Volume 6, Chapter 11: The One Who Was Waiting (1/2)

There wasn’t any twist to the sweets they got Airin this time. It only contained a written note saying that they will be waiting at the eating house near the lodgings. Seeing how the three of them got the same message, it seems they all needed to pass together.

(Tch.)

She headed to the appointed place with the two who were looking like they had been done in.

There were many high-end shops at the north side of the capital. The shop that they were called to was yet another one of those high-end restaurants(). There were a lot of bureaucrats and hence would also have reserved rooms prepared.

Were so out of place, arent we?

A winehouse(, lit. wine house, but basicallya fancy restaurant originating from Southern China (Cantonese) that typically serves banquets), as its name suggests, is a shop that serves wine. The tall building was extravagant, and although Yao had her wares, it wasnt something familiar for someone who was still a sixteen-year-old maiden.

It wasnt a place for the three women to drop by to.

There were mostly males inside; females, if you exclude the waitresses, were hardly seen. It was common sense to think that this wasnt a place for them to drop by. Although, for Maomao who was used to drinking places from the pleasure district as well, the chilly stares around her were of no matter. This place was only better in the way it didnt have drunks with impaired judgement.

A waitress with polished makeup came up to them. How may I help you?

They didnt look like customers. There was also the possibility that they might have been mistaken as job applicants.

We are western guests, Maomao recited what the note had said.

The waitress, as if she understood, guided them inside.

As soon as they entered the room they were led to, Maomao was met with extreme fatigue from the tension.

Yo. A short man wearing round glasses with unruly hair was drinking fruit wine. No, rather than wine, it might be juice instead.

The weirdo tacticians nephew, his adopted son, Rahan was there. There was one other man, but as he was an escort Rahan had brought along, it should probably be fine to ignore him since he won’t be speaking at all.

Its good that you arrived soundly. I was wondering what I should do if you didnt come, he said.

Were leaving. Maomao turned around, and Enen gripped onto her arm.

Why are we leaving? Or rather, do you know him? Yao looked back and forth between Maomao and Rahan with a question mark on her head.

Maomao-san is Captain Kans daughter, Enen said.

That was the weirdo tacticians formal title.

Were strangers, Maomao replied like she usually did.

Oh, you know a lot, Rahan said in awe.

Enen replied with a look saying that it was nothing. Wouldnt you want to investigate when he shows his face every time to such an extent? A portion seemed to havetaken it as tacit understanding.

(That bloody weirdo.)

Maomao mentally cursed him. He does nothing but good for nothing stuff for the most part.

And this person,” En’en said, “is Captain Kans son.

Yao reacted to En’en’s words. Older brother?

Thats right, Rahan said.

No way, Maomao said.

Which one is it?

Ill need to win over Yao here at least, Maomao thought.

However, Yao was glaring at Maomao. So, does that mean that your relatives were in on it from the start?

Looks like she got a misunderstanding from a different side. It is certainly true if it was known that the ringleader was someone she knew, it would be understandable to think that way.

Its not true. The one who denied it was Rahan. We dont want any person who cant solve this level of puzzles here, even if they are relatives. I mean, sending in useless people would just increase the amount of trouble, the round glasses said, squinting his eyes further. He wasnt covering for Maomao, this was Rahans true feelings. The cunning one who betrayed his family and chased them from the housethat was Rahan.

Enen twisted her lips slightly. It looked like a smile, but it felt like it was laced with sarcasm. She might have heard from rumours about the kind of person Rahan was. Compared to Yao who was tilting her head, the woman was quite worldly.

(Rather, she might not match with her master if she wasnt worldly.)

There was no mistaking with human resources.

Why are we standing around talking? Why dont we talk slowly as we eat? Maomao took a seat with a look of displeasure. In terms of position, it should be Rahans treat. Lets order as many expensive dishes as possible.

And so.

Rahan had said it flippantly, but the topic was quite bothersome. There was a reason he specifically chose an important store that purveyed to the government for this. The subject was confidential.

In simple terms, Rahan had a hand in Airins entry to the inner palace. The reason was that Airins political rival had tried to seize power and that she felt that her life was in danger.

The request for importations of food supply can be said, in a certain meaning, to be a means to create a lifeline. During times of famine, the seizing of food is great. And that she had tried to oppose that.

And they even disregarded that, he said.