Koyama no Kousagi

The Hand that Feeds: 1-17

~Artem's Office~

Soon after you had submitted all the evidence to the prosecution, the criminal court took charge of Pedro's case. With all the conclusive evidence, he was swiftly convicted and sentenced. Mr. Green and Penny's Comfort Foods were found not at fault and therefore not responsible for compensation. Pedro was liable for the victims' compensatory damages. Word has heard that Pedro revealed DeliCart's shady and illegal business practices in court, which led to a lawsuit against the company. And now, all previous to a lawsuit against the company. And now, all previous talks of investments remain just that.

Artem: "What is on your mind?"

Y/n: "..."

Thinking about the case reminds you of how heartbroken Vernon was. Immersed in those somber thoughts, it takes you a while to realize that Artem is calling you.

Artem: "Ahem..."

Y/n: "Ah, sorry! Mr. Wing, were you talking to me?"

Artem: "Why did you present the surveillance video in court? It wasn't your style."

Y/n: "Because I knew what Mr. Green really wanted wasn't to save Pedro, but for him to turn a new leaf. If I withheld that video, Pedro would've never reflected on his own mistakes. He woud've continued farther down his twisted path, and DeliCart's crimes wouldn't have been brought to light."

Artem: "Good. You're growing as a professional."

Y/n: "Mr. Wing, are you really praising me?!

Artem: "Don't become complacent."

Artem sighs. He turns around and picks up a few blue packets from his desk.

Artem: "Are Heirson's effervescent packets related to the case? Ar they Mr. Green's?"

Y/n: "They're his, but they're not related to the case. They were related to the case. They were probably brought back together with all the other evidence."

When you left the restaurant that day, Luke has packed the evidence bag for you. He likely threw the packets in without much thought.

Y/n: "They weren't needed during the trail, so I put them in my folder. I haven't organized it yet."

Artem: "How is Mr. Green's recent mental state?"

Y/n: "Are these things... related? Winnie said that Mr. Green was diagnosed with depression. It must've been caused by Pedro's chronic harassment. Thankfully, the case is over, so he can properly rest up."

Artem: "I see..."

Artem is silent for a moment, and then suddenly changes the subject.

Artem: "So the child in your bag--"

Y/n: "He didn't attack you did he?! Tanjiro, you promised you'd behave!"

Tanjiro: "I did!"

Artem: "I need you to explain why this is happening."

Y/n: "We're all consenting adults."

Artem: "That is an 8 year old--"

Tanjiro: "I'm 18. I just prefer looking 8 it makes me travel sized."

Y/n: "He's a demon."

Artem: "You just casually carry demons on you?!"

Tanjiro: "She was recently proposed to by one."

Y/n: "We don't mention that!"

Y/n face flushes.

Artem: "..."

Y/n: "Well, anything else?"

Artem: "Since this seems to work for you. And your both adults, I'll drop it. I have a document that needs to be delivered to a psychologist named Vyn Richter. I can't leave right now. Can you deliver this for me? The address is on the box."

Y/n: "Vyn Richter..."

You've heard this name before. He is a widely renowned expert on psychology. They say he has focused on criminal psychology in the past two years and has published many papers. Many prestigious universities wanted him as a lecturer. For some reason, Vyn Richter all of their invitations and quietly settled down in Stellis.

Y/n: "I wanted to meet Vyn for a while."

Artem: "He and I are only business associates, not friends. Be mindful when talking to him."

Y/n: "Don't worry. I'll treat him like a buisness partner."

Artem: "Good. Thanks and take care."

Tanjiro: "I like him, can I stay?"

Y/n: "Well?"

Artem: "Sure."

Y/n: "Help him."

Tanjiro: "Okay!"

~Meanwhile~

At the Pax Group headquarters, the atmosphere in the president's office is suffocating.

???: "Speak. You were so quick to make those investment decisions. Why don;t you dare say anything now?"

Pax Manager: "Mr. von Hagen, we didn't know that DeliCart earned their profits from extorting their clients... They kept everything under a tight lid. Even if we heard rumors, we could not get any evidence..."

???: "What you're saying is that the Big Data Lab that cost us millions to maintain every year is just a fancy dictionary, not a supercomputer?"

Pax Manager: "No, no, no, that's not what I mean at all...!"

???: "Heh, couldn't get any evidence. It's not like I told you to prepare for court. From where I'm standing, it looks like you lacked decency and responsibility to even look into them! Even if they didn't extort their clients, the Pax Group and I would never support them for falsifying reviews! You remember this: As long as Pax Group is under the name of vo Hagen, it will not profit even a single cent through such underhanded means!"

Pax Manager: "Y–Yes sir, I understand. I will immediately handle whoever is responsible."

???: "Whoever is responsible? No need – handle yourself first. Pax Capital is my mother's legacy, and you've played a large part in dirtying it. I hear that the owner of DeliCart is your relative."

Pax Manager: "Mr. Von Hagen, I–"

???: "You've been with the company for a long time, so I'll spare you a lawsuit. You may leave. Don't show your face on any of the Pax Group's properties ever again."