Chapter 79

Eaglefield Miu, 10 years old. At this age, she became the head of the Eaglefield family.

“Daddy, what’s a ‘head of the family’?”

I would prefer to be a batter, please let me be a DH.

“I’ll tell you later, Miu-chan.”

Pulling on the hem of her father’s clothes, she received a whispered response before bowing to the emperor.

“Ha! I have received the imperial command. I will faithfully carry out my duty, Your Majesty!”

The language used was old-fashioned, a tradition that had remained unchanged since the Warring States period. It was quite cool, apparently.

However, the content was the problem. I didn’t want to accept it.

The situation arose from a complex mix of factors.

First and foremost, the great march of the Scissors Mantises. During this event, which would likely cause the emperor’s prestige to plummet, an alien caused a disturbance.

If it was just the Alien Showman showing off a hidden talent, it might have been manageable, but the foolish alien used dangerous magic. At the time, the old lady from Dragon Water overlooked it, but the emperor subtly gathered security to prevent any impact on the surroundings.

The security arrangements were altered due to the alien. When a stampede occurred, the nobles might have also been affected. At that moment, who was drawing the attention of the security?

The answer, of course, was Eaglefield Arashi. I deduced that the old lady from Dragon Water had incited him, but there was no evidence. Even without incitement, it was highly likely he would have acted the same way.

Thus, the lenient punishment of bowing his head and being placed under house arrest, as initially planned by the old man from Wind Path, became impossible. He was suspected of being part of the ‘Loki’ gang.

Seeing his foolish appearance, everyone might have agreed that it was unlikely, but at least Arashi was disinherited.

Then, the question arose: who would become the head of the family? The Eaglefield family couldn’t be dissolved. After all, they were a major transportation company. Even if they were divided and managed by branches, chaos was inevitable. The emperor wanted to prevent a surge in unemployment.

There was also the consideration of not wanting to split a major company that controlled logistics. This world had dungeons and was overrun with monsters. Major transportation companies were essential for delivering relief and military supplies.

Even if other major companies were to absorb the Eaglefield family, they would likely fear the chaos and refuse. Unlike in my previous life, it wasn’t easy to simply buy out other chains. There was no point in acquiring a company that couldn’t use wind magic.

However, Arashi couldn’t be left alone. The old man from Wind Path had to retire to maintain appearances. Choosing someone from the branches as the head of the family would also cause chaos.

Most importantly, it was known that the Eaglefield family had a Qilin child. A cute girl who could mimic a giraffe’s neigh.

Not only was she a healer, but ‘Loki’ had revealed her potential to use wind magic in secret. The reason was that he had recklessly used the ‘Tornado Sword’ to create a fake wind barrier. From that scene, it was assumed that Miu had a high aptitude for wind magic.

This theory was highly convincing. After all, the Eaglefield family was a prestigious wind magic family. She was supposed to awaken with wind magic. However, she had awakened with holy attributes, and it was only later discovered that she had both holy and wind attributes.

Moreover, it was realized that the fake viscount, who lacked both military and financial power, could easily be kidnapped. There were only 31 healers, and it would be a significant problem if one was kidnapped.

Even with the Imperial House as a backer, its limits had been shown. A backer could only protect from behind, and the emperor had demonstrated that direct intervention was difficult.

As the head of one of the 36 families, one had the authority to move with a guard, and the power to prepare finances, authority, and military force for any task.

So, it was decided to make the cute and adorable Eaglefield Miu the head of the family. The Duke of Dragon Water had been persuading my father for this purpose.

My father, feeling that he couldn’t protect Miu as things stood, had accepted the conditions of the old man from Wind Path retiring and living separately. The source of this information was Freyja. Wasn’t she the goddess of spies? Freyja modestly said the information was easily obtained, but I doubt that was easy for ordinary people.

As a result of various considerations, I became the head of the family. Honestly, it’s awkward. I apologize, Dad, Mom. I apologize in my heart.

Even if he retired, the old man from Wind Path would still be the only one capable of creating the highest-level ritual magic tools, so his influence wouldn’t disappear. Some might look down on my father for not being able to use magic, and others might try to take over the family.

I can’t create ritual magic tools, but there is a possibility. It’s a good level to bet on, and I plan to try it soon.

“A graduate of the Magic Ministry can’t run a family. For three years, I will lend you one of my subordinates who is knowledgeable about management. Use this time to build a foundation and solidify the base.”

“Ha! Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The emperor’s kind consideration was to lend personnel to help my father. It was very thorough. I’m almost moved to tears by this kind consideration, which seems to be aimed at taking over the family or making me a puppet.

