Mob MC 289.1

Test

Chapter 289.1. Father

-Miu's Dad POV-

As expected of a restaurant used by His Majesty the Emperor, the view is spectacular. It's luxurious yet elegantly understated, with impeccable service. The staff's training is impeccable, and they quickly refill empty wine glasses.

Above all, you can see the view from the window, and there's no other way to describe it than breathtaking. I've enjoyed various delicacies since returning to nobility, but the taste of the food here is something I've rarely experienced. Everything is top-notch. Truly a restaurant befitting the gathering of the 36 families.

As he inserted his fork into the rare Kinghorn Bear Cow steak, Takano Houretsu, the father attending in place of his daughter Miu, couldn't help but be impressed. But more than that, he felt a swirling mix of nervousness and anxiety deep in his chest.

"Houretsu, I heard you weren't going to show your face at this tournament, so I'm delighted to see you."

"Haha! This time, I thought I'd show myself as Miu's head of the family, so I refrained from attending."

The Emperor, who sat at the same table, raised the corner of his mouth slightly and rested his chin on his hand as he spoke to me. 

I endured the urge to become overly deferential, maintaining a calm facade and offering a vague response. 

The truth is that Miu has been clinging and begging me to not come to this gathering.

She wa emphasizing how dangerous it was.

Miu had explained in great detail how perilous this gathering could be. 

The 36 nobles were coming together, and numerous powerful magicians were freely walking around in preparation for the tournament. 

Lately, the situation around the Emperor seemed to be extremely unfavorable. 

Therefore, Miu had persuaded me not to attend under any circumstances, as this gathering would undoubtedly get exploited for sinister schemes.

She had laid on the floor, flailing her limbs like a young child and begging me to comply.

Miu rarely made such demands; she was usually such a well-behaved daughter. 

She might not voice her wishes openly, but she secretly found ways to make them come true.

Papa isn't a magician and is prone to dying easily before she can use her recovery magic. 

Houretsu himself agreed to this. With his frail body, even basic magic could prove fatal. 

So, he hesitated a lot before deciding not to attend and to have only Miu represent them.

However, Miu had gone off to search for the missing Aburage Viscounty. Thus, I attended this gathering as a substitute in her absence.

"But... I also have some thoughts about why Count Takano is absent. I'll let you know."

The Emperor picked up his wine glass, swirled the red wine within, and fixed his gaze on me. 

I could feel the eyes of the nobles from the 36 nobles seated at nearby tables on us, even as they conversed with each other, all of them keenly observing the situation at our table.

"I apologize. My daughter is absolutely determined to help her best friend from Teijou Marquisate and the daughter of Aburage Viscounty win in this tournament."

"So, does that mean the Teijou Marquisate's daughter has single-handedly made it to the finals? I see. The finals must be dangerous and highly challenging."

The Emperor narrowed his eyes as he watched the Dungeon Attack reflected on the outer wall. 

The match had just ended, and a girl who had reached the goal on her own was waving her hand with an almost triumphant smile.

"But... was it a secret technique passed down through generations? I find it questionable that they need to learn something after the tournament has started, especially when someone with the power to single-handedly advance to the finals has a partner."

The disappearance of Aburage Viscounty was being kept a secret. Instead of honestly explaining their disappearance, we had told others that Miu had gone for secret training before the finals.

[Oh, Contestant Teijou Yamiyo. She's the fastest in history in Dungeon Attack! Unbelievable, she's cutting through monsters, traps, and even the dungeon walls, leaving other competitors far behind and reaching the goal all by herself! This girl is incredible, achieving it all alone!]

The excited announcer was shouting as he provided live commentary. Yeah... the finals' dungeon is a real one, so the difficulty level is skyrocketing, but Yamiya-chan is showing the kind of power that suggests she could win even on her own. 

With  Tamamo-chan, their exploration aspect would be perfect, and there would be no doubt about winning. No need for secret techniques...

"Perhaps it's the contestants' intuition. All the participants in the finals are highly skilled. They might believe in having a trump card."

"I see... some things can't be seen in the time. As expected of you, Houretsu. You have a keen eye."

The Emperor rubbed his chin while gazing at the monitor.

[They're supposed to be a 2 person party, yet she competes alone and displays overwhelming strength! I've heard words from other players that they can only aim for 2nd place this year. I've been commentating on this tournament for 20 years, and I can confidently say this girl is exceptional!]

"So they say. Houretsu's discerning eye is indeed remarkable. To see through even the commentator's deception."

That announcer was saying things he shouldn't at this time. I wished he hadn't said such things now.

"Hahaha... I'm sorry."

"Well, that's fine."

I answered while trying not to let my eyes wander, but it was clear that I was busted, no matter how optimistically I looked at it.

Well, the inn was sealed off, and the security was tight, so it was only natural. 

It was evident to him that I had no intention of revealing any secret techniques.

The Emperor wanted to know why Miu and the others had disappeared. 

I didn't know the reason for Aburage Viscounty's disappearance myself. I had only heard from Nimue-san, who came to deliver a message, that Miu had gone to search for them. And that the Druid Arch Mage was helping Miu search for Aburage Viscounty members.

So, I was using a blatantly suspicious reason to deceive him.