Earth Dungeon 101.2

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Chapter 101.2. The Powerful

Though Kurou was already familiar with the information, he expressed admiration for the seemingly new insights, subtly praising and continuing the conversation. Standing at the pinnacle of power requires such consideration, and an arrogant attitude is reserved only when necessary.

As time passed during the conversation, two groups approached Kurou's gathering.

"Well, Lord of the Minamoto family. How have you been?"

The speaker was an old man with a sage-like white beard that reached down to his chest. Dressed in traditional Japanese attire, with sharp predatory eyes and an upright posture, he exuded vitality. His name was Ashikaga Takauji, the head of the Ashikaga family.

Known for his bold and unrestrained nature, Takauji, who founded the Ashikaga shogunate, was popular among military personnel.

"Oh yes, as you can see, I'm doing well, Old Man."

"That's right. You seem unusually healthy."

The old man chuckled, and his suggestive attitude hinted that he might be aware of the goblet's destruction. No, he probably knew. Even if this old man were revealed as the mastermind, people might just nod in agreement.

Being told he seemed healthy led Kurou to overanalyze, but he decided to smile without revealing his inner thoughts.

"Indeed. The Minamoto couple seems to have rejuvenated; it's enviable."

"Well, we do take some care of our health."

Smiling and nodding politely, a woman approached, bowing her head in greeting. She was Taira Masako, the head of the Taira family. She had natural-looking blonde hair and a youthful face. The compliment she received seemed almost sarcastic.

This woman also seemed suspicious in connection to the goblet incident. Well, no one wasn't a questionable figure. Kurou decided to put the goblet's destruction aside for now and forget about it.

"Both families have been up to interesting things lately, haven't they? Creating bases in the outside world, forming childish groups. Can't you let me join in a bit?"

"We have someone in our family who enjoys interesting things. Since they seem to be working hard, I'd like to warmly watch over them. If we can't encourage their growth, it will leave us uneasy about the next generation's successor."

Takauji joked while mentioning recent events. Despite inwardly chuckling at Takauji referring to the outside world, Kurou warned him not to get involved with the abandoned town base. 

The backer of that base is still unknown, but claiming a connection to the Minamoto family wouldn't hurt, especially with people like Kamishiro Serika and Anayama involved.

"I feel the same way. Konoha-chan has worked hard to build the knight order. As a parent, I want to watch over her. Taking away a child's toy is despicable, isn't it, both as an adult and a parent?"

Smiling with a hint of mischief, Masako responded to Takauji like Kurou. In essence, neither Kurou nor Masako intended to give Takauji any juicy information.

However, the one currently gaining strength is the Minamoto family. Kurou takes pride in the new possibilities presented by the supply from the ruins city.

According to the report from Kamishiro Serika, the president of a company called Amatsugahara Corporation managed to conquer the Water Dungeon. Unbelievable. Although Serika reported that he seemed to solo it, if true, it would mean this person rivals some of the top experts even within the inner town.

There's a potential to obtain Skill Level Up Potions soon. This person is someone Kurou would want to scout, even as a close aide. Glancing at Taira Masako, she notices and smiles knowingly. 

To an ordinary person unaware of the situation, her expression would seem soothing. But to Kurou, she looks like a cunning fox woman whose thoughts are inscrutable.

Before them is Konoha, a girl who was once thought to be eccentric, self-destructive, and seemingly sinking into despair. Now, she leads the eccentric Knight Order, delivering a striking debut by defeating a group of Dragoons. While the identities of the Knight Order remain unknown, one of its members soloed a Dragoon. Moreover, Masako somehow acquired a high-level Skill Up Potion.

Simultaneously having 2 exceptional warriors, or multiple powerful individuals not revealing themselves during the same period is too much of a coincidence. Amatsugahara Corporation is likely associated with the Taira family's private military. Being reckless and scouting them could lead to betrayal, but not understanding why they would mimic actions beneficial to the Minamoto family is also puzzling. Perhaps there's a group trying to break away from the Taira family, but it's uncertain, so scouting at this point is impossible.

It's a situation to keep an eye on, even if reluctantly. Nevertheless, since there's profit, there's no problem. As for Ashikaga Takauji, he can remain on the sidelines. Sorry, but he can watch from the outside while Kurou smiles thinly.

"All of you are so kind-hearted; it brings tears to my eyes. Isn't there any concern for an old man?"

"You're still quite young, Old Man."

"That's right. I've never thought of Ashikaga-san as an old man."

The two spoke words of overflowing kindness, causing Ashikaga Takauji to click his tongue but soon smirked. It was the face of someone who had thought of something mischievous.

 "Thanks. Well, that's the end of this conversation."

Observing Kurou and the others, Ashikaga Takauji continued.

"Winter has already arrived. What about this year's Snowflake Award?"

At those words, both Kurou and Masako wore serious expressions.

A ridiculous winter event was about to begin. Although absurd, he couldn't ignore it. That, too, was unnecessary for those in power, but it had to be done. 

Most likely, the Ashikaga family would set some trap. With such a premonition, Kurou's gaze turned stern.