If my father were to cry and ask for more help, the emperor would smile and agree, trying to maximize his influence. The emperor is indeed shrewd.

My father has many enemies. There’s a vice president who will be arrested for embezzlement tomorrow, a director who will be dismissed at the end of the month for accepting bribes, and a board member who is enthusiastic about forming his own faction but will be sued for sexual harassment. He has many enemies.

My father needs to make allies, but it’s a difficult task. He can’t focus on that right now.

For now, I think it would be good to co-manage some of the deficit-operating restaurants with a mysterious investor. Someone will likely subtly inform us of a somewhat serious and loyal person.

I’ll do my best to help. I’ll massage shoulders, wash dishes, and even show the Miu dance.

Thinking about the future, the emperor finished his speech and waved his hand. He seemed a bit tired from dealing with the alien.

“With this, the matter is concluded. Enjoy the party.”

“W-What nonsense! Why should I, a noble, be treated like a commoner! G-Ha, let go, you scoundrel!”

The alien, who had been taken aback, regained his composure and started to struggle. The imperial guards quickly restrained him, immobilizing him. The Imperial Guard, equipped with the best ‘Magic Armor,’ is very strong.

“You are truly foolish. This might be your last luxury. Hey, just leave him there!”

The emperor no longer scolded him. The prime minister didn’t even verbally reprimand him for his disrespect. The alien was truly a ‘Zamaa’ character. He didn’t exist in the original story, but he’s here in reality. If you want to blame someone, blame the author who created the world.

Realizing that using magic to struggle would be a bad idea, the alien was carried away by samurai on either side, like Gray. He will likely work hard in Area 52, a dungeon. I’ll be on guard in case he seeks revenge.

The Eaglefield family, having exposed a scandal in front of high-ranking nobles, descended the stairs and returned to the party venue. It was easy to guess that the punishment was intended to show the Eaglefield family’s penalty to the high-ranking nobles. It was a wonderful gift for living in the noble society.

Some people looked at us with mocking faces and whispered, while others approached with friendly smiles. A cornered bird is warm in the nest.

“Hey! That must have been tough. Can I call you Harare? And you can call me Enraku. We’re high-ranking nobles now, after all.”

The first person to approach was Enraku from the Awaguni family. He patted my father’s shoulder with a cheerful smile, showing a friendly sports club vibe. I think it’s best to start with a high inside pitch to scare him. I intend to strike him out with a solid three strikes.

“Harare, come to me if you have any problems. Even in retirement, I still have influence among many nobles. Besides, I am still needed for magic tool production.”

The second batter was the old man from Wind Path. He seemed to aim for a base hit, speaking to my father with a cunning glint in his eyes. He didn’t seem to have given up despite being forced to retire.

“Lord Harare, I am ashamed of my incompetence this time. I am sorry.”

“No, you don’t need to apologize, Ongi. You have shown sufficient consideration.”

“I am relieved to hear that. I hope the Imperial House and the Eaglefield family will continue to work together.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

The leading marquis, Ongi, approached and bowed deeply to apologize. My father hurriedly accepted the apology and shook hands with Ongi, who raised his head.

This was a way to show that the Eaglefield family was an important ally. Some of the nobles who had mocked us began to reconsider their attitudes.

“Let me join that alliance! After all, we also made a mistake. We need to make amends.”

Enraku placed his palm on top of the two hands shaking. He was a duke, so it was difficult to push him away. His strong and warm-hearted demeanor made his ulterior motives less visible.

Seeing this, many nobles gathered. They seemed to think it was better to be friendly than to mock.

“Phew, Eaglefield Harare. This is the noble society. Remember that. Welcome to the world of demons and spirits.”

Laughing, the old lady from Dragon Water approached, and my father was in a frenzy. It’s no wonder; things will be tough from now on. I’ll do my best to build my own team.

I’m a bit concerned that the Duke of Kannagi is standing far away and not approaching, but it’s fine to leave it for now.

There’s something more important.

“Is Mom okay? Does your stomach hurt?”

I spoke to my mother, who was wearing a dress with a gentle bulge around her waist.

“I’m fine, Miu-chan.”

I worriedly checked on my mother. I thought she had gained a little weight recently, but it turned out she was pregnant. Her smile didn’t show any signs of discomfort. Has the morning sickness ended? In any case, it seems we’re having a baby.

Great, Miu-chan. You’re going to have a brother or sister. We’ll have to work even harder from now on. Yay!