Arriving in Tokyo Metropolis

With a hint of curiosity, the Scribe asked.

"What did I do that made someone like Hyakuya Clan Head have to thank me?"

"Well, perhaps it is a small matter in your eyes, sir, but in my old man's eyes, it is a big matter."

With a smile, Hyakuya Ryufu then explained.

"Some time ago, Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals made a move that thwarted the plans of those old bastards from the Shinri Family."

"It's all for profit; I didn't intentionally help the Hyakuya Family."

Scribe shook his head slightly, indicating that he shouldn't overthink it.

While Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals has some collaborations with the Hyakuya Family, the same goes for the Shinri Family.

The former lacks the size and ability to make the Scribe favor them.

"So it was the Tathagata."

Hyakuya Ryufu's eyes lingered slightly on Scribe, as if he were deep in thought.

After a while, a glint of approval flashed in his pupils.

"Maybe I'm just overthinking things, you old man."

Scribe smiled and didn't continue.

As the patriarch of a large family, how could Hyakuya Ryufu be unable to handle such a small matter?

The reason he said that was probably to test himself.

In the following time, Scribe and Hyakuya Ryufu discussed the current situation and their views on the future.

Although the time was short, the latter deeply felt the extraordinary nature of the Scribe.

"Although you look young, your knowledge and insights far surpass those of an old man like me."

"That's not true. Ryūfū Clan Head, you have been in charge of the clan for many years. There are many things I may need to learn from you."

"In that case, I hope that in the future, Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals can establish more and closer cooperation with our Hyakuya Family."

"That's natural."

Although no formal agreement was reached, the two sides have come to recognize each other after this exchange.

After all, there's no life-or-death hatred involved, and cooperation and mutual benefit are a good thing.

"It's getting late. I've already had dinner prepared. What do you think, sir?"

Scribe did not refuse Hyakuya Ryufu's invitation.

"In that case, thank you for your kindness, Hyakuya Clan Head."

Nodding, Hyakuya Ryufu suddenly spoke.

"To be honest, I don't even know your name, sir."

"The Scribe."

"Hmm, this name seems to be the same as that of the founder and first manager of Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals."

"Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals has never been separated from the hands of the 'Scribe'."

A look of understanding crossed his face, and Hyakuya Ryufu didn't say anything more.

Perhaps he thinks that the managers of Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals will all change their names to Scribe after taking over.

But the Scribe was too lazy to ask about such things.

"By the way, speaking of which, I also have something to ask of you, Hyakuya Clan Head."

"Please speak, Mister Scribe. I will do my best."

"It's not a big deal."

He took a piece of Scribe and then wrote three words on it.

"This person helped me out in the Entertainment District, and I hope my life will be better from now on."

After glancing at the three characters "Hyakuya Shitsu" written on the paper, Hyakuya Ryufu did not agree directly, but instead asked a question.

"Then, sir, what kind of life do you consider to be a better one?"

"Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals also has some involvement in imported products, and I think we can strengthen our cooperation in this area."

"That's excellent."

A hint of joy appeared on his aged face, and Hyakuya Ryufu's tone seemed somewhat excited.

"I think Xiao Shi would be very willing to dedicate the rest of his life to this."

Upon hearing Hyakuya Ryufu's words, Scribe knew that he had understood his meaning.

At the banquet that followed, Hyakuya Ryufu introduced many of the Hyakuya Family's senior executives to Scribe.

The Scribe even caught a glimpse of Hyakuya Shitsu.

Only after asking did I learn that it was Hyakuya Ryufu who had given him special permission to attend the banquet.

"Sir, that matter is..."

After rubbing his palms together, Hyakuya Shitsu asked somewhat embarrassedly.

"I wonder how your conversation with the clan chief went."

"You can apply to him yourself later. You should be going out with the people from Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals."

"Thank you, thank you, sir!"

Overjoyed, Hyakuya Shitsu almost shouted out in excitement.

It was only when he attended the banquet that he learned that the person he had "saved" was actually the manager of Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals.

That's a top nobleman who rivals, or even slightly surpasses, a family leader.

Fortunately, I reacted quickly and didn't completely offend the other party.

If my family offends Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals because of me, the patriarch might skin me alive.

"Come, come, Mister Scribe, this is the future pride of our family, his name is Hyakuya Inowa."

"Inawa, don't just stand there and watch. Offer Mister Scribe. Scribe a toast."

At the banquet, Hyakuya Shitsu pulled Hyakuya Inowa aside and began to explain to Scribe.

