[Part 2/5]
"While it may not be revenge, there are things that can be seen from the outside, wouldn't you agree? ...Hmm. If you insist on that, then I won't say anything to the two girls."
The head of the household, Juuyaku, spoke smoothly. He anticipated my indirect request and accepted it. I was surprised by his straightforwardness, but it was rely a prelude to the proposal that was about to co.
"...What do you think? Would you care to join us for a al at our ho?"
"That's quite sudden, and a rather bold invitation, isn't it?"
I was quite shocked on the inside. I set my chopsticks down on the dish and turned to face the head of the family to respond to his proposal. I was suspicious of his sudden intentions.
"...Excuse , but do you understand that this is disrespectful to the Onitsuki family?"
"Of course. I also understand that the proper person to make this proposal should be the head of the family, not you, as you are rely a servant."
As a household mber, I had certain rights, but I was also a servant. Regardless of whether I was a household mber or a servant, I had a duty to remain loyal to the family I served. Moreover, in the eyes of society, I was in a position of great favor, having been raised by a yandere psycho father. Logically speaking, it would have been appropriate for to contribute to the head of the family and the Onitsuki family, even if it ant exhausting myself. Changing allegiances to another family would be a huge disgrace... at least from a third-party perspective.
"However, it wouldn't be a bad idea, would it? I've heard that there are troubleso conflicts within the Onitsuki family. I understand that this is one of the reasons you were brought into the family. What do you think? It might be wise to escape before the flas of conflict rise?"
"..."
I fell silent at the head of the family's whispered suggestion. Being a fighter didn't an I was a muscle-headed fool who didn't understand politics. It simply ant that my priority was to hunt youkai, not to get involved in power struggles, money, or political dynamics. I knew I should have gathered more information about the Onitsuki family, but I never expected him to propose sothing so direct.
"If you refuse a complete transfer, I have an alternative proposal. How about a temporary ntorship or being treated as a guest? I can speak to the head of the family on your behalf."
After saying this, the head of the family took a sip of his drink and continued.
"The capital is a place filled with intrigue and sches. Joraku (the visiting capital) is a chance to gain favor with the ruler and make connections. With both princesses involved, the struggle for the next head of the family will intensify even further. For a prominent family like the Onitsuki, it will be intense. Considering your position, I think it would be wise to temporarily retreat until things settle down."
And with that, he smiled kindly.
"Compared to your side, we are quite a small group, but that makes it easier to rise through ritocracy. Isn't it rewarding? For the Household mber Coordinator, getting caught up in worldly disputes could ultimately be a loss for the industry, the imperial court, and the Onitsuki family in the long run. What do you think?"
It was, in a way, an enticing proposal, as alluring as gold. It was a temptation too sweet to resist. If it weren't for , soone else might have taken the bait. For a brief mont, I found myself drawn to that temptation, seduced by the allure of abandoning everything and escaping. But...
"...That's a delightful offer. However, I cannot lightly abandon my family for the sake of appearances. I must respectfully decline."
As a mber of the Onitsuki family, I had no intention of letting go of my position, at least not for now.
With the original story concluded, and having confird the safety of my sisters and family, as well as the well-being of my subordinates, and Magoroku and the others, I could not afford to run away until I had fulfilled my regrets. And after everything was over... that's why I absolutely could not accept the head of the family's proposal. Even if it was rational for my personal survival, it would ultimately an nothing.
If I could do that, I wouldn't be here in the first place...
"...Changing one's mind is a common aspect of human nature. I will always be ready to welco you back, so don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
"I appreciate your kind sentints."
The head of the family spoke as if connecting possibilities, while I rely accepted the formality. Unfortunately, I didn't know if I would still be alive when everything was over, and even if I were, it was optimistic to think I would remain human. The possibility of retaining my reason was equally uncertain.
...Well, in the latter case, the difficult the blue demon-sama would likely end my life cleanly, so I wouldn't have to worry about attacking my own family. In a way, that was a relief. A rather unpleasant safety net.
"Hahaha! Now, now, please try this as well! It's a specialty of our family's chefs! This is made with dicinal herbs..."
I wonder how much they truly understand my inner feelings. However, the head of the household showed no dissatisfaction with my rejection and simply continued to offer hospitality. They must have realized that being stubborn here would be a poor choice. To ease my wariness and negative impression, they welcod warmly. I, too, had no reason to refuse and spoil the atmosphere. I accepted the food and drink graciously.
"..."
As I enjoyed the feast, a thought lingered in the back of my mind: how many more opportunities would I have to eat food prepared by such a person?
"...It's delicious."
It was truly, truly delicious food...
