LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 248.1
Chapter 248.1. New Year’s Party
The New Year’s party. The inner town is busy during the New Year. The only quiet day is New Year’s Day itself; after that, various people come to pay New Year’s greetings from branch families and other households.
Normally, I would still have some free time, but now, lying in bed, I press my face against the pillow and move it back and forth. The cold, soft sensation of the memory foam pillow returns, and feeling good, I try to escape reality as Konoha thinks vaguely.
Well, it’s impossible, though.
“Milady. It’s time to end your break. You need to fix your disheveled face, so please get up.”
“Shouldn’t that be rephrased to say my makeup is messed up? Ah, do I still have to greet more people?”
Feeling fed up, I flip onto my back and respond to my faithful maid. There were too many greetings to handle, so I had escaped to my room, claiming I needed to fix my makeup. However, the maid shows no mercy.
“Would you consider disguising yourself and making an appearance? I will prepare a reward for you.”
“Understood. I’ve been instructed by the head of the household, so it’s fine.”
The maid readily agrees. Her straightforwardness makes Konoha squint suspiciously. It’s too suspicious.
“Your mother didn’t just say that, did she? What’s the continuation?”
“She said it’s fine to get engaged to someone you like. Don’t worry; I will choose someone generous who pays well for maids.”
The devoted maid was fully intent on taking advantage of the swap.
“Now, let’s fix your makeup and return to the New Year’s party. Will you help me?”
I sit up suddenly, resigning myself to return to the New Year’s party. I suspected my mother wouldn’t be so lenient, but it seems she had me figured out.
There are numerous marriage proposals flooding in. There are rumors that I might become the next head of the family, and many suitors are willing to take a daughter-in-law from outside.
It’s an outrageous story for me. How old do they think I am? The custom of engagement is already outdated. The reason it faded is that each household trusts in its own strength.
However, everything changed with the existence of the Amatsugahara Corporation. Many families have fallen, and new ones are rising. Even in this unstable situation, the three great families are expanding their influence.
Weakened families are offering up brides to create connections for survival. They can be considered hostages to gain the protection of the Taira clan.
The leader of the Jester Knight. Now, the top of the Jester Knight possesses overwhelming power among private soldiers. To Taira Konoha.
It’s troublesome. I feel like hiding because it’s such a hassle.
“Milady. I will iron out the wrinkles.”
Excuse me, as the maid presses the iron against my skirt. Steam rises as the wrinkles vanish from the fabric.
“Could you show a bit more hesitation? It’s scary when my legs are used as a base, you know?”
“With your status, you shouldn’t get burned from ironing anymore.”
“Reason and emotion aren’t aligned, you know? Do you respect me?”
The maid glides the iron smoothly over my delicate skin without a hint of guilt. On the contrary, she seems cheerful, humming a tune. While it’s true that I probably won’t get burned status-wise, it’s still scary, and Konoha sighs at the maid’s attitude, waiting for the ironing to finish.
The Taira clan’s New Year’s party is a buffet-style event. This is to make greetings easier. If it were traditional seating, people would form a line and greet each other one by one, which is a waste of time, so Hirakiyo decisively cut that bad custom, allowing greetings to be completed all at once.
This method, while simple, was well received. Those seeking deeper connections skillfully engage in conversation, trying to take the lead in the group, while those who prefer to remain quiet keep a distance.
Previously, this format was a relief for Konoha but also left her feeling frustrated. Hardly anyone would greet her; she was mostly ignored.
After all, she was a troublesome girl loudly proclaiming her desire to help the people of the Ruins District, which had no value to the residents of the inner town. She was often treated as if she didn’t exist. Being a member of the Taira clan meant that, unlike students, it wasn’t blatant, but she still faced condescension.
However, she is now even called a talented woman with foresight. Helping the people of the Ruins District is rumored to be a cover for teaming up with the Amatsugahara Corporation, and there are whispers that she’s scheming to form the Jester Knight behind the scenes.
As a result, people flock to Konoha like ants to sugar. It’s incredibly annoying.
As I advance into the hall, the chandelier illuminates the space, and various dishes are laid out on the tables—a familiar sight. It’s a luxurious party fitting for the Taira clan’s New Year’s celebration. However, there was one significant difference.
The way people plotted to snatch a limited pie was a bit different this time.
“Hey, did you get a piece of the investment in the mine?”
“Ah, thanks to you. We need to recruit settlers for the mining city before we can get it operational.”
“We are preparing to procure a sufficient number of materials over here.”
Hahaha, men in suits are chatting away. This is not unusual, but their tone exudes confidence.
Usually, people in the inner town pondered how to earn money, targeting each other’s profits like starving wolves. However, this year, due to the discovery of a large mine, they were engrossed in its development and the rights to future excavations.
“By the way, I heard that the Amatsugahara Corporation has started constructing a steel mill.”
“They are reportedly gathering used goods to prepare for making machines themselves.”
“I’ve decided to invest in the Amatsugahara Corporation. From now on, that special district will see a significant increase in population, and the district will expand as well.”
“Oh? Do you have connections with President Amano?”
“I have ties with President Kamishiro.”