Chapter 784: How Dare You! Show Proper Respect to Lord Niō!

Under the adept management of Shimizu Eiichi, the tense atmosphere that had filled the air only minutes before was finally calmed.

“Sasaki, take this fool away.”

“Yes!”

Sasaki lifted the dejected and disheartened Shimizu Gosaku.

Before leaving with Shimizu Gosaku and the others, Shimizu Eiichi purposefully approached Aoto.

“Lord Niō, please allow me to apologize once more. I am at a loss for how to thank you for forgiving my nephew’s rudeness.”

“No need for formalities,” Aoto said calmly.

Shimizu Eiichi smiled slightly and then bowed humbly to Aoto again.

As he lowered his head so that Aoto could not see his facial expression, Shimizu Eiichi suddenly cast a deep, meaningful glance toward Aoto…

“Well then—please allow me to take my leave now.”

…

…

Shimizu Eiichi left with Shimizu Gosaku and Sasaki.

With nothing more to see, the onlookers dispersed in all directions.

However, many remained, possibly out of admiration for Aoto or simply because they had nothing better to do, watching Aoto with curious and amazed eyes.

“…” After watching until Shimizu Eiichi’s figure was no longer visible, Aoto turned around expressionlessly towards Ozuki Minoru and his group.

At this moment, aside from Ozuki Minoru, who had only taken a slap to the face, the rest, who had been beaten badly, were helping each other stand up slowly.

Feeling Aoto’s gaze, they looked up to meet his eyes.

At that instant their faces showed a myriad of emotions.

The relief of having survived a disaster…

The melancholy of unexpected misfortune…

Gratitude towards Aoto…

The disbelief that they had been saved by “Blockhead Don”…

…

In terms of results, there was no doubt that they had been saved by Aoto just now.

If it weren’t for Aoto’s timely intervention, they might still be getting beaten by Shimizu Gosaku.

Furthermore, it was clear to any perceptive observer that their receiving such courteous treatment from Shimizu Eiichi was likely thanks to Aoto.

Otherwise, why would the decisive leader of the “Shimizu Clan” show them such a friendly attitude?

“Mr. Tachibana…” Chang Ci, being supported by Ozuki Minoru, was the first to lower his head and, in a voice tinged with apology, express his gratitude to Aoto, “Truly… I don’t know how to thank you…”

Chang Ci’s friends quickly followed suit, bowing respectfully and thanking Aoto just like Chang Ci.

“Tachibana…” Ozuki Minoru bit his lower lip lightly, his gaze evasive, “Just now… thank you very much…”

Ozuki Minoru had never imagined that there would come a day when he would have to thank the young man he had previously looked down upon…

“You’re welcome,” Aoto responded calmly.

He only helped Ozuki Minoru and the rest because he wanted to repay Miyakawa Shunzao’s kindness and could not tolerate such public acts of bullying.

So he didn’t mind much about their thanks.

“…” Ozuki Minoru opened his mouth, about to say something more, when—

“Aoto!”

A striking figure in red quickly stepped out from the crowd and ran straight towards Aoto.

The lines on Aoto’s face immediately softened.

Conversely, at the same time, the lines on Ozuki Minoru’s face tightened.

—Who is she?!

Ozuki Minoru was utterly shocked, staring blankly at Mukiwa, who had suddenly appeared and was now standing by Aoto’s side.

—Is she… a friend of Tachibana?

If you were to ask ten passersby to compare the looks of Ozuki Minoru and Mukiwa, probably all ten would say without hesitation: of course, Mukiwa is more beautiful.

Based solely on looks, Ozuki Minoru’s face could only be considered attractive, prettier than the average woman.

If rated on a scale out of 100, Ozuki Minoru’s beauty might fluctuate between 70 to 80 points.

That’s quite a high score.

However, Mukiwa’s beauty exceeds 90…

Moreover, Mukiwa was wearing makeup, with a set of cosmetics designed meticulously by Kiryu, which enhanced her beauty further, nearly reaching a perfect score of 100.

Chang Ci and his companions were all stunned by the beauty of the young woman who had appeared unexpectedly.

Mukiwa’s beauty… wasn’t what shocked Ozuki Minoru the most.

The most astonishing point for Ozuki Minoru was Mukiwa’s makeup… more precisely, the cosmetics on her face.

Ozuki Minoru possessed an acute eye, honed by seeing various luxury goods, that excelled at discerning the value of items.

She instantly noticed that all the cosmetics Mukiwa wore, whether lipstick or powder, eyeshadow or eyebrow ink, were treasures among treasures!

Especially Mukiwa’s lipstick; Ozuki Minoru had never seen such a beautifully natural color of “bamboo green red”.

How much would such a gorgeously colored “bamboo green red” cost?

When did Tachibana acquire such a remarkable woman beside him?

“Can you guys walk?”

At this moment, Aoto’s voice brought Ozuki Minoru out of her stupor.

“If you can walk, then quickly head to the clinic. Your injuries look quite severe.”

“Well then, I must take my leave now.”

With that, Aoto decisively turned around, about to leave.

“Ah, wait a minute!” Chang Ci hurriedly called after Aoto, “Mr. Tachibana, you saved us tonight with such a great favor that we cannot repay, please allow us to…”

“No need.” Aoto calmly replied without turning his head, “I didn’t help you to gain your gratitude.”