LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 255.1
Chapter 255.1. Hakata Meeting
The room was already filled with people seated around a long table. They’d been discussing something until I entered, but the moment I stepped in, everyone fell silent, looking at us.
People from the Hakata side and the Tokyo side were seated across from each other. For some reason, seated at the head of the table, also called the birthday seat, was none other than Taira Konoha.
“Apologies for being late. It seems you’ve already begun the discussion.”
Konoha wore a flowing black dress made of lace-like fabric, with a deep neckline, creating a seductive look. Though she looked alluring with her makeup and outfit, her face was flushed with embarrassment, making her seem a bit pitiful. Someone must’ve forced her into that dress.
Diagonally to my left sat the self-proclaimed miracle strategist, Rei, who wore a silver mask covering her eyes and an outfit resembling nobility, along with Major General Kuki, who led this army, and his subordinates. Rei glanced at me, giving a subtle nod as if to say she did a fine job, which gave away who had picked out Konoha’s dress.
Across the table sat the Hakata leader, an elderly, bald man named Otomo Sorin, alongside other key figures. I had already looked up the participants beforehand.
Standing against the wall were Karin and Yoko, likely acting as bodyguards. The cat-girl Karin looked sleepy, while the fox-girl Yoko had a serene, noble air about her, radiating the image of a chaste, righteous sword saint. Her stern face betrayed no cunning—how thick-skinned could a fox-girl be?
They seemed to have been discussing something tense until now, with a bit of hostility hanging in the air. I wondered which side had shown greed as I casually walked up behind Major General Kuki and patted his shoulder.
“Major General Kuki, thank you for your hard work. The dungeon raid went well. A soldier reported that they’d like you to inspect about a hundred B-rank monster cores as samples.”
“Hm. I see, then it’s my responsibility as the leader to confirm that. I’ll leave the discussion to the politicians and excuse myself.”
With a slight smirk, Major General Kuki stood up and decided to leave. Though he was a major general, he was from a vassal house of the Taira clan and didn’t make much income. The chance to inspect monster cores valued at about one billion yen was enough to make him withdraw easily.
“I’d appreciate it if the remaining officers could also assist with the inspection, ten B-rank monster cores each.”
“Indeed, the major general may need assistance. We’ll excuse ourselves as well.”
The officers, chuckling, followed him out. They likely weren’t worried about receiving any glares from the Taira clan, as this was my request.
With about seventy percent of our negotiators gone, the room felt emptier, but it couldn’t be helped since these officers prided themselves on not interfering in politics.
“The officers’ dedication to their work is admirable.”
Sitting in one of the empty chairs, I noticed Yukihana taking a seat beside me with a look of exasperation. Was there something to be exasperated about? I had no idea.
“Such excellent officers; I’m moved to tears.”
“This is unbelievable. Could you be a bit more mindful of how you appear?”
It was two bureaucrats who voiced their criticism. I recognized them—Taira Kiyo and Minamoto Fuuka. Had they become bureaucrats now? I didn’t know the bureaucrats from the Ashikaga family. Maybe they were sent to secure their cut.
“I don’t see a problem, do you? They’re just here to make up the numbers.”
I said nonchalantly to the narrow-eyed Taira Kiyo. They’re just here to stir things up, and I don’t like unnecessary noise.
“Amano-sama, your actions are so direct that I have no words. Well, with fewer Taira subordinates, it makes negotiations easier, so I’m grateful.”
Fuuka, the elf, responded with a cool expression, though her tone carried a hint of exasperation. She didn’t seem genuinely thankful. I’d appreciate a bit more sincerity.
“Did the dungeon raid go smoothly?”
Konoha, stiff with nerves, turned to me and asked in a high-pitched voice, moving mechanically like a tin robot. Among these sly people, her purity stood out. It was somewhat reassuring.
“Heh. The dungeon raid went well. As per my strategy, they gathered the monsters and collapsed the floor, defeating them all at once.”
What kind of plan was “collapsing the floor”? Rei’s cryptic laugh as she gave this unsettling explanation wasn’t very reassuring. I’m starting to wonder if she lost some of her sense and rationality along with her administrator rights.
“We’ve cleared most of the high-level dungeons around here. They were mainly magic-based terrain, filled with slow-moving plant monsters like Flame Plants, Fire Treants, and Flame Rafflesias, so there wasn’t much trouble.”
“Ridiculous! That dungeon, with its fiery flowers in bloom, easy? Even in fireproof suits, it’s a death trap where one can’t last more than a few minutes!”
Otomo Sorin’s face grew stern as he raised his voice, doubting my words. He clearly didn’t believe me. True, Flame Plants that unleash fire like flamethrowers would be fatal for an average person, but I have high stats.
“Flame Plants use magic attacks. Even physical attacks at that level aren’t much trouble. Either way, neither Yukihana nor I are affected.”
Mimicking Sei, I gave a gentle, saintly smile. Emulating a saint’s expression should have an impressive effect.
Otomo Sorin and the others eyed me suspiciously, with a hint of fear in their expressions. Others seemed uncertain about how to react, hesitating in their observations.
“Isn’t it unnecessary to verify the truth of his claims now? Shouldn’t we move on with the discussion?”