MV – Chapter 141: The Shukou Family and the Minor Villain

“Don’t you think that attitude was terrible? Why were we kicked out like that?”

“Now, now, dear. I’m sure Arata was just being considerate and going along with the others. Those people have been helping him all this time, so he couldn’t treat them poorly. If he really intended to neglect us, he wouldn’t have prepared this residence for us.”

“Hmm… Is that so? Yes, you’re right. Arata is a kind boy after all. So it was just an act, huh?”

The middle-aged man, who had been pacing in anger, gradually calmed down at the words of the equally middle-aged woman and sat on the sofa. The sofa was so soft that it seemed like it would swallow him, and he patted it with satisfaction.

“This is quite a sofa. I wonder which company made it. Is it made from the hide of a magical beast? It’s better than the one we have at home.”

“Yes, it’s nice furniture. Arata’s really come a long way to be able to gather all this.”

The room they were in had not only a high-quality sofa but also a thick wooden table, luxurious chests in the corners, and expensive paintings hanging on the walls.

“This is from the latest furniture series by the Onodera family. It’s quite pricey.”

“Indeed, my lord. This wine bottle is also real wine.”

“You can truly sense Arata-sama’s kindness.”

Others who had accompanied them started appraising the room’s furnishing, grinning with smug smiles while offering flattering remarks.

This was the living room of an apartment prepared by Lanpeach. The building was 15 stories high, newly built, and intended for residential use. It catered to wealthy residents, with each family occupying an entire floor.

Lanpeach had casually handed this apartment over to Arata’s parents. By the way, the father’s name was Shukou Wareta, and the mother’s name was Shukou Yone. The people who had come along were part of the former branch family of the Shukou family, who had followed the restored main family.

“Father, Mother, let’s just live peacefully from now on since Stepbrother has provided such a splendid apartment.” (Nono)

Nono suppressed a sigh as she watched her parents and the branch family members appraise the interior.

(Surely, this apartment is a sign that he doesn’t want to be involved with us anymore…but it seems like Father and Mother don’t get it.) (Nono)

Nono alone understood that what Stepbrother had prepared was not an act of kindness. Didn’t they notice the cold look in his eyes? Anyone who has seen that would realize it wasn’t out of kindness, but her self-centered parents, who always interpreted things in their favor, probably thought it was all just an act.

As expected, her parents smiled kindly back at her.

“What are you talking about, Nono? From now on, your father will be acting as the head of the Armed Family in earnest. This is where it begins. We’ll build a solid foundation here and pass it on to Arata and you. It is not an exaggeration to say the prosperity of the Shukou family starts today.” (Yone)

“That’s right. Until now, there have been some financial issues that made it hard to participate in the gatherings of Armed Families, but now there’s no problem. Watch closely, Nono. Father is going to make things happen. I won’t waste the opportunity Arata has given us.” (Wareta)

“Indeed, we will give it our all for the sake of the future of the Shukou family.” 

“You can leave the information gathering on the other families to us.”

“At last, our time in the shadows has come to an end.”

The branch family echoed Nono’s parents, praising and agreeing enthusiastically. Of course, their motivation was to get a share of the spoils. They have been living in the Surface District, but they were barely scraping by. The more perceptive members of the branch family had already left, either joining other families or starting anew, and those who remained were little more than a nominal branch of the Armed Family.

However, unlike the branch family, Nono’s parents weren’t lying. They probably weren’t even conscious of taking advantage of Stepbrother. They had always used up Nono’s earnings for the survival of the family without hesitation, believing that a family is there to support each other.

“Um, can I have a bit of your time, Shukou-sama?”

There’s one person unrelated to the Shukou in the room of their daughter. The merchant Sage interrupted the conversation of her parents that were getting excited here. 

He had been kind enough to guide them around the apartment. Stepbrother had shown no intention of doing so, and left coldly, claiming he had work to do.

“Oh, what is it, Sage-san? You’re the head merchant, correct?” (Wareta)

Wareta turned with a relaxed posture, placing his hand on the armrest, as Sage spoke hesitantly. 

Nono sighed quietly in exasperation, thinking his attitude suited that of a head of an Armed Family, at least outwardly.

“H-Head merchant… W-Well, yes, I suppose you could call me that. I help manage Lanpeach-san’s business.” (Sage)

Though confused by Wareta’s old-fashioned way of speaking, Sage, a seasoned merchant, maintained his composure and politely bowed.

“Ah, yes, I’ve heard about you. You’ve made quite a name for yourself with your sincere work. Thank you for supporting Arata. I appreciate it.” (Wareta)

“No, no, Lanpeach-san has made all the arrangements for his success. My contribution is negligible.” (Sage)

It was a condescending tone of gratitude, but Sage kept his smile and humbly nodded. A capable man, indeed. 

