LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 248.2
Chapter 248.2. New Year’s Party
And so, investments in the Amatsugahara Corporation have begun. Noble families are starting to offer their scarce resources proactively.
The corporation has a few percent of mining rights, as well as vast tracts of farmland, and its special district is expected to become a new market. It’s ironic—people had ridiculed it as a ghost with no substance not too long ago, yet now they eagerly jump aboard.
Even people from the inner districts, not to mention those from the outer ones, are now flocking to relocate to the Amatsugahara special district.
“While the earnestness may be gone, what they’re doing hasn’t really changed, has it?”
Seeing this, Konoha frowns inwardly. The desperation has vanished, but more people than ever are chasing after wealth.
Their eyes gleam—though not with hope or dreams of Japan’s recovery. Instead, they’re filled with greed, aiming to seize money and power.
Perhaps things are better than last year, or maybe not. What is certain is that the winds of change are swelling into a storm. How that storm will consume everyone remains unclear.
The only thing Konoha knows for sure is how much it disgusts her. It’s far too convenient for people to now focus on the residents of the former ruins.
A crowd begins to gather around Konoha.
“Greetings, Taira Konoha-sama. Happy New Year. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”
A young man of about her age greets her cheerfully.
“Thank you. It’s the new year, after all, so I decided to make an effort to look nice.”
“This is your final year, isn’t it? Are you planning to go to university?”
Though he asks about her future, it’s clear he already knows the answer—he’s just fishing for further conversation. Seeing the expectation on his face, Konoha remembers who he is. He’s the older brother of a classmate who used to mock her as a clown. His attitude makes it obvious he wants no association with his brother, which leaves her slightly exasperated.
“Yes. But I must also keep up with my work, so I’ll need to be careful.”
“Balancing both must be tough. But as someone who will carry Japan’s future, you need to focus on your studies. I may not be very capable myself, but if you ever need anything, I’ll gladly assist you.”
He nods deeply as if saying he understands the weight of her struggles. His act of “concern” reeks of insincerity. It’s obviously fake.
Konoha knows better than to respond vaguely with, “I’ll think about it.” If she gives him such an answer, he’ll spread it around as if it were a confirmed fact. The inner district is a treacherous place, and those attending the Taira family’s New Year party are worse than monsters.
“I have many talented allies, so you needn’t trouble yourself. Hohoho.”
With that, she cuts the conversation short. The young man likely expected this and kept smiling, unfazed, perhaps planning a different approach. Just as he opens his mouth—
“Indeed, the Jester Knight is full of talented people. As expected of the captain, you understand that well.”
A heavy voice, sharp as a blade, freezes Konoha in place. She glances around to see others stiffening as well.
Turning toward the voice, she loses her words—the person standing there is someone she never expected.
It’s the man at the center of every rumor, the eye of the storm. Amano Sakimori stands in a flawless suit, his gaze is sharp as a knife. By his side is Serika Kamishiro, a beautiful albino girl smiling gently with her hand resting on his arm. She looks stunning in her furisode kimono.
The crowd around Konoha quickly disperses, their expressions tense. There’s no sense of any supernatural pressure or skill—only the raw charisma of a man whose mere presence inspires fear.
Is it instinct that makes her feel danger? It’s as if she’s facing a demon king straight out of a fairy tale, accompanied by a princess who has fallen into darkness.
The two radiate an irresistible allure, an evil charm that captivates Konoha for a moment before she shakes herself out of it.
The fact that he is here catches her off guard. She knew he had received an invitation, but she never imagined he’d actually come—though she had suspected Rei might attend.
“Amano Sakimori-sama, Kamishiro Serika-sama, Happy New Year. You are most welcome.”
She greets them carefully, ensuring her expression doesn’t betray her tension. As she glances around in search of her mother, brother, or sister, she sees them chatting in the distance. They must have noticed Amano’s arrival but chose to stay away, leaving Konoha as the bait. Pouting slightly, she inflates her cheeks in frustration.
“Happy New Year, Taira Konoha-sama. I’ve already greeted Masako earlier, but I felt it necessary to also greet the captain of the Jester Knight.”
“Thank you very much. As captain, I plan to devote myself fully this year.”
“I have high hopes. Vice-captain Rei seems to trust you quite deeply.”
Amano Sakimori lets out a dry, cynical laugh. Konoha steels herself, knowing she must get to the bottom of his intentions.