Edea: Hero Summoning Conspiracy - 167 The Banquet I 2 in 1

As various members of the Kurogane clan enjoyed themselves in the grand banquet, the meeting between the top members of the clan had gone through their achievements and troubles between the past five years. Each of them were now aware of what the clan had achieved and due to the recent changes of the way the clan did their business, they were looking forward to the gains they would get in the long run.

“I believe I speak for everyone here when I say that the recent changes we’ve made was but a stroke of genius Tenma-sama.” One of the elders that was in charge of the western business praised.

With the continuous strikes of their enemies and the recent decline of the clan, the sudden changes implemented by Tenma and Shishio was a saving grace for the whole clan. Though it did have its own source of troubles, none of the clan members were new to such hindrances and they were able to showcase the Kurogane clan’s dedication to making profits.

“As much as I would like to take the credit for this to end my reign, I and my youngest son only smoothened out the details.” Tenma saw their shocked expressions from his casual statement and continued. “The idea was Kazuya’s, Shishio’s son and my grandson.”

“””….”””

Complete silence. All of them looked towards Shishio to gain some insight but Tenma’s youngest son shook his head with a smile. This made the leaders of the Kurogane clan that didn’t belong to the main house confused. Shishio had rejected being named as the next successor. With Sousuke absent in such an important meeting, who could be the next head?

“I will ruin the surprise if I announce it here. I want everyone here to know that I have thought about this clearly and have taken every measure to make sure that my decision is correct.” Tenma stood up from his seat and glanced at everyone to show that he was still the same man who had swept every competition he had back when he was still vying for the seat of the head.

“If that is so, then I have no problems with your decision.” The man who had kept silent on the other end of the table spoke. This was Kurogane Genma, Tenma’s elder brother and his closest competitor in the past. He had been left in charge of the west after he had accepted defeat gracefully. “I know you and your methods better than anyone here after all.”

“Thank you.” Tenma smiled as he wished that his sons had the same relationship he had with his brother. “Now then, shall we move to join the rest at the hall? I believe that they should be anxious to start the festivities.”

Tenma led the group followed by his son and elder brother who wasted no time to talk about the grandson that Tenma had been so fond of. Shishio didn’t forget to inform them of the steps Tenma and him took to make sure that they had nothing to worry about.

Though anyone outside would assume that the group who had just attended the internal meeting of the Kurogane clan were made up of elders, they would be mistaken. Tenma was known as the most capable leader the Kurogane clan has ever had. None of them ever doubted any risk or decision he had made because everything had led them to prosperity. He was known as a person who appreciated talent and loathed incompetence, this was a trait that all of them appreciated and feared at the same time.

Each and every member of the Kurogane clan had the chance to rise up no matter their age because of how Tenma valued talents. There wasn’t a single member who tried to usurp the seat of the clan head because all of them knew how each and every person who tried to go up against Tenma had ended up. This was why no one dared make a fuss about the situation the clan had been in after Hashiyama Lee’s actions.

“I will go on ahead and announce your arrival father.” Shishio bowed to everyone and went on ahead. No one stopped him because everyone knew that this would be the last time that Shishio would be announcing anyone’s arrival.

The Kurogane banquet was a well-known event that the clan had even though it was secretive because of one reason; it was the amount the clan spends whenever they held the event. Though no eyes were allowed whenever it happened, the secretive clan didn’t cover up how lavishly they spent for the event. Those who kept an eye on them were able to find out what they bought for the event.

Extravagant food, wines, jewelry and the like were purchased. The banquet was like an awards ceremony in which the clan had awarded the individuals with the most achievements and potential so that everyone could recognize who in the family they should be supporting. Various changes in the organization such as positions and transfers were also held during the banquet.

Of course, it was not limited to just that, it was also where the clan announced who their competitors or enemies were. This was so that there would be no mistakes in recognizing who the clan needed to crush or cripple before the next banquet. The banquet was a rare event to anyone who barely met with their clan head so even if it wasn’t compulsory to attend, no one would dare miss the chance to get into Tenma’s good graces.

