T/N: Fixed Chapters 38, 39
I made a mistake with these two names because they are homophones – as you can see, ‘gen’ can be used in both. This led to my error, but I will now use a different reading. Thank you for pointing out this mistake.
The Father: 夏日 元柳 (Natsuba Genryū)
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Kanji:
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元 (gen): Means “origin,” “source,” or “base.”
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柳 (ryū): Means “willow tree.”
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The Son: 夏日 弦龙 (Natsuba Kouryu / Genryū) – I failed here using the reading “Gen” … I’ll use Kou
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Kanji:
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弦 (gen / kō): Means “bowstring.”
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龙 (ryū): Means “dragon.”
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If you spot any other errors, feel free to let me know in the comments so I can fix them as soon as possible. As you can see from the character names, this novel uses many Japanese terms – which, interestingly enough, can also be translated into Chinese names that sound strange but possible. Basically, I’m just adapting the names… and my strong point is Chinese, not Japanese haha!
Chapter 40: Just “Goods”
Natsuba Hanae and Natsuba Rinrei exchanged glances.
Natsuba Hanae then looked at Natsuba Genryū, pursed her lips, and spoke first.
“Yes, Father.”
Natsuba Rinrei, however, remained silent.
In the Natsuba main residence, the only person she feared was Natsuba Kouryu. The twisted, sadistic smile and cruel methods she had witnessed as a child had instilled a deep-seated fear in her.
But she wasn’t afraid of Natsuba Genryū.
The scars on his chest might intimidate others, but not her. She had been on battlefields with supernatural beings during her missions for the Supernatural Abilities Association.
Although his killing intent was strong, she could withstand it.
Moreover, growing up, Natsuba Genryū had been a distant figure in her life. She would go months without seeing him; he was her father in name only.
And when she had caused a commotion and run away from home after learning of her arranged marriage to the Kujō head, even joining the Supernatural Abilities Association, he hadn’t stopped her. And his expression was always kind and benevolent. So, Natsuba Rinrei didn’t find him terrifying at all.
Little did she know, Natsuba Genryū didn’t take Natsuba Rinrei’s childish rebellion seriously; he was simply indifferent.
To him, the marriage of the Natsuba sisters to the Kujō head had been a done deal from the start.
As long as Natsuba Rinrei was alive, even if she were crippled or severely injured, she would be delivered to the Kujō family like goods when the time came.
His two daughters were just important resources.
As the crowd was about to leave…
Natsuba Genryū looked at the head of the Mizuō branch, who was following behind Natsuba Kouryu, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
“Morishige, wait by the door.”
Hearing this, Mizuō Morishige, a man with a loyal-looking face, glanced at Natsuba Kouryu. Seeing him leave without a word, he felt a sense of relief.
He bowed to Natsuba Genryū.
“Yes, Family Head.”
Mizuō Morishige was aware of the internal power struggle within the Natsuba conglomerate, and his branch had sided with Natsuba Kouryu.
With the Family Head aging, the various branches naturally had to make their own plans.
The Mizuō branch was already closely linked to Natsuba Kouryu; his mother was the daughter of the previous head of the Mizuō branch.
They naturally stood behind him.
If Natsuba Kouryu had shown even a hint of displeasure just now, Mizuō Morishige would have been in a difficult position.
After all, his ultimate loyalty was still to the Natsuba head, but he had already secretly sided with the second son.
If he had been forced to obey the head’s orders, he would have offended the second son.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen.
Natsuba Kouryu had no intention of openly confronting his father yet. After all, the head’s authority still lingered.
Mizuō Morishige stood by the door.
When only the four of them remained, he closed the door and stood guard in his crisp black uniform.
Once the room was completely silent…
Natsuba Genryū’s deep voice slowly spoke,
“Someone from the Kujō family came to see me today.”
“In two months, you will marry Kujō Sujin.”
“I didn’t expect you to turn sixteen so quickly. It’s time for me to fulfill the deal.”
“The wedding is approaching. I’ll have Morishige take you two out today.”
“Choose some suitable wedding dresses. You will be married off in style in two months.”
Natsuba Genryū wasn’t concerned about Natsuba Hanae and Natsuba Rinrei.
He was indifferent to them, simply busy with other matters. It was only now that he realized they were almost sixteen.
If the two sisters were to be considered gifts, then the wedding dresses were just pretty wrapping paper, making the delivery more presentable.
It would also show outsiders that the marriage between the Natsuba and Kujō families was a normal one.
From now on, there would be even fewer threats to them.
To attack one family would be to face the other.
Although both families knew this was just an exchange of resources, and the marriage alliance was as fragile as paper…
“I disagree!”
Natsuba Rinrei’s voice suddenly rang out.
“You didn’t even ask for my or Hanae’s opinion about this marriage!”
“If anyone’s getting married, it’s you! I’m not going!”
She gritted her teeth, refusing outright.
Get stronger! Get stronger! Get stronger!!
If she could reach B-rank within two months, she still had a chance. At B-rank, she would join the upper echelons of the Supernatural Abilities Association.
Then, the association’s president, also an A-rank, could use the association’s power to oppose the Natsuba conglomerate. The family would surely hesitate.
Then, without waiting for a reply, she stormed out.
Time was running out. She had to get stronger, to save herself and her sister.
Seeing Natsuba Rinrei run off, Natsuba Genryū’s expression didn’t change.
To him, she was just something that could be brought back at any time. As long as she was there on the wedding day, it was fine.
Then, he looked at Natsuba Hanae.
Natsuba Hanae smiled a gentle, exquisite smile, pursed her lips, and said softly,
“I understand, Father.”
“I will go with Steward Mizuō to purchase wedding dresses for myself and my sister.”
“Thank you for your care over the past fifteen years.”
And from now on, she would have no lingering attachment to the Natsuba conglomerate.
Such a massive conglomerate… if it were to explode like a firework, disappearing from the world, it would surely be a magnificent and dazzling spectacle.
Hearing her obedient words, even Natsuba Genryū smiled slightly.
He knew what his three sons were like. They were all just waiting for him to die so they could fight for the position of head.
And to hear such comforting words from his direct descendant, his “goods,” it improved his mood.
So, he added another instruction,
“Morishige, protect Hanae well.”
Mizuō Morishige’s ability was Tortoise Shell, which could defend against any attack below A-rank.
If pushed to its limit, it could even block an A-rank attack once.
Natsuba Hanae was powerless, without any abilities, and physically weak.
To ensure her safety on this outing, Natsuba Genryū had specifically chosen the supernatural user with the best defensive ability in the Natsuba conglomerate to protect her.
Otherwise, it would be a shame if this precious “goods” were damaged.
“Thank you, Father. I’ll go and purchase the dresses now.”
Natsuba Hanae said softly and walked out.
Mizuō Morishige followed closely behind.
