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Chapter 75 – Shopping Reservation

“I believe both the Ootori family and I are better off with plenty of friends. But didn’t you say the rumors about the Ootori Priestess were laughed off? So why did you invite me to this meeting?”

As I spoke, I sensed a faint but clear shift in Mr. Smith’s gaze—like he’d been waiting for me to speak.
So that long speech and all the provocative lines were just bait to draw me in?

But, as expected, Smith’s flood of words continued.

“The retired elder has entrusted matters to the next generation. The current family head is a career military man. The Ootori family, as we’ve observed, values primogeniture more than expected. Yet the current head of the zaibatsu is an adopted son-in-law. What’s more, your father passed away in a disaster in ’23.

We’ve analyzed all the prominent figures in the Ootori family, but there’s no adult capable of such bold actions since ’24. If there were, it would likely have been your late father.

And Mr. Tokita, who by all rights should have served your father, is now acting as your butler.

Most would assume that this butler assignment is the camouflage. But based on our analysis, we predicted that you were the one issuing instructions. No—perhaps I should say we concluded as much. At the very least, I can say that I have been convinced of it here today.

Phoenix Princess.”

And then, at the end, he once again gave an exaggerated bow.

(Is Mr. Smith always this long-winded by default?)

I was so impressed by Morgan’s information-gathering and analytical capabilities that I nearly drifted into denial.
But having already spoken up myself, I now stood as Ootori’s negotiator.

“Well then, Mr. Smith—assuming, as you say, that I’m the one giving instructions for the Ootori family, would it be enough for Morgan to simply become friends with me alone?”

“Yes, I believe it would be best if we walk together. If one suddenly runs or stops, it causes confusion for everyone around.”

(In other words, don’t buy or sell large volumes all at once? Well, I have no intention of stopping. This is about to become a sinking ship.)

“I often hear something similar from my teachers at school too. They say, ‘Ootori, you should match your pace with others.’ But alas, this is something I was born with. It cannot be helped.”

“I see, if it’s inborn, then it certainly must be difficult. However…”

At that point, I raised one small finger.

It was a signal that I wanted to speak.
As expected of a negotiator, he didn’t launch into another monologue.

“I’ve already decided to treat stocks—including the Dow Index—as no more than a refined pastime. Because Ootori—no, Japan—needs dollars. And the various products that can be obtained with those dollars. So if Morgan would be willing to offer your guidance, there would be nothing more reassuring than that.”

After hearing my words, Mr. Smith took just a moment to reflect before showing a broad, generous smile.

“Understood. So then, have you already decided on anything specific?”

“Within the next year, we plan to sell off all the stocks we currently hold and lock in our profits. Once we’ve built a nice, big chair with the accumulated dollars, I thought we might be able to sit down and have some conversations with various people.”

As I said that, Mr. Smith burst into hearty laughter.

Naturally, with an exaggerated reaction.

“A throne of dollars—that’s quintessentially American! It seems the Princess is more American than Americans themselves. Leave it to us. We’ll arrange the best possible terms, even better than if Ootori negotiated directly.”

“We would be most grateful. However, we intend to determine the timing of the stock sales ourselves.”

“If we look at your success so far, it’s only natural to think that way. We’ve been trailing behind somewhat, but still—we’ve made quite a profit thanks to you.”

Saying that, he subtly gestured for me to continue.

This delicate modulation of force and softness—that was one of his negotiation tools and weapons.

“If it looks like our stock selling might negatively impact the market, we’d appreciate your assistance.”

“Unintended market drops in the stock exchange are not in our interest either. While I can’t promise anything unilaterally, I doubt there will be an issue with coordinating our efforts.”

(Got a verbal commitment.) I thought as I nodded back.

Then I let out a small sigh of relief—purely for show, of course.

“I’m a bit relieved. Honestly, I didn’t expect we’d succeed so much with stocks, but I’ve been hoping to avoid altering our business plans as much as possible. If Morgan is willing to offer its support, that’s incredibly reassuring.”

“We, too, are delighted to be building a strong relationship with Ootori.”

“Thank you very much. Then, as a sign of our friendship, may I share a slightly different topic with you?”

“Of course. What is it?”

Since I had suddenly changed the subject, a slightly puzzled expression crossed his face.

However, since we intended to make them a partner, and out of a small twinge of conscience on my part, I decided to say one thing so there’d be no complaints later.

“We are selling our stocks because we believe nothing lasts forever.”

“You mean American stocks won’t keep rising forever?”

“There are rumors of such talk in the American stock market circles, I’ve heard. But everything is finite—nothing is infinite. Especially things that are fleeting. That’s why we plan to convert our stocks into dollars, and our dollars into valuable goods.”

He let out a “Hmm,” and seemed to ponder my words.

The fact that he didn’t immediately argue back probably meant that, at least logically, he understood the idea that nothing lasts forever.

Well, I didn’t mind how he took it.
Since we’re deepening our relationship, I figured it was only right to ring the alarm bell at least once.

“In the Princess’s view, when do you expect the stock prices to peak or hit stagnation?”

“To be honest, even the current growth was beyond my expectations. I believe the market has already overheated to an abnormal degree, far removed from the real economy. So I see this current wave stalling once, and after that, a final big surge. Beyond that, I believe it becomes extremely dangerous. We plan to cash out completely before that happens.”

“I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if we go any further than that.”

Smith responded with a cordial laugh at my closing remark.

(Not that I was joking, though…)

“That wouldn’t be good for your beauty or health. And similar concerns were circulating a few years ago, so your worries are quite understandable.
However, isn’t it the nature of the market to keep moving forward as long as everyone’s looking in the same direction? At Morgan, we predict there may be minor drops or temporary stagnation for market adjustment, but no major crash.”

“If that’s how it turns out, we’ll be the laughingstock, won’t we? If nothing happens, we’ll return the title of ‘King’ you’ve just bestowed on us.”

“Once you’ve sold everything, a new title will surely be given. If you truly have a massive purchasing plan, then the next one would be—let’s say—‘King of Shopping.’ I believe that has a very American charm to it.”

“I do love shopping. I hope I’ll be able to make some wonderful purchases.”

“Leave that to Morgan. We’ll prepare the very best America has to offer—no, the best in the world—at the finest prices available.”

With an exaggerated gesture, he gave yet another respectful bow.
It was obviously theatrical, but perhaps because he was American, it somehow suited him.

On my side, I kept my masked smile perfectly in place.

“I’ll look forward to it. However, we do have relationships with other parties as well, so I’m afraid we can’t give you everything. Please forgive us.”

“We’ve taken that into consideration. And since America is vast, it’s only natural that there are those who can offer goods even greater than ours at Morgan.”

(And besides, most of those other parties are probably rivals and kins to Morgan at the same time, aren’t they?)

“Then I suppose there’s nothing to worry about. In that case, I shall fully enjoy the festival on Wall Street first.”

“Please do enjoy the festival to your heart’s content. After all, not only buying—but also selling—is part of the fun.”

With one last overly dramatic bow, Mr. Smith cheerfully replied.

But about a year from now, just like in the history of my previous life, a festival of wailing and gnashing of teeth would likely begin.