Finally, the most important tradition the Kurogane clan had was that only in the banquet would the clan head be able to announce the next head of the family. Though the competition for the seat was very limited to the most talented members of the family, it was only through the banquet would everyone unanimously welcome the crowning of the new clan head or at least the one who was next in line.

Unlike the previous heads, Kurogane Tenma had never directly announced his sons to be his successors. This was to remind everyone that anyone who had the talent to surpass his sons would be able to take his seat as the next clan head. This was the reason why the branch families had worked hard to strive for that chance. One example was Kurogane Suzaku’s father who was once part of the branch family members until he was able to get his family transferred over to the main headquarters after his stellar performance.

“hmm?” Kazuya who had been enjoying the expensive wine without worrying about anyone reprimanding him glanced towards a person who had been staring at him full of hostility.

“Heh” Kazuya gave a mocking grin towards the boy. “(Kurogane Suzaku huh…)”

*GRIP* Suzaku almost lost his temper as he gripped the steak knife on the table. He hid it inside his sleeve which Kazuya didn’t miss.

“(Kouzuki Kazuya… you’re the only person I will never forgive!)” Suzaku didn’t bother hiding his hostility as the people around him turned towards Kazuya who had been drinking his wine in a relaxed manner.

“I know how you feel Suzaku but I advise you not to do anything stupid.” A young man who appeared to be older than Suzaku warned. “This is the Kurogane Banquet and causing a disturbance here will land not only you but your father in a precarious situation.”

“I know that but… I have to know! He should know something about Ringo!” Suzaku shared a table with his peers so they knew the issues between Kazuya and Suzaku. These were the branch family members that had been in the same position as Suzaku.

Suzaku has spent the last few years trying to find any clues about the whereabouts of the members of the Muimina family that had disappeared. With Tenma’s command and direct warning towards him to never mess with Kazuya or his matters, Suzaku focused on the allied clan that attacked the Muimina corporation; the Domyouji clan.

He had taken action alone so that no one from the family could trace his actions but he was caught and brought in front of the head of the Domyouji clan. Suzaku thought that his life had already ended then and there so he took a risk to ask about Ringo’s fate and why the Domyouji clan took actions against the Muiminas.

After a long conversation, Domyouji Gakuto merely answered his question with; “[Ask your ‘cousin’ Kazuya.]” before sending him on his way unscathed.

“Huh?” Though Kazuya didn’t feel any threat from Suzaku, he noticed the person trying to stop the hostile boy from coming over. Though it was only his back, Kazuya didn’t think he was mistaken, it was the same back that laughed while walking away from a beaten-up version of Kazuya. “(I heard that Suzaku pushed for it but… I didn’t think he would dare attend the banquet while knowing that I might attend.)”

With the young man stopping Suzaku, Kazuya thought of an idea as he moved his hand slowly so that Suzaku could see what he was doing. Kazuya moved his hand to grab one of the sliced apples from his plate before raising it in front of him as if showing what it was to Suzaku.

*Bite* Kazuya exaggerated his slow movements before grabbing a napkin to show that he spat the apple he just ate. Kazuya gave Suzaku another mocking grin before crushing the rest of the slice of apple in his hand.

“!!!” Suzaku flung away the arm that stopped him which caused the young man to glance towards Kazuya’s direction. He wanted to see what Kazuya did to further piss off the steaming Suzaku but what he saw was Kazuya’s gaze looking at him like a beast that had found its prey.

*shiver* he knew that it was no use since he was already spotted. Hashiyama Lee gave a slightly respective bow towards Kazuya who he couldn’t look in the eye.

Just as Suzaku started approaching, he heard his name being announced by the current emcee of the banquet. He had been named as one of the individuals with the lowest and harming performance in the clan. With even Tenma looking at him, all Suzaku could do was to bow apologetically at everyone.

“I have brought shame upon the clan and will work hard to redeem myself in the coming years!” he declared as he directed his bow towards Tenma. The other members whose names were also called out followed suit and bowed towards Tenma.

