Volume 5, Chapter 11: The Ra Clan (2/2)

Rikuson coming here to seek help like so as a subordinate, was far from worthless, rather, it was far too much, Maomao thought. If she was him, she would abandon them, and watch from a distance with an air of flawless indifference and not get involved.

You say that those two are confined, but I cant do anything. Just what is up? Maomao asked.

The letter didnt say that much.

After Rahans grandfather and father were driven out by the current family head, they left the capital and quietly moved to an estate in the countryside. Of course, they had deserved a lifestyle of such an extent, but it seems it was unthinkable that such an action would come out of it.

While she said that she could do nothing, she developed an interest in how things turned out this way. She watched Rikuson intently, listening carefully. Ukyou was leaning on the wall next door. The head manservant who takes excessive care would commonly stand guard like this whenever he tries to stick his head into Maomaos troublesome matters.

Rikuson didnt look like he wanted to speak indiscreetly with Ukyou before them, but he opened his mouth in resignation when he saw that the head manservant wasnt going to budge.

there were talks of meeting from them before.

Rahans grandfather had requested to meet their estranged relatives after ten odd years. The subject was to forgive and forget about everything that had happened up until now and be on cordial terms.

(As if.)

That was obviously a pretence. She didnt think that those relatives of hers would be that much of a fool.

Since, for Rahan-dono, they are his parents.

Does that abacus bastard even have feelings for his family? Maomao tilted her head, but when she tried to think deeply about it, he had been separated from his parents at a young age and forced to become an adopted child. If you think about it normally, Rahan should be hating that monocle tactician instead. She ended up forgetting about it since she got completely used to seeing it as normal.

At least, if he has feelings left for his parents, Rahan might suggest hearing their story.

And so it was said that the two careless glasses-wearers only had this mild-mannered man when they thought about who to bring along as an attendant.

arent you working on your holidays? Its fine to refuse, you know?

Itll be troublesome if I refuse as is. Before I realised, everyone else had already hurried out of the room. I had thought about getting different escorts, but there was that gentlemans personality to consider.

And that was why this poor man who got the short end of the stick was covered in wounds.

Its obviously better to bring escorts if you think a bit more, Maomao thought. Considering their social statuses, it wouldnt be weird for them to get assassinated one day.

However, what would come out of it if the landowners captured the two glasses-wearers? What would happen if they returned to being the family head? That weirdo monocle seems to be a prominent high official within the military circles; its not like he got into that position together with the family headship just like that. Even in the worst case where they take over, the military circle was made into a type of ecosystem with the monocles ability. Everyone around them would only take it as a blessing and would come to crush the Ra Clan.

To not understand that much could Rahans grandfather and father be idiots?

Oi oi, dont forget the important stuff.

The one who spoke at that part was Ukyou, the outsider.

Forget what, you say?

When Maomao tilted her head, Ukyou sighed in amazement. They can just make allies. A big connection.

Rikuson opened his mouth for the wordless Maomao. The other party wants to adopt you as a daughter. It looks like they want to forge a connection with the imperial brother.

It seems they caught wind of what Jinshi did from somewhere. Maomao scowled with all her might. Oi, stop that, Ukyou slapped her brow.

Counting on that, is good thinking on the foxs over-optimistic calculation.

Theres that too, but in this world, people who are driven to the wall will do anything.

There are people like that. They exist, but others dont want these people to spring up.

For the most part, isnt it bad to not even bring escorts along? Maomao asked.

I have nothing to say about that. But, even if we did bring some along, I dont know if we can deal with them all properly, Rikuson answered.

Dont speak with hidden implications, Ill be happy if you speak without beating around the bush. Ukyou spoke for Maomao.

For some reason, we were surrounded by followers who were beyond their position. Even if we employed mercenaries, I dont even think we have that much extra money on hand, Rikuson said.

And, amid that, there was also a little problem on why was it only this mild-mannered man who escaped successfully. Rather, she also considered that he could have been purposely made to escape. Couldnt their fired arrows be a way to purposely spur him outside?

And so, if he was set free with the assumption that he would rush to Maomaos place like so

Maomao glanced out the window. More people walk around at night in the pleasure district. It wouldnt be strange to have dubious shadows there.

As Maomao scratched the back of her head, she stuck her head out of the room.

Oiii, Chouu, Maomao called out to the muddy children who had returned.

What? Chouu was carrying a fishing rod and an old bucket. There were crayfish crawling inside. Looks like thats what they will be eating today.

Stay here today. Meimei-neechan is grinding tea today, so shell let you sleep in her room, she said.

What? So sudden.

I have to boil medicine in the middle of the night. Can you sleep properly with the bitter stench of broth?

When Chouu heard that, he seemed to understand.

Oh my. Im also on break today. Pairin, who had been nearby, came closer and hugged Chouu. As usual, her voluptuous body was peeking out from her dress.

Pairin-neechan is no good. Its still too early to eat him, Maomao said.

Whats eat?

Chouu still doesnt know much. As if she had noticed that Pairin was sticking onto him, Zuurin came up unaware and went to tug at Pairins sleeves in a bid to free him. It seems this one understands the meaning of edible.

Hey, whats eat?

Go roll around at Meimei-neechans place for now.

Heyy, what about meeee?

Maomao ignored Pairin-neechan and sneaked a glance at Ukyou. He nodded.

It was helpful that he has good judgement.

That night, thugs entered the dilapidated shack in the pleasure district. Maomao quietly submitted and was simply taken away.