CH 152.1

Chapter 152.1. Father-Son Christmas

Why is Grandpa here? Mii-chan ponders with a serious expression, balancing the Kon-chan plush toy she received from Tamamo on her head.

It was a dream to have Kon-chan on my head. Does it suit me? Maybe I should dance with Tamamo-chan.

As Mii-chan’s thoughts wander off on a tangent, Papa and Grandpa Kazamichi start a serious conversation, exuding a solemn atmosphere.

“Father, I’m glad you look well.”

“Yes, indeed, Yoshiyuki. I’m still going strong. Don’t worry.”

Papa’s stern gaze momentarily softens, quickly turning into a gentle smile. Grandpa Kazamichi, with a slightly raised corner of his mouth, confidently responds.

Something feels off. Grandpa Kazamichi seems proud for some reason. Mii-chan wonders why but soon receives an explanation.

“I obtained the invitation that got delayed. I took the liberty to get it for myself.”

“…I apologize for the mix-up. Sometimes mistakes in delivery happen.”

“That’s right. Yoshiyuki, you must have learned something, haven’t you?”

It seems there’s an underlying meaning to their words. Though it’s unclear, Mii-chan can sense some sparks flying.

I look at Grandpa Kazamichi with a questioning expression, and he turns his face, his stern look melting into a grin.

“Oh, Miu, you look like a princess today. So adorable!”

“Hehe, thank you, Grandpa Kazemichi!”

“To the lovely Miu, here’s a present.”

With those words, a butler standing behind them brings a huge gift box wrapped in ribbons. Mii-chan wonders what it could be. It’s even bigger than her height.

“Shall we open it?”

“Yes!”

Eagerly, Mii-chan rushes to untie the ribbon on the box, carefully tearing the wrapping paper and revealing its contents.

“It’s a lion-san!”

There is a lion-san plushie toy inside the box, t, and Mii-chan’s face blossoms into a joyful smile. The lifelike lion is big enough for me to ride on safely.

“Thank you, Grandpa Kazamichi!”

He and Papa don’t seem to get along very well, but stuffed animals are blameless. I put Kon-chan plushie on Lion-san’s head, Gaooo.

“I’m glad you’re happy. I heard that Miu loves stuffed animals.”

“I love them! Yay!”

While Mii-chan joyfully plays with the plush toy. Papa is slightly bewildered. Was there something strange about it?

“You knew exactly what Miu likes, didn’t you, father?”

“Huh, of course. Yoshiyuki, I think you learned a good lesson, didn’t you?”

“………”

Papa falls silent for some reason, looking frustrated. I wonder why.

[That’s the difference between Kazemichi and Yoshiyuki, huh?]

As Mii-chan rubs her head against the lion-san, completely delighted, Frigg-oneecan’s thoughts suddenly appear as a hologram visible only to Mii-chan.

She must have infiltrated the party venue and timed it perfectly. Well, she must be nearby. Oh well, no harm done.

[What do you mean?]

[Kazamichi didn’t receive an invitation to the Christmas party. He obtained it through connections and money. Knowing the young lady’s preferences was also a piece of information he obtained through his contacts. Hehe, do you get it now?][So that’s how you use people, right?]

It’s the way nobles use people. It’s a method that papa can’t do.

With a smile, holding the lion-san plushie with Tamamo-chan on top, Mii-chan responds to Frigg.

[That’s right. When the young lady awakened your recovery magic, he quickly obtained the information, didn’t he? Kazamichi’s information network is not to be underestimated.]

[Even after stepping down as the head, his power is still strong. I see. Well, it hasn’t been a year yet, so it’s natural.]

Sitting sideways with the kimono-clad Tamamo-chan, Mii-chan clings to her waist and happily exclaims, causing Mi-chan to bounce around and have fun.

[Is it because of Mii-chan that she appeared at this time?]

[Hehe, you’re quick words. I like the young lady. The point is that Takano County expanded too quickly. Thanks to someone, the prepared talent ran out. Reaching out to Tokyo was the final blow.]

[It was like a strategy simulation game. At first, with a small territory, I entrusted the management to warlords with internal affairs of 80 or more. As my territory expanded, there weren’t enough warlords, and we needed warlords no matter who they were.]

In that case, even warlords with internal affairs of 30 or so were unavoidable, so I entrusted them. It seems the same thing happened here.

He has good timing. He aimed for the time when talent ran out.

Grandpa Kazamichi approaches Dad and whispers in his ear, which catches my eye.

Mii-chan activates Hyper Ear! I choose [Fight] with Grandpa Kazamichi. Then, I can hear everything.

“Yoshiyuki, you have a remarkably high ability to make money. I’ll give you that. But how about your relationships with other nobles? Haven’t you only been associating with the nobles who value their relationships so far?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I’ll repeat what I said before. I’ll teach you how to deal with troublesome nobles. You’ve increasingly got harassed and pressured lately, haven’t you? To prevent harassment and dodge pressure, you need the thinking of a noble. Countless hyenas are trying to gnaw on your increased wealth.”

“Is that why you came?”

“Yeah, you should know my personality well.”

“For the sake of the family… You haven’t changed.”

“That’s why, in this situation, you should also understand that I am an ally. What will you do, Yoshiyuki? Will you send me away here?”

Papa become hesitates, with a slight smile from Grandpa Kazamichi. But he tightly grips his hand and speaks his answer.

“Understood. The fact that you came here today means there is a situation where I have to rely on you. I can’t let go of what has happened so far, but it’s for the sake of the family, and the employees we have hired. Father.”

“Hmph, you’ve somewhat understood your position. I’ll give you credit. If you were to refuse here, I would have misjudged you.”

“I’ve heard those words so many times before.”

After finishing their whispered conversation, the two don’t seem particularly friendly. But they seem to have formed a cooperative relationship and begin exchanging greetings with the branches and other nobles that come one after another.

Grandpa Kazamichi smiles and warmly introduces Papa to the surprised nobles. He emphasizes that the future of Takano County depends on his son.