CHAPTER 737: CHAPTER 452: THE ESSENCE OF POWER

This was a choice Fushimi Roku had never imagined. When he asked the other party to make a defense, he had already determined that this person was a criminal "beyond the reach of the law"—with only two options: death or maiming.

However, Kujo Mutsumi gave him a third option, which was for the criminal to face the law and be judged by the court.

Fushimi Roku hesitated for a moment. It wasn’t that Kujo Mutsumi had persuaded him, but rather that he had discovered a flaw in the principles he had adhered to all along.

—What if there are criminals who fear death and choose to surrender to the court?

Fushimi Roku, propping his chin, seriously pondered whether, in such circumstances, he should personally execute the criminal or hand them over to the court for judgment.

The criminals Fushimi Roku had encountered before were all bull-headed; the law couldn’t touch them, and each was outrageously reckless, ready to kill without a second thought, so naturally, there was no need to consider too much.

This was akin to Sun Wukong attacking the Celestial Palace, with Erlang Shen saying to Sun Wukong, "Why not kneel down now, admit your mistake, and let this matter pass, huh?"

Everyone chose to fight, only Kujo Mutsumi chose to kneel and admit wrongdoing, letting the matter pass.

A bit slippery, indeed.

The hourglass ran out, yet Fushimi Roku remained silent, unable to make a judgment.

Seeing this, Kujo Mutsumi realized that the first goal was half complete; at least Fushimi Roku’s hostility toward the Kujo Family had shifted to the life and death of Kujo Hikari.

He didn’t press the advantage to continue persuasion but instead waited quietly for Fushimi Roku to make his choice.

Fushimi Roku pondered hard for a long time and indeed couldn’t find any fault.

Kujo Mutsumi had said that if there were any more tricks, even if the verdict was unsatisfactory, Fushimi Roku would have every right to take his head—if the court could judge criminals fairly and justly, then "Heavenly Punishment" wouldn’t need to exist.

"Is that so..."

Fushimi Roku reluctantly nodded, putting away the hourglass: "That seems reasonable."

Kujo Hikari collapsed on the ground in exhaustion, thinking that his father had knelt to plead with Fushimi Roku as a desperate measure to save him.

At this moment, he was immersed in the joy of a narrow escape.

Kujo Hikari was elated, but Kujo Mutsumi remained tense. He picked up a cane, supporting himself to stand, and sternly ordered everyone not to speak of tonight’s events!

If outsiders asked, they were to say the injuries were from a fall!

The retainers naturally would not disobey orders and agreed in unison. Under Kujo Mutsumi’s direction, several attendants dragged Kujo Hikari away—they had just fetched him from the police station a few days ago, and now they had to send him back themselves.

Kujo Mutsumi turned slightly, gesturing politely to Fushimi Roku: "Fushimi-kun, stay or leave at your leisure. If you wish to leave, I’ll accompany you. Just please understand that my legs are not swift, so let’s walk slowly."

The retainers put away their firearms, dispersing to clean the battlefield, and the tense atmosphere gradually eased.

"Are you really going to go with me?" Fushimi Roku asked.

"I keep my word," Kujo Mutsumi said.

The first goal of dissipating hostility was barely achieved. He thought that Fushimi Roku had temporarily put aside his animosity toward the Kujo Family; of course, he was also clear in his mind that Fushimi Roku undoubtedly despised the Kujo Family, and this couldn’t change overnight.

Next, he began to work toward the second goal, striving to form a firm contract with Fushimi Roku.

Fushimi Roku didn’t want to stay long; he hadn’t forgotten the purpose of his visit, and he asked again, "Where is Tamako now?"

Kujo Mutsumi shook his head and said, "I truly don’t know. My son just spoke the truth: Tamako rode a motorcycle, dashed off the second floor, and left the residence."

Hearing this, Fushimi Roku turned to leave.

Kujo Mutsumi waved his hand, signaling his attendants not to stop him. He quickened his pace, leaning on his cane, shadowing Fushimi Roku closely like sticky taffy: "Speaking of which, a while back, Little Wei took it upon herself to arrange a marriage for Tamako. I couldn’t refuse, so I resorted to a ruse, claiming Tamako was going to break up with you..."

Fushimi Roku stopped, turning back to glare at him.

