Earth With Dungeon: Saving the World With an Economic Boom

Chapter 215. Proposal

Konoha was pale, desperately trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind those words. When she looked at Rei, he had a composed smile on his face. Although reassuring, he showed no intention of interjecting against her mother’s proposal. It seemed like he was leaving the decision up to me.

I didn’t expect such a bombshell to be thrown right at the start of the greetings. My mother, though, is incredibly decisive. The head of the Minamoto family, who was about to speak next, looked stunned. It’s quite troublesome.

“Mother. No, Masako-sama. Everyone is lining up to greet me. Could we save such discussions for another time?”

I smiled gracefully, attempting to buy some time. See, Mother, you’re the first one here to greet me, right? Please look around.

Instead of getting angry at my formal phrasing, she smiled even more and clapped her hands, showing her delight. Even without saying it, I could tell she was happy about her child’s growth.

“Indeed, you’re right. Konoha-chan has grown so much; Mother is very pleased. Please consider it. If we can collaborate with the navy, Amatsugahara Corporation can establish branches in various regions. I believe we can create a solid foundation.”

“I will take this proposal back and consider it thoroughly, Masako-sama.”

I bowed my head slightly, and she left cheerfully, waving her hand without any hard feelings. Mother, who looks and acts so young.

“Well, the bond of blood is a wonderful thing.”

The heavy-voiced compliment of the parent-child relationship came from Minamoto Kuro, the head of the Minamoto family, who approached with his wife. Behind them was Minamoto Fuuka. The beautiful girl, different from me, slightly furrowed her brows.

“Yes, dear. I wish our child was as close as Masako-san and Konoha-san. This girl won’t introduce us to her beloved. She has an adorable side that wants to monopolize her partner, but as a parent, it’s quite lonely.”

With a sigh and a hand on her cheek, Kuro’s wife looked at Fuuka. It wasn’t immediately clear who she was talking about. Does Fuuka have a lover?

“Parties are all about mutual observation. It’s quite interesting.”

Rei laughed softly, looking at me. From her gaze, I deduced that this conversation had some underlying meaning. Who is Fuuka’s lover? Or rather, her beloved?

“We’ll have a long relationship from now on. You should invite us to the next evening party.”

“Yes, love is a battlefield. Don’t you think so, Rei-san?”

The Minamoto couple hinted at Rei, who shrugged lightly in response.

“Indeed. Love is a ruthless battle. But I believe it’s also important to consider whether one is a good match for their partner.”

“I also wish to continue improving myself to be worthy of standing by your side.”

In response to Rei’s slightly cold tone, Fuuka tilted her head slightly and smiled. It was a forced smile, but within it, I sensed a competitive spirit from Fuuka, not a romantic one, towards Rei.

As I pondered deeply, observing the Minamoto family and especially Fuuka’s attitude, I had an epiphany.

They were talking about Amano Sakimori. The Minamoto family has a close relationship with Amano Sakimori. They were emphasizing their long-term association with him, just like with Rei and me.

Amano Sakimori, perceived as Rei’s rival. I only greeted him once at an evening party, but I understood he was in a power struggle with Rei. Thus, a rival. Rei never mentioned Amano, likely disliking him intensely.

And I also understood why the Minamoto family was being cautious. It was because of the proposal my mother had made.

To confirm, I turned to Rei and asked.

“I have no ties to love yet. Right now, I’m fully focused on business, aren’t I?”

“Indeed. There seem to be many offers to consider.”

Rei’s mention of many offers caused Kuro to react slightly, and others even more so.

“Well, Commander Taira seems very busy. Speaking of which, securing a land route to Nagoya and clearing the dungeons along the roads is being discussed…”

“There are still dangerous monsters in Tokyo Bay. If we could exterminate them, we could further develop the fishing industry…”

“The season is almost over, and autumn is near. How are the crops? If you need help with sales…”

Many people approached me with various proposals. It was dizzyingly busy. Can I decide on these proposals myself?

“You can start with simple contracts, Commander Konoha.”

Rei’s smiling words made me incredibly happy. I could actually make decisions on proposals myself, not just as a figurehead commander! Feeling motivated, I eagerly listened to the people around me. I have to do my best! Here stands Commander Taira Konoha of the Path Knights!

Watching Taira Konoha and Rei chatting surrounded by many people, Ashikaga Takauji’s mouth turned into a frown.

