Chapter 135.6

Chapter 135.6

[Part 6/6]

...

"Yes, well, I said "do your best." But still?"

On the other side of White Egret, the woman murmurs. Her son has truly grown into an unpleasant character. He only inherited the negative aspects from both herself and that man. He's intensely persistent, meddlesome, despicable, and unforgiving. How far does he want to degrade his dignity?

"If he's going to make a fuss, couldn't he at least do it within the family... Does he really want to spread it around so dramatically?"

No, she understands. It's to torment him. Degrading the servant is just the beginning. Just a process. She probably knew what kind of personality he has and created this spectacle. Understanding that child's nature, who can find even a jewel in filth and not just dust, is... she can't help but feel disgusted, even though he's her own son.

It doesn't matter. If that's the case, she also has a hand to play. She won't let him take it. That child, at least, she'll save him from this injustice. It's the only form of atonement she can offer as a member of the wretched Onitsuki bloodline.

This time, she'll save him.

So...

'I'm sorry, okay? I can't really find you cute.'

Grandmother, with a hint of catlike apology, whispered to her granddaughter, whom she intends to discard...

* * *

"It seems you've been quite mischievous again, Aoi."

"Mischievous? I merely disciplined the vassals as a member of the main household."

In the dim study, illuminated only by candlelight, Aoi, the daughter who had entered while murmuring, looked calmly at her father as she replied. She did so without a hint of guilt, more as if it were a matter of course.

In truth, it felt entirely logical to her. Of all things, that companion her father had chosen refused to accompany her... and just a mere servant at that! To her, Onitsuki Aoi, it was an act that smeared both her and her father's reputation. In fact, what she did could be seen as merciful, letting him off with such a minor punishment. She had originally intended to tighten the leash just a bit more...

"But more importantly, it's surprising how the news spread so quickly."

"Gossip travels fast, especially when it has fins and scales. It's something you should be well aware of as a direct descendant of the Onitsuki."

"...Yes, Father."

A comment and reprimand emerged from behind the curtain, serving as a caution. Aoi slightly frowned in response. Frowned, but immediately gave a respectful bow and complied.

For her, it was belief in sincerity and affection. Aoi had never held an ounce of trust for her mother, who abandoned her like unwanted goods. The same applied to the subservient group that wore submissive smiles for her.

Aoi had wanted to believe her flesh and blood, her parent, who could reprimand her honestly. She had hoped for that. To be loved, she wanted to think...

"As for that servant, keep an eye on him. He's certainly capable. And it holds political significance as well."

Once, this was housed in the treasure vault of the demon (oni) that had nested in this valley.

The head of Onitsuki family's servant group, a frivolous man belonging to an affiliated branch of the Onitsuki family, Onitsuki Yuusei, glanced coldly at him.

"How did it go?"

"Just as you instructed. All that's left is execution... which is going to be the hardest part. Trying to deal with that monster is a heavy burden, you know?"

Yuusei's words were casual yet earnest. Onitsuki's direct descendant, the princess, the crystallization of the prestigious Onitsuki family's talent... he (the head of servant group) couldn't be sure he could confront her head-on, even with his strategizing. Even a slight gap, a moment of complacency, could lead to ruin. Terrifying.

"In other words?"

"Just one more push. I'm looking for some insurance here."

The figure smirked triumphantly. After a brief exchange of gazes, the lord pulled something as if surrendering.

"I leave it to you. The formal transfer will take some time, but rest assured. No one in the family will oppose me after this plan."

"Well, well... to think you'd entrust me with something like this. I'll have to work extra hard, won't I?"

The servant exclaimed in admiration at the bestowed weapon. Like the Recognition Inhibiting Coat, it was a top-grade curse-tool passed down in the Onitsuki family. A wicked weapon.

For him, it was something that originally shouldn't be granted to someone like him, a member of the family.

"As per our contract, if you succeed, the entire Onitsuki family will be under your control. The other branches won't be able to oppose you. You should strive for that."

The head of the servant group, a position not particularly revered within the Onitsuki family, especially with the current auxiliary role, didn't hold any dissatisfaction about his status. He was not particularly modest.

Ambitious and impulsive, but precisely for that reason, he held value. At least for the man who was the head of the family.

"Heh... Well then, I'll take my leave."

"Yes. Make sure to gather your strength for the main event."

With a polite yet impolite bow, the servant leader donned his coat and disappeared. Silence dominated the room for a while...

"..."

After a while, the sound of a brush scraping paper began to leak out of the room. Relentlessly, endlessly...

Fan art:

Title: Aoi in a Hanfu dress.

URL: [Link]