The next day, Sunday, Kazama promptly met with Maya. Not by himself, as he had an accompaniment. The venue strayed from the expected Yotsuba main house to a private room at a first-class hotel restaurant in Tokyo. She contacted Akiyama, the chief of staff, by phone yesterday specifying the place and time for the meeting.
"─I understand the circumstances, but I unfortunately cannot give you an answer on my initiative." That was Maya's answer to Akiyama's request to delegate Tatsuya to the civilian observer mission.
"By saying so, Yotsuba-san, are you suggesting that it is not you who is forbidding Shiba-san from leaving the country?" In his response,"Shiba-san" and "Yotsuba-san" were addressing Tatsuya and Maya respectively.
"I believe you were well aware of this fact, Your Excellency, Director-General, but we also have our own sponsor."
Astonishment flashed across Akiyama's face with the implication of a figure that even the Yotsuba family could not defy. "By that you don’t mean… is the rumor of the Yotsuba family being under the patronage of His Excellency Toudou true?"
"Oh, my. I was under the impression that it was quite well known." Maya's amused expression was void of laughter. "Answering your question, yes. You're right in your assertion, Tatsuya has been forbidden to leave the country at the request of His Excellency Toudou."
"I see…"
"As such, I'd like to ask you to bring this matter of the civilian observer mission before his Excellency Toudou. If you return with his approval, then I'll be glad to discuss this matter further."
"─Understood. I'll consult with His Excellency Toudou about this matter first then."
Seeing the stiffness in Akiyama's expression, Maya flashed a charming smile that was quite a different shade from the one just now.
◇◇◇
Akiyama and Kazama accompanied Maya to the entrance of the Hotel where she left by car.
"…Colonel Kazama. I'll handle it from here on out." As they watched the car with Maya drive away, Akiyama spoke to Kazama. "I'll have better odds alone if I am to persuade His Excellency Toudou. Honestly… I'm not even sure if I will be granted an audience in the first place."
"Understood." Kazama offered no argument. He knew this game table was far beyond his grasp.
"I have held you back in the country in hopes of persuading Shiba-san. Seeing that is now no longer necessary, Colonel, are you finished with your preparations?"
"Yes, sir."
"We already have some countries that have sent their military observers to the IPU. You are to depart as soon as conceivable."
"Understood, Director-General. I'll be departing for the IPU tomorrow."
"I see. Godspeed, Colonel."
"I promise I'll not disappoint you, sir," Kazama replied with a ceremonial salute to Akiyama.
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