The moment I returned to the Zenin estate, I wasn't even given enough time to properly wash the blood off my clothes before a servant came to escort me toward the main council chamber. Apparently, defeating a special-grade curse at fourteen wasn't something the clan wanted to celebrate in private. No… this was politics now. This was reputation. This was power. Their power, of course.
As I walked through the wooden corridors of the mansion, the servants lowered their heads deeper than usual. Some looked at me with awe, while others with fear. A few with greed. I knew that look well. It was the look people gave not to a child… but to an investment that had suddenly tripled in value overnight. Well, people will be people, I guess.
By the time I reached the council hall, my mood had already been...let's say unfortunate.
The heavy wooden doors slid open, revealing the familiar sight that made me want to sigh out loud.
A room filled with old bald men.
Some had white eyebrows so thick they looked like caterpillars. Some had wrinkles so deep it looked like their faces had been folded a hundred times. And all of them wore the exact same expression.
Pride. Greed. Calculation. They are no different from what I imagined. Which is good in a way, I guess.
I stepped into the center of the room and stood there calmly while all their eyes fell on me.
One elder cleared his throat dramatically. "Naoya Zenin."
Another nodded slowly. "At the age of fourteen… you have accomplished what many adult sorcerers fail to do in their entire lives."
A third elder stroked his beard. "A special-grade curse. Exorcised."
"You have elevated the prestige of the Zenin clan."
"You have ensured our name does not fall behind the Gojo clan."
"You have brought glory to our house."
"Truly worthy of being the next clan head."
Bla.
Bla.
Bla.
I stood there listening to their endless praise with the same smile plastered on my face, but inside, I already wanted to lie in my bed and tug my blanket.
Do these old men have no hobbies?
Eat. Sleep. Talk. Complain. Repeat. Such a monotone life, not like I can complain about it. I am aiming for the upgraded version of them.
After nearly three minutes of verbal self-congratulation disguised as praise, I finally raised a hand. I wonder if their mouths don't get tired.
"...You're not stopping after praising me, right?"
The room instantly fell silent.
A few of the elders narrowed their eyes. One of them even coughed awkwardly. Good. At least they still had enough shame left to feel called out.
One elder leaned forward slightly. "What is it you require, Naoya?"
A grin slowly spread across my face. Now we're talking.
"I have three requests."
The atmosphere immediately became heavier. I still don't know how they make the atmosphere heavier. I am stronger than them at this given moment, even though I felt the pressure. I guess this is how my employees felt when I proposed my company revival plan; I can still remember their pale faces.
I raised one finger.
"First. My cousins… Maki and Mai."
A few elders immediately frowned, and I could practically hear their thoughts.
The useless twins.
Why mention them?
I kept smiling.
"I want proper accommodations prepared for them."
That immediately caused murmuring.
"Ridiculous."
"Unnecessary."
"A waste of clan resources."
"They possess no—"
*Shushssss.*I shushed them to shut up. I raised my eyes and looked at them.
"Private rooms." I added with a smile that didn't reach my eyes, "Good food, the same as the direct members eat; proper training space; and medical support."
The room became even quieter. They didn't utter a word.
I raised a second finger.
"Second."
I pointed toward the entrance where Mei Mei stood quietly with her usual business smile.
"A cursed tool of her choosing."
Several elders frowned immediately.
One of them spoke up. "The clan has already prepared payment according to the agreed contract."
I looked at him and smiled wider.
"Yes." Then I tilted my head slightly. "And that would be embarrassing."
The elder blinked.
I continued calmly, my voice smooth and businesslike. "She accompanied the future clan head into a special-grade encounter. She helped ensure the success of the mission. She helped preserve the reputation of the Zenin clan."
I clasped my hands behind my back and looked around the room.
"And what? We reward her with some pity cash?" I let out a quiet chuckle. "That would look terrible in high society."
I glanced at the elders one by one. "Of course…"
I smiled politely. "Men of your experience would never overlook something so obvious."
Silence.
I could actually see some of their jaws tightening. Hit them where it hurts.
Pride. Status. Reputation. The most expensive currency in old-money circles. They live for it and they defend it till their last breath. I am not saying it's bad. If you have high ambition, then you will also need to safeguard all of this. But for me, with no goal, this is all just a burden.
One elder finally coughed.
"…Approved."
Another nodded reluctantly.
"The twins' accommodations will be arranged."
A third spoke with visible annoyance.
"And the independent sorcerer may choose one cursed tool."
I looked toward Mei Mei. For the first time since entering this room… Her business smile cracked.
I could swear… She looked impressed.
"Now for the third and last reward." I looked at all the geezers. "Don't ever drag me into your contest of pride, you old fuck."
~~~
I like the idea of people who reading my novel leaving their mark on my book so Give me lot of comments and Power stones. Give me inspection. Give me reviews.
POWER STONE, GIVE IT ME.
100 POWER STONE FOR BONUS CHAPTER
Posted some extra 40+ chapter in patron and daily update, if you are interested check it out, link is:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517