Chapter 289.2

Chapter 289.2. Father

-Miu’s Dad POV-

“This gathering is not compulsory, indeed. If it’s for the sake of my friend aiming for victory, then I have no choice but to remain silent.”

Knowing this, it seemed the Emperor wasn’t pressing further.

“Your Majesty! While it’s not mandatory, this gathering is a prestigious event hosted by Your Majesty! We can concede that if they are participants, some secret training may be acceptable. However, to abstain from participating for support would be akin to sullying Your Majesty’s reputation!”

A noble sitting at a table a couple of seats away stood up and raised his voice. I thought it was audacious for someone unrelated to the conversation with the Emperor to interject.

This noble’s hearing, as expected of a magician, was impressive. You wouldn’t be able to hear a conversation from this distance, and it was considered impolite to involve oneself in such a manner. It took some courage to do so.

The Emperor, seemingly amused by the situation, continued sipping his wine without paying any attention to him. He appeared somewhat entertained.

Noticing that the Emperor wasn’t reprimanding the impudent noble, the noble smirked slightly and continued with even more vigor.

“Your Majesty, Countess Takano may be acting arrogantly due to her recent achievements, considering her young age. Therefore, wouldn’t it be an opportunity to reconsider the recent proposal that gained attention?”

“Is this about the Marchioness bestowal? Certainly, it wouldn’t be surprising to think she’s gotten carried away. What do you think, Houretsu?”

“Well, Miu delighted with Your Majesty’s proposal. She even pledged further loyalty, as she always says.”

I answered with a composed expression, while inwardly trying my best. I had never heard Miu use the word “loyalty” even once, but sometimes, I had to resort to deception.

The noble who had spoken up was part of the opposition to the Marchioness bestowal. Despite the risks associated with taking a disrespectful attitude, he likely saw it as an opportunity to voice his opinion.

This noble who raised his voice was seated quite close to the Emperor. He held considerable power, and his statement was undoubtedly representative of the noble faction.

“Your Majesty, may I also make a statement?”

“Hmm… go ahead.”

A new noble raised his hand to speak. He was none other than Duke Kanna. The Emperor lightly nodded, granting permission.

“Dismissing Countess Takano as disrespecting Your Majesty’s authority seems rather one-sided. How about we consider calling Countess Takano back? Or, even if we don’t call her back, we should give her a chance to explain. After all, couldn’t we establish communication, Acting Head of the Takano County?”

“That’s… ”

While Duke Kanna’s statement seemed to be defending Miu, it was clear that he was trying to confirm where Miu was. We had no idea where she was, and not being able to establish any contact was indeed strange. It was because we had thought of using Thought Communication.

If we pushed it, we could communicate using [Thought Communication], regardless of our physical location. He had touched upon that point.

“What do you think, Your Majesty? This way, we can hear from Count Takano himself, and there won’t be any issues. Please consider it.”

“Well, indeed, Duke Kanna’s opinion is valid. How about it, Houretsu? Would Thought Communication work?”

“…No, training is taking place in a location where even communication is absolutely impossible, as I heard from the Druid Arch Mage. Even [Thought Communication] wouldn’t work.”

In response to the Emperor’s question, I shook my head to decline. Nimue had conveyed the contents of the conversation, including the Archmage Druid’s expectations.

Which included the likelihood of someone being asked about communication.

.

I had been clearly instructed to refuse. It might negatively affect the Emperor’s impression and those of the surrounding nobles, but I was advised not to worry about it.

“I see. If it’s that heavily fortified, then there’s no helping it. We’ll listen to what she has to say once she returns.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate. Well, when it comes to transmitting secret techniques, such things happen. Your Majesty.”

The Emperor frowned slightly but gave up on trying to establish communication. However, even Duke Kann, who had suggested communication, inexplicably had a smile on his face as he nodded.

“So, for now, Acting Head of the Takano family holds full authority?”

“Yes, that’s correct. At present, I am the Acting Head.”

My words caused a stir among the surrounding nobles.

“So, let’s look forward to discussions with the Acting Head then. Starting from tomorrow, it will turn into a family-style stand-up party. Shall we deepen our friendship?”

Duke Kann’s eyes gleamed sharply as he spoke.

It seemed he had confirmed that Miu wouldn’t interfere. Recent rumors had suggested that Miu was ruthless at times, and she was even called worse than me, the “magician who can’t use magic”.

Starting from tomorrow, a stand-up party… It seemed I would need to be vigilant. It was a statement that hinted at the need for caution.

[You should just stay absent. Nothing good will come of it. As Grandpa said.]

Nimue’s message had also recommended her absence this time.

However, I had decided to attend because it would also affect Miu’s reputation as the Emperor bestowed her the title of Marchioness.

There was another reason for my determination.

[If you attend, those who kidnapped Aburage Viscounty will surely come to observe. Some will likely want to confirm that Miu cannot take action. So, it’s better for me if you attend.]

Another reason was to catch the tails of the criminals who kidnapped Aburage Viscounty.

Despite the danger, Miu was doing her best. As a father, I had to help her.

Even if it meant risking my life.

Seeing Duke Kanna’s mocking smile, Takano Houretsu strengthened his resolve again.