Gotoh led Gelman, who was unfamiliar with the way, to the imposing gates of the Zoldyck Family estate. He bowed respectfully to Illumi, who stood at the entrance to greet them.
"Young Master Illumi, I've brought Mr. Gelman." Gotoh rested one hand over his abdomen and held the other against the seam of his trousers as he bowed slightly.
Illumi nodded and waved a hand. "Mm. Go take care of your duties."
"Yes, Young Master."
Gotoh bowed again, then turned and left, soon disappearing around the bend in the cobbled path.
"My father and mother want to meet you." Illumi led Gelman into the estate. "It seems they've taken an interest in you."
"Why?" Gelman followed at an unhurried pace.
"Who knows?" Illumi shrugged. "Maybe it's that 'marriage proposal' from Hisoka? After all, he listed you alongside me as a target to hunt."
They ducked through a small door and walked down a dim, narrow passage. It looked somewhat like a transport tunnel in an air-raid shelter, but the atmosphere was more like a cold underground crypt.
After walking a short distance, Gelman saw a plump man with narrowed eyes striding toward them.
"Big brother." The man sounded rather impolite, though it was clear he was trying his best to be deferential. "Could you lend me a few billion Jenny first?"
Illumi shook his head without hesitation. "No."
"Tch. Stingy." The plump man snorted, looking as though he'd expected that answer. Then he glanced at the unfamiliar Gelman in confusion before hurrying past them.
"Fine, fine. I'll earn it myself," the man grumbled as he walked away.
"That's my younger brother Mihai, second in line. He's a shut-in otaku." Illumi continued onward. "By the way, I'm the eldest."
"I know," Gelman replied. "But as the eldest son of the world's