Chapter 108 - #107 Beginning of Trouble? (1/2)

”...Are you perhaps planning on taking the throne?” Chouri asked with a completely serious expression.

”?...Throne? Pfff, I haven't even thought about it but I guess someone would need to become emperor afterward. People wouldn't be able to accept the current emperor so substitute will be needed.” I was slightly surprised by his question before I had to repress my laughing. In the matter of a second, I instantly stopped chuckling and said with a slightly bored expression.

”So you aren't aiming for the throne?” Chouri asked me with a slightly surprised tone.

”Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't let just some random imbecile sit down on the throne, it's just that I can't imagine myself sitting on the throne. As you can see, right now, I should be preparing for war against Rebels or do some political shit instead of doing just that, I am being here, talking with you, having lunch with you, having a fun hunting Danger Beasts together with your daughter...” I explained while leaning forward and supporting my chin with my hands on the table.

”I see...tell me, who is Spear to you? Was she just a tool for you to find me?” He suddenly asked me a completely irrelevant question that didn't relate to our earlier discussion.

...What a troublesome question.

I thought with a small forced smile since I knew that Spear was eavesdropping on our entire conversation. All thanks to my wrigglers since I would be able to feel her presence anyway in such a small house so I wouldn't be able to tell if she is eavesdropping just by sensing her.

------

Right behind the corner, Spear who was listening to everything with a disbelieving expression on her face suddenly flinched when she heard her father's question, and only now she realized this fact. A sad expression appeared on her face but she still chose to hear Akashi's answer first. Although two of them knew each other only 1 day, she really liked Akashi and not just because of his superior looks over the locals here but due to his calm demeanor and collected thinking. She was never bored while talking with him.

”That's right.” When she heard Akashi's calm reply she tightly gripped her left arm while biting her lower lip in frustration.

”However, if I wanted to just find you, I wouldn't have to go eat breakfast with her, I wouldn't need to hunt Danger Beasts with her.” When she heard Akashi's next words, she raised her head with a slightly surprised expression, she stopped tightly gripping her arm and a small smile appeared on her face.

”True but we have never met so you had to be sure about my character. By exploring my daughter's character, you also came closer to figuring out my own character. After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree” Chouri said with folded arms.

Why do I feel like on interrogation when I am the one in advantage? Haha...Anyway, he is quite smart.

”You once again impress me, former Prime Minister Chouri. It's the truth that I have also done that but I was sure about her character already after we were done eating the breakfast. So I still didn't have to bother myself going out to hunt some Danger Beasts together with her. What I can tell you is that after spending half of a day with her, I view her as a nice, kind girl who has great potential and not just in martial arts.” I explained with an honest smile.

”...Haha, good! Sorry about drifting away from the subject we were meant to discuss.” He released a hearty laugh before apologizing with an embarrassed smile.

”Don't worry about it, I understand your concern. After all, she is your daughter.” I waved my hand to show that I didn't mind and after that, we started discussing our cooperation and my wrigglers informed me that Spear left in amidst of our talk

We settled on simple cooperation without any big promises since he has yet to confirm if my words are believable. Therefore, he will most likely travel one day back to the Capital. I will need to prepare for it in case Honest will try something.

”Well, that should be everything, thank you for your time. I am looking forward to our cooperation.” I said while getting up from my seat and taking my coat on.

”Yes, it has been a nice talk with you, Akashi. I wish you good luck on your way back, be aware of bandits, there have been a few bands lately patrolling around major roads.” He also got up and extended his hand for a handshake.

[Congratulation on roping in one of the prominent figures onto your side]

Noble (Lv. 6; +10 Cha) 272/360 XP

”Mm” I nodded and shook his hand before going to the hall leading out of the house where Spear was also waiting for me while leaning her back against the wall.

”You are leaving?” She asked me with a confused expression but her tone was obviously awkward.

”I am sorry if I have offended you with my words but I just said my honest thoughts.” I said out of nowhere.

”Huh?! W-What do you mean-” She was surprised by my words but I halted her words by my hand while having closed eyes.