Who's in Favor? Who's Opposed? (5K)

They naturally had no intention of eating.

At this critical juncture, the head of the family Maya, has said that he will wait for Yotsuba Mahiro arrive.

They probably already knew what would happen next.

The time has come to decide who will be the head of the family.

Even if it weren't today, it would probably be mentioned.

They are all ready.

And so, everyone remained silent. Maya waved her hand, signaling Hayama to bring her and Yotsuba Miya a cup of black tea.

He then gestured to the others to ask if they wanted a drink too.

But most people shook their heads, indicating their refusal.

Only Tsukuba Yuuka, Ayako, Miyuki, and Seitenshi each ordered a cup and quietly savored it.

Seeing this, Yotsuba Miya put down his iced tea and glanced around at everyone present.

In her eyes, these people seemed to have already chosen sides, drawing a clear dividing line.

And so, time passed by, second by second.

The heavy silence was broken only when the minute hand pointed to the number 2, and the sound of the door opening again broke the silence.

Immediately afterwards, a voice came from the doorway that sounded both very familiar and extremely repulsive to the Mashiba Family.

"Sorry I'm late, I hope I've made it in time for dinner?"

His words were slightly flippant, almost like a joke, but his tone was very calm, and a faint smile played on his lips.

He looked refreshed and energetic.

Who else could it be but Yotsuba Mahiro?

He calmly surveyed the people in the room and noticed that those seated generally had varying expressions when they saw him.

Some were calm, some were disgusted, and others, like Miyuki and Ayako, were excited and happy.

However, Mahiro did not respond. Instead, he stared at the representative of the Mashiba Family for several seconds and gave him a deep look.

Then he went straight to his seat and took his place.

Kisara had intended to greet him as he passed by.

But when he saw the person following behind Mahiro, he was speechless.

Such a beautiful person...

No, they're elves!

Kisara Tendo already knew about the Shadow Garden's arrival and had even met with some of them.

For example, the child named Claire would occasionally come to the dojo to spar and learn from her.

But this was the first time she had ever seen the elf lady before.

Absolutely gorgeous!

The kind of beauty that takes your breath away at first glance!

It was just like the first time she met her younger sister, Miyuki, sitting across from her.

The pure black long dress with gold trim accentuated her graceful figure, while also making her already fair skin, as white as mutton fat jade, appear even more delicate and snow-white.

She wore a pair of red patent leather high heels, the slender heels clicking softly on the floor tiles.

Her long, golden hair cascaded down to her waist, swaying gently with her confident steps.

As Mahiro seat, the captivatingly beautiful girl stood behind Mahiro like a guard.

To be honest, Kisara couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority.

It's the same color, black, but it looks so perfect on the other person, exuding a noble and pure aura.

She's practically a combination of Miyuki Shiba and the Seitenshi!

"It's been a long time, Kisara. How have you been lately?"

"Hmm, it's alright..."

After taking their seats, Mahiro noticed that Kisara was somewhat dazed and took the initiative to speak, but Kisaragi only responded somewhat blankly.

"Really? But Kisara's outfit today is very pretty. Did you wear it especially for me?"

"Who... who would dress you in such nice clothes?"

Kisara blushed at his words and immediately looked away from Alpha, turning his head to the other side in embarrassment.

Being complimented on my looks...

This was the happiest thing for her tonight.

Besides, if this outfit isn't for Mahiro, then who else could it be for?

However, her proud and aloof nature prevented her from expressing herself frankly.

Instead, he whispered to the Seitenshi beside him and asked:

"Hey, do you think I should dress up a bit more formally today? I'm starting to regret it..."

The Seitenshi smiled slightly and softly comforted him:

"Alright, Kisara, you're beautiful enough tonight."

Besides, tonight is Mr. Mahiro's big night, Miss Kisara, please don't steal the spotlight.

While offering words of comfort, there was also a hint of playful banter between friends.

"Hmph, I would never do such a thing."

Kisara's mood immediately improved. Completely disregarding the fact that she was wearing an evening gown, she crossed her arms and slowly scanned the unfamiliar people sitting opposite her with her slightly sharp eyes.

She was also invited by Maya, and used the same reason as Esdeath—

In the name of helping Mahiro.