* * *
As the pleasant buzz of alcohol set in, the banquet ca to a close. It was impressive how the Juuyaku family knew just when to end the gathering—at the perfect mont of comfort, without anyone becoming overly intoxicated. They seed to understand how to enjoy alcohol without losing their composure, embodying the idea of knowing when to stop.
Guided by a maid, I made my way to the veranda and arrived at my destination. The room assigned to at the Juuyaku estate was even more luxurious than the inn where I had stayed when I first t the head of the Juuyaku family. It seed that my caretakers, Magoroku and Mari, had already finished unpacking while I was out on my investigation, and they welcod as soon as I stepped inside.
"Thank you for your hard work, Boss."
"Welco back, Tomobe-sama."
"Ah, should I say 'I've just returned'?"
Though it wasn't my ho, I found myself wondering how to respond in such a situation—a trivial question that crossed my mind.
"How was it over there? Were you able to relax while I was away?"
"Please don't say that. We were genuinely worried about you!"
"We prayed every night for your safe return, along with my brother."
Their responses to my joking question were exactly what I expected. Mari, in particular, was so sincere that it was almost troubleso. Since there was no one else to worry about, she could have relaxed, but it seed she wasn't just saying these things casually. Iruka had once told , in an exasperated tone, that when I was away, she would pray for continuously, hour after hour.
"Geez. Since it's our ti, we should be able to use it more freely... Oh, what's this?"
I suddenly noticed a Go board in the corner of the room. The ga was unfinished. However, the moves made on it...
"Did soone co by?"
One player was undoubtedly Mari. But I didn't recognize the other player's moves. Looking at the board, it was clear: it wasn't Magoroku, and it probably wasn't Iruka either. Who could it be? I asked with a hint of caution, or perhaps a feeling akin to jealousy.
"Do you know Suzune-sama, who serves Hotoya?"
"Oh... wait, is she...?"
I was montarily surprised to hear my sister's alias from Mari. I quickly composed myself and confird.
"Yes. She was helping with the koto practice and played a bit on her way back... Was that unpleasant for you?"
Mari asked with a hint of concern in her voice, as if she thought I might be upset. Did she pick up on any negative feelings from my tone?
"No, not at all. So, she... is Mari doing okay?"
I had no reason to object to my sister and Mari getting closer. However, I worried about my sister's health. Especially since she had a mischievous side. At least, that's how I rembered her from the past. So, I was concerned that she might be overdoing it.
"It's not that intense. Besides, I had fun. I can't et Iruka-sama casually anymore... Oh, and I even received a small reward for the practice!"
She then showed the reward money. Compared to what one would receive from a formal instructor, it was modest, but it was certainly not a small amount.
"Please, accept this."
Mari bowed politely and offered her earnings. Her behavior was so formal that it left bewildered.
"But it's your earnings. You can use it however you like, you know?"
"Yes, that's why I'm offering it. It's my wish."
"Am I just a string attached to you?"
A big guy taking a cut from the earnings of a sick, blind girl... No, this was probably the full amount. It was exploitation beyond re extraction. It was a disgraceful act. Inhumane. Am I still human?
(But, I guess if I refuse, it would hurt her feelings...)
At first glance, what might seem like reckless behavior or foolish actions born from ignorance might actually be a way to feel secure in one's position. I've talked about such things a few tis before. Perhaps refusing is more harmful to the heart than I realize. If that's the case...
"Yeah, let's start with saving, shall we? It's important to be prepared for ergencies, after all."
I decide to focus on savings. I co to a sowhat ambiguous conclusion about preparing for ergencies. Speaking of which, Kayo ntioned she was going to start a safe deposit business recently. Apparently, they're offering favorable interest rates for deposits right now. I need to think about building my assets for retirent. I shouldn't expect too much from pensions!
"Right! How about we play a ga after the bath? I want to see how much stronger you've gotten while I was away!"
By the way, the way to check is to see how many moves it takes before I'm forced to resign. Lately, I often find myself in checkmate before reaching 40 moves.
"Yes! I'd be happy to play with you!"
In response to my request, Mari joyfully agreed with pure innocence. With her eyes closed, she radiated a carefree smile that blood like a flower. She bounced slightly in excitent, causing her body to tremble, and quickly averted her gaze from sothing that shook beside her. I glanced at her brother standing nearby. He gave a wry smile and nodded. Is it really okay for you? Is it alright for you as an older brother?
"Ah, well, anyway, please prepare everything. Now, what about ...?"
I already knew where the guest bath in the yashiki estate was, thanks to the maid who guided to my room. That wasn't the issue. If there was a problem at hand, it was...
...
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