Classroom of the Elite: Liquid Inspiration

Vol 0. Chapter 3.3 - Setting the Stage

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka

Though the trip to the soiree wasn't particularly long, the tense atmosphere between my father and me made it feel three times longer than it actually was.

Fortunately, I was soon saved from the suffocating ambiance as the limousine finally rolled to a stop.

The nearby valet swiftly opened the limousine door, offering a bow as he did.

Returning the gesture with a nod, I stepped onto the grand driveway, my eyes were immediately drawn to the luxurious estate before me. Its sheer size was staggering, a testament to the wealth and status of our host. 

My father, already outside the car, gestured for me to follow him as we approached the entrance.

The double doors opened effortlessly at our approach, revealing a foyer bathed in warm, opulent light. A cacophony of voices and gentle laughter drifted outward, hinting at the bustling gathering within. From the corner of my eye, I noticed two figures flanking the doorway, each dressed in immaculate black suits.

Observing the mansion's interior, I couldn't help but voice my thoughts out loud.

"This is rather... Western of the hosts," I said, eliciting a nod from my father.

"Indeed," he agreed, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "It's simply how the Kōenji Conglomerate operates. Western flamboyance runs deep in that family."

I figured that out from the files I've read earlier, but there was a stark difference between simply reading and witnessing it firsthand.

"Quite strange, considering how many influential people in the country operate," I replied.

"Well... the Kōenji family has always been somewhat of an oddity among the elite," my father continued, his voice lowering as we moved through the crowd. "They've never been afraid to venture into uncharted territories, always ensuring that the Kōenji name is synonymous with innovation and a certain... dare I say, boldness?"

"It began with their patriarch back then, Kōenji Takehiko, who was the strongest advocate for opening our borders to the West in the 19th Century. That happened before the Americans came in. Before the Unequal Treaties," he said, letting out a chuckle. "Imagine how people back then reacted to that."

For some reason, he seemed to be in the mood to provide a history lesson. I suppose I have no choice but to engage.

"He did have a point and was eventually proven right. Either dominate or be dominated," I replied, echoing the thoughts of Nariakia Shimazu, one of the key figures from that era who had similar views.

"Exactly," my father responded, navigating through a group of elegantly dressed attendees. "And it's that philosophy that has propelled them to the top of the corporate world. Refusing to stay stagnant, pushing forward to adapt foreign ideas... that was how they preserved their relevance."

"Now then, before I leave you to your own devices, allow me to introduce you to some of my acquaintances," he said, gesturing for me to follow him.

As we made our way further into the mansion, I couldn't help but come to a realization as I observed the thinly veiled insults these people hurled at one another. 

Their words were laced with false bravado, designed to exploit weaknesses in the defenses of those they conversed with.

How... dull.

Compared to the lower class, who comprise most of society, the only difference was that these people were drowning in money.

But upon observation of who these people were, and mentally cross-referencing them with the documents I've read earlier, their attitudes began making sense to me.