Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 122

　"Don't mess with me!!"

　The man, Onitsuki Uemon, the head of the Hidden Group, crushed the teacup in his hand with a shout of anger. Even though it's not widely known, the imported masterpiece had enough value to sustain a peasant family for several months. Such a high-end teacup scattered on the tatami mats along with a miserable sound. The tea inside suffered the same fate. Despite the hot water and teacup shards, his arm couldn't possibly be unharmed, but for this angry man, it seemed to hold no meaning.

　"Absolutely... absolutely ridiculous!! How can he do this to me?!?"

　"Exactly."

　"No, absolutely right."

　The angry shouts resonated in the room. It was only possible to use such strong language because soundproof and barrier-dissolving charms were placed in the room. If there were concerns about eavesdropping, one wouldn't have been able to speak so boldly. The guests surrounding Uemon also agreed due to the assurance of room safety.

　"Why does that servant exist among the personnel of Joraku (visiting capital)? Could it be that he intend to introduce him to another family? 'This is a servant considered a household member of this family.' Is that it? Ridiculous!! Is he planning to bring shame upon the family? And why isn't my name mentioned!? I, who has a wide reputation in the capital! I, who calculated all the travel expenses!!?"

　How many times has this exchange repeated? The conversation among the factions that started with the gathering, Uemon's abusive words, and the factions that affirmed them. Especially Uemon's fury was more like a tantrum, but the reason itself wasn't unjust or even baseless. It might have been completely reasonable.

　The Joraku (visiting capital) trip for the protection of the capital. A large group of over a hundred people, including the servants... The list of participants announced a few months ago was akin to trampling on everything Uemon had done until then.

　"Indeed. It's beyond belief that Uemon-dono, who participates every year, didn't join this time..."

　"We were all astonished. No, it's more like dumbfounded..."

　Those who indicated agreement with Uemon were members of the same Onitsuki family, household members, wealthy farmers, and close merchants who were invited to this tea gathering. Supporters of Onitsuki Hina becoming the next head, or rather, supporters of Uemon who supports Onitsuki Hina...

　It's not expected that all those who support Onitsuki's next head, the sisters, would be in agreement. Even among the supporters of the younger generation, the faction led by Uemon had far more influence than the weaker factions in terms of connections and worldly matters, if not necessarily in terms of combat. For Hina, who is inferior in bloodline, the existence of these factions is a great support.

　"I can't understand that... What is the head thinking?"

　"He's been asleep for a long time. Has he lost his wits?"

　"It's unlikely. The Lord's cleverness is evident from his previous strategies."

　The attendees of the tea gathering continue to joke and speculate about the intentions of Onitsuki Yuusei, the current head who chose the participants for the Joraku (visiting capital) trip. However, the mystery only deepens.

　It's well-known that the former head, before falling asleep, had been plotting to make the younger generation the head. If he didn't spare any means... then why this treatment for Uemon, a member of the faction that supports the younger generation?

　"Is the head trying to remove us?"

　One of the attendees whispered this suspicion. The air among the guests froze. Purge, no way. But...