LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 261.2
Chapter 261.2. Cunning Plans
Slightly puffing out their chests, the men displayed a pompous attitude. Oh? Hmm?
I couldn’t quite grasp why these men were acting so self-important. My power had already been showcased during the dungeon raids, and even if they only knew part of it, they should’ve understood the extent of my influence in the Kanto region…
Hmm… Sitting back slowly on the sofa, I pondered the reason. Then it struck me—they probably found my stories hard to believe. The divine-level magic and the success of the dungeon raids. Even if Konoha was the one using the divine-level spells, they had seen my capability during the dungeon expeditions.
…However, what about my demeanor during negotiations with Otomo Sorin? I hadn’t behaved as a figure of power. I relied on bribes to sway Kuki and then used gifts to get Sorin’s ear.
I see… Understanding the situation made me smirk. I see. I see, indeed.
“Ah, cough. Apologies. I’m a bit pressed for time. When I heard representatives of Otomo-sama were here, I came quickly, but, as you know, this place is vast.”
With a nervous laugh, I clasped my hands, perched lightly on the sofa, and bowed humbly. To an observer, I would seem like a timid, submissive man. Yukihana, noticing my scheming, gave me a sidelong glare.
Apparently appeased by my demeanor, the men scoffed, clearly reveling in their perceived superiority.
“Otomo-sama has summoned you. You are to meet him at Ryotei Hakata by 5 PM. It’s an inn located within the city.”
Without offering their names, they issued commands before standing, signaling that their business was concluded.
“Yes, I will certainly be there at the appointed time.”
I bowed deeply to the departing men, already anticipating a rather entertaining dinner gathering. I couldn’t help the small smile playing at my lips.
Thus, I found myself dining with Otomo Sorin. He treated us to sukiyaki. A splendid feast, wasn’t it?
In a refined tatami room, Otomo Sorin and his party ate leisurely with composed smiles. On our end…
“Uh, I’ll take just the meat, please? Brother, this is the best meat I’ve ever tasted!”
Daiki, acting every bit the underling, made his request to the serving lady without a hint of restraint. I had instructed him to play his role, but he seemed unnervingly genuine.
Otomo Sorin and his men smirked derisively at Daiki’s blatant indulgence—their expressions suggesting that thugs like us had no class.
“Master. This meat is quite delectable. Here, say ‘ahh.’”
Yukihana pressed close to me, offering a piece of meat with her chopsticks, her kimono deliberately slipping to reveal tantalizing glimpses of her skin. She played the role of a gangster’s mistress with impressive flair.
Exemplary performance, Yukihana. I’m glad Shizuku isn’t here; she’d never pass for a mistress anyway. She’s more like a playful kid—though I won’t elaborate why…
I adopted the swaggering demeanor of a low-tier boss—restraining my mana, slouching slightly, and puffing my chest out arrogantly. I wanted to appear as a small-time thug flexing authority.
Sorin struck up small talk, adopting a magnanimous air befitting a major player. He poured me a cup of sake.
“The recent transaction with the Adventurers’ Guild—seems to have gone well for you. Improved your standing, I’d assume?”
His question, paired with a thin smile and disdainful eyes, prompted me to respond with a matching grin.
“The Triumvirate were pleased, right, Yukihana? They seemed impressed with my work.”
“Indeed, Master possesses exceptional abilities. Hard to believe he came from the slums, yes?”
Tracing her fingers along my chest, Yukihana played her part flawlessly. The mention of my origins only deepened Sorin’s disdain.
“Talented, I see. I heard you run the Amatsugahara Corporation, a front company. Care to join forces, perhaps?”
“Join, how?”
“You intend to peddle goods in this city too, yes? Even your core sales through the Adventurers’ Guild. But dealing through the Triumvirate yields little profit.”
“True… However, I must maintain proper documentation.”
“But no one from Kanto would scrutinize dealings here. I am the city’s governor, after all. Hmm? Any concerns?”
Sorin leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. He intended to skim off sales revenue, using inspections as a pretext.
Feigning hesitation, I nodded quickly, smiling.
“No, it’s a sound proposal. It’s reassuring to have your backing, Otomo-sama. As a first step, would you mind safeguarding our agricultural and core sale records? Seventy percent for you.”
Proposing to manipulate the books was a risky gamble. Sorin seemed pleased, believing me pliable.
“Eighty percent.”
“Understood. Twenty is more than sufficient for me. I’ll send over the documents and money soon.”
“You truly are a capable man. Keep at it. Rise from a petty background.”
Sorin laughed condescendingly. His men joined in with sneers.
I extended my hand to solidify the deal. At that moment, a timely message from Shizuku came through, promising an intriguing turn.
A mutually profitable arrangement, indeed. Whether he’s a clear-cut villain or harbors deeper schemes, it hardly matters.