I'm in Teresin, dedicated to playing badly

But it was precisely because of these suddenly appearing articles that, while various forces were paying attention to him, they also harbored a hint of suspicion.

After all, although the name Kitahara Shinji is famous, because he used to travel around various horse girl families, not many people in the actual horse girl families actually know his name. Many people only know him by searching for him on their phones after hearing his name.

Furthermore, since many of Shinji Kitahara's outrageous past experiences were related to horse hunting, much of it is classified information.

The smaller horse-woman families weren't qualified to read it, and the larger ones didn't have enough time to investigate.

As a result, apart from the trainers and horse girls actually in Tressen, everyone else learned about him through the internet, and then saw those articles and the negative information he himself had released. Although they certainly wouldn't believe it all, their impression of him was at least much worse.

Shinji Kitahara quickly realized this as well, especially after sensing the growing suspicion in the surrounding gazes, which made him both amused and exasperated.

Where did this kind soul come from? He had already given up struggling, only to be rescued by the other party's decisive action...

However, although he was no longer attracting as much attention due to the actions of some unknown "well-meaning" people, at the same time, some of those who had been keeping quiet after hearing about his deeds began to stir again.

“Miss Rudolf, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am from the… family. I’ve heard of your deeds for a long time. I wonder if you have some time this afternoon…”

Before Rudolf could give a symbolic reply, Kitahara Shinji spoke directly, his tone indifferent.

"I'm sorry, she already has an appointment this afternoon."

"...Then I'm sorry to bother you."

After that person left, the three horse girls opposite him cast surprised glances at Kitahara Shinji.

After all, in their minds, Shinji Kitahara had always been the kind of person who was overly kind-hearted, and this was the first time they had seen him behave like this.

As for why Shinji Kitahara behaved this way...

As the 'Emperor' of Tressen and a benchmark for outstanding horse girls, Rudolf Symbol has always paid great attention to his image, both inside and outside Tressen.

Moreover, her maintenance of this image is not only for herself, but also out of a sense of responsibility to set an example for other female horse riders.

So, unlike him, when it comes to blind dates, he can resort to some rather outrageous methods, meaning that if no one interferes, he can just make a scene and cause trouble on his own.

But for Rudolph, let alone being unreasonable, she had to be extremely patient with those who were unreasonable, lest she give others a handle to attack her.

Although they hadn't communicated in detail, the wonderful tacit understanding between the two allowed Shinji Kitahara to easily grasp Rudolf's predicament. So, he naturally played the good cop and tried his best to act a little less convincing.

If she overreacts and embarrasses the other party, Rudolf will step in to play the bad cop, protecting her image while quickly rejecting their invitations.

They had a great understanding.

On the other side, Sirius, the situation is completely the opposite.

Because Sirius is straightforward and doesn't understand the subtle tricks of Rudolf, Kitahara Shinji softens his words and attitude when dealing with people who come to see him.

Sirius was basically in charge of getting people to back down, while Sirius played the "bad cop," saying things like, "Sorry, we have work to discuss this afternoon."

"This is such a hassle, that's why I didn't want to come to this awful place..."

After seeing off another group of people who also looked troubled, clearly not there because of him but because they had been forced to come by their elders, Sirius's eyes showed a clear sense of annoyance.

Sirius is a straightforward person and especially dislikes this kind of formalism that lacks substance. After seeing off several groups of people, he started to get impatient.

"Wait a little while. After lunch, we'll go back to our rooms, lock the door, and you can do whatever you want..."

"It's not that simple."

Sirius sighed in response to Shinji Kitahara's words of comfort.

"Even after lunch, you can't go back to your room; it's basic etiquette. And that period, because you have free time, is actually the most troublesome time. Then there's the evening dance—just thinking about it gives me a headache..."

As he spoke, Sirius symbol smacked his lips twice.

Is there any way to solve this once and for all...?

"There's no such method. Just bear with it for a bit."

