Chapter 197: Albano Shirou, A God Of Wealth [I]

The engine of the black Supercar let out one final purring hum before settling into silence as Koya brought the vehicle to a smooth stop beneath the grand portico of The Sovereign Grand Hotel & Towers.

Towering over the neon-drenched skyline of Isle Supercity, the structure was widely regarded as the pinnacle of hospitality across the entire Supercity.

It wasn’t merely a hotel... it was a sprawling, ninety-story monument to incomprehensible untouchable wealth.

Built from mana-reinforced white granite, lined with platinum filigree, and bathed in the soft, golden light of floating luminescent crystals, the seven-star establishment catered exclusively to continental nobility, corporate moguls, and high-ranking Awakened elites.

Koya sat in the driver’s seat for a brief moment, gripping the leather steering wheel, and let out a long exasperated sigh.

Through the tinted glass, he could see a squad of pristine white-gloved valets standing at attention on the red carpet, their postures rigid and reverent as they eyed the sleek black vehicle hovering inches above the pavement.

’A seven-star hotel...’ Koya thought, rolling his neck and feeling his silver hair brush softly against his collar. ’Hakai really didn’t hold back when she picked our staging ground... I guess if you’re planning to rob a mafia network, you don’t start by staying at a three-star motel in the slums.’

Beside him in the passenger seat, Mable unbuckled her seatbelt with a soft click.

Her crimson eyes, matching his own disguised gaze, sparkled with excitement as she stared up at the shimmering glass tower through the windshield.

"Papa, it’s so big!" Mable cheered softly, bouncing on the leather seat. "It looks like a giant, shiny castle! Are we staying at the very top?"

"That’s the plan, sweetheart," Koya replied, offering her a warm relaxed smile that contrasted sharply with his intimidating disguise. "Just remember what we practiced. You’re a spoiled, untouchable young lady of the Shirou line and I’m your slightly impatient and ridiculously wealthy father."

"Got it!" Mable giggled, puffing out her cheeks in a mock display of childish arrogance. "I’m the Princess of Money!"

Koya chuckled, shaking his head.

He reached into his suit jacket, tapped the spatial compartment console built near his seat, and smoothly retrieved the heavy gold-bound space vault containing the one billion crowns Hakai had loaded into the car.

With a subtle flick of his wrist, his mana flared faintly, and the vault vanished into the high-capacity Storage Ring on his right index finger.

With the money safely secured on his person, Koya pushed open the heavy gull-wing door of the Supercar and stepped out onto the plush red carpet.

The night air of Isle Supercity was warm, but the moment Koya’s polished leather shoes hit the carpet, the atmosphere around the hotel entrance seemed to freeze.

The head valet... a middle-aged man wearing an impeccably tailored black tailcoat hurried forward, bowing so low his nose nearly brushed his knees.

"Welcome to The Sovereign Grand, My Lord," the head valet said, his voice trembling slightly with professional reverence.

He had seen thousands of luxury vehicles in his career, but the stealth-grade anti-grav Supercar Koya was driving was a custom military-executive hybrid worth more than most small corporations. "It is an honor to host you this evening. May I take the keys for your vehicle, My Lord?"

Koya didn’t even look at the man directly. He simply tossed the sleek, silver key fob through the air.

The valet caught it with both hands as if it were made of fragile glass.

"Keep it close to the main lobby doors," Koya commanded smoothly. "I may require it on short notice."

"Right away, My Lord! It will remain parked in the primary VIP bay!"

Koya walked around to the passenger side, opening the door for Mable.

He extended his hand, and the silver-haired little girl took it with practiced elegant grace, stepping out onto the carpet with her dark gothic dress rustling softly around her knees.

As they walked toward the massive, arched glass doors of the grand entrance, two liveried attendants pulled the heavy crystal doors open, bowing synchronously as Koya and Mable crossed the threshold into the lobby.

The interior of The Sovereign Grand was nothing short of breathtaking.

The ceiling rose nearly six stories high, constructed entirely from clear magical crystal that offered a panoramic view of the starry night sky above.

Suspended in mid-air were massive chandeliers made of floating blue and gold mana-crystals, casting a warm ethereal glow over the vast expanse of polished, white-marble floor.

A grand double-curved staircase draped in velvet carpet led to the upper mezzanine, while a string quartet composed of mid-tier Awakened musicians played gentle classical melodies on a raised marble dais in the center of the hall.