Sousuke was also included in this list but no one could blame him. Even if he was Tenma’s son, history seemed to have repeated itself in which the younger son had surpassed the elder brother. With Shishio’s performance, everyone thought that the risks Sousuke had taken were in order to beat his younger brother’s efforts. It was only unfortunate that the seeds that he had planted did not bear any fruit.

*grit…* Suzaku reluctantly got back to his seat after the emcee moved on with the program. Many people were presented with prizes depending on their performances. Money, gems, promotions, this was what everyone had been here for. Most importantly, even to those who didn’t get anything because of average achievements, the information on who they needed to support or compete with was as a sort of reward in itself.

“Now then, please enjoy the performance of our very own Kurogane Miyabi. As mentioned earlier she was awarded as a finalist in the violin contest held this year!” the emcee gave the stage to the elegant young lady who held an exquisite looking violin.

“(Kurogane Miyabi huh…)” Though Kazuya hadn’t been familiar with the members of the Kurogane family in his previous life, he knew this person’s name in particular.

It was big news in his previous life, Kurogane Miyabi was attacked by various former violinists whose hands were unable to play the violin anymore. She was attacked by the violinists that had snuck into the stage during her performance where they cut her hand and stomped on it to make sure that it couldn’t be reattached.

“(These people…)” Kazuya shook his head as he listened to the above average performance of Miyabi. She had talent but Kazuya had judged that it had not been enough for her to gain the prize that was announced that she had won earlier.

He stood at one side while watching the clan members fawn over Tenma and the other leading figures of the clan. Kazuya couldn’t help but smile after sensing two people approaching him from the front and the back.

“Kazuya…” Hashiyama Lee approached cautiously. Since he had already been discovered, the only thing he could do now was to make sure that Kazuya didn’t have any more hostilities with him.

“No need to speak pleasantries. I’ve already said whatever I needed to say to you back then. Unfortunately, you didn’t heed my warning once again.” Kazuya shook his head looking disappointed.

Leaving Hashiyama Lee alive after everything he had done to Kazuya in the past was an act of mercy. In his mind, Lee had barely done anything in this lifetime so he had been given a chance to not follow the footsteps of the version of him that Kazuya knew very well. Seeing Lee in front of him now in the form of the man who laughed triumphantly as Mei was taken away, Kazuya couldn’t help but curse himself for even giving this person a chance.

“You don’t understand…” Lee took a deep breath to calm himself. He wanted to explain the circumstances on why he had returned to the Kurogane household.

“You don’t need to tell me. The Kurogane clan holds the Hashiyama family’s assets. With the death of Kurogane Nagisa, my father and the clan now have full control. Do you think I was not aware of this? I even knew that you were taken in by the branch family because of that brat Suzaku’s insistence.” Kazuya looked straight into Lee’s eyes. “The only thing that mattered to me when it came to you was that if you would dare show up in front of me again.”

“I…” Lee’s body trembled as he struggled to stay calm under Kazuya’s gaze.

“Seeing as you’ve plotted against me again…” Kazuya glanced towards the side where Suzaku was approaching to show that he already knew what Lee had been up to. “Did you really think that I would let you off after you try stopping someone that I wouldn’t even classify as a threat?” he smirked.

“Bastard!” Suzaku heard Kazuya’s remark and immediately pointed the knife on his hand against Kazuya’s back.

“Is that an insult? Should I be insulted by the truth?” Kazuya ignored the object pointed at his back and shrugged.

“Tell me! What did you do with Ringo? Where is she now!?” Suzaku pushed the pointed edge of the knife against Kazuya’s back.

“Muimina Ringo?” Kazuya was a little surprised that rather than revenge, Suzaku had prioritized information about his former fiancé. The emotions on his voice couldn’t be hidden and Kazuya understood that this boy genuinely had feelings for that girl. “Why are you asking me about her? Shouldn’t you be asking the Domyouji clan?”

“I already did and their head pointed me in your direction!” Suzaku quickly retorted.

