The Spencer couple led Eriri around to greet the guests and eventually returned to where Lord Asai and Akira were standing.
"We invited Lord Asai here today because there's something involving my daughter Eriri's friend that we'd like to discuss in person. Would you happen to have a moment?"
This caught Lord Asai slightly off guard, but he had no reason to decline. So he temporarily excused himself from Akira and followed Sawamura Sayuri and Eriri away.
As for the blond Spencer gentleman, he stayed behind and continued chatting with Akira with great interest. Naturally, a few curious guests also gathered around.
After all, Akira's reputation preceded him. He never attended social functions, and most people never even got the chance to meet him.
Since he was here today, they couldn't miss the opportunity to say hello.
Having decided to attend the banquet, Akira was mentally prepared. He kept a stance that was neither too distant nor too familiar as he conversed with others.
In truth, he wasn't very good at socializing—he just hid it well. With his "ascetic" reputation, even if he said something slightly out of line, no one would care.
As long as he had the aura of a reclusive master, it didn't matter.
…
Meanwhile, Sawamura Sayuri brought Lord Asai to Eriri's room.
Eriri tugged on her mother's hand from behind, trying to signal her not to come in, but Sawamura Sayuri simply smiled and patted Eriri's head, indicating that she didn't mind.
Her presence or absence made a difference. Since her daughter said it was an important friend and had decided to help, it was only natural to be thorough.
When the door opened, Lord Asai saw the people inside. Upon spotting Utaha, he paused slightly before quickly understanding what was going on.
"I didn't expect Miss Kasumigaoka to be a friend of Miss Sawamura. This is quite the surprise."
"And a very important friend," Sawamura Sayuri added warmly as she stepped inside.
"I've heard the situation. It's true that Miss Kasumigaoka made a mistake, but it would be such a shame for someone so young and talented to suffer such consequences.
Lord Asai, would you be willing to accept her apology and perhaps consider a different form of compensation?"
Calling it a "mistake" was softer than "fault." Then, by highlighting Utaha's promising future, it made punishing her seem excessive.
Finally, she wasn't asking for total forgiveness—just to accept a sincere apology in exchange for a different punishment.
Given Sawamura Sayuri's status, these words should've been very difficult to turn down.
But Lord Asai merely smiled politely and ran his fingers through his hair.
A scar became clearly visible on his temple.
"What do you think, Mrs. Spencer? I don't even dare cut my hair now."
Hearing this, Sawamura Sayuri knew instantly that this matter wouldn't be resolved tonight. She sighed quietly in her heart and also felt a bit puzzled.
Normally, heirs to powerful conglomerates had decent manners. Even if it was all an act, they knew to leave some room in their words.
But Lord Asai rejected her so directly and firmly that even someone as eloquent as her was momentarily lost for words.
But while she was at a loss, someone else wasn't.
"A scar like that can be removed, but for senpai to never pick up a pen again… that's a lifelong matter," Tomoya said earnestly.
"Don't you think your punishment is too harsh?"
Lord Asai gave him an amused look. "And you are?"
"I'm senpai's… reader. And classmates."
"So what? What kind of punishment do you think would be appropriate instead?"
"Anything! Even if I have to work for you for the rest of my life, that's fine!" Tomoya suddenly dropped to his knees and touched his forehead to the floor.
"I'm begging you! That's her dream!"
Lord Asai looked confused and slowly crouched down in front of him.
"But what does her dream have to do with me? And what value does it have for me if you work for me your whole life?"
Tomoya lifted his head, his face full of disbelief. "You… how can you say that?"
"Why wouldn't I say that?" Lord Asai's expression grew stranger.
"Or do you think that just because you apologized so sincerely, and are even willing to throw away your life, I'm obligated to accept? That I must accept it? Why?"
"You… it was your fault!"
"Tomoya!"
That sharp scolding came from Sawamura Sayuri.
She had known Tomoya since he was young—he and Eriri were childhood friends—so she was familiar with his personality.
She had even considered the possibility that things might turn confrontational today.
She thought that as long as she was present, she could prevent it. That was one of the reasons she insisted on coming.
What she hadn't expected was Lord Asai's sheer determination—or that Tomoya would be more agitated than she remembered.
"Stop, Tomoya-kun…"
Utaha walked forward and bowed to Sawamura Sayuri. "I'm truly sorry, Auntie. This happened because of me, and I've troubled you."
Sawamura Sayuri lightly shook her head without speaking. Her eyes were filled with even more compassion.
Utaha straightened up and turned slightly toward Lord Asai, then bowed again. "I understand, Lord Asai. I accept this punishment."
Sawamura Sayuri noticed that as Utaha bowed, Lord Asai—who should've remained indifferent—seemed suddenly startled, even making an involuntary evasive motion.
Why was that?
Eriri couldn't help but step beside Utaha and ask seriously, "Is there really no way?"
Lord Asai stood up and looked around at everyone in the room. With a purely polite smile, he said,
"If the purpose of inviting me here today was to paint me as a villain for refusing an apology, then congratulations—you've succeeded. Is there anything else?"
His words clearly deepened Sawamura Sayuri's embarrassment. She unconsciously clenched the fan in her hand and replied,
"Of course not. Tomoya is a boy I've watched grow up. Perhaps his emotions got the better of him today. He was a bit too worked up."
"That's not really a good reason. Still, out of respect for you and Mr. Spencer, I won't pursue it further.
It's a lovely banquet, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. If possible, I hope to receive another invitation in the future."
"Thank you. We didn't host you well today. At the very least, allow me to walk you out."
Exchanging formalities with practiced ease, Sawamura Sayuri left the room with Lord Asai.
"Tomoya…" Eriri looked worriedly at the pale-faced Tomoya, then at Utaha, who showed no expression and seemed lost in thought.
"Utaha, don't be too upset. We can still figure something out…"
"No need. Let's leave it like this. You've already done too much for me."
Utaha numbly stepped back. When she saw Tomoya still kneeling on the floor, she reached out to pull him up—but he didn't budge.
She didn't have the strength to pull anymore. Silently, she returned to her seat and laid her head down on the table.
"Ah! That's right!"
Eriri suddenly remembered something from the banquet and smacked her palm. "That Akira and Lord Asai came to the party together—they're definitely working together!"
Utaha's numb heart trembled ever so slightly.
Tomoya's angry outburst echoed in her ears.
But she didn't feel any anger. Only a faint stinging in her nose.
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