The air smelled faintly of expensive jasmine, roasted coffee beans, and rare imported spices.

"Whoa..." Mable gasped softly, her crimson eyes widening as she looked around the grand lobby.

However, her awe-struck gaze didn’t stay on the floating chandeliers or the grand architecture for long.

Her draconic senses immediately locked onto something far more important situated near the west wing of the lobby.

It was a lavish high-end artisanal dessert lounge.

Behind a pristine glass display case sat dozens of silver tubs filled with enchanted, mana-infused ice cream in colors that shimmered like crushed gemstones... vibrant violet berry, golden vanilla bean, and deep shimmering dark chocolate.

Mable stopped dead in her tracks. She tugged urgently on Koya’s hand, looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes.

"Papa..." Mable whispered, pointing her small finger directly at the ice cream boutique. "Look. Magical ice cream... The dragon inside me is calling for it."

Koya looked at the display, then down at his daughter. He couldn’t help the small amused twitch at the corner of his lips.

’The dragon inside you just wants sugar,’ Koya thought, though he certainly wasn’t going to refuse her.

Part of playing the role of an ridiculously wealthy young lord was pampering his child without a second thought.

"Alright," Koya said aloud, his voice smooth and carrying across the quiet lobby. "Let’s get you some ice cream before we check in."

He guided Mable over to the dessert lounge. The confectioner behind the counter... a young woman wearing a crisp chef’s uniform immediately straightened up with her eyes going wide as she took in the handsome silver-haired nobleman and the adorable, silver-haired girl beside him.

"W-Welcome to the Aetheria Confectionery, My Lord!" the girl stammered, bowing quickly. "How may I serve you today?"

Mable stepped up to the glass, pressing her small nose against it.

"I want three scoops! The golden vanilla, the violet berry, and the dark chocolate one! With gold flakes on top!"

"A three-scoop Grand Sovereign Sundae," Koya instructed, pulling a thick gold-embossed bearer card from his wallet and casually tapping it against the terminal without even checking the price.

BEEP!

The terminal chimed, approving the five-thousand-crown transaction instantly.

The confectioner’s hands trembled as she quickly prepared the elaborate dessert, serving the three massive scoops in a crystal bowl decorated with edible gold leaf and a spun-sugar dragon tail.

"Here you go, little lady!" the confectioner said, handing the bowl and a small silver spoon to Mable.

"Thank you!" Mable beamed, taking the crystal bowl with both hands and immediately digging in with her spoon, humming happily as the cold magical sweetness melted on her tongue.

Holding Mable’s hand with his left and letting her enjoy her ice cream, Koya turned and walked toward the primary reception desk at the center of the grand lobby.

The front desk was a massive semi-circular counter carved from a single block of solid obsidian.

Standing behind it were three impeccably groomed receptionists.

As Koya approached, the central receptionist... a striking young woman with neatly pinned dark hair and a sleek corporate blazer looked up.

The moment her eyes landed on Koya, her breath hitched audibly in her throat.

She froze.

Koya’s disguise persona... Albano Shirou was dangerously handsome.

The luminescent silver hair that framed his sharp sculpted jawline, combined with the intense glowing crimson of his eyes and his immaculate black suit, gave him an aura of otherworldly nobility.

He looked like an ancient vampire prince who had casually stepped out of a dark fantasy painting and into the modern world.

The receptionist’s face flushed a deep involuntary shade of pink.

She hastily adjusted her collar, smoothed down her hair, and forced her hands to stop shaking as she rested them on the obsidian counter.

"G-Good evening, My Lord!" she said, her voice dropping into her best and most melodic customer service tone, though a slight tremble betrayed her nervousness.

She bowed deeply, offering him a breathtaking view of her modest cleavage.

"Welcome to The Sovereign Grand Hotel & Towers. My name is Elena. It is my absolute pleasure to assist you this evening."

Koya stopped in front of the counter, resting one hand casually on the polished obsidian surface.

Mable stood beside him, happily munching on her golden vanilla ice cream.

"Evening, Elena," Koya replied, his voice was a deep quiet baritone that sent a visible shiver straight down the receptionist’s spine.

Elena swallowed hard, her heart hammering against her ribs.

’Dear ancestors,’ she thought frantically, her cheeks burning. ’Who is this man?! He looks like a high-tier noble from Omni City, maybe the White King in disguise?! He’s so handsome it’s actually terrifying!’