“Domyouji Gakuto told you to ask me?” Kazuya’s eyes narrowed. Suzaku should have already been eliminated if he had been poking around and had gotten caught. If not, they would have had the Kurogane clan pay some kind of remission for this boy’s stupidity yet this was the first time Kazuya ever heard that these people had made contact. “I refuse to believe that he would have said such a thing. Are you perhaps baiting me? What kind of conversation could you possibly have with the Domyouji clan’s leader for him to let you ask me instead.” Kazuya scoffed at Suzaku.

His purpose was simple, make Suzaku spill the beans on what led to Gakuto sending Suzaku towards him for news about Ringo. Though Kazuya still had doubts about the authenticity of Suzaku’s claims, he couldn’t ignore the possibility that what he said was the truth.

Suzaku immediately told him about the conversation he had with Gakuto after getting caught. He was confident because it had been the truth and thought that Kazuya only needed to confirm it. His desperation to get to the truth of Ringo’s disappearance made Suzaku unable to see the trap he had fallen into.

Though Lee already noticed that his former little brother was confidently probing, there was nothing he could do to stop it. Rather, he was able to find out that Kazuya and the Domyouji clan might have had some conflicts. He started to consider his next move while listening in on the conversation.

“… that’s it. His answer was simply that you knew what happened to Ringo far more than he did so I should get my answers from you.” Suzaku once again pushed the tip against Kazuya’s back. “Tell me!”

“I appreciate the information.” Kazuya grinned. “I applaud your determination but I loathe your stupidity. Do you think I’m afraid of a little knife? The person you took in despite being discarded already shot me you know?” Kazuya took a step back to push himself against the knife.

“You…!” Suzaku immediately pulled his hand back.

“This is the Kurogane banquet. What do you think would happen to you if you cause a commotion and stabbed the clan head’s grandson?” Kazuya smirked and glanced at Lee who was once in the same situation.

“Put the knife away Suzaku.” Lee immediately moved to grab Suzaku’s wrist. “I already told you about what happened before. If this knife ends up getting stabbed in him, would anyone believe that he was the one who stepped into getting stabbed?”

Suzaku frowned. He honestly didn’t believe Lee’s claim that Kazuya had forced him to pull the gun’s trigger. Now that they were in this situation, Suzaku couldn’t deny that Lee had been telling the truth that no one even dared to consider. Kouzuki Kazuya was a crazy person who didn’t fear death.

“Do you really want to see Muimina Ringo that much?” Kazuya asked as the musical performance came to a close.

“”!!!”” Even Lee couldn’t help but turn towards Kazuya after the words he spoke had sunk in.

“Where is she!?” Suzaku glared at Kazuya murderously. His outburst had been mixed in with the cheers and applauses so no one noticed as their eyes were drawn towards Tenma who had begun to move towards the main stage.

“You make it look as if I was the bad guy.” Kazuya shook his head. “Remember, it was the two of you who tried to ruin my peaceful life, right? Don’t tell me that both of you expected me to just let you do whatever you want because you’re from the Kurogane clan?”

“”…”” The two of them couldn’t say anything. What Kazuya said was correct, they were the ones who forced themselves to be recognized by Kazuya. They had brought his retaliation upon themselves.

“But… I am not an unreasonable person.” He sighed. “If you really want to see Muimina Ringo, I will personally see to it that you will see her after the banquet.”

Kazuya didn’t wait for a reply and walked back to his seat. The intermission was now over as Tenma joined the emcee in telling everyone about the changes that they decided in the earlier meeting.

“Now then, before I continue to discuss the further changes, I have a very important announcement to make.” Tenma’s observed everyone as he projected a serious demeanor. Everyone immediately knew that something important was about to be announced. “The member of the clan who had the most contributions had not been mentioned or awarded earlier. Not only did he give our name glory by dominating the competition that I once participated in, he was also the person who came up with the idea that led to the current change our company had gone through.”

Everyone turned subconsciously glanced towards Shishio and Sousuke who were the likely candidates. The elder brother’s bitter expression made it obvious that it wasn’t him while the younger one kept his gaze towards the back of the crowd. Tenma’s description already gave away Kazuya’s identity as everyone gazed at the boy who was nonchalantly enjoying the expensive glass of wine in his hand.