Behind him, members of the branch family were whispering, eyes gleaming like hyenas, already discussing how they, too, should assist in Arata-sama’s business.

“Now, do you have some other business with us?” (Wareta)

“Yes. Lanpeach-san has entrusted me with your living expenses. Here’s a check.” (Sage)

Sage placed a card with anti-fraud magic on the table. Lanpeach had provided money and a residence, preparing everything so that the Shukou family would not interfere.

“Fumu, how much is it?” (Wareta)

Wareta held the card up to the light as if checking for a watermark.

“Yes, 3 billion Ele has been deposited. He asked that you accept it as living expenses.” (Sage)

“T-Three billion!? Not millions, but billions?!” (Nono)

Nono burst out in astonishment at Sage’s casual explanation. They’d never have to worry about money again with that much. It was clear that Lanpeach was being serious.

“Wow, Stepbrother really went all out. With this, we can finally live like a true Armed Family, Father, Mother! No more having to eat those awful gadokurie bentos!” (Nono)

Nono leapt to her feet, feeling overwhelming gratitude toward Stepbrother.

Now, even if they splurged on party dresses or sent lavish gifts to gain the favor of influential people for party invitations, the money wouldn’t run out.

Nono rejoiced at the thought of escaping the disgusting gadokurie bentos, but…

“Yes, this amount should at least allow us to maintain appearances for now.” (Yone)

Her mother’s strange remark made Nono stop her silent prayer and tilt her head. What did she mean?

“Sage-san. First, we need to build a proper mansion. Could you contact a contractor for that? Also, we’ll need to hire servants. Considering the future, I’d say we’ll need about twenty.” (Wareta)

“And clothes, too. Suits and dresses. We’ll also need accessories. Do you deal in jewelry? Could you call in a designer?” (Yone)

“E-Eh?! A m-mansion? I could reluctantly compromise about the clothes, but a mansion? Servants? What are you talking about, Father, Mother?! Didn’t we just get this wonderful apartment?!” (Nono)

Nono, unable to believe what she was hearing, couldn’t hold back her shout. Her parents remained calm and tried to soothe her.

“Nono, for an Armed Family, this is nothing more than pocket change. It’s only natural to build a mansion. An apartment is acceptable for a secondary residence, but it’s not fitting for the main house of an Armed Family.” (Yone)

“That’s right, Nono. We need a large estate, a grand mansion, and a large staff. 3 billion Ele will disappear quickly.” (Wareta)

“Abababa.” (Nono)

Nono’s mind went blank. She had known their sense of finances was off, but this was beyond belief.

Even Sage was sweating profusely, and was taken aback by their unexpected actions. Lanpeach had assumed that with 3 billion Ele, they wouldn’t bother him anymore, but there was still the possibility of them using it all. However, it is bound to vanish quickly at this rate.

“Oh, by the way, I saw the daughter of the Tsurugi family, my lord. I believe her name was Tsurugi Touka.”

“My! There’s already a family trying to get close to Arata? The Tsurugi family, you say? They’ve been regaining momentum lately. They’re trying to cozy up to Arata now that he’s gained power. How shameless!” (Yone)

Yone fumed at the words of a branch family member. Sage wondered if he should hand her a mirror, to show her who was really trying to cozy up.

The Tsurugi family had lost influence but still had wealth. They had simply stepped away from power struggles, unlike the Shukou family, who were truly impoverished.

“Hmm, but wouldn’t that girl be just right for Arata? Teaming up with the Tsurugi family would be perfect for regaining momentum from here on out.” (Wareta)

“…Right. That girl, her name was Chihiro, wasn’t it? I think she’d be fine as just a mistress, and that might actually work. Nono, could you arrange a meeting with Touka-san? I hope she’s a good girl.” (Yone)

“Abababa… Eh? With Touka? Ah, well, she’s a good girl, but… Wait, are you thinking of setting her up for a marriage interview with Stepbrother?” (Nono)

“Exactly. Arata needs a spouse too. You know her, don’t you?” (Yone)

“Sage-san, could you tell Arata to send another hundred billion Ele our way? Tell him we’d also like to take on a few jobs to help out the branch families that have been struggling.” (Wareta)

Nono and Sage exchanged glances at the jaw-dropping suggestion.

Their thoughts were the same: This was out of their league.

“I’ll go see Stepbrother for a bit!” (Nono)

“I’ll return to the head office and review this matter.” (Sage)

With that, the two bowed their heads to Wareta and Yone, whose thoughts seemed to come from another dimension, and made a quick escape.

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