Deus.Ex.Machina Chapter 20

After an hour and, admittedly, after I had my fill of lightly teasing Sona just to watch her try (and fail) to keep a straight face.

We finally started wrapping up the discussion.

Long story short, the Sitri/Shitori Clan wanted to collaborate with the Mishima Corporation on building hospitals across the globe.

Human-side projects, of course. No devils, no magic. Just clean, corporate business… allegedly. Not that they will say it.

Sona straightened a docunt in front of her, her voice clear. "The Shitori Clan has long invested in dical research and healthcare developnt. This initiative is an extension of those goals."

I tilted my head, one brow raised. "I rember. Your family's known for that in... certain circles." I kept it vague, letting the implication hang. "But from what I've seen, a lot of the locations you're eyeing for the hospitals are already under Mishima holdings."

She nodded. "That's exactly why I ca to you. Your company already owns or controls the developnt rights to several of the most viable sites. Rather than waste ti negotiating with third parties, a direct partnership seed more efficient."

"Mm. Practical and bold," I mused, tapping my fingers on the armrest. "And what's the Shitori clan bringing to the table besides dical expertise and a pretty logo?"

That made her pause, just for a second. Her expression didn't shift much, but I caught the flicker in her eyes.

"We'll provide the research teams, dical personnel, and infrastructure planning," she replied. "And of course, a percentage of the returns will go to your company. The Mishima na will headline the collaboration."

I leaned back, glancing up at the ceiling as I pretended to consider it. In truth, it was a no-brainer.

I thought back to the ani. The Sitri Clan had been one of the most respected noble houses in the underworld when it ca to dicine. Their reputation was spotless. And this? This was still good PR in the human world. Hospitals, global impact, public health—it practically scread tax write-offs and legacy branding.

Plus, Mishima Corporation had nothing to lose. We had the money, the land, and the leverage. In the Human world, the Sitris were rich, sure, but they weren't Mishima rich. The only reason they even could consider half these locations was because we owned them.

"Sounds like a win-win," I finally said, smiling. "Alright. I'll give it the green light—pending a few more details, of course. You'll send the final proposal?"

"By tonight," she said, already organizing her files. "We'll have our legal team coordinate with yours."

I nodded. "Perfect. I'll let the board know. And hey," I added, just as she stood up, "if you're ever looking to negotiate another deal, I wouldn't mind having another chat. You're surprisingly easy to talk to... once you stop trying to act like a robot."

Sona blinked, a hint of pink touching her cheeks. "I'm simply professional."

"And very intimidating," I grinned. "But that's part of the charm."

She sighed, clearly not used to being on the receiving end of flirting during business etings. "I'll send the proposal."

"I'll be waiting," I replied, voice light as she walked off.

Once the door clicked shut behind her, I leaned back and let out a breath.

Hospitals, huh?

Well… better than devil politics.

Let's just say I'm very glad Sona and her family are the civilized kind of devils.

I an, technically, they could've just brainwashed so execs or thrown a few magical contracts around to get what they wanted. Would've saved them a ton of paperwork.

But they didn't. And that… actually says a lot about their character.

Still, as the heir of the Mishima Corporation, the final say also rests with . Every project, every proposal, every billion-dollar handshake—it runs through this guy.

My parents trust wholeheartedly not to put the company in a bad position. And weirdly, that makes even more careful. When people believe in you that hard, you kind of don't want to let them down. Even if you're out here pretending not to know the straight-laced student council president is a devil.

And yeah.

I'm basically ani Bruce Wayne.

—

That night, surprisingly, both my parents were actually ho.

So we had dinner together like a normal rich family after a long ti..

Damn. I rember the last ti we had dinner together was when I just got transmigrated here.

Halfway through the al, over grilled salmon and so fancy wine I wasn't technically allowed to drink, I brought up the Sitri proposal.

"The Shitori Clan is looking to collaborate with us," I said casually, cutting into my salmon. "They want to build dical facilities globally. They've got the expertise, we've got the land and capital. Seems like a decent match."

My father set down his glass, raising an eyebrow. "Shitori… that na sounds familiar."

I kept my expression neutral. "They're a prominent family with dical background. Very reputable in their field."

My mother nodded approvingly. "And you think this partnership will benefit us?"

"They've already scouted a few locations," I said. "A lot of which we already own or have influence in. It's minimal risk, and solid potential for long-term gains. I reviewed the preliminary numbers—everything checks out."

Dad smiled. "Good work, Leon. I trust you my son, besides your judgnt's been sharp lately."

And he wasn't wrong. Ever since I got here, I've been playing the long ga. A lot of companies that were huge in my old world were just now getting off the ground here. I've been quietly investing in them early—nothing flashy, just enough to secure significant stakes before they explode. So are already showing returns.

Mom leaned forward slightly. "Why don't we invite them to dinner? A proper one. Finalize the details face-to-face. Show them the Mishima way."

I smirked. "Already thought of that. I figured a formal setting might help move things along faster."

Dad chuckled, clearly pleased. "You really are my son."

"You an our son," Mom shot him a look, arching a brow.

Dad raised both hands in mock surrender. "Of course, our son. Brilliant, cunning, stylish—clearly your influence, dear."

Mom rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Just don't let it get to your head, Leon."

"Too late," I grinned. "I was born with it."

That earned a soft laugh from both of them. The mood was warm, the wine was good, and for once, the mansion didn't feel so cold.

Dad leaned back in his chair. "So, when do you plan on inviting the Shitori family over?"

"I'll reach out to Souna tomorrow. See when she and her parents perhaps are available. I'm sure they'd appreciate the gesture. It makes the whole thing feel more… personal."

Mom nodded approvingly. "And that's exactly how deals like this should be handled. Professional, but with a human touch."

I raised my glass slightly. "To mutual profits and devilishly good PR."

Neither of them caught the "devilishly" part, thankfully. I took a sip to hide my smirk.