Headhunting (8)

Whether it was a unilateral announcement by the patriarch that had not been discussed beforehand or not, the atmosphere on the Crosspell family's side was rather unsettled, but…

Overall, the social gathering was proceeding very successfully.

“Unfortunately, Elder, you will be unable to participate in the social gathering.”

“Did the patriarch not say that there would be no special conditions for participation, whether one is from the direct or collateral line? My back has been hurting lately, and I feel that an elixir like Breath would do wonders for my health….”

“No, even so, that's a bit….”

It was practically a festival by this point.

Originally, this had been an occasion that only the direct-line heirs of the families could attend.

Elliot Crosspell's surprise announcement breathed new life into the collateral lines of each family.

“Even if you don't aim to win….”

“It's not often that you get a chance to spar safely with the heirs of the major families.”...