Side Twenty-Three – Fujiwara Shige, Head of Fujiwara House
Shige kept his displeasure deep within, his face impassive, though there was no concealing the anger boiling in his steely gaze. The score or so of n sitting around the table were still arguing after this proposal, splitting into factions, each wrapped up in their own interests. It is quite the disappointnt. Just how long must I… no, to dwell on that now is just needless.
Beside him, sensing his fatigue one of his two security guards, the giant half-Japanese and half ‘sothing’ man, who towered over everyone at nearly half a foot over six feet tall, handed him a mug of coffee. Taking a sip he held in a sigh. Kona. The US president is said to drink little else. It is good, but cannot staunch my worries alas.
“I still don’t know if this is a joke.” One executive was saying. He might be wearing an expensive suit from a well-known London tailor, but it wouldn’t make him look anything but a balding man trying to appear important. “Surely this must be so sort of test, right, right?” he was appealing to the other executives, who like him, almost to a man, were wearing similar attire, with expensive watches and ties, each striving to show off how impressive and essential they were. It is enough to make despair. Still, there were a couple of exceptions.
“Enough, if you really think Fujiwara-dono would do such a pointless thing, I worry for your sanity.” The man, Harada Koji was saying, trying to rein in the quarrelling. “Just because we did not see it coming or think it impossible, if we are asked to do this, then we should respond with our best efforts.”
If only Koji-kun was my son… he was currently the acting leader of policy decisions in the Fujiwara group, and at his words a half-dozen around the table nodded agreent.
“Yes, Honoured Father wouldn’t lie to us.” a man in his fifties said. His hair was dyed, and his suit was extrely extravagant, paired with a watch that Shige had given him on his twentieth birthday, quite the antique. Yet I note he has had it restored. Typical. Too fearful of to wear a different one, but too proud not to have it changed to his tastes.
“Indeed, a very good point Hidemasa-sama!” one oily executive agreed, trying to earn points with him no doubt. “It is wisdom like that which shows you are indeed Fujiwara-dono’s oldest son. I don’t see Kazuhito-sama here. could he… not make it to such an important eting?”
“No, I fear he had to work. Apparently he is eting a Russian delegation regarding international co-operation on trade or so such. A worthy goal no doubt, but…” Hidemasa said doubtfully.
To think I’d have lived so long as to have to deal with this. Barring Koji-kun and another man who was standing almost unnoticed in the shadows, everyone here was a Fujiwara family descendant, from either the main or the branch lines. Once that ant they would be resolute, powerful and dedicated to the country, but over the last few generations, since the war… If only we had not engaged in such folly. All three pillars that supported Japan nearly fell, and after the rebuilding… Decadence was proving even more destructive than outright war…
Gesturing to his imposing guards, simply known as ‘Left’ and ‘Right’, they stood taller, drawing everyone’s eyes. “I find this argunt unseemly.” Shige said, his voice quiet yet still able to dominate the rich executives, including his son. “While I do not encourage blind obedience, when I give an order I expect it to be treated seriously. Right now, every one of the Fifty-Seven and most of the Three-Hundred will be holding similar etings and looking at where to go from here. This will be our sternest test since the war, and I have no wish to see us fail here.”
Indeed, after none in the houses of nobility, neither new nor old, had owned up to developing these new abilities, Itsuki, Kira and I decided to establish counterasures and bring everyone together. It could be the catalyst to either rebuild the nobility back to past glories, or…
“Of course Honoured Father.” Hidemasa gushed. “But still, since none of us have seen or heard of such things… it is hard to comprehend. Still, I am sure we can co up with a plan to satisfy you!”
As more pointless discussion followed, Shige half-listened, while pondering his own plans. How I envy Kira with strong young heirs. He can leave this to them should he wish. As for my sons… one was dead alas, his eldest, who he had invested much effort into raising as his successor. By comparison his other two were left to their own devices, and had beco spoiled and rebellious respectively. Still, they had done one thing right.
“How about we survey every employee of the Fujiwara group?” one was saying. “Our subsidiary businesses employ over a hundred thousand people. Surely we would unearth one or two if they exist?”
“Or we could put up a reward? Money will surely move so to co forwards?”
“Yes, that sounds…”
Ugh, I hope the others in the Fifty-Seven have more creativity. And after this I need to et with the Pri Minister. I can’t leave the Diet in the dark forever, but managing what they know is crucial. International tensions over this…
Luckily plans were already being made, with so possible leads via financial transfers that aroused interest, as well as so hints of suspicious activity that Public Security and the Police could not explain. Still, that would be far from enough…
Maybe it is ti to bring in so fresh blood, shake up the decadent young pups that think that I am content to leave the Fujiwara family and the fate of Japan in their hands? Hmm, yes, maybe…
Standing suddenly, Left and Right moved to flank him. Everyone looked up and waited for his words.
“I shall leave you to discuss the matter for a short ti. Hidemasa, is your daughter Honoka here?”
“Of course Honoured Grandfather. She is delighted at the thought of seeing you.”
“In that case, I shall take a mont to visit with her. Do continue your deliberations while I am absent.”
Leaving with Left and Right following him, he reached the room where his granddaughter was staying. Gesturing for Left and Right to stay outside, he knocked on the door. A young and elegant voice called out. “Yes, who is it?”
“It is Shige. May I enter?”
“Oh Grandfather, of course!” ca back the bright reply, and he pushed open the door, to be greeted by the sight of a young girl sitting primly on a chair, back straight and posture impeccable. She was wearing a school uniform, a traditional sailor-suit type, with a very long skirt and long-sleeved shirt. On seeing her grandfather she smiled, an expression of joy on her beautiful face.
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