Faced with Victor's overwhelming display of power, Senzaemon could only stand there in stunned silence, his mouth agape.
Everything unfolding before his eyes had completely shattered his understanding of the world.
At this moment, he was drowning in self-doubt.
Where am I? What am I doing? Is this really happening?
The scene he'd just witnessed kept replaying in his mind, his mental processes grinding to a halt like an overheated computer.
In the end, it was his granddaughter who spoke up and brought him back to reality.
"Mr. Victor, please forgive my grandfather's rudeness!"
Erina stepped forward with her arms spread wide, positioning herself between Victor and her grandfather as if trying to shield him with her delicate frame.
"I sincerely apologize for my grandfather's behavior. Please be magnanimous and forgive him this once."
"I promise to bring a generous gift and apologize to you personally another day!"
As she spoke, Erina began to kneel, but before her knees could touch the ground, an invisible force lifted her back up.
"Forget it. We only came here for a meal. Since you treated us with such courtesy earlier, I'll pretend nothing happened today."
Victor jumped lightly down from the dragon's head, his movements graceful as a falling autumn leaf.
"Shinobu, are you full?"
Shinobu nodded. "Yes, I'm satisfied."
"Then let's go."
Victor and Shinobu walked toward the door with casual confidence.
As the two passed by Erina, she quickly called out, "Let me escort you out!"
Victor waved dismissively. "No need to see us off."
The moment his words fell, both figures vanished in a flash, disappearing from sight instantly.
With their departure, the menacing rock dragon that had been looming over the three remaining people also began to crumble, disintegrating into ordinary stones that clattered to the floor.
"Erina, who were those two people?"
Senzaemon asked with lingering fear, his voice filled with both terror and curiosity. All traces of his previous arrogance had completely vanished.
Erina shook her head. "Grandfather, I don't know much about them either."
"Then how did you meet them?"
"Mr. Victor is my savior. He rescued me last night..."
Erina proceeded to recount the previous evening's events in detail.
After hearing the full story, Senzaemon was so overcome with regret that he began slapping himself in fury.
"Damn it! I truly deserve to die!"
"How could I treat our family's benefactor in such a manner!"
He struck himself twice more for good measure.
Erina rushed forward to stop him. "Grandfather, please don't! It's my fault for not informing you about this beforehand."
"No! You're not to blame. The fault lies entirely with me and my arrogance."
Senzaemon grasped Erina's shoulders with both hands. "Erina, do you know where he lives? I must visit his home personally to apologize!"
Erina smiled bitterly and shook her head. "How would I know where he lives? When he left just now, he didn't even leave any contact information."
"It doesn't matter. We'll find out eventually. Hisako, I'm entrusting this matter to you!"
The Nakiri family possessed both wealth and political connections. They could easily have someone investigate Victor's residence when the time came.
Making friends with such an extraordinary individual was essential!
Having missed the opportunity before, he absolutely had to secure the man's forgiveness in the future!
If he could establish a relationship with someone of Victor's caliber, the Nakiri family might be able to reach even greater heights!
Hisako nodded solemnly. "Yes! I will not disappoint your expectations!"
"Also, what happened today must never be discussed outside these walls. Everyone must keep their mouths shut!"
Senzaemon's expression suddenly turned serious.
Keeping this matter secret wasn't just about saving the Nakiri family's face. Most importantly, he wanted their family to have exclusive access to Victor!
He could guarantee that other families had no knowledge of such a remarkable person's existence!
Now was the perfect time to establish good relations with him!
If other families learned about this, they would certainly compete for his attention!
This was something he absolutely could not allow.
Both Erina and Hisako were intelligent enough to understand Senzaemon's thinking and nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, after leaving Totsuki Academy, Victor continued his date with Shinobu.
First, he took her to the cinema where they watched a comedy film.
Afterward, they visited a shopping mall where Victor bought beautiful clothes for Shinobu, Kanae, and Kanao.
But that wasn't all. The couple finally entered a jewelry store and purchased an assortment of gold, silver, and precious gems.
The smile never left Shinobu's face for even a moment.
"Your sister was right. You're even prettier when you smile."
Victor pinched Shinobu's soft cheek, causing her to blush.
"If you like it, I'll smile for you every day from now on!"
"That sounds wonderful!"
When the two emerged from the jewelry store, night had unknowingly fallen.
"I didn't expect time to pass so quickly."
Shinobu leaned against Victor's shoulder and gazed up at the darkening sky.
"I know. I'm a little reluctant to end this."
Victor pulled the girl into his embrace.
"Why don't you stay here tonight and return early tomorrow morning?"
"Eh? How could I possibly...?" Shinobu was slightly stunned.
Staying here would mean...
As certain thoughts crossed her mind, her delicate face instantly turned crimson like a ripe apple, making one want to take a bite.
"No, no, I'm not ready for that yet. Can you wait a little longer?"
"When I'm prepared, I'll... give myself to you completely..."
As she spoke, Shinobu's voice grew quieter and quieter.
If Victor didn't possess superhuman hearing, he might not have caught her words at all.
"Alright, I'll look forward to the day when you're ready!"
"Well, I should be going then."
"Mm, goodbye!"
As they passed through a deserted alley, the two waved farewell to each other.
However, just as Shinobu was about to step through the portal, she suddenly turned back.
"What is it? Did you change your mind?"
Victor thought Shinobu had reconsidered staying.
But he never expected her to suddenly stand on tiptoe, wrap her arms around his neck, and press her lips to his.
The kiss was brief as a dragonfly touching water, ending almost before it began.
Before Victor could react, Shinobu quickly spun around and rushed toward the portal, disappearing from this world entirely.
"That girl..."
Victor touched his still-moist lips and couldn't help but smile. "Too short—I didn't even get to properly taste it. Next time I'll have to kiss you thoroughly."
Not long after, Victor returned to his rental apartment.
After taking a refreshing shower, he sat cross-legged on his bed and began cultivating.