He spoke like a proud father, his words brimming with pride for Inawa.

"You forgot, Inawa is also in your group. We've met before."

Hyakuya Inowa, who was standing to the side, also shook his head and poked Hyakuya Shitsu's waist.

"That's right, Mr. Shi, you've had too much to drink."

"Is there?"

Reeking of alcohol and with a face that was a mixture of black and red, Hyakuya Shitsu somewhat confused.

Although he seemed a bit silly, his presence livened up the banquet considerably.

When the banquet ended, Scribe saw Hyakuya Shitsu putting his arm around Hyakuya Inowa's neck and saying something.

"Inawa, the Mister Scribe is a great man. You should learn from him in the future."

"After a while, I may have to go out to do business related to imported goods. When I'm not around, I need to spend more time with my husband."

"If you can learn something from him, you won't have disappointed my expectations, Hyakuya Shitsu."

Every sentence he uttered mentioned Scribe, which shows that Hyakuya Shitsu was indeed very grateful to Scribe.

"Live well, as an ordinary person."

Seeing Hyakuya Shitsu's somewhat childish behavior, Scribe shook his head helplessly and turned to leave.

Over the next few days, under the hospitality of Hyakuya Ryufu, Scribe spent his time playing at his Main Family Residence or in the town.

He only planned to leave after the Hyakuya Family had fulfilled their duties as hosts.

However, on the night before his departure, Hyakuya Ryufu suddenly found him.

Mister Scribe, I'm afraid your plan will have to be delayed.

"Why? Has something happened again?"

After mentally calculating the time, Scribe felt that nothing major should happen recently.

"It's not new, it's something that happened in Entertainment District."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, signaling his servants to come forward.

A beautiful woman stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and raised the tray in her hands high.

In the center of the tray lay an elaborate invitation.

Several large, gold-plated characters were prominently printed on the front.

"Taisho Aristocratic Conference"

Chapter 431 Arrival in Tokyo Metropolis

Upon seeing this name, the Scribe immediately realized what "Hyakuya Ryufu" referred to.

Although I was mentally prepared, I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

The so-called "Taisho Aristocratic Conference," as the name suggests, refers to the meetings held during the Taisho Period where nobles of all ranks gathered to discuss a certain matter.

However, unlike regular meetings, this one was hosted by the Emperor.

No matter what happens, the nobles who receive the invitation must send someone of sufficient standing to attend.

It can be said that this conference will bring together those at the center of power in this land.

Its high level of status, large number of participants, and important position are absolutely unmatched by anything else.

Many patriarchs of large families may never experience such a thing in their entire lives.

The Scribe vaguely remembered that the last time such a meeting was held was several decades ago, when it was held to reform the system.

Presumably, this meeting was in response to the recent "Red-light District Incident".

As a "veteran" who had participated several times, Scribe really disliked that atmosphere.

On the surface, nobles appear glamorous and sophisticated, but in meetings, they'll tear each other apart over the smallest of gains.

There have been instances in history where even physical fights have broken out.

Looking at the Scribe who was frowning, Hyakuya Ryufu asked.

"What are you considering, sir? Is there perhaps something you're having trouble saying?"

"It's nothing really. I was just thinking about who to talk to, since I don't want to see a bunch of old men arguing."

Judging from the Scribe's tone, it seemed that he was very familiar with meetings at this level.

However, Hyakuya Ryufu subconsciously believed that this was something that someone from the past had told the Scribe.

After all, the Scribe looks so young; he doesn't seem like someone who has participated before.

Even he himself wasn't qualified to attend the last meeting; he could only learn some fragmented information from the previous clan leader.

"I think it would be better if you went in person this time."

"After all, you yourself were one of the survivors of the Red-light District Incident."

"Those guys might have doubts about the intelligence they've gathered, but as the manager of Tsukishiki Pharmaceuticals, you can't possibly tell a bunch of lies to deceive people."

If the Scribe is truly an ordinary person who knows nothing about demons and the Demon Slayer Corps, then Hyakuya Ryufu's words are entirely correct.

Unfortunately, he knew far more than all those Family Patriarch combined.

The Scribe isn't just sitting around doing nothing; he's not going to go around giving those guys science lessons.

Just as he was considering whether he could have Tamayo or someone else go in his place, an idea suddenly popped into his mind.

"Perhaps, this time I really can go."

After careful consideration, the Scribe felt that his thinking was not wrong.