Chapter 198: Mask and Reunion
Shuchiin Private Academy.
Located in the heart of Minato, Tokyo, this prestigious integrated institution spanned from kindergarten to university—a seamless academic pipeline, reserved for the children of Japan’s most elite families.
Even long after the formal abolition of the aristocracy, Shuchiin remained the quiet bastion of political bloodlines, corporate heirs, and social bluebloods. It wasn’t just a school—it was the cradle of Japan’s next generation of rulers.
"By the way," said Hayasaka Ai, her tone light and casual despite the weight of the information,
"For the past thirty years, ninety percent of Shuchiin’s funding has come directly from the Shinomiya Group."
"The current chairman of the board is the Shinomiya family’s eldest son—Shinomiya Oka-sama."
It was a simple explanation. Too simple.
In truth, the details behind Shuchiin’s foundation and power structure were far more intricate and deeply rooted in post-Meiji political maneuvering. But today wasn’t about that.
Today was about appearances.
Hayasaka Ai walked ahead, but not as the cold, calculating maid of the Shinomiya estate.
Nor as the sweet, soft-spoken noble lady she often posed as in the girls’ academy.