Kujo Mutsumi showed no fear, smiling amiably and apologetically, though his back was already drenched in a cold sweat.

Thankfully, Fushimi Roku didn’t hold a grudge. Although he looked resentful, he averted his gaze, striding downstairs and casually remarked:

"It’s my fault for falling for such a stupid trick."

Kujo Mutsumi hurriedly gave him an out, saying, "That’s not correct. Fushimi-kun’s feelings for Tamako are so unwavering that you fell for it. Others might not have taken such a matter seriously. This shows that Tamako has good taste, choosing a man who truly loves her."

That was pleasing to hear.

Fushimi Roku gave a nonchalant hum and quickened his pace.

Unexpectedly, Kujo Mutsumi, though looking old and frail, walked briskly, closely following Fushimi Roku, making the cane just a prop for feigned old age.

Seizing the moment, he continued, "I must say, Little Wei was too reckless. That marriage proposal—I’ll cancel it tomorrow... no, tonight! As the family head, I still support Fushimi-kun more."

Kujo Mutsumi paused, carefully observing Fushimi Roku’s expression: "If you’re interested in marriage or if your relationship with Tamako is at the point of discussing marriage, I am willing to facilitate the marriage, giving Tamako to you as the family head."

Fushimi Roku didn’t look back, traversing a messy lawn, and casually asked, "Not marrying into the family?"

Kujo Mutsumi said, "For Tamako to bear the Fushimi name is her blessing. I’m sure she will feel truly happy to be with you as one family."

Fushimi Roku called for a car with his phone, and while waiting for the ride, Kujo Mutsumi, in front of him, phoned to cancel the planned marriage for Minamoto Tamako.

During the wait, Kujo Mutsumi extolled the virtues of marriage tirelessly, turning into a matchmaking elder and bringing all his persuasive tactics against Kujo Yua to bear on Fushimi Roku... of course, his tone was much more tactful.

Fushimi Roku listened quietly for a moment, then interrupted, "Nothing happened tonight?"

Kujo Mutsumi laughed, "Oh yes, you pulled my son back from the brink, saving him from a life of crime, and the whole Kujo Family is grateful, so Tamako offers herself to you..."

Fushimi Roku couldn’t hold back any longer: "Do you have no shame at all?"

Kujo Mutsumi feigned ignorance with great skill, much better than his son: "With Fushimi-kun’s visit, the Kujo house is honored. My face should shine; how could I not have face?"

"..."

Fushimi Roku was at a loss for words.

Just then, a taxi arrived, and he got in directly. Kujo Mutsumi, familiar as ever, followed, opening the door and slipping into the back seat beside Fushimi Roku.

Fushimi Roku, unable to tolerate it any longer, said exasperatedly, "Go back. I believe you won’t lie; there’s no need to follow me as a hostage."

Kujo Mutsumi shook his head, "A gentleman’s word is his bond, and what I promised I must fulfill. Until the court gives its verdict, even if you beat me to death, I won’t leave."

For once, Fushimi Roku looked at him properly, scrutinizing his old face, and asked while sitting in the back seat, "Have you always been like this?"

Kujo Mutsumi’s face showed reminiscence: "Indeed! Back then, my father only had modest assets, and the allowance he gave me daily wasn’t enough for my expenses. I was young and reckless, loafing around, often gambling in the gambling houses, and owed a lot of debts. It was this old face that got me off the hook..."

After speaking, he waved his hand, saying, "Let’s not talk about it; it’s all in the past now."

Fushimi Roku finally had a clear understanding of the head of the Kujo Family. Those in high positions with great power weren’t perfect; each had his own flaws and strengths... Kujo Mutsumi’s flaw was shamelessness, but his strength was also shamelessness.

Oh yes, one more thing—he was quick-witted, decisive, and insightful.

The taxi carried the two to Otaru Beach, stopping at the old mansion’s gate. Fushimi Roku got out and took a turn around the old house, but there was no sign of Minamoto Tamako, and everything in the rooms was as it was when he left.

Hasn’t Minamoto Tamako returned?

Could something have happened to her?

Fushimi Roku was a bit at a loss, not knowing where to find her at the moment.

Meanwhile, the distant night sky was speckled with the last remnants of fireworks, the bonfire party was ending, people were dispersing, and the waves were ebbing.

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