"How may I accommodate you and your young lady tonight, My Lord?" Elena asked quickly, tapping her glass screen to bring up the hotel’s reservation system. "Are you checking in under a prior reservation, or will you be requiring our walk-in VIP concierge services?"

"Walk-in." Koya stated simply.

"Understood, My Lord!" Elena smiled brilliantly, eager to impress him. "We have a magnificent selection of luxury accommodations available for tonight... For a distinguished gentleman such as yourself, I highly recommend our Royal Executive Suites on the 70th floor, which feature private mana-spas and panoramic city views or perhaps our Imperial Presidential Penthouse on the 85th floor? It comes with a dedicated personal butler, private chef, and an isolated anti-grav balcony."

Koya stood there, listening to her pitch.

Inwardly, he let out another heavy sigh.

’In order for this plan to proceed,’ Koya thought, recalling the exact strategy Hakai had mapped out, ’I need to make an absurd scene. I need every eye in this city, especially the Mafia’s informants focused entirely on me.’

He looked Elena dead in the eye. His crimson pupils glowed slightly brighter in the soft light of the lobby.

"I don’t want a suite, Elena," Koya said calmly.

Elena blinked with her manicured fingers hovering over her terminal.

"Oh... I see! You require a dual-connecting wing for your staff and security team? We can certainly arrange—"

"I am buying out the top three floors," Koya interrupted. His tone was as casual as if he were ordering a glass of tap water. "Floors 88, 89, and 90. All of them... Completely."

Silence.

Dead silence fell over the reception desk.

Elena’s brain completely short-circuited.

Her hands froze over the glass terminal and her mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out.

She stared at the handsome, silver-haired young lord in front of her, convinced that her ears had somehow malfunctioned from exhaustion.

"P-Pardon me, My Lord?" Elena squeaked out with her professional composure instantly dissolving into utter bewilderment. "I... I think I must have misheard you. Did you say... a suite on the 88th floor?"

Koya didn’t blink. He leaned in slightly, resting his elbows on the obsidian counter with his crimson eyes locking onto hers with an intense weight.

"I said," Koya repeated slowly, articulating every single word with chilling clarity, "I am buying out all three of the top floors. Floor 88, Floor 89, and Floor 90. Every single room, suite, and penthouse on those three levels. I require uninterrupted privacy for myself and my daughter."

Elena’s eyes bulged.

Buying out three entire floors of a seven-star hotel? That wasn’t just expensive... it was unheard of!

The top three floors of The Sovereign Grand contained the most opulent, high-security penthouses in the entire supercity.

A single night in one suite on the 90th floor cost upwards of five hundred thousand crowns!

Buying out three entire floors meant paying for over thirty ultra-luxury suites simultaneously!

"M-My Lord..." Elena stammered with a cold sweat visibly beading at her hairline. "I... I cannot authorize a transaction of that magnitude on my own! That... that involves evicting current high-profile guests who have reserved those floors months in advance! Please... please wait one moment! I must call the General Manager immediately!"

She frantically hit the emergency summons button beneath the desk.

Within less than twenty seconds, the heavy double doors behind the reception area burst open.

A tall thin man in his late fifties with slicked-back gray hair with a sharp pinstripe suit, and a manicured mustache came hurrying out.

He wiped his sweating forehead with a silk handkerchief with his sharp eyes scanning the lobby before locking onto Koya.

This was Marcus, the General Manager of The Sovereign Grand.

"Elena! What is the meaning of this urgent summons?!" Marcus demanded in a hushed sharp whisper as he reached the desk. "You know we have diplomats from the Trade Syndicate staying on the 89th floor!"

"S-Sir!" Elena squeaked, pointing a trembling finger at Koya. "This gentleman... he wants to buy out floors 88, 89, and 90! Right now! All of them!"

Marcus stopped cold. He turned his head slowly, his appraising veteran eyes taking in Koya’s appearance.

He saw the bespoke black suit.

He saw the luminescent silver hair.

He felt the terrifying and subtle underlying mana pressure radiating from Koya’s crimson eyes.

And then he glanced down at the little girl casually eating five-thousand-credit ice cream out of a crystal bowl.

Marcus was a seasoned veteran of Isle City’s high society. He knew money when he saw it but he also knew the political nightmare of evicting the current occupants of the top floors.

Marcus cleared his throat, stepping forward and offering Koya a deep, polite, but cautious bow.