“So this is the way you’re playing it, huh? Quite the schemer, aren’t you, witch?”

He brought the wine glass he was holding to his lips as Taira Masako approached with a gentle smile.

“I think it’s about time for Konoha-chan to become independent. A mother’s love is important, you know.”

“Using Rei as a role model… I see. By giving the figurehead commander some actual power, you can later use it to expand your influence without angering the girl. This way, the Taira family can gain more power.”

“I certainly want those two to boost the Path Knights. It seems Rei-chan is at odds with Amano Sakimori, right?”

Masako winked, her youthful demeanor almost making her look like a young girl. Takauji smiled wryly and took a sip of wine. The alcohol burned slightly as it went down his throat, and he spoke to the cunning Taira Masako.

“In front of so many people, praising the commander and making big deals… the commander can’t refuse. Rei can’t openly stop it either. The people around will mistakenly believe that Commander Konoha has the authority to decide deals, and they’ll flock to her for business.”

Takauji handed his empty wine glass to a waiter.

“With small deals, they’ll have to accept them for appearances’ sake. Back at the company, Rei will say: ‘It couldn’t be helped this time. We had to maintain Commander Konoha’s dignity, even if she’s just a figurehead. Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility for the tasks she accepted.'”

“I’m sorry for increasing Rei-chan’s workload. Since it was my careless comment that started this, I’ll make sure the rewards are generous.”

Cursing inwardly at the witch, Takauji clicked his tongue as he looked at Taira Masako. Rei can use the excuse of Konoha making decisions independently to increase his own profits and expand his influence. On the other hand, Commander Konoha can break free from being a figurehead. If she can decide on work herself, she can build a track record. In a company that values profit, Taira Masako’s plan is bound to succeed.

A track record is highly valued. Using this method to empower the Taira family shows how shrewd Masako is.

“Takauji-chan, why don’t you join in? Unlike the Minamoto family, you don’t have deep ties with Amano Sakimori, right?”

Masako’s seductive proposal was enticing. If two families support Rei, her influence will undoubtedly grow.

Amatsukahara Corporation’s weakness is its lack of a profit-generating structure. Although they have land and a large area, they’re still weak.

They must want a structure that generates significant profit, and with the support of two families, Rei might achieve that. He could create a powerful faction within the Path Knights.

Tempting, but Takauji shook his head.

“You haven’t talked to Sakimori seriously, have you? That guy is terrifying. He might be using this development to his advantage.”

“…Hmm. When I saw him the other day, he did seem formidable. You really think so, Takauji-chan?”

If it weren’t for Amano, Takauji might have agreed and used the proposal to strengthen the Ashikaga family’s influence.

But facing such a dangerous man, it’s too risky to oppose him with this plan. He couldn’t agree to it.

“Moreover, we don’t know the full scale yet. I’ll pass.”

“Sometimes you need to take a big gamble, you know?”

Masako teased, and Takauji grinned like a villain.

“I made a big bet recently. I want to live long, so I won’t risk my life often.”

Masako, looking unusually surprised by his words, soon understood and subtly smiled.

“Of course, you won, right? What did you gain? Come on, Takauji-chan, share with me.”

“No way. It was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all bet. I’m not senile enough to share with you.”

“Don’t be so mean. How about we exchange some insider information?”

Just as Takauji thought of teasing the sweet-talking fraud, a man’s voice interrupted.

“Ridiculous. What’s all this commotion about? It seems everyone is being played by that ghost-born fellow. You people from the inner city have no pride.”

Takauji and Masako turned to see who it was.

They were slightly surprised but quickly composed themselves and greeted with raised hands.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Miyoshi Nagayoshi. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Standing there was the head of the prestigious Miyoshi family, known even within the inner city. His face was sour. He was a middle-aged man in a suit with a bit of thinning hair.

Calling Rei a ghost-born fool. How absurd. He wasn’t one to care about such origins before…

“Takauji-san, it’s been a long time. You’ve become quite timid, I see.”

“You were supposed to be on house arrest after the helicopter incident. Did it mess with your head?”

Miyoshi Nagayoshi had used a military helicopter to attack Amano and his group but was defeated and put under self-imposed restraint as a consequence. He used to wield considerable power before the Sekka incident, but his influence had waned recently.

“Nothing of the sort. Trying to clean things up too neatly lets the ghosts run amok. That’s what this is.”

Takauji and Masako exchanged puzzled glances at the confident and ominous words of Nagayoshi.