After finishing his sentence, Shinji Kitahara then dealt with a group of people who came to try and recruit Hikari Satomi.

While Kitahara Shinji was dealing with the situation, the frustrated Sirius symbol turned her gaze, trying to find a way to get rid of those gazes once and for all and stop bothering her.

Then, as she searched, her gaze drifted to Rudolf, who looked calm and seemed quite at ease with the current situation, and a memory from not long ago suddenly rose in her mind.

"Sirius, you've seen what that child, the Emperor, has been doing..."

Although so far there is no conclusive evidence to prove that the Rudolf symbol had feelings for Shinji Kitahara.

But at least, after that conversation, she was certain that Rudolf's attitude toward Shinji Kitahara was very different from his attitude toward other people and friends.

Their daily interactions, their unspoken understanding, and that enigmatic attitude...

Looking at Rudolf's composed expression, recalling past experiences, and amidst the annoying chatter and noise in the arena...

A bold idea, following the surging memories, gradually entered Sirius's mind.

A moment later, after Kitahara Shinji blocked another group of people away, he sighed and then noticed Sirius's strange gaze.

"...What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"No."

Sirius blinked.

"But I suddenly thought of a way that might solve our current predicament."

"Hmm? What method? Tell me about it."

"It's very simple."

As Sirius spoke, he reached out his hand to Shinji Kitahara, who was looking on with a puzzled expression.

"If only we act a little closer."

Chapter 211: The Most Precious Treasure

Be more intimate.

Before Kitahara Shinji could even grasp the meaning of those words, Sirius reached out and grasped his hand, and then—

Snapped.

Just as Sirius's hand was about to touch Shinji Kitahara's palm, another hand suddenly appeared from the side and grabbed Sirius's wrist.

"...Sirius, what do you want to do?"

Rudolf had turned his head at some point, one hand gripping Sirius's wrist, a strange look appearing on his previously composed expression.

Didn't I just say that?

Looking at the hand gripping and pinning him, Sirius clicked his tongue softly. After struggling several times without being able to break free, he spoke again.

“I’m not like you. You can tolerate those people’s boring pretense, but I can’t stand it.”

"Instead of continuing to repeat these boring and useless formalities, I might as well act closer to this guy and make those people give up immediately. At least that way I can save myself some trouble."

Rudolf frowned after hearing Sirius's answer.

"Sirius, although I know you're reluctant, we are representing the Symbolist family at this meeting, and we're surrounded by members of prominent families. I suggest you be mindful of your image..."

"It's just a handshake, what does it have to do with image?"

Sirius symbolized that he did not stop, but merely gestured with his eyes to several locations around him.

"If you don't believe me, see for yourself."

"Over there, over there, and over there are people who are not only not intimate, but they are even hugging and kissing each other, and no one has said anything about it."

"Besides, I didn't do anything excessive. I just shook hands to make those people give up. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

"What do you say, Your Majesty?"

To be honest, in all fairness, Rudolf Symbol doesn't think there's anything wrong with Sirius's explanation.

Not to mention Sirius, because of her fame, she receives even more visitors and invitations.

Although it wasn't obvious on the surface, she had actually been annoyed for a long time, but she didn't show it because of her image as the 'emperor'.

After listening to Sirius's explanation, I was even a little tempted and briefly considered whether I should try it myself.

But that's not the key point.

The key point is that, in Rudolf's understanding, Sirius symbolizes someone who, although usually carefree and somewhat tomboyish, is actually quite measured in his actions.

Although what she said sounded reasonable and logically sound, based on Rudolf's understanding of her, let alone the current situation...

Even in a worse situation, Sirius wouldn't be able to resolve the predicament in this way; the probability of her simply leaving would be even greater.

She wasn't really angry yet; she was just a little annoyed, but she took this action without any hesitation...

Rudolph wasn't entirely sure what Sirius was thinking, but at least one thing she was certain of was that Sirius's attitude towards Shinji Kitahara was starting to become abnormal.

