Chapter 174.2

Chapter 174.2. Takano Miu’s New Year’s Party

-Yoshitaka’s POV-

“Alright! Mii-chan sent that letter!”

Startled by the energetic and cheerful voice, Yoshitaka quickly turns his gaze toward the source.

Takano Miu, a bright young girl, is climbing on a lion plushie and proudly puffing out her chest.

“Oh, it’s you? No, did the head of the family send such a letter?”

At just 10 years old, Takano Miu is known to be an airheaded and foolish girl, so Yoshitaka finds it hard to believe she would send such a letter. He questions her sternly, but Miu doesn’t flinch or try to put up a front. Instead, she smiles and nods.

“Yup, shisho said it’s about time to learn to write letters, so I was given various information and assigned homework to make improvements in Takano County.”

Yoshitaka becomes enraged by Miu’s proud response and protests vehemently, almost showing a hint of murderous intent, causing a commotion among the onlookers.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Do you intend to cut ties with Washizu Shipping over some homework?!”

As Yoshitaka speaks, everyone exchanges glances in disbelief. Miu squints her eyes and focuses her deep blue gaze on him.

“I’m not kidding, you know? The recent interference plus harassment towards the branch family hindered the main family’s management and spread exaggerated rumors. Washizu-san, you don’t consider yourself a part of Takano County, right?”

“What?! How dare you speak so rudely without any evidence! Even if you’re the head, I won’t let it slide!”

Feeling an inexplicable fear towards the girl whose aura has changed, Yoshitaka swallows hard and continues to protest.

Maintaining her smile and emanating the aura of a powerful individual in her eyes, Miu nods.

“There’s more to it. Recently, you rented a ship, right? We don’t need a branch family that only causes trouble. It’s my homework from the teacher!”

“N-No, this is absurd! Y-Yes, I did lend the ship, but it has nothing to do with the assassins or the destroyed warehouse district! Ah!”

Caught off guard, Yoshitaka tries to refute instinctively, but his words reverberate through the silent hall.

The incident with the assassins and the destruction of the warehouse district happened the day before yesterday. No one knows what exactly transpired, but they noticed Yoshitaka’s involvement.

People’s icy stares pierce through him.

“Haa… I see. You’re right, Miu. Washizu-san should be allowed to become independent.”

“How foolish…”

Yoshiyuki placed his hand on his forehead in exasperation, agreeing with Takano Miu’s opinion as Kazamichi glared at him with contemptuous eyes. The other attendees whispered among themselves, indicating that there would be no objections.

“Washizu Kaiun is the only maritime shipping company in the Takano Transportation Industry! It has been cherished for generations! Are you suggesting we abandon it?”

Feeling the unfavorable situation, Yoshitaka tried to persuade those around him. However, Takano Miu responded mercilessly with a sweet voice, ringing a bell.

“I’ve thought about it a lot! And what I came up with is to establish business relationships with other maritime companies. Other maritime-related households are eager for trade, as they can make a great profit. We’ll gain reliable allies, and even if the profits decreased a little, it won’t be a problem!”

With an excited tone, Takano Miu proudly shared her thoughts, and Yoshitaka tried to counter what she said, but he was too unsettled to speak coherently.

“Indeed. Although the profits in maritime shipping may decrease, we’ll reap more benefits from having more households forming alliances with Takano County. Miu, you’ve thought this through.”

“Hehe, I’ve worked hard thinking about it!”

The current Takano family was not solely in the transportation industry. Transport to Tokyo could become the largest industry, domestically and internationally. By aligning with Takano County in the transportation business, many people will get considerable profits. Washizu Yoshitaka had already grown significantly thanks to that approach.

The business partners would undoubtedly become strong allies for Takano County. Even without Washizu Yoshitaka, the profits wouldn’t show any decrease.

However, it was too rational. Yoshitaka expected opposition from those around him, but no one supported him.

She smiled innocently, without guilt, appearing as nothing more than an innocent girl.

Because of that, he felt a sense of dread and an upsurge of hatred towards this girl.

“Don’t be ridiculous! A useless brat who can’t even fight properly! Just because you can use recovery magic!”

Gathering mana in his hands, Washizu swung. The wind clings to his arms, and he strengthens his body, transforming into a mighty fist.

Gathering mana in his hand, Washizu raised his arm. The wind enveloped his arm, transforming it into a powerful and reinforced fist.

[Gale Fist]

[Skull Crusher]

“Gah!”

However, Yoshitaka couldn’t strike. His head received a powerful impact, causing it to jerk backward, sending him flying.

In his dizzy vision, he tried to think why. But he couldn’t find an answer.

“Ta-da! I’ve been trained in combat, you know?”

With chopsticks in hand, the figure of a spirited girl with heavy breaths came into view amidst the blurry vision. She appeared as nothing more than an innocent and weak girl.

“You pretended to be a fool…”

However, Yoshitaka sensed the strong will and power lurking within her eyes and groaned, but his consciousness faded into darkness.

Sometime later, Washizu Yoshitaka was apprehended by the warriors as a key witness, but released due to lack of evidence. However, the people around him looked at him with disgust. So he reluctantly retired and handed over half of his shares to another family under Yoshitaka’s command, showing submission to Takano County.