Chapter 34 – Look the Part
Resonance 4, Part 3
Novel Title: 共鳴劣情 オメガバース (Resonance Lust: Omegaverse)
Author：岩本薫 (Iwamoto Kaoru)
Illustrator: 蓮川愛 (Hasukawa Ai)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 本浄天音 (Honjou Amane) & 苅谷煌騎 (Kariya Kouki) / 首藤煌騎 (Shutou Kouki)
*Please read at knoxt.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Following his lead, they climbed a marble staircase and stood before a grand double door that seemed to tower over them. This was clearly the ‘palace’’s front entrance.
Two men stood by the arched doorway, welcoming each guest. One was a stout man in his sixties wearing a monocle, and the other was a thin man in his fifties. Both were dressed in black suits. Additionally, Amane noticed several burly men, likely bodyguards, stationed discreetly behind the door. No doubt, any unwanted intruders attempting to sneak in would be quickly and mercilessly removed.
“Kouki-sama,”
The stout man was the first to notice Kouki and Amane, and he approached them.
“Shinozaki, thank you for the warm welcome. This is my senior from work, Honjou-san. Honjou-san, this is Shinozaki, our family’s karei. The man over there is Takamura, the butler.”
Kouki introduced Amane to the man and then gestured toward the thin man still greeting guests at the entrance.
Amane wasn’t sure what the difference between a karei and a butler was, but it was clear they both served the Shutou family. Judging by their unflinching demeanour as they interacted with the guests, they were probably high-ranking servants.
“Nice to meet you, Honjou-sama. I am Shinozaki.”
The man bowed gracefully and fixed his gaze on Amane through the lens of his monocle. Amane knew that look well—it was the same as a detective scrutinising a suspect, sizing up his true nature.
“I admit, when I first heard from Kouki-sama that a colleague from the police would be attending the party, I had my concerns… But I see now that those concerns were unfounded. You are truly a striking individual.”
“I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Kouki said with a self-satisfied expression.
Even as Shinozaki nodded, saying, “Yes, yes,” his gaze never left Amane.
“As you said, my concerns were entirely misplaced. You’re dressed so impeccably that you could hold your own even among the Alphas of high society. No one would ever suspect you were a police officer.”
With a satisfied tone, Shinozaki smiled warmly.
“Honjou-sama, welcome to the Shutou family’s party.”
From the way Shinozaki spoke, Amane got the sense that, despite the prior arrangements, there was a non-zero chance he could have been turned away at this point. Fortunately, it seemed he had passed whatever test the house steward had set for him.
After all, even if he was Kouki’s colleague, it wouldn’t do to let someone inappropriate or disruptive ruin the atmosphere of such a social event. Especially not at a party dedicated to finding a bride for the current head of the Shutou family, Shutou Keiki.
(Is that what this is all about?)
If his appearance had been the deciding factor in winning over Shinozaki, then Kouki’s insistence on going with the Alpha-tailored suit had been the right call.
(I suppose if I’d shown up in my usual outfit, I wouldn’t have made it past the front gate, let alone into the party.)
“All right then, Shinozaki. We’ll be going now,” Kouki said.
Shinozaki replied, “Yes, I shall return to my duties.”
“Please, Kouki-sama and Honjou-sama, enjoy yourselves.”
With the first hurdle behind them, Amane and Kouki stepped through the arched doors. They made their way smoothly through the entrance hall, which was large enough to be mistaken for a gymnasium, and down a corridor lined with statues, chairs, and paintings that gave it the feel of a gallery. Finally, they arrived at the main hall where the evening’s party was being held.
The massive hall, which could easily accommodate 200 people, was nothing short of a spectacle. From the intricately painted ceiling—which itself was a work of art—crystal chandeliers hung, casting a radiant glow over the room. The white walls were adorned with framed paintings, and draped curtains fluttered across the lattice-patterned arched windows. The floor was a beautiful geometric mosaic of multicoloured stone, and it was covered with lush carpets. The chairs, sofas, and console tables lining the walls were likely priceless pieces that would look at home in a museum.
The already extravagant hall was filled with immaculately dressed celebrities, making it the kind of place where the average person would hesitate to enter. If it weren’t for his goal of confronting Kourogi, Amane would never have wanted to set foot in such an out-of-place gathering.
“There’s quite a crowd already. Let’s go,” Kouki said.
“…Yeah.”
While Amane’s steps were heavy, Kouki moved without a moment’s hesitation, stepping confidently into the glittering stage. The tails of his formal coat swished as he wove through the crowd, seamlessly blending into the high-society atmosphere.
In the rough-and-tumble D-East Station, or in Amane’s own spartan apartment, Kouki always seemed somewhat out of place. Even Kouki himself, despite being born into privilege, must have felt a vague sense of unease in those settings.
But here, in this opulent environment, Kouki looked completely at home, radiating a brilliance that made it clear this was where he belonged. Here, he could let loose and fully realise his potential without needing to hold back for the sake of those less capable.
“…….”
Even after sharing an intimate connection—melding their bodies and desires together—there were still insurmountable boundaries that existed in this world between the two of them.
As Amane pondered the stark contrast between their worlds, Kouki came to a stop and turned back to him.
“Honjou-san?”
Seeing Kouki extend his hand as if to escort him, Amane let out a deep sigh.
(What am I afraid of at this point?)
Determined, Amane straightened up and stepped forward.
As Kouki had said, around a hundred guests were already present, holding champagne glasses, chatting, and exchanging pleasantries. The sound of their laughter and the music of the live orchestra filled the entire hall, creating an intoxicating ambiance.
Dressed in black uniforms, waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne glasses.
“How about one?”
A passing waiter offered a drink.
“No, I’m good,” Amane declined. Kouki looked at him with surprise.
“You’re not drinking?” Kouki asked.
“We’re undercover,” Amane replied.
“This isn’t an official investigation. You don’t need to be so strict… one drink won’t hurt,” Kouki said, trying to convince him.
Amane frowned at Kouki’s insistence.
“Why are you pushing drinks on me?”
“This champagne is from a winery in our family’s business network. It’s delicious. I want you to enjoy the party, Honjou-san,” Kouki said with a smile.
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*Translator’s Note: I think Kariya-kun wanted to give all the best things to Honjou-san. But then again, that only made it awkward for Honjou-san who’s used to being a lone wolf. I get Honjou-san’s feelings immediately. I hate going to places like this too and to be among this crowd too. -K
*GLOSSARY:
- Karei is a house steward
Next update: 2025.02.04
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