"A Future Determined by Choice, A Future Unaltered by Will" [V1 Extra- Mitsuya-kun]

Chapter 49

Avanti Café.

Mitsuya-kun often reads books or studies here.

His ability to focus on his studies, undisturbed by the surrounding noise or music, suggests he is quite the prodigy.

Seated beside him, I gaze at his back, captivated.

I summon the waiter and, with a simple gesture, indicate my choice of tea.

Mitsuya-kun only notices me after I've finished my tea.

"Hmm?

Keika-in. You were here?"

"I was here. I didn't want to interrupt your studies, Mitsuya-kun. May I stay?"

"I see no problem ."

I moved from my seat to sit in front of Mitsuya-kun.

When he finishes studying, I often call him over to have snacks together.

Usually, Eiichi-kun and Yujiro-kun join us, but today it's just me.

Accepting that, I order a tea chiffon cake* and grape juice.

[T/N- Chiffon cake are those sponge cakes - rich version, tea most probably a flavour , like I have eaten Earl Gery chiffon cake , ( I will never eat it again cost tooo much money)]

Mitsuya-kun also adds an apple pie and coffee to his order.

"By the way, Mitsuya-kun, you’re aiming to be a bureaucrat, right?"

I know this from the otome game setting, but seeing him here makes me want to ask him directly.

Why did Mitsuya-kun choose that path?

With a bit of curiosity and as a conversation starter, I asked him.

Understanding this as small talk until our orders arrive, Mitsuya-kun answers my question.

"It wasn't a significant reason. With my grandfather having reached the position of vice-minister and my father serving in the Ministry of Finance, it seemed only natural for me to consider a career as a bureaucrat."

In our country, individuals have the fundamental freedom to choose their careers. 

However, securing a position often hinges on factors beyond mere choice. 

Connections and specialized knowledge relevant to the profession are crucial, typically accumulating over time and sometimes transforming a profession into a family legacy.

In Mitsuya-kun’s case, his career choice can be seen as part of this process of turning a profession into a family business.

"My grandfather was from a humble farming family in the countryside. 

Unable to sustain a livelihood there, he moved to Tokyo in search of better opportunities. 

Though I never learned all the details since he has since passed, I remember him as a man of both kindness and a commanding presence."

Mitsuya-kun shrugs as he says this.

His grandfather, who was the vice-minister of the Ministry of Finance, didn’t stayed in the political world for much and passed away quietly, but Mitsuya-kun learned of his presence when many prominent figures from the political and business world attended his funeral.

Hearing this story, I suddenly realize something with the word "grandfather."

"Perhaps, Mitsuya-kun’s grandfather met my grandfather?"

"They probably did.

Your grandfather, Duke Keika-in, was a prominent post-war fixer.

He must have had various dealings with my grandfather, who was the vice-minister of the Ministry of Finance at the time."

In Japan, prior to the war, the Ministry of Home Affairs wielded significant influence. However, in the post-war era, the Ministry of Finance emerged as the dominant power.

My grandfather, who came from the Ministry of Home Affairs, probably didn’t have a good relationship with Mitsuya-kun’s grandfather, who was the vice-minister of the Ministry of Finance.

As our conversation unfolded, our tea and snacks were served, prompting a brief break time. 

Having indulged in a fair amount of sweets and refreshments, Mitsuya-kun suddenly recalled something and said:

"Individuals born into noble families enjoy distinct advantages due to their lineage. 

Similarly, merchants, by the second generation, can leverage their predecessor's wealth to gain a head start. 

Politicians may be subject to elections, yet dynastic succession can transform them into contemporary lords. 

In contrast, bureaucrats can ascend purely through intellect, irrespective of their origins. 

My grandfather told this to me with fervent conviction before he passed away..."

His grandfather must have gone through many hardships.

He must have had a lot of experiences with the privileged nobles, conglomerates, and politicians who could cushion their struggles with their advantages.

Indeed, becoming a bureaucrat, especially an elite one at Kasumigaseki*, isn’t something that can be guaranteed even with privileges.

[T/N- Kasumigaeski is area (I don't remember it's a prefecture or city) where Japanese government densely packed . Ah take it as japan equivalent of Washington D.C. of United States]

To become a vice-minister, one must graduate from the Faculty of Law at the Imperial University, pass the national civil service exam, and navigate the intense competition among peers, all while cultivating connections with individuals from esteemed families.

"However, even in Kasumigaseki, there are invisible advantages, right?"

"I won't deny it. Ordinary elementary school students can’t study in a place like this."

Studying in a café means ordering something, which naturally incurs a cost.

For an ordinary elementary school student, spending a thousand yen a day on a cake set is not something they can easily afford.

"Nevertheless, my grandfather embodied the principles he advocated. That is why I stand here today. Acknowledging this, I aspire to occupy the same position he once held."

I sense a strong will in his words.

I show my agreement by silently taking another bite of the cake.

"What about you?

Keika-in.

To borrow my grandfather’s words, you’re the epitome of someone who starts differently because of their blood.

What do you plan to accomplish with that advantage?"

"Who knows? With these inborn privileges, I might ascend to great heights or..."

I touch my hair, letting my blonde locks cascade down, and drink my grape juice, silencing the rest of my thought.

'...I might plummet and be utterly ruined by these same privileges.'

The villainess, Keika-in Runa, according to the setting, will stumble and fall.

With that acceptance, I vowed in my heart not to forget this memory.

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Authors Note

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【Ministry of Home Affairs】

A giant ministry that, in today's Japan, would combine the functions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications plus the National Public Safety Commission (police).

Due to its vast size, it was dismantled after the war in reality.

【Ministry of Finance】

Currently, the most powerful ministry in Japan.

It boasted enormous authority over budget compilation, financial administration, and the Bank of Japan, but was hit hard by a corruption scandal in 1998, leading to its division into the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Services Agency, and the Bank of Japan.