MV – Chapter 150: Invitation and the Minor Villain

“An invitation? Of course I have one, Arata. Oh my, it seems you’ve finally decided to engage in social activities as the future head of the family.”

“That’s right. I’ve been thinking that it’s about time for Arata to make his debut as the future head and meet people from various circles. Lately, there’s been a lot of disappointment that he’s not attending the parties.”

The two people spoke with friendly faces and seemingly normal words. These were none other than Shukou Arata’s parents. Their words were ordinary, but their actions were troublesome; the kind of people whose lack of involvement would make life more peaceful.

However, Lanpeach had visited the mansion for a specific purpose this time. Yes, the mansion.

Upon hearing that they intended to use the full 10 billion Ele he gave them to build a mansion, Lanpeach schemed and had the Taraworkers construct it instead. The cost was 10 billion Ele. The entire amount of money was returned, and the actual cost came down to just two tons of pork for the Taraworkers’ food and the building materials.

“Ma~n, that’s a huge help, Father, Mother. So, when’s the next party? I’d prefer one where the heads of the Armed Families will be attending, if possible.” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach made the request to his parents in the parlor that still smelled like new. His goal could be achieved if Onodera Bacchus attended, but he avoided mentioning the name directly since it would be troubling if that fact were to spread.

Chihiro and Nono were also present with Lanpeach. Arata’s parents happily listened to the suggestion, exchanged glances, and nodded in agreement.

“Oh my, if you’re going to debut in society, it has to be a grand party, doesn’t it?” (Yone)

“Exactly. We need to make a big statement about the revival of the Shukou family. Servant, bring the invitations that have arrived at the house.” (Wareta)

“Certainly, Master. I shall carefully select the grandest parties and bring them to you.”

The elderly butler, who had been silently waiting in the corner, bowed deeply and left the room. His polite demeanor showed he was no mere make-believe butler.

A middle-aged maid entered with an ‘excuse my intrusion’, placing coffee and cake on the table with a soft clink. The sound of the plates was almost nonexistent. This one is also a veteran.

Lanpeach surveyed the reception room while waiting for the butler to return with the invitations. Everything from the paintings to the table was first-class. Besides the middle-aged maid, there were two younger maids also on standby in the room. Outside the room, there were butlers, maids, gardeners, and a chef; a whole lot of people.

“Hey, Father, haven’t you already spent all the money you got from Stepbrother? What’s with all the servants? How are you going to pay their salaries?” (Nono)

Nono, unable to bear the extravagance, leaned forward, glaring at her parents. If they had looked away awkwardly, there might have been some hope. But these two had nerves of steel.

“Nono, we’re obviously asking Arata to take care of the servants’ salaries. This family used to be independent of the branch families, but they came begging for forgiveness, so we took them back in.” (Yone)

“It’s because our family’s power weakened temporarily. I made it clear that there would be no forgiveness for another betrayal. We had to show some leniency, or the branch families wouldn’t support us. In exchange, they offered skilled servants and even their family members to serve us.” (Wareta)

The two laughed heartily, showing their so-called generosity, leaving Lanpeach and Nono dumbfounded.

(Of course you can be as generous as you want if I’m the one paying their salaries!) (Lanpeach)

“Oh, you’re talking about the somewhat wealthier branch families? Could it possibly be the families that are not included in the farm management?” (Lanpeach)

“Exactly, Arata. We need trust and credibility to maintain such generosity. Once we feel sure they won’t falter, we’ll entrust them with work again.” (Wareta)

Lanpeach frowned at his father, who puffed out his chest with pride. Nono glanced at Lanpeach with an apologetic look.

(I wish you’d show me that kind of unnecessary generosity. Damn it! The other branch families came back? I was planning to drive them all out in one fell swoop!) (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach had heard from Krita that the branch families entrusted with managing the farms had all begun embezzling funds, so he had assumed the branch family issue would be settled. It was a shock. 

Well, they might be satisfied with just sending servants, but that’s probably not the case. The sharp ones are likely watching to see how Lanpeach responds.

For now, Lanpeach decided to keep an eye on the returning branch families since there was no immediate harm…..though he hadn’t expected Arata’s parents to dump the salary burden on him. Nununu, is this a necessary expense too? Let’s concentrate on the invitations for now.

“Master, Young Master, here are the invitations.”

As Lanpeach quietly gathered information about the extent of their spending, the butler returned, placing a pile of invitations on the table. A pile, indeed. It was no exaggeration.

“This many?! Last time, we only got one or two out of pity!” (Nono)

Nono was surprised, and so was Lanpeach. Are there really that many people throwing parties? Is this like sending New Year’s cards?

