably just a high school student. Yet, his manner had hints of that old fox-like cunning of big corporation presidents or managing directors, his words and actions carrying an indefinable weight.
Alright, time for a different approach!
She sighed deeply. “If I recall, the last time, I think I saw you when I was dealing with people from the Sunao-gumi?”
“Hmm… Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else?”
Fang Jing responded indifferently.
“I don’t believe I made a mistake.”
A mysterious smile touched Myoken-in Ogata’s lips. She continued, “You likely know Higashi Yuantai, right? And also associate with the Sunao-gumi folks…”
“Fine.”
Fang Jing spoke unhurriedly. “You’re correct, I do have some dealings with Higashi Yuantai. But since you’re not a police officer, and I’m not a criminal, such persistent questioning is probably unnecessary.”
“Apologies! Perhaps my curiosity got the better of me. But I don’t believe an ordinary student has any reason to get involved with those sorts of people.”
A serious expression settled on Myoken-in Ogata’s face. A hint of genuine concern entered her low voice. “You might not truly understand who they are. They are not the kindly souls they pretend to be. Roughly a few months ago, the underworld in this city had a violent clash. Reportedly, corpses discreetly delivered to a special disposal site filled several transport vehicles.”
“Is that so?!”
Hearing the implication beneath her words, Fang Jing could only sigh.
…Perhaps this woman wasn’t a bad person. Just a bit too much sense of justice and goodwill.
Yet for him, she was indeed, just as Higashi Yuantai said, the kind of ‘trouble’ magnet.
“It seems convincing you on this matter might be quite difficult.”
“Because there’s absolutely nothing needing conviction.”
The two exchanged a quiet gaze, slipped into another prolonged silence.
A stifling atmosphere descended noiselessly.
Suddenly, a voice spoke up beside them.
“Honored guests, I’ve brought the tea,”
The speaker was a young male servant in attendant’s clothes, extraordinarily clear-cut and handsome.
He was considerably younger than Fang Jing, poised and impeccable, with no discernible flaws.
“Shall I add some sugar or milk?”
He still held the tea tray. His slightly magnetic voice retained a boyish quality, the mark of a changing voice.
His appearance leaned androgynous; at first glance, one might easily mistake him for female.
His build was far too slender for a male. Through Fang Jing’s eyes… well, he lacked any significant muscle mass, clearly undertrained.
“A frame too frail. Weight too light. Seems unaccustomed to heavy labor. Muscles significantly underdeveloped!”
As a martial artist, Fang Jing was habitually scrutinizing those around him with a fighter’s perspective.
He frowned, acknowledging this habit might not be a good one.
“No, thank you. I dislike excessive sweetness.”
After accepting his tea, he pressed further: “Might I ask, when do you expect Miss Sakuya will appear?”
“The Young Miss should arrive very soon. Please be patient.”
The young servant bowed respectfully to them both. Then, just as quietly as he arrived, he departed.
Another five minutes passed.
Footsteps echoed down the adjoining corridor.
Soon, a girl in a strappy sundress emerged before them once more. The blonde maid Diana followed a step behind her.
She seemed to have just bathed; her slightly wavy long hair was still a touch damp.
This attire was likely just home loungewear for her. Yet on Sakuya herself, it consistently exuded an elegant poise, matching her perfectly.
Especially noticeable were her shapely, bare legs revealed with each step beneath her skirt, compelling attention.
“Sincere apologies for keeping you both waiting.”
Sakuya Sakuya offered a light smile. Across from her, Myoken-in Ogata marveled internally. This girl was blossoming, developing qualities men prized as “rare beauties.”
While she, Myoken-in, considered her own looks respectable, there remained a clear gap when compared to such effortless, natural grace.
And Sakuya was so young, right in the bloom of her youth.
“Good day, Miss Sakuya.”
Myoken-in Ogata rose slightly, smiling as she spoke. “I believe I have met your esteemed father, Terumasa-san, though this is my first time meeting you.”
Hearing that name, Fang Jing’s brows furrowed faintly.
He had investigated the “Sakuya Clan” background too. There seemed remarkably little tangible information.
His classmate, the top-ranked student academically, had public records portraying her simply as an ordinary upper-class young lady.
“Terumasa Sakuya” appeared to be her father. Digging deeper revealed only his official persona as a senior banker, amassing moderate assets and owning a fund company.
The Sakuya surname itself traced back to a mundane regional family of minor reputation, nothing truly remarkable. This only deepened Fang Jing’s inner perplexity.
“Well met indeed.”
Sakuya smiled gracefully. “However, coming here today, Miss Myoken-in, surely you have business to discuss?”
“Indeed.”
Myoken-in chuckled a little awkwardly.
At that moment, Sakuya Sakuya shifted her gaze onto Fang Jing.
“Quite unexpected. I hadn’t foreseen visiting guests including you, Nishizuka-kun.”
“My apologies. Matters necessitated paying a call.”
Despite an underlying unease concerning Sakuya, Fang Jing maintained basic courtesies.
Previously, he hadn’t comprehended this specific feeling. Now, he was beginning to piece it together.
Perhaps this reaction stemmed from Sakuya Sakuya being a member of the Clans.
The Clans weren’t ordinary people. They possessed unique constitutions, fundamentally different from regular humans. His wariness towards Sakuya likely originated exactly from this difference.
“But my business here is private. If I’m imposing, perhaps it’s best I take my leave.”
Dealing with Sakuya alone was awkward enough. Adding Myoken-in Ogata, whom he perceived as “trouble,” made him eager to depart.
“Ah… That’s alright. Actually, I’m quite pleased you could come, Nishizuka-kun.”
“No, only considering Miss Myoken-in likely arrived regarding official matters. An outsider such as myself lingering might not be appropriate.”
His tone was blunt, bordering on deliberately sarcastic to another ear.
Sakuya Sakuya, however, simply cocked her head, seemingly confused by the remark.
“No trouble at all.”
Myoken-in Ogata, recalling her earlier exchange with Fang Jing, offered an internal wry smile. “This visit is purely to inquire about certain affairs. It’s not specific work.”
…
Under their forceful persuasion, Fang Jing eventually chose to sit back down. His decision had logic behind it.
(Thinking it over, this presents an opportunity. Ideally, I’d prefer not being alone with Sakuya. The presence of a “Dispute Mediator” here might actually be beneficial…)
At that very moment, Myoken-in Ogata stated her purpose.
“My reason for visiting pertains primarily to investigating this individual.”
She slid a photograph onto the white maple wood coffee table.
“This man is named Ariyama Masahiko. Might you recognize him, Miss Sakuya?”
Her question immediately triggered something within Fang Jing; his expression subtly altered.
Sakuya, however, remained composedly calm. She answered softly, “Are you speaking of Ariyama Masahiko-sensei? Of course I know of him. Yet, it’s been some time since our paths crossed.”
“Well, that poses a complication.”
Myoken-in couldn’t suppress an expression of deep frustration.
“Speaking of this man… for unknown reasons, he has abruptly gone missing…”