Chapter 24: Shadows Behind the Curtain
Hideo Takumi had made his deduction—if things unfolded exactly as the enemy had planned, both he and Dai Izuma had already walked straight into their trap. And if that was truly the case, the Dai family might still survive. They had other successors.
But the Takumi family?
They had only one heir—Hideo himself.
Even if it was just a theory for now, who could predict what kind of disaster would come if the enemy's plan actually succeeded?
Especially since the trap was clearly meant for him—Hideo Takumi, the infamous fool who used to blow through his inheritance like water and couldn't tell the difference between a banquet and a bear trap. If this had happened before his reincarnation, he would've probably laughed and said, "Whoa, free party again? Thanks, Grandpa!"
All while his grandfather scrambled behind the scenes to clean up his mess.
But… what if someday, Grandfather Jun really did lose his authority? What if even a sliver of doubt crept into the minds of the generals?
The consequences could shake the entire foundation of the Takumi clan.
Hideo clenched his fists. He had to grow stronger. Even with all the knowledge from his past life—most of it coming from books, heroic tales, and ancient war strategies—today had made something painfully clear:
Theory means nothing when your head is inches from being chopped off.
He had to protect this family. He had to shield the people he cared about from real danger.
Protecting a great family without political insight? That wasn't bravery—it was stupidity dressed in optimism.
He didn't need to be a court official. He didn't have to climb the ladder of power. But—
He had to know who stood behind the curtain… and who hid a knife behind their charming smile.
Noon.
Grandfather Jun had just returned home when he happened to run into Dai Wanli, the head of the Dai family, on the main road.
Dai Wanli rode on horseback, his face looking like burnt charcoal as he led a squad of soldiers heading north—straight toward the Abe and Mori strongholds!
His expression was grim, his brows furrowed so tightly they looked like they might catch fire. Grandfather Jun stared at his long-time rival's face and couldn't help feeling amused.
"Heh, haven't seen the old bastard this pissed in ages. Guess his heart's still in good shape if he can yell like that."
With a spring in his step and his usual mischievous grin, Jun approached. "Brother Dai! Why the long face? Did you just lose three treasure chests? Don't tell me… your son-in-law's grandson got kidnapped? No wonder you're panicking! Hahaha!"
What Jun didn't know… was that he had hit the bullseye.
Dai Wanli snapped. "You fossil-faced bastard! Don't act like you're any better! After I deal with the Abe and Mori clans, I'm coming for your hide next!"
With a sharp whip, he galloped off, leaving Jun stunned and blinking.
"What the hell was that? He cursed me three times in one sentence and didn't even explain why!"
Jun spat on the road and muttered, "Dogs biting dogs… this is what happens. Their mouths end up full of each other's filth."
Earlier…
Back at the Dai residence, Izuma had returned—pale as a ghost. He stormed into the hall, screaming, "Father! Mother! Disaster! The world's about to end!"
His father nearly choked on his tea, and the head of the family, Dai Wanli, who was already seated, narrowed his eyes like a tiger eyeing prey.
Under the crushing pressure of his father's gaze, Dai Izuma spilled everything.
Tears dripping like a leaky faucet, he confessed the whole story. When he presented the tea cup with remnants of poison, the family apothecary confirmed it.
"This isn't just regular tea. This is high-grade poison. Definitely not oolong."
But that wasn't the worst part. The tea wasn't just lethal—it had traces of arcane manipulation. A subtle magic laced within, designed to distort a victim's perception and emotions. It didn't just weaken the body—it clouded the mind, bending the victim's will toward the enemy's design.
Dai Wanli's face darkened further, veins throbbing on his temple. With one hand, he lifted the massive Dai Izuma clean off the floor.
"Take me to the Abe and Mori estates!" he roared. "Let's see how they handle justice—Dai family style!"
Grandfather Jun, still blissfully unaware, was humming on his way home.
"Izuma probably caused some trouble again. Thank the heavens my grandson, Hideo, is peacefully studying calligraphy and poetry…"
But when he arrived—
"WHAT?! Hideo went to the Golden Thousand Hall?! AND CAME BACK WITH A PILE OF TREASURE?!"
He dashed to Hideo's room and froze.
A mountain of luxurious goods was laid neatly across the bed. Among them, spiritual stones from the Abe family… and even relics tied to the royal household!
His hands trembled as he picked up a mystical gem.
"Happy Birthday, Young Master Abe"—engraved on its base.
Jun's expression twisted. "Young Master Abe? Don't tell me… Hideo robbed them?!"
He grabbed his beard in panic—and rriiiip—
"ARGHH! MY BEARD!"
Shaking, he counted the items one by one. Two ruyi spirit stones… Mori family spiritual companions… rare pearls… and wait—that… wasn't that a national relic?!
"Where did he get all this?" he whispered, face pale.
If the boy really won all this through gambling… then it was a miracle.
But if he stole it?
The Takumi clan's reputation, built over three generations, would be utterly destroyed.