Book 7 Epilogue, (7)

Book 7 Epilogue, (7)

[Part 7/10]

Kayo declares while playfully sticking out her tongue. However, Otsuru can't help but think that someone who dismisses the idea of being matched with young masters from esteemed families in the central region or noble lords based solely on their portraits has no right to make such statements.

"I completely forgot about rest too! After all, I'm so busy with work every day!... Well then, I'll rest here! Time is money, you know!"

As Kayo is scolded, she hurriedly glances around, trying to evade the criticism, and rushes into the room, locking the door from the inside.

"Oh, right! Please prepare the bath as well! I'll take a bath after dinner!"

She opens the door halfway and makes her announcement. And before a pursuit of lecturing could be unleashed, she hastily closes the door with force and locks it once again.

"Haa, what is she doing..."

...It goes without saying that Otsuru sighed deeply, shrugging her shoulders. Despite Kayo's growing business savvy, her underlying childish mindset remained a cause for concern.

"...Goodness, you're such a bother. I'm not your mother-in-law, you know."

On the other hand, Kayo, who had successfully barricaded herself in the guest room, sighed with a weary expression. She reaffirmed her decision to stay locked in this room until things settled down.

...In any case, this meeting must not be seen by others.

"Phew... I guess we only need candlesticks for lighting. Could you please arrange that for me?"

After glancing around the dim and deserted room, Kayo made a request to no one in particular.

In an instant, without any warning, the candlesticks set up in the room all lit up simultaneously, casting a faint glow on the eclectic Western-style guest room.

"I apologize for the trouble."

In the midst of this seemingly supernatural phenomenon, or perhaps the work of a tanuki or fox, Kayo remained completely unfazed. Instead, with a carefree smile, she swiftly took a seat in a nearby armchair, sinking deep into its embrace.

'Isn't it said that one should surround themselves with good company? You've gone through quite a bit of trouble this time, haven't you?'The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

'Regarding the incident the other day, I appreciate your concern. However... it seems you've spent quite a sum of money. Was it worth it?'

At that very moment, two shadows emerged from behind Kayo as if peering over her shoulder. With their elegant voices, they revealed themselves as a graceful pheasant and a white egret. They appeared as if they had been there all along, as if they had materialized out of thin air.

However, this was within Kayo's expectations, and she showed no trace of surprise as she greeted them with a welcoming smile. Naturally, she exchanged greetings.

"Madam Advisor, Second Princess. Good to see you. Yes, there is no problem. After all, half of the inventory was already overstocked anyway."

Kayo's words were indeed true. Lately, not only in the Northern region but throughout Fusō-kuni, there had been numerous incidents related to youkai. While the destruction of villages was not uncommon, the soaring transportation costs and price increases resulting from it led to a decrease in purchases.

The lives of the merchants and producers are also at stake. If they have excess inventory and cannot ship it this month, it becomes a problem. As winter approaches, transportation becomes difficult, and in the worst case, they have to keep the inventory until the snow melts. Selling it off to the imperial court here wouldn't be a bad choice in that case.

'But even so, it pains me. ...I've burdened you with the dirty work, as in the incident in Hotoya Village. I don't know how to thank you...'

The white egret expressed a formal sense of apology. The turmoil in Hotoya Village in the early autumn was publicly treated as a hoax by Kayo's misunderstanding and spread as a rumor to the public. And this time's incident... while it could be considered a service to the imperial court, from the perspective of the trading company, it was simply selling off inventory at an unfairly low price, which was not particularly pleasing.

"Do you have any issues or complaints within the trading company?"

'Even if he were to transform into a youkai, the aftermath would be troublesome. Besides, isn't it my dear grandmother's role in the first place?'

'...'

The egret shikigami wore a smile that seemed friendly. She smiles and remains silent. Kayo, as well as the second princess of Onitsuki, responded with equally amiable smiles.

They knew. They knew the widow's intentions. They knew why she forcibly pushed that child (Shirowakamaru?) into this position. It was merely a means to crush him, the one who would become a monster, and return him to humanity using that method.

The true aim was to violate and crush that wretched child, to use the pretext of being his master to approach him. Bound by guilt, he wouldn't refuse. And afterwards, she would gradually manipulate his disturbed and defenseless emotions... Truly befitting the name "Black Butterfly Woman." Cunning.

However, that plan was ultimately thwarted by her own choice.

'Hehehe.'

'Hehehehe.'

"Hehehe."

Recognizing the unfavorable odds stacked against them, Kochou smiled, and the other two followed suit, almost as if disappearing into a haze. Their laughter felt hollow, devoid of genuine joy. Kayo couldn't help but think that they made quite an indecent trio of women.

(If I recall... was it 'Prisoner's dilemma'?)

She suddenly recalled a passage from a philosophy book she had read to improve her negotiation skills as a merchant. It argued that if everyone distrusted their counterpart and pursued their own optimal solution, ultimately everyone would lose.

Fortunately, at present, the three of them in this place were facing the same direction. They were progressing toward the same goal. Therefore, internal strife would be a waste of time and resources. By focusing on their single-minded love for him, they were freed from the ugly competition. It was truly remarkable. Love was a magnificent emotion.

...Although she couldn't just shelf it and forget about it.

'...By the way, I never expected that child, Shisui, to be so proactive in his actions.'

And to break free from the disadvantageous situation, the advisor brought up a change of topic. However, as mentioned earlier, questioning it would be futile, and Kayo and Aoi both shared the same sentiment.

"Lord Shisui... is he Tomobe-san's superior?"

'Yes, indeed. This time, he made quite a remarkable move. I never expected him to be so proactive.'

Kayo took the lead in addressing the topic. Then Aoi's expression seemed skeptical. It bore an air of caution and doubt.

It seemed that the actions of the head of the servant group in this incident appeared unnatural and peculiar to the second princess.

"If I recall correctly, he was originally the head candidate of the Onitsuki family?"

'Yes, that's right. But he easily gave up that position.'

'Could it be out of fear of the head of the family? Is there a possibility that he viewed the risk of being entrapped like me?'

'That's unlikely. If that were the case, then even more so, he wouldn't make any moves now.'

Indeed, how many years had it been since Aoi's father, Yuusei, lay on his deathbed? To stir him into action after he had awakened... it only served to raise unnecessary suspicions.

'Rather, it was surprising how easily he accepted his nephew's proposal.'