Episode 36.1 (1/2)
”Now then, I believe you all know that I have had two wives. My legal wife, Narae was the daughter of Ramo Company's chief, wed to me as an adopted daughter of Sawajie. My and Narae's eldest son passed in his infancy, and our second son whom was named a successor also passed fiver years ago. Thus I nominated the eldest son of my second son, Zepus as the heir, but he also lost his life last year, after which I was planning to announce Zepus's little brother as the next in line. However, Dopus too passed three days ago.”
Prado paused for a bit here before unveiling a shocking truth.
”By way of a poisonous needle.”
A huge commotion erupted. Meanwhile Norma calmly observed. Who are truly surprised, and who are not.
”Kusandria. I have a question for you.”
”Y-yes.”
”You arrived at Vouka ten days ago, bringing along your third son born to Boldrin House.”
”Y-yes.”
”And you were insistent on pushing that third son of yours be the successor to Goncourt House. And that despite knowing Dopus, the then heir, still alive and well. Dopus was a healthy man who never even had a cold, nor had he a history of illness. Thus I ask you, Kusandria.”
”Y-yes.”
”Who told you that Dopus was on the verge of dying?”
”T-that's. But father, news of Dopus's illness even reached Vantaroy town.”
”Who have gotten you into believing such an obvious lie?”
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”T-that's.”
Kusandria looked to her left. The attendant to the left behind her nudged at Kusandria's shoulder, stopping her.
Kusandria turned her line of sight at upper seats of the branch family.
As if urged by her gaze, an elderly man sitting on the second highest seat spoke out.
”My lord. Kusandria-sama has expressly come back home for the sake of Goncourt's enduring prosperity. And besides, now that Dopus-sama has passed away, we must pick a successor as soon as possible.”
Norma has a paper detailing the seating positions of this council members laid on her desktop. The one who spoke just now is Sakurd Beym. Husband of Prado's little sister.
”Indeed. This period of booming prosperity for town of Vouka is precisely the time to deepen our relationship with Vantaroy. By tying a strong knot with House of Boldrin, Goncourt shall open a path to its biggest success yet.”
This one was by Hama Gakusto. The present head of the branch family, grandson of Prado's little brother.
Afterward, a few more family members spoke in Kusandria's defense. What interesting was how there were also several individuals who remained silence despite getting urged by Kusandria's glances.
(Those who have been enticed by Boldrin House.)
(And those who are still undecided but leaning on yes.)
(They have no choice but to support Kusandria-sama here.)
(But even among those who have promised Kusandria-sama their cooperation.)