Chapter 390: The Council
After three rounds of sake and five courses of dishes, the atmosphere was lively, but the guests were clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol. The birthday banquet was winding down.
"This is from Grandma for you."
As the conversations lulled, Mito took the opportunity to present her gift. Her serene smile had remained constant all evening. She handed over a red envelope, its appearance oddly familiar.
"Thank you, Grandma."
Kushina's flushed cheeks deepened as she accepted the gift with both hands, bowing slightly.
"Can I open it and take a look?"
Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, she curiously began to peek inside before Mito could respond. The moment her eyes caught the contents, realization dawned.
No wonder it looked familiar!
Inside was the same land deed Misaki had received as a gift when she married. Mito, aware that she might not be around when Kushina eventually married, had decided this was the perfect moment to give her the dowry.
"You child..." Mito chuckled softly, shaking her head with affection as Kushina examined the envelope.
"Grandma, this is too valuable. I can't accept it," Kushina protested, her drunken haze clearing slightly as the weight of the gift settled in. The value of the land was astonishing—too much for her to accept so casually.