Kaguya must have gone mad.

That was the first thought shared by everyone present, including Oko.

She had never been like this before.

As the daughter of Shinomiya Gan'an and his concubine, she was considered the 'unnecessary part' of the family, especially after her mother Nayotake passed away.

Though the lowest in status, as Gan'an's daughter, Kaguya had always been expected to act as a proper lady of a great family, so as not to tarnish their name.

Whether real or feigned, she had always appeared the perfect decorative flower in their eyes.

Yes—a flower vase. That was how the cadres saw this daughter with no inheritance rights.

But her recent display of cruelty had shattered that image completely.

Vase or not, the current 'Kaguya' was nothing like the noble lady they knew.

"How about it? Since it's my birthday, why don't you kneel for me?"

"…Hahaha, Kaguya, you really like to joke."

"Who's joking? Do you think I'm that bored?"

"… …"

With no way to save face, Oko's expression darkened.

Why had the once obedient Kaguya become like this? Was it because her father had collapsed?

No, even if Gan'an had fallen, Oko couldn't see how that would change her standing. If anything, her position would only worsen.

Because no one would ever support her bid for succession. She would still have to cling to one of her brothers.

"Kaguya, injuring someone here is already a grave crime. If this gets out…"

"Then it's the whole family's shame, not just mine. Feel free to spread it around," Rinji sneered. "Or better yet, call the cops. But before they arrive…"

Wearing Kaguya's face, he grinned coldly.

"Don't forget I'm standing right in front of you."

"…What are you implying?"

"I could snap your neck anytime. Want to test it?"

"You were never this savage before."

"Savage? Hahaha, that's a word only people who live pampered lives like yours use. A bandit robbing with a gun is savage, but a capitalist robbing with a contract is civilized? It's all robbery. Only fools pretend otherwise."

"… …"

"Why can a contract steal money? Because behind it stands men with guns. Civilization is nothing but a veneer. Me, I'm simple. If I want to kill you, I won't bother with excuses. The only reason is that I've got more guns than you."

Rinji slapped his face again.

It was the second time he had humiliated the same man, yet Oko didn't dare show anger.

Because his 'sister' radiated the aura of a madman.

"Don't think wearing clothes makes you human. You're human only because I treat you as one. Otherwise, I'll handle you the same way I'd handle livestock. Understand?"

"…What do you want?"

Oko asked.

"Don't tell me this sudden change is just to make me kneel."

"You're right. Having trash like you kowtow would probably shorten my life," Rinji grinned. "So let's keep it practical. Hand over three of your steel companies, one shipping company, and your overseas materials transport contracts. Transfer them all to me."

"So that's your aim?" Oko said darkly. "After over ten years of hiding your fangs, you finally bare them."

In truth, he had suspected this days ago.

He hadn't only placed Hayasaka at Kaguya's side—several servants were also his spies.

But within days, all of them had gone silent.

At the time, he had suspected Kaguya noticed, but quickly dismissed it.

He couldn't believe a powerless daughter of a concubine would have such ambition or patience to bide her time for over ten years.

But now his worst fears had come true.

"Oh, and if you refuse…"

"Ah?"

Seeing Oko's puzzled expression, Rinji stepped back two paces to stand beside Hayasaka.

That action was as if to say, "I've already retreated to the point where I can't kill you."

One of the cadres quickly stepped forward to pull Oko back to a safer distance. However—

Bang!

"AAAHHHH!!"

The cadre's hand had just touched Oko when his shoulder was suddenly pierced by a bullet. Screaming in pain, he clutched his wound and fell to the ground.

A hole in the window showed the shot had come from outside the estate.

"Oko, if you won't hand those things over, that's fine. Just for planting a spy beside me and bullying Ai, I already have more than enough reason to kill you. That's all the justification I need…"

"Wait!!"

Oko raised his hand and shouted.

"Kaguya, no matter what, I'm still your elder brother. Do you really intend to kill your own brother—"

Thud!

Before he could finish, Rinji suddenly rushed forward and kicked him in the stomach, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Brother my ass. I'm your father!"

"… …"

"Fine, let me remind you of something."

Rinji suddenly smiled.

"I remember you and your wife both live in the Shinomiya residence, right? Living together in the estate is indeed very comfortable. After all, it wouldn't be fitting or safe for the eldest young master's wife to live outside."

"You…"

"Oh, I just remembered something else."

Rinji put on a thoughtful expression, then his smile grew even more sinister and chilling.

"Seems like part of the Shinomiya main family is also standing on my side."

"!!?"

Just as Oko panicked, his phone suddenly rang in his pocket.

"Don't worry, I'll give you time. Answer it."

Hearing that, Oko hurriedly pulled out his phone.

The caller ID showed it was his wife.

At once, his face changed completely.

"Go on, answer. Making your wife wait isn't a good habit," Rinji said with a grin.