“Allow me to inform everyone that I will be stepping down as the clan head.” Tenma’s declaration made everyone gasp. Though he was already old, everyone had been convinced that the old man still had what it took to lead the clan. This had been evident with the way he had handled the matters of the clan after stepping out once more.

“My successor will be none other than my grandson, Kurogane Kazuya.”

“Whaa?!” Suzaku dropped his own glass as he turned towards his father who was seated with the rest of the leaders. His father glared at him and gave a serious nod confirming that it was already decided.

“No way…” Lee was in disbelief. He once desired everything Kazuya had as the heir of the Kouzuki Corporation. Kazuya would have led a peaceful life with Kyouko if he hadn’t disturbed them like Kazuya said. If that had been the case, was everything happening now because of him? Lee thought.

Kazuya was able to attain something the Lee never even dared to dream about. He was once the adopted son of Nagisa and Shishio. Kazuya wasn’t even in the picture. It was only after being forced to rise, did everything change. Before he knew it, everything had already come to this point.

“Settle down!” Tenma commanded. “I know everyone has their own concerns so I will leave it to the other leaders to explain the details as I will keep things short.” Tenma waited for everyone to settle down before speaking again.

“Though I did announce Kazuya to be the next head, as he is still too young, my youngest son Shishio will be the temporary head as I focus on teaching Kazuya about the responsibilities of being in this seat. Some of you may think that I may be stepping down too early, but I wish to focus on nurturing the person who I think is the most capable person our clan has produced thus far.”

Many of the clan members present were already aware of who Kazuya was. They all paid attention to any news about the main family so many people had already looked through Kazuya’s background. None of them could refute Tenma’s claim because just by Kazuya’s records alone, the young man showed potential that even trumped Kurogane Tenma’s.

Tenma briefed everyone of the changes that will take place after he had stepped down. Everyone who had been initially shocked had learned that this was not an impulsive decision by the clan head as every concern that they had in their minds were answered as Tenma continued to talk. It had been a while since the person known as the greatest clan head had taken such direct action so any doubts they currently had were put on hold.

“Now then, I believe it would be appropriate for Kazuya to address everyone.” Tenma waved over to Kazuya who already stood from his seat.

Everyone’s eyes looked over to the newly appointed clan head. Most of the people in the hall regretted not talking to him earlier when they had the chance as they observed Kazuya walking confidently towards the stage. Being the center of attention amongst all the other members of the Kurogane clan had not fazed him and he even projected a commanding aura that they didn’t feel when Kazuya had been minding his own business previously.

“I didn’t know you would be doing something like this.” Kazuya stood beside Tenma. Shishio soon joined them and stood by Kazuya’s side.

“The fact that you walked forward showing authority under the eyes of the clan members proves my decision to be correct.” Tenma looked at Kazuya proudly.

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“Is this the reason why you made me take such an oath? I already mentioned that I will not be taking the Kurogane name officially when you asked me the first time.” Kazuya made his stance clear.

“I know.” Tenma nodded deeply. “You have the Kurogane blood in you and the potential to lead it to better heights once you gain enough knowledge. I will make sure of that.” Tenma placed a hand on Kazuya’s shoulder and urged him to address everyone who had been waiting.

Kazuya closed his eyes for a few seconds and breathed in deeply. He focused his mind and felt his surroundings.

The moment Kazuya stepped forward to look at the rest of the clan members, an indescribable pressure was felt by everyone including the two behind him. This was the presence of the next head of the Kurogane clan. Tenma held the urge to madly laugh out loud, he felt that he had still underestimated this peculiar grandson of his. Kazuya emanated an aura that even Tenma could feel the urge to fall to the ground.

“This should be the first time I would address everyone. Many of you, especially the people in the main family know that I am officially known as Kouzuki Kazuya. So allow me to do something for everyone that befits the Kurogane name.” Kazuya stepped forward and raised his arm towards the ceiling.

“Grand Tier Magic: Epicenter!” Immediately after swinging is arm downwards, everyone could feel the intense tremble quickly intensifying beneath their feet.

“Let the real festivities begin!”

.