Saigō nodded. He checked the time, rose to his feet, and said, "...I only came to pay Mr. Aoba a visit and get acquainted this time. I still have work to do afterward, so I won't stay long."
Aoba Senzai hurriedly stood as well and said respectfully, "...The Chairman is busy with countless affairs. I wouldn't dare keep you here for long. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality!"
Saigō waved it off indifferently. Escorted out by the Aoba couple, he left the Aoba residence.
The Aoba couple remained bowed at the entrance until Saigō got into the car waiting outside and drove away.
Watching the direction in which Saigō had departed, Aoba Sumire asked with a worried expression, "...Why did the Chairman of the Management Corporation suddenly come to see you?"
Aoba Senzai walked back into the house with his wife. After thinking it over, he shook his head. "...I don't know either. This Chairman suddenly became the head of the Management Corporation. I'd never heard of him before."
"...The position of Chairman of the Artificial Island Management Corporation is extremely important. Those great financial conglomerates would never put a puppet in that position."
"Either the force behind this Chairman is powerful, or he himself is exceptionally capable. Otherwise, he couldn't have attained such a high position at such a young age."
"...But regardless of the reason, this young man is no ordinary person. I suspect he has only just taken office, which is why he is politely visiting every council member."
"But we cannot be deceived by his outward courtesy. No one knows what methods he possesses yet."
Seeing how clear-headed her husband was, Aoba Sumire relaxed somewhat. She tentatively asked, "...Could it be that the new Chairman needs trusted subordinates now that he has taken office, which