“Hahaha. There’s also a tea party invitation for you, Nono. Now that the house has been built and things are looking good, you should start engaging in social activities too.” (Wareta)

“A tea party…” (Nono)

Powder of Elements has a Japanese-style background, but a tea party? Is it a traditional tea ceremony? British afternoon tea? Or maybe something from another fantasy world?

“We’ll have to order a dress for Nono, so we will have to do that later. But as for you, Arata, this one is perfect. It’s an invitation to the Tanabata Festival party hosted by the Onodera family. It’s the biggest party in recent times, and the Armed Families are sure to attend. It’s perfect for your debut.” (Yone)

Yone handed over an invitation with a golden border and fine paper, smiling happily.

—The Onodera family. Perfect. Tanabata Festival? I guess that means yukatas? I would like to eat grilled corn. Maybe they’ll have okonomiyaki stalls too.

Lanpeach’s mind wandered to thoughts of festival food and stalls yet unseen. A very modest minor villain, indeed.

“Yup, yup, the Tanabata Festival sounds perfect. Make sure to get the best suit made. And who will be the girl you will be taking as your escort?” (Wareta)

“Escort?” (Lanpeach)

“You’re single, so of course you need one.” (Wareta)

(An escort, huh? This sounds like a fantasy… but I was expecting this.) (Lanpeach)

So, Lanpeach placed a hand on Chihiro’s shoulder, who had been silently eating her cake.

“Of course, it’s my girlfriend, Chihiro. Right?” (Lanpeach)

“Y-Yes! I’ll do my best to fulfill my role as Lan’s partner.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro quickly washed down her cake with coffee, smiling as she greeted the others. Despite being warned in advance that there might be something like an escort arrangement, she seemed a bit flustered when it came to the real thing.

However, Lanpeach had confidently assumed that his parents wouldn’t object. He had given a strong answer last time, so it should be fine this time as well.

But both of them frowned.

“Hey, Arata, I’m not opposed to your relationship with Chihiro-san. You have shared hardships until now after all. But the Tanabata Festival is attended by the elite of every family. Proper etiquette and social status are paramount. I am sure Chihiro-san won’t be able to enjoy the party.” (Yone)

They were clearly objecting while pretending to be kind.

“Yes, and I hear you’re also seeing the daughter of the Tsurugi family. You should take her to the Tanabata Festival on this one. Then, perhaps, you can attend the next party with Chihiro.” (Wareta)

Their concern for their son’s wellbeing was evident. Nono looked anxiously at them as well, as if agreeing with their logic.

It was indeed the proper, conventional choice. While it wasn’t certain that Touka would do better than Chihiro, her lineage was clear.

But that was just convention. There was no consideration for Chihiro. Just as Lanpeach was about to respond with how he wasn’t bothered by this…

“As Lan’s girlfriend, I want to attend the party, Mother.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro firmly expressed her intention before Lanpeach could speak. Her eyes held a strong, unwavering resolve.

“It’s for your sake, Chihiro. You could be the target of nasty rumors, not just curious glances.” (Yone)

“I don’t mind. I’m sure people will talk about us no matter what. If I run away every time, I won’t be able to stand by Lan’s side.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro placed a hand over her chest and spoke with conviction. Her determined attitude made Lanpeach’s parents hesitate, furrowing their brows in thought.

For Chihiro, this party was both an opportunity and a challenge. Attending a large party with her boyfriend would make a strong statement.

(It’s easy to find out that Touka isn’t romantically interested in Lan at all with just a tiny bit of research. If I back down now because I am scared of a party for rich people, women will definitely target Lan.) (Chihiro)

Chihiro glanced sideways at the maids standing by the wall and thought to herself ‘Lan didn’t seem to notice at all, or perhaps he just wasn’t interested, but the young maids were eyeing him like predators’.

No, it wasn’t just here. It was the same inside the Lanpeach Complex. Chihiro had been lucky enough to become his girlfriend by chance in the slums. Many women thought they could dethrone her and take her place as his girlfriend, and maybe even his wife.

There was also a strong rival in the Underground District, Libra. If she showed any weakness here, she would become just one of the many who merely stood beside Lan. She didn’t want that.

“Hmmm, but the people from the other households—” (Wareta)

“If I perform admirably here, they will recognize me as Lan’s irrefutable girlfriend, so I absolutely must attend.” (Chihiro)

Chihiro interrupted Wareta’s objection, and looked firmly at the two, resolute in her stance.

Both Wareta and Yone made displeased faces at this. They were thinking of their son, but also concerned about appearances.

━━━Seeing their displeased faces alone was enough to amuse Lanpeach, and he smirked to himself.

“You’re right, Chihiro. Now that it’s settled, let’s go get your dress right away! Father, Mother, I feel the same way. I’m taking Chihiro with me, so I’ll take the invitation.” (Lanpeach)

And so, the minor villain laughed loudly as he left, taking Chihiro and Nono with him.

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