This is bad. If this continues, things might get complicated. Maybe I should find a time to explain the situation to her...

Just as Rudolf was thinking this, on the other side, Sirius's eyes also flickered as he looked at the hand that was still holding his wrist and showed no sign of letting go.

Sure enough, this woman's attitude was off...

She had already made it so clear that if Rudolf truly had nothing to hide, even if the Emperor of the East Sea had feelings for Kitahara Shinji...

After she made her purpose clear, Rudolf should no longer concern himself with her situation.

But the current situation is that she has made her purpose very clear, and her actions are not excessive; it's just a simple handshake, yet Rudolf is so resistant.

So what does this mean? Sirius can't think of any other possibility besides one.

'As expected, this woman has feelings for Kitahara Shinji...'

At the same time, the same thought popped into their minds, and then they looked up and calmly looked at each other for a moment.

Just as they were at an impasse, Shinji Kitahara, who had been caught in the middle and silent for a while, suddenly coughed lightly.

"Um, gentlemen, let's talk this out privately. There's no need to resort to violence; there are plenty of people watching..."

Hearing Shinji Kitahara's reminder, Rudolf and Sirius finally snapped out of their daze. After noticing the increasing number of gazes around them, they exchanged one last look and then simultaneously let go of each other's hands.

Although Sirius's operation was unsuccessful, it served as a wake-up call for others.

Although they didn't show it on the surface, they all started to make their own plans in private, and for various reasons, they began to try to find a reasonable way to get close to Shinji Kitahara.

But to everyone's surprise, while everyone was still figuring out how to proceed, it was Kitahara Shinji who stepped forward.

"How about we have a chat?"

Shinji Kitahara spoke slowly.

To be honest, if he had a choice, Shinji Kitahara wouldn't really want to act too close to the people around him.

Based on his observations and the information he had heard, he was fairly certain that the focus of this social gathering was the five women sitting next to him.

And now, they are all sitting next to him, even though Shinji Kitahara knows in his heart that he is just an innocent bystander who has been dragged in as a shield.

But in other people's eyes, his behavior is probably similar to taking the whole cake away when dividing it, leaving the rest of the cake for others to divide as they please.

If someone deliberately smacks their lips on top of an act that is already enough to attract hatred, then not only would others think it's a bit excessive, but even Shinji Kitahara himself would feel it's going too far.

But the problem is he has no choice now.

Everyone knows Rudolph is popular, and he has many admirers on Sirius. The other three are also the main characters of this social gathering, so they are all under considerable pressure.

However, one issue seems to have been overlooked: Shinji Kitahara was the shield pushed out by all five of them, bearing the pressure of the five of them on his own. In fact, he was the one under the most pressure.

In addition to the pressure from these five people, he also kept a close eye on his phone, afraid of missing any messages—he hadn't forgotten that besides being a shield for others, he also had two blind dates to deal with himself.

So, for the sake of others and for his own sake, after Sirius made his move, Shinji Kitahara, unusually, began to think about how to act closer to others, and after rejecting physical contact, he chose to chat.

If the conversation gets going, the chances of other people interrupting will be reduced, right?

That's what Shinji Kitahara thought.

As for the others, although they also thought of other methods, they were not easy to implement due to the limitations of the situation. After a moment of silence, they all nodded and agreed to Shinji Kitahara's suggestion.

"But the problem is, what should we talk about? If the topics are too mainstream, won't some people just take the opportunity to join in...?"

Mubai Aldan raised a question.

"Let's talk about training and things in Tressen. That way, even if someone gets involved, as long as the topic stays on track, there shouldn't be any problems..."

Rudolf finalized the direction.

Soon after a brief discussion, everyone began to communicate about training and Treson-related topics, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Unbeknownst to them, at the same time, on the top floor of the hotel, in a private room, several elderly people were whispering to each other in front of a screen.

The screen in the center showed the scene at Shinji Kitahara's table.