38 - Stage of Judgment

I took each step with determination, my gaze fixed on the stage, the place where the fate of someone named Rion would truly be destroyed. This was the final part of my long plan, and everything would end here.

My long gown slightly hindered my movements, so with care, I slowly lifted it. I then walked toward one of the tables at the edge of the room and took a seat there with Yuichi and Nagi.

I looked down and clenched my fist tightly.

With this video evidence— I'm sure that we can execute Rion there.

The corners of my lips involuntarily lifted.

I... can also return to my normal life.

I lifted my head and looked around. The waiters in the room were busy preparing the giant projector, while the guests quietly waited for what would be displayed on the projector.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. The Yamamoto family actually told my dad to play the videos from Rion's and my childhood, "childhood romance" they said. What the hell even is that? Is it some old man jokes? Disgusting. There's no freakin romance between us.

It seems only a few people were informed about what recording would actually be shown, including my mother and dad.

I glanced at Yuichi and gave her a small smile. She caught my gaze and responded with a bright smile, raising two fingers in a "peace" sign. Nagi beside her, though looking more serious, also gave a slight nod.

Their presence beside me gave me courage. Without them, I might have been broken long time ago.

Well, thank you. Besides them, all of this was also made possible thanks to my dad. I was able to bring Nagi and Yuichi here because of his permission.

After a few minutes, the head waiter at the banquet spoke loudly, breaking the silence in the room. "IS EVERYTHING READY?"

"YES!" The waiters answered in unison, nodding firmly. My dad, hearing this, walked down the stairs with a relieved smile. He then sat at one of the guest tables near me, sipping a cup of coffee, though his waiter insisted on serving him wine, he kept refusing.

"I just want coffee. If I get drunk, I might forget this crucial moment. How can a dad miss an important moment in his daughter's life?" my dad said, winking at me.

Even though my dad said that— he was actually the most eager for revenge against Rion...

"Ah... Alright, sir. Sorry to disturb you." The waiter bowed his head and then left.

I then shifted my gaze and found Rion, who seemed busy flirting with the young female guests.

Seriously...? He’s still doing that? This is a formal banquet!

I sighed deeply.

I guess I’ll let him have his fun for the last time before his career truly ends.

I nervously swallowed.

Once the giant projector was turned on, all the guests’ attention immediately shifted to the stage. People who had been chatting excitedly suddenly fell silent, including Rion. He casually watched as the projector turned on, both hands in his pants pockets.

"Nagi-kun," I called quietly while looking at Nagi seriously. He then nodded in understanding.

"Huh— this is...?" Rion muttered softly, his expression nervous amidst the crowd as he saw a place that seemed familiar to him in the video.

As the most important scene from the video began, Rion's eyes immediately widened. He gritted his teeth hard and took his hands out of his pockets.

Without thinking twice, he quickly dashed toward the projector to stop the video, but Nagi swiftly chased after him. Then, Nagi slammed him to the floor, holding both of Rion's arms behind his back with his hands.

"YOU!!!"

Nagi smiled awkwardly.

"NAGI!!! HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP STOPPING ME?!" Rion screamed in frustration, trying to intimidate Nagi, but the pressure on his arms rendered him powerless.

Nagi's gaze suddenly became sharp, and he exerted more strength to push Rion's arms further down to the floor.

"AGH!"

"Don’t get upset, Yamamoto-san. This is karma," Nagi replied briefly.

"NAGI! LET GO OF MY HAND!!"

"I'M SORRY!!! I PROMISE I WON’T CAUSE ANY TROUBLE WITH YOU OR ANY OF YOUR FRIENDS, AS LONG AS I CAN TURN OFF THIS PROJECTOR!" Rion screamed desperately, writhing on the floor, struggling to break free from Nagi's grip.

"Rion, you're wrong. It’s not me you should apologize to, but Akane-san."

Even though there were many bodyguards all around the room, none of them seemed willing to help Rion when he was hurt. They just stood silently.

It seems they were all hired by my dad... None of them seems to be on Rion's side.

As for the guests, even though some who hadn’t been informed about the video were shocked, they couldn’t do anything, like taking evidence of the violence or anything; that’s because we had temporarily confiscated their phones from the invited guests.

Rion’s father, or the head of the Yamamoto family, could only stand silent, his hands trembling. Yet, he still tried to maintain his calm expression, watching Rion silently.

"D-DAD! PLEASE HELP ME!" Rion screamed in despair. But his father didn’t respond, no matter how loudly he yelled.

Meanwhile, the video continued, and some guests immediately left upon realizing what was happening. However, many guests remained quietly seated, still focused on watching the video.

Most of them left... Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed— but it’s fine. After all, my main target is Rion.

The video switched scenes as time passed, until it reached the part we had all been waiting for.

In the sports equipment warehouse, Nagi glared at Rion, both fists clenched. "Oi! Rion. What exactly are you planning to do to Akane-san because of my actions spreading the rumor?"

In the video, Rion deliberately showed his sharp teeth with a wicked smile on his face.

"I'll teach her a lesson because of your foolishness— and then… THEN..! I’ll give her a bonus lesson for insulting me every time we meet."

"And AFTER THAT! When she’s weak and defenseless... I'll play with her body until morning," Rion continued. His breath was heavy, and his eyes were filled with lust. His laugh echoed throughout the room, while his father’s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw the scene, clutching his wine glass tightly.

"RION!" The head of the Yamamoto family called his son’s name loudly, standing up from his table and slowly walking toward where Rion was being held.

"Y-yes, dad!?" Rion immediately responded, looking terrified.

His father walked with heavy footsteps toward where Rion was being held. When he arrived in front of his son, he glared coldly at Nagi. "Hey kid, your name is Nagi, right? Could you please release my son?"

Nagi shifted his gaze to me, still holding Rion’s body. I weakly nodded and gave a small laugh.

This is enough, I think?

"Okay." Nagi loosened his grip and then released Rion’s arms, stepping back from where he stood.

Rion looked at his father with fearful eyes, his body swaying uncertainly, struggling even to stand. Meanwhile, his father stared at his son with contempt.

"Rion..."

TO BE CONTINUED.