LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 260.2
Chapter 260.2. Positions
With a mocking smile, Rei-sama let out a small laugh, and I stuck out my tongue slightly, making a sour face. Indeed, she was right, but admitting it was a bit vexing. Besides, why did the maid only give me bitter tea? Perhaps I should request a cream topping next time.
“Well, there are more important matters to discuss, aren’t there?”
Rei-sama, now serious, turned to look at me, making me frown once more. I knew what she was alluding to; I’m not a fool. But I wish she wouldn’t suddenly switch to being serious. It’s hard to adapt so quickly.
“This mansion. Calling it ‘antique’ sounds pleasant, but in reality, it’s a deteriorating old residence.
Forcing Konoha-sama to stay in such a place is questionable at best. Perhaps they are incapable.”
Fuuka-sama gently traced her hand along the sofa, narrowing her eyes in clear displeasure. While it wasn’t threadbare, it had lost its luster and looked polished from wear. This was not a tasteful antique but simply an old sofa.
The carpet was much the same—thin, worn, and cheap-looking. Even the wallpaper appeared hastily replaced, likely due to guest arrivals. The decorations, from vases to paintings, seemed like they were sold for a pittance in nearby shops. This was no place befitting prominent figures.
“Is Fuuka-sama’s accommodation similar?”
I asked, curious, and Fuuka-sama tilted her head, appearing somewhat puzzled.
“Yes. Frankly, I was curious about others’ lodgings. So, I hurried here to see yours.”
I had been surprised by her sudden visit, but now it made sense. I hadn’t paid much attention over the last few days due to issuing orders to the knights. Fuuka-sama must have also been too busy to care initially.
Once she had a moment to reflect, she realized something was amiss.
“And your conclusion? Was it similar?”
“Compared to here, Sakimori-sama’s lodgings were worse. However, it’s at a level difficult to outright complain about, suggesting a deliberate slight.”
It seemed that before visiting me, Fuuka-sama had already seen Sakimori Amano. But wasn’t her phrasing somewhat ambiguous?
“So, Major General Kuki and the others were different?”
I asked, intrigued by her words. Fuuka-sama nodded, then tilted her head again.
“Indeed, Major General Kuki’s accommodations were impeccable, beyond comparison to here.”
“Why, then, is the Savior of Hakata treated poorly?”
Ordinarily, wouldn’t it be the opposite? I fail to see why they would treat me so indifferently when I am credited, publicly at least, with saving Hakata City from the monster hordes.
“The answer is simple: Otomo Sorin does not truly respect Konoha-sama. They view you as a decoy, a smokescreen.”
Rei-sama lifted her cream-topped concoction with a flourish and chuckled softly. Her words were unexpected. They didn’t believe I had done it? I thought the timing was perfect.
“Privately hired forces arrive to support Hakata City, alongside regular troops. When the battle begins, the leader of these private forces swiftly defeats the monster hordes. It’s a perfect hero’s tale—almost too perfect. This made Otomo Sorin suspicious, viewing Konoha-sama as mere cover.”
“Ah, so they think the internal military really dealt with it? They suspect a hidden weapon, with Konoha-sama serving as a camouflage. Still, if they believe that, wouldn’t they treat Konoha-sama and us accordingly?”
Half-convinced by Rei-sama’s reasoning, Fuuka-sama nodded. However, the remaining question was why they hadn’t done so. It was a logical point, as Fuuka-sama noted.
Unexpectedly, another voice broke in, making everything clear.
“Until recently, Konoha-sama was mocked as a ‘useless clown.’ The Amatsugahara Corporation and the Jester Knight Order were dismissed as outcasts. You and those around you are seen as disposable.”
The maid set down sweets as she spoke. Indeed, information moves slowly in Hakata City. They must be relying on old rumors about me, which makes sense.
“Ah, so the bribe to Major General Kuki was misinterpreted? He likely saw it as nothing more than a token and didn’t understand it came from Amano’s hand.”
With a clap of her hands, Fuuka-sama comprehended why things unfolded this way, while Rei-sama wore a bitter smile. Indeed, it would be inconceivable for a group from a once-ruined district to rise to rival the esteemed Three Families in under two years. It’s only natural they’d assume a paper company propped up by the families.
“In that case, complaining about hospitality seems petty. Major General Kuki must be scrambling.”
Amused, Rei-sama sipped her cream-laden latte. At this point, it was more cream than anything else—perhaps ‘cream latte’ was more fitting.
“Well, at least the mystery is solved. Let’s look forward to seeing Otomo Sorin’s reaction upon learning the truth.”
Waving my hand dismissively, I resigned myself to this poor treatment. Compared to standard hospitality, it wasn’t so bad—just poor by Three Families’ standards.
“…No, this is bad. Sakimori-sama will certainly exploit this.”
Fuuka-sama’s expression shifted, and just as she rose, there was a knock at the door. The maid opened it, then reported back with a somewhat suspicious look.
“Colonel Fuuma, Hana-sama, and many others have arrived.”
Colonel Fuuma? I tilted my head, curious about their intentions.