Chapter 237: Head of the Clan
"It's Captain Aozaki! What an honor to meet you here—I never expected this!"
Gyōkaku Kumoi wore a fawning smile, his eyes locked onto Masatsuki Aozaki as if staring at a mountain of gold.
"I heard that Captain Aozaki was recently promoted to a high-ranking noble—such wonderful news!"
"I, Gyōkaku Kumoi, would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on behalf of the Kasumiōji Clan!"
His words took everyone by surprise.
Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, in particular, widened her eyes in disbelief. A vassal who had just been deferential to her was now boldly stepping forward to speak on behalf of the entire Kasumiōji Clan?
Nearby, Kūkaku Shiba, Kaien Shiba, and Miyako Shiba exchanged glances, filled with doubt. They couldn't comprehend how a mere servant had the audacity to make such a statement in this setting.
Yet, Gyōkaku seemed utterly indifferent to the reactions around him. His attention was solely on Masatsuki Aozaki, as if gaining his favor was the only thing that mattered.
Rurichiyo Kasumiōji furrowed her brows, silently seething. She never expected Gyōkaku to act so brazenly at a time like this. Where had his previous respect for her gone? Why was he behaving so differently in front of this man?
Gyōkaku, however, didn't care about what others thought. He had only one goal: to win over Masatsuki Aozaki at any cost.
For years, he had harbored ambitions of seizing power within the Kasumiōji Clan. Bit by bit, he had tightened his grip, leaving only a few loyalists still dedicated to the head of the family. Now, most of the power rested in his hands.