But in this situation, especially now that a faint smell of gunpowder has filled the air, helping is definitely not just a matter of words; it will definitely involve taking action.

As for the target, it should be these people on the other side, right?

Kisara felt a pang of regret, wishing she had brought the murderous sword, Snow Shadow, since she wasn't particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat.

Just as she was lost in thought, the crisp sound of a teacup hitting a tray drew everyone's attention.

Maya put down her teacup.

With an elegant smile on his face, he slowly swept his gaze over everyone present and began to speak:

"Now that everyone is here, it's time to begin this year's Spring Festival celebration. But before that, please give me a few more minutes. I have something to say—"

It's coming! It's finally here!

The people who had separated from their families held their breath, their eyes fixed on the two people seated at the head of the table.

Maya said softly:

"This matter concerns the appointment of the next head of the Yotsuba Family."

A simple sentence brought the banquet to its climax!

Chapter 234 Who Agrees, Who Disagrees? (5K)

It's here! It's finally here!

This is the most crucial moment!!

Everyone stared intently at Maya, waiting for her to say something next.

"Kasunari, Tsukuba Yuuka, Miyuki, Fumiya."

Maya looked around at everyone and gave a beautiful smile.

The four people whose names were called by Maya according to their ages also stood up unconsciously and straightened their bodies slightly.

"Don't be so nervous, please sit down."

Maya raised her hand, gesturing for the four who had risen to sit down again, and then said:

"The four of you are the last remaining candidates to succeed as the head of the Yotsuba Family. At the Spring Festival celebration that officially begins tomorrow, I intend to nominate the next head and conduct the handover ceremony."

As Maya said those words, she was also observing the expressions on the faces of the others.

Shibata Katsushige, Tsukuba Yuuka, and Kuroba Fumiya remained largely unchanged, even Ayako, who was standing next to Fumiya, was remarkably calm.

Only Miyuki seemed a little nervous, her fingers clenching her skirt to create slight wrinkles.

Seeing this, Maya smiled and comforted her:

"However, I understand how you feel right now. If I were to make the announcement suddenly tomorrow, perhaps you would feel even more unsettled."

I took this into consideration, which is why I decided to inform everyone in advance who will be chosen as the next Yotsuba Clan of Yotsuba..."

"My lord, may I say a few words?"

"Oh, Fumiya, what's up?"

Maya was somewhat surprised because her words were interrupted, and it was none other than that child, Kuroba Fumiya.

Excuse my intrusion.

After bowing in this manner, Fumiya stood up again, looking very nervous.

"Since you've given your permission, then I'll speak. The Kuroba Family intends to return my position as the next head of the family head to Kuroba Fumiya, and recommend Miyuki Shiba for the position."

"Huh???"

Miyuki stared wide-eyed at Fumiya in disbelief.

The Kuroba Family clearly supported Mahiro's brother, so why are they suddenly supporting him?

Could it be... Uncle Kuroba?

The image of the middle-aged man, tightly wrapped in a black coat, immediately flashed through her mind.

"Oh? That's interesting."

Maya picked up her teacup and took a small sip; a shadow of darkness appeared in the swirling tea.

Although she didn't appoint the next head of the family, she declared her resignation as a candidate for head of the family at this time.

In a sense, it was a defiance of Maya.

Not to mention, they still supported Miyuki.

Even when Yotsuba Miya, Miyuki's mother, heard about this, she frowned slightly.

However, Maya did not pursue the matter.

She gave Fumiya, who had specifically requested to resign at this time, a meaningful look.

And then he asked softly:

"Fumiya, is this your idea or Gong's?"

"This..."

"This is the decision of the Kuroba Family, Maya."

Ayako, who was standing next to Fumiya, suddenly answered the question.

She then stood up and gave a slight bow to Maya, who was in the main seat.

"Master, please forgive my rudeness in interrupting you halfway through."

"It's alright, but could you tell me the reason, Ayako?"

A slight smile of pleasure curved Maya's lips.

She wasn't angry at all; in fact, she was quite happy and pleased.

"I remember your Kuroba Family has always had a good relationship with Mahiro, so why are you suddenly supporting Miyuki? Is there a reason?"

"There is no other reason, Master. It is entirely my responsibility, and it was my judgment that prevented Fumiya from continuing to support Brother Mahiro."