Mob MC 140.2

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Chapter 140.2. The Emperor Bestows Rewards

-Emperor's POV-

Now comes the problem.

"Then, next, Countess Takano and Acting Count, come forward."

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

If anyone is to be considered the person of merit this time, it would be the girl in front of me, Touya thinks as I look at the father and daughter kneeling before him.

"Thank you for your efforts this time. I heard that you assisted Sena and saved the battalion."

"Yes! Se-chan is my friend, so it's only natural to help!"

The girl responds with an innocent smile, raising her small hand cheerfully. She's a girl who isn't at all intimidated in front of the Emperor.

Her shiny gray hair looks like shimmering silver from some angles, and her ice-blue eyes, which seem to reveal her innocence, have an appeal that attracts all who see them.

She's an innocent girl who will become a beautiful woman in the future, and her petite body reminds me of a small animal.

Even the nobles, who are said to be mountains and rivers' evil spirits, are amused by her lovely appearance, not because they despise her for her lack of manners, but because they find her soothing.

If even half of the stories were true, the girl in front of me, Takano Miu, had incredible power.

While I'm glad to have her as the head of the family, Touya feels delicate that I have let one of the most alarming people rise to the top in recent times.

Of course, the person to be wary of is not Takano Miu.

"Oh, you mean to say that you and Sena have become best friends, Countess Takano?"

"Yes! We're already very good friends!"

"Is that so?"

There was no hidden meaning in that answer. It felt like a genuine word from the bottom of her heart.

"That's a pleasure. I'm happy that Countess Takano has become Sena's best friend. From now on, as you're both recovery magicians, please continue to get along well with each other."

"I understand!"

The nobles looked at each other and whispered again as Takano Miu answered honestly.

Even without eavesdropping, it was clear what they were discussing. Just now, Takano County had declared its allegiance to the Emperor.

I deliberately appealed to those around me that that was the case. Frankly speaking, the Nagamasa matter was quite painful, so I was glad that she declared Takano County would become an Emperor faction.

It's because recovery magicians are that rare, and this girl's ability is probably the best in Japan or the best in the world.

If Miu Takano, who can use magic to heal mental fatigue, joins the Emperor faction, there is nothing more reassuring than this.

With this, Takano County wouldn't only have the backing of Teijou Marquise, but also the Emperor. Takano Yoshiyuki would be satisfied with the result.

He must have arranged for Takano Miu to say here that she and Sena are friends.

Takano Yoshiyuki. The strategist now known as Kongming, nervously smiled next to Takano Miu.

He looks like an ordinary, good-natured commoner who cares for his family. But once his daughter, Takano Miu, became a countess, he emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the Takano group.

He has cleverly eliminated those who don't follow him in the Takano group, used his ventures to turn a loss-making division into a profit in no time, and also brought up talented people from the branch families, who must have been rooting for him.

He boldly used his daughter's achievements and presented a surprising proposal. It was unexpected that he would offer to hand over her achievements to Sena.

As Emperor, I had no choice.

The [Magician who cannot use magic] was a man of ordinary appearance, but he was a man of terrifying wisdom, and that was Takano Yoshiyuki.

To make a loan to the Emperor in such a short time, one can only roll one's tongue.

"Then I will reward you. Tell me what you want."

"Yes! I want to make a flower garden in Kamakura. Please!"

As if asking for money, Takano Miu sticks out her small hand, and the foolish cuteness of the girl makes me smile.

Deep down, I feel relieved that this girl didn't inherit Yoshiyuki's cunningness.

Despite acting much younger than her age due to the recoil of her extraordinary power, it works in my favor as the Emperor. There is no worse opponent than someone who possesses power and cunningness.

"Oh, yes, a flower garden. That's good. I won't give you all of Kamakura, but I will give you the area near the road leading to Tokyo."

"Thank you, Empera!"

Yoshiyuki must have guided Takano Miu to say that she wanted it. Otherwise, there is no way Takano Miu would mention wanting land in Kamakura.

The land is worthless now, but depending on the outcome of the discussions, its value could increase by a tremendous amount.

He looks like an ordinary person as she tries to calm down her daughter, who is somewhat restless and happy. It's a great act.

He bows his head, and I watch them leave.

Takano Yoshiyuki will continue to push forward with his efforts to seize control of the family. But that will likely end in a few years.

Once that happens, I'll elevate him to a close aide. 

No matter how skilled he is, Takano Yoshiyuki, who isn't a true magician, has a limit to how far he can go.

Perhaps this is a good idea.

It's a spontaneous thought. But it will lead to obtaining fukuryu (cunning aide). He's a man of such wisdom. He would be of great use.

TN: fukuryu is suicide divers

I'd consider this idea later. But I changed my mind as the last person came forward.