Word of Yuki’s victory spread quickly throughout the academy, and her brother, Hiroshi Kitsune, was especially pleased. However, when he noticed his sister’s newfound interest in Satoru, his protective instincts kicked in. Hiroshi had a reputation for being powerful and overbearing, especially when it came to his sister’s well-being.
Determined to teach Satoru a lesson, Hiroshi devised a plan. He decided to host a grand celebration in honor of Yuki’s victory, inviting royal students and prominent figures from the academy. Under the guise of a celebratory event, he intended to embarrass Satoru and assert his dominance.
The night of the celebration arrived, and the academy’s grand hall was adorned with elegant decorations. Satoru, despite his reluctance, attended the event out of respect for Yuki. As he entered the hall, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the eyes upon him.
Hiroshi, standing by Yuki’s side, greeted the guests with a charming smile. When he spotted Satoru, his eyes narrowed slightly. “Ah, Satoru, so glad you could join us. I’ve heard a lot about you from my sister.”
Satoru nodded politely. “Thank you for inviting me.”
As the evening progressed, Hiroshi made subtle jabs at Satoru, questioning his background and abilities. “So, Satoru, I hear you’re quite the strategist. It’s impressive for someone without noble lineage.”
Satoru remained calm, his responses measured. “I believe intelligence and skill aren’t confined to one’s heritage.”
Yuki, sensing the tension, tried to steer the conversation away from her brother’s provocations. “Hiroshi, please, Satoru is our guest. Let’s enjoy the evening.”
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However, Hiroshi was relentless. He proposed a series of challenges, each designed to highlight Satoru’s supposed inferiority. The guests watched with bated breath as Satoru navigated each task with quiet competence, refusing to be rattled by Hiroshi’s attempts to undermine him.
Finally, Hiroshi announced the final challenge: a test of magical prowess. “Let’s see how well you handle magic, Satoru. After all, it’s an essential skill for any respectable individual in our world.”
Satoru knew this was Hiroshi’s way of asserting his superiority, but he had no intention of backing down. With calm determination, he stepped forward and performed the task flawlessly, much to the amazement of the onlookers.
As the evening drew to a close, Hiroshi’s attempts to embarrass Satoru had backfired. Instead of looking weak, Satoru had proven himself to be capable and composed. Yuki’s admiration for him only grew, and she couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at her lips.
Hiroshi, frustrated but unwilling to cause a scene, finally conceded. “You’ve done well tonight, Satoru. Perhaps I underestimated you.”
Satoru bowed slightly. “Thank you, Hiroshi. I appreciate the challenges.”
As the guests began to leave, Yuki approached Satoru, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. “Thank you for handling my brother’s challenges with such grace. I’m sorry he put you through that.”
Satoru shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. “It’s alright, Yuki. I understand his concern for you.”
Yuki’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Still, you’ve proven yourself in more ways than one tonight. I’m glad to have you as a friend, Satoru.”
As they stood there, amidst the remnants of the evening’s festivities, Satoru couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had navigated the challenges with integrity and had gained the respect of those around him. And while his quest to find Asuna continued, he knew he had allies who believed in him.
Unbeknownst to Satoru, the night’s events had only deepened Yuki’s feelings for him. She admired his strength, intelligence, and humility, and she was determined to stand by his side in the days to come.