Chapter 102: The Phoenix Spreads Its Wings – Laplace Corporation’s Rise
Yukima Azuma had worked tirelessly up to this point.
All of it—every calculation, every sacrifice—was so that in moments like this, he could speak calmly and with dignity in front of people who mattered. So that he could look the ones across from him in the eye and not be underestimated.
Otherwise, why struggle?
Why push so hard?
He could have taken the easy road. Marry Eriri and coast on her wealth. Or tie the knot with Kasumigaoka and drift through life without worries.
But no—that wasn't the life Yukima Azuma wanted.
He waved his hand lightly, his voice steady. "It's fine. I was hoping to talk to both of you anyway."
His polite tone and modest posture put the Gotoh couple at ease. They'd been nervous—worried that the boy sitting across from them might be brash or entitled.
So far, so good.
Until—
"When I was in junior high, my family faced some hardships," Yukima said softly. "Now, I'm the only one left."