"Good evening, My Lord," Marcus said, choosing his words with extreme care. "I am Marcus, the General Manager of The Sovereign Grand. I deeply apologize for any confusion. While we are immensely flattered by your interest in our finest accommodations, I must humbly inform you that buying out the top three floors in their entirety is simply not feasible on such short notice."

Koya raised a single eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"Floors 88, 89, and 90 are currently partially occupied by several very prominent figures," Marcus explained, holding his hands up diplomatically. "We have high-ranking Awakened commanders, foreign trade delegates, and senior executives from local enterprise syndicates residing in those suites. Their reservations are guaranteed by contract and we cannot simply... ask them to leave."

Koya let out a quiet dark chuckle. It was a cold, arrogant sound that made Marcus’s mustache twitch nervously.

"Guaranteed by contract?" Koya asked, his voice dripping with smooth contempt. "Everything has a price, Manager. Contracts are written by men, and men are moved by money."

Koya reached into his jacket pocket. He brought out his personal, high-tier black-gold transaction card... linked directly to the spatial vault in his Storage Ring.

He tapped the heavy card against the obsidian counter with a sharp sound.

"Name your figure," Koya commanded coldly. "Cost of the rooms, cancellation fees for your current guests, full refund compensation for their inconvenience, and a generous bribe for your trouble... Do you want digital transfer, physical bearer bonds, or raw mana-crystal notes? Speak quickly. My daughter is finishing her ice cream, and I don’t like standing around in public lobbies."

Marcus stared at the black-gold transaction card resting on the counter. His mouth felt bone-dry.

The man wasn’t even negotiating!

He wasn’t asking for a discount... He was casually offering to pay total eviction compensation for dozens of the most powerful people in the city just so he wouldn’t have to share a hallway with them.

"My Lord..." Marcus swallowed hard, his professional resolve crumbling under the weight of unbridled wealth. "To clear three entire floors... to compensate the Trade Syndicate delegates and relocate the Awakened commanders to our lower VIP wings... the total cost, including expedited clearing fees, would be astronomical. We are talking about... at least ten million crowns for a single night’s stay!"

Marcus stated the number expecting the young lord to hesitate.

Ten million crowns was enough to purchase an entire skyscraper in the mid-tier districts!

Koya didn’t even blink.

He didn’t even glance down at the card.

"Ten million?" Koya asked smoothly.

He reached out with two fingers, sliding the black-gold card across the counter toward the terminal. "Process it... Ten million crowns... Right now!"

Marcus’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull.

Elena let out a stifled high-pitched gasp, slapping both hands over her mouth.

"A-At once, My Lord!" Marcus stammered, his hands shaking violently as he picked up the card and inserted it into the hotel’s highest-clearance terminal. "I... I will require a name and identification signature for the system registry! Standard security compliance for the top floors!"

Koya leaned back slightly, resting his hands in his suit pockets.

"Albano Shirou," Koya stated clearly, his voice carrying effortlessly across the grand reception area. "And this is my daughter, Mable Shirou."

Marcus typed the name frantically into the terminal. Albano Shirou.

The system ran a rapid encryption check against high-tier noble registries.

Because of the magical disguise Hakai had prepared, the terminal green-lit the name instantly, displaying a glowing gold verification seal.

[BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! TRANSACTION APPROVED: 10,000,000 CROWNS TRANSFERRED.]

The terminal chimed with a loud triumphant chime that echoed through the surrounding area.

Ten... Million... crowns...!

Deducted instantly without a single second of delay or a failed balance check.

Marcus looked at the green screen with his face completely pale sweat pouring down his collar.

He looked back up at Koya as if staring at an ancient walking god of wealth.

"I-It... it has been processed, Lord Albano!" Marcus squeaked out, bowing so deeply his forehead nearly slammed into the obsidian counter. "Ten million Crowns received! The top three floors... 88, 89, and 90 are officially yours!"

Koya offered a small, cold nod. "Good. Now get those people off my floors."

"IMMEDIATELY, MY LORD!" Marcus shouted, turning to Elena and the other staff members, his voice rising in utter panic. "Alert security! Alert the concierge team! Politely inform the guests on floors 88, 89, and 90 that due to an unprecedented full-floor buyout, they are being relocated to our 80th-floor Presidential Suites! Give them full refunds! Give them complimentary spa vouchers! Move their luggage right now! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"