Chapter 169-1

Chapter 169-1

[Part 1/4]

"Was it good? Accepting such an offer?"

"It doesn't matter. If we can just get him away from those people a little... it's fine with me."

In a quiet room where a soundproofing barrier was set up, the two women responded. Immediately after, the sound of gold clinking echoed. It was the sound of pruning shears. The princess cut off the rotten red flower from the flower vase, the sound of pruning...

In one of Oumi family's rooms, a secret meeting was held under the guise of a flower arrangement class. On the surface, it was a lesson, but the real reason was to persuade the Second Princess, and the true reason was too obvious to mention.

"Indeed, the Omnyouji Bureau isn't influenced by those two people. But... can we trust them? They're quite cunning, aren't they?"

"Well, that's exactly why we can't let those two people have their way. And... isn't this the time for Grandma to take action?"

Aoi cut off the wilted purple flower and responded with a question. As for Kochou, the Advisor, she had a stronger connection with the central government than the lord and lady of the family. Many people wanted to interfere with Onitsuki's next leader, and Aoi knew that a considerable number of them were in contact with this old woman. This was one of her values.

When it came to dedicating everything to him, this woman's connections were essential to get the imperial court to recognize him...

"And besides, we have insurance. As long as she's attached to him, there's no way he'll be discarded. ...you understand, don't you?"

Aoi stroked the small white flower and smiled. As the former head of the Shadow Department, that girl was quite sweet. That's why she was exiled and ended up running an orphanage.

The orphanage she had established was actually doing a great job of raising children. She wasn't plotting anything out of power hunger.

"Of course, if necessary, I won't hesitate, so please don't worry."

With a hint of reluctance, but the pruning shears cut off the white half-flower with a cold indifference. It would be better to open it a little bigger, but pruning it was unavoidable for the overall harmony.

"...You're still a decisive child, aren't you?"

"Oh, that's rude, grandma. I'm actually quite cautious, you know?"

"That's just a mistake of being too cold-hearted."

"Hehehe."

Without hesitation, Aoi finally dropped the last yellow petal. It was a nuisance, but thinking about the overall impression of this work, it was an out-of-place foreign object. Cut, cut, prune...and Aoi's work was roughly complete.

"Ah, wonderful, I'll acknowledge it."

"Thank you for your praise, it's an honor."

Aoi, who had been slacking off by about 80%, responded with a nonchalant tone to her grandmother's cold praise. Between the two of them was a large, beautiful flower. A single, vibrant flower with a white peach color, and scattered around its base were countless small flowers of various kinds...a work that symbolized her majesty.

...Just like the thing in front of her eyes, but wouldn't her sons be shocked and have their brains destroyed if they saw it? Or maybe it would be better if they were destroyed. Those born in darkness should return to darkness, in every sense of the word.

"Heheh"

"Heheheh"

They laughed, sensing each other's malicious intentions. With a full-faced smile, they washed away everything. In reality, the situation was stubbornly stuck, like oil stains, but form was important.

"I'm just kidding. Don't be so sulky."

"I understand. Don't worry about it."

A superficial apology and acceptance. Now, let's start the conversation again.

"...Still, he was granted a title. In itself, it's a very good thing, and he's being recognized as a 'person'. The problem lies in the 'circumstances'."

The reason for the title being the great achievement was due to his duty with the first princess. Even his appointment as Yun-shoku and his summons by Onitsuki were similar. From the outside, it looks like he's being greatly favored, and those who know the truth also know that there's a deeper reason.

"His personality also plays a part. He has a lot to make up for with Hina, don't you think? You understand, right?"

Although he doesn't need to feel guilty about anything...he will surely harbor feelings of remorse.

"And his heart is undoubtedly drawn to Hina's... be prepared. You'll have to face an unpleasant situation for a while."

Onitsuki Aoi was intelligent, talented, and a genius, but also an extremely emotional woman. Words like "patience" and "self-control" didn't suit her. She was a self-centered, reckless woman who would stop at nothing, and that's what remained after removing the concept of "princess" from Onitsuki Aoi. Her fellow granddaughters' fiery passion, which she indulged in without thinking of the consequences...that's what Kochou feared the most.

"There will be provocations from all directions. But endurance is crucial. With the resolve to endure humiliation, we must be cautious not to act rashly...don't get anxious, okay?"

Strongly, strongly, the grandmother emphasized the importance of caution. She can't let her emotions destroy everything in an instant. Not like her usual self. Not like Hina. She can't repeat the same mistakes.

"Heheh, I think you said it with a hint of fear... But it's just unnecessary hard work. Why do you need to be anxious?"

However, Aoi declared with confidence, without a hint of anxiety or fear, that she would face her grandmother's concerns.

Because, isn't that right?

"After all, he sought me out. My power. He needs my cooperation."

He was relying on her to fulfill his own desires. That alone was enough to satisfy Aoi, and she felt at ease. She was being useful to him. Then, there was no need to worry about being abandoned. She could feel at ease, no matter what. Why would she need to be afraid?

"Can you understand this feeling, too?"