Chapter 260.2. Menou Elizabeth In Fear

-???’s POV-
I was acutely aware of the maids’ gazes observing me, casting an uncertain look. Just a while ago, such impolite stares were absent.
The maids of the prestigious Menou Marquisate had undergone rigorous training. They wouldn’t engage in disrespectful behavior that Elizabeth and her companions could notice. 
This situation itself was evidence of the growing tension.
With measured footsteps, I advanced and soon caught sight of the meeting room. 
No sound emanated from the room, which had been protected by anti-spy magic.
“It seems quiet, but what’s the reality behind it?”
Muttering softly, I pushed open the imposing door crafted from ancient magic wood without knocking.
Inside, a long table covered with a white tablecloth adorned with intricate embroidery was placed on the floor, on top of a long carpet with long-piled threads that had been popular in the past. Antique surrounded the table, and everyone was seated, engaged in lively discussions and debates.
Upon entering, the scene confirmed my expectations, and my expression turned cold and calculated.
The once boisterous assembly turned their attention to me in unison, but I carried on without acknowledging it, heading toward the head of the table.
“Miss Elizabeth, you’re a bit late.”
“Oh? I believe I’m right on time. Or should I say, was I late? I wonder what opinion you have about that?”
With a defiant expression, I shot a disdainful look at a man who had spoken with arrogance, puffing out his chest.
The middle-aged man, overwhelmed by my aura, averted his gaze.
Though internally seething at being defeated by a young girl’s glare, he refrained from saying anything and sat next to my dear brother.
My dear brother, Menou Robin, kicked my lightly and chided me in a hushed voice.
“Weren’t you late, Elizabeth? Everyone had already gathered and started discussing the future.”
“Oh, dear brother? Isn’t it more important to exude an air of composure and arrive on time at a moment like this to reassure everyone? If I’m as rushed as the commoners, wouldn’t that make the new head look trivial?”
“Y-Yes, you’re right. You’re absolutely right. I just thought we should synchronize with everyone this time. I’ll do better next time.”
He puffed his chest out slightly and, while wearing a good-natured smile, laughed. I considered arguing further but eventually settled for a light shrug.
My dear brother cleared his throat and adjusted his posture.
Had it been my father, his throat clearing would have silenced the room, drawing everyone’s attention.
However, as a new head of the family, my dear brother lacked the authority from years of trust and the ability to control the crowd. Only about half of those present actually turned their focus to him, quieting their conversations.
The other half continued to chatter and even persisted while acknowledging my dear brother’s throat clearing. Some even sported mocking smiles.
In a brief moment, the unity of the family seemed to crumble. There were those contemplating tearing down the main branch’s leadership.
This was the time for my dear brother to demonstrate his strength as the new head. He needed to assert his authority.
I’m casting a glance at my side. I wondered how my dear brother was holding up. My dear brother squinted his eyes, conveying a hint of intimidation, and offered a faint smile before bringing his hand down on the table with a gesture of authority.
The sound of a bang against the table echoed, and the room fell silent.
“It seems you’ve noticed me.” 
My dear brother said pretentiously, running his hand through his hair, revealing a glint of white teeth in a smile. It might seem narcissistic, but even so, his attitude was resolute.
“It’s been a week since our father passed away due to heart failure. From now on, I’ll be at the center of the family, leading us to prosperity.”
“Haha.”
The branch families’ member bowed their heads obediently, prompting a satisfied nod from the dear brother.
That should be fine, right? I thought inwardly with relief, but that judgment proved a bit premature.
“So, here it is. I’ll share our future plans. We… We will continue to strive to overthrow Cat Kitty Company, but even more importantly, we’ll prioritize crushing the detestable Takano County!”
“W-Wait… Is that for real, Lord Head?”
Everyone was surprised by dear brother’s declaration, and one man as a representative questioned him.
“Isn’t it obvious? We’ve suffered enough at the hands of Takano County all this time! Father even died from the stress! If we don’t fight back now, our Menou Marquisate’s reputation will get tarnished!”
As the dear brother pounded the table vehemently, a headache started to form, making me want to clutch my head.
Considering what father had done, this outcome was inevitable. Power struggles were common among the nobility. It was unreasonable to be angry.
 Moreover, it was he who took direct action and ended up defeated.
“Dear brother? Are you really planning to fight back? Ah, you mean in the future, right?”
That would make more sense. While I held animosity towards my father for nearly killing me, it was different with my dear brother. It might not be a bad idea to make him a hypothetical enemy and use that to unify the family.
“Are you kidding, My Sister? Of course, we’ll fight back with all our might! We need to rally the family’s  strength and strike back with full force!”
As my dear brother glared at me with a furious expression, I let out an obvious sigh and met his gaze firmly.
“Feel free to do as you wish. I, on the other hand, intend to use my inheritance to establish a new trading company.”
I had to uphold my promise to Takano Miu. I conveyed this with a cold look in my eyes.