"How are things on your end?"
"The position of family head is secure. I'm already familiarizing myself with the Douglas family's operational system. Once I'm up to speed, the current head will step down, and I'll take over management."
Sitting on the sofa, Muria spoke without looking up as he processed documents sent over by the family. Beside him, a screen displayed a languid woman lounging casually. Judging by her surroundings, she seemed to be in a religious site.
"That sounds good, but given your age, taking on the role of family head will surely attract criticism. Plenty of jealous eyes, I imagine."
"Yeah, there's quite a bit of opposition within the family," Muria replied while going through the documents. "But all those voices have been silenced."
"Their opposition is likely just about your capability. Those envious types can only harp on your lack of experience or skills. Their objections are nothing more than a delay tactic."
"Exactly."
"In that case, let me give you a gift to prove your abilities to your family."
"What gift?" Muria looked at the screen with curiosity.
"Why don't you take over my corporation and integrate it into your family's commercial network? The core of my corporation revolves around martial arts academies, which align perfectly with your talent and strength. With your influence in the Federation, you could not only manage it but potentially expand it even further."
"Are you sure?" Muria was astonished. He knew how much effort she had put into building that corporation after descending into this world. It was her greatest achievement in reshaping this world, and now she was willing to give it up just like that.
"The corporation no longer serves any purpose for me. Your father will stay in the Empire and won't return to the Federation. As for me, I'm tied up with the Church of Stars and can't leave for now. Even if I have time later, I probably won't return to the Federation."
"Without your father and me as its figureheads, the corporation won't last long. If you don't take over, someone else will buy it out eventually. Better you than anyone else."
"Alright, if that's your plan, I won't refuse." Hearing her plans, Muria nodded, readily accepting the offer without pretense.
Five years passed quietly. Muria had now lived for 27 years in the world of Star Armor, meaning his reincarnated body was 27 years old.
During those five years, Muria didn't make any major moves. He simply became the sole candidate for the next head of the Douglas family. By age 30, he was set to take over as the leader of one of the Federation's four major families.
Muria vividly recalled the day he announced his formal succession. The news became a phenomenon, reported by media outlets from almost every nation. Given his age, the announcement created an immense stir.
A significant factor in his swift rise was the financial empire gifted to him by the golden dragoness, providing him with the capital needed to solidify his position.
As Muria consolidated power and expanded his influence within the Federation, the golden dragoness hid within the Church of Stars, usurping divine authority from a dormant deity. However, as her influence grew, the church's leadership became aware of her presence. She now played a cunning game of cat and mouse with them.
That said, calling it a contest was inaccurate. To her, it was merely an amusing game. While the church leadership treated the struggle for divine faith as a pivotal battle for their future, she saw it as light entertainment.
Meanwhile, under the combined advice of Muria and the golden dragoness, Ansor transitioned from his temporary position as the Empire's Grand General to officially joining its ranks.
This move was undoubtedly seen as a betrayal of the Federation. When Ansor announced his allegiance to the Empire, the Federation immediately issued a statement condemning his treachery and accusing the Empire of underhanded tactics.
Ansor, however, paid no heed. As a Titan, he cared little for national loyalties and much more for his race and kin.
Moreover, the Federation had done little to aid his rise. All his achievements were the result of his own efforts, and he felt no affinity toward the Federation. When he joined its government, he had already contributed significantly to its development.
While Ansor remained silent, the Empire's media retaliated fiercely, launching their own statements. Though the governments of both nations issued formal declarations, the real battle took place in the media. Citizens of both countries engaged in a fierce war of words, with some viewing the spectacle as mere entertainment and others diving headfirst into the fray.
Through it all, Ansor remained indifferent, thriving on the battlefield as he led his army into fierce combat, reveling in the joy of battle.
"Involved in school bullying and..." Muria read a report in his hands, frowning slightly. With a large family, it was inevitable that some members would tarnish its reputation. The Douglas family had its fair share of such black sheep.
The family's direct members were few, but the auxiliary members—those who lacked the talent to bear the Douglas name officially—outnumbered them by dozens of times.
While Muria didn't involve himself with auxiliary members, he managed the core family members personally. The report before him concerned the misconduct of one such direct member.
This family member, with a 62.57% aptitude for piloting starships detected at birth, had earned a spot among the core family. However, poor upbringing had led him astray.
From the report, Muria learned that this member had been bullying classmates, harassing girls, and engaging in blatant thuggery—a textbook school tyrant.
Initially, his actions, while excessive, were tolerated due to his family status. Schools and local authorities were wary of repercussions. But his recent offenses had crossed the line, prompting outrage from students, residents, and even city-wide protests demanding justice.
"Bullying classmates to death, breaking into a female classmate's home, and assaulting her... Truly a disgrace," Muria muttered as he knocked on the table, having reached a decision.
"Pais, summon the steward!"
"Yes, sir." A white-haired but vigorous old man entered the room at Muria's call, bowing respectfully.
"Go to Jonne City and find Orvis Douglas. Inform him that he is hereby expelled from the Douglas family and is no longer a member."
The steward was slightly startled at Muria's decision to revoke a core member's status but showed no outward reaction or objection. It was not his place to question.
"As you command." The old man bowed again and turned to leave.
"Wait." Muria handed him the report. "Read this before you go."
The steward paused, took the document, and scanned its contents. Understanding dawned on his face, and he nodded.
"When you announce his expulsion, take a whip and give him a thorough beating. How many lashes and how hard you strike, I'll leave to your judgment."
"I understand." The steward nodded, silently approving Muria's decision.
While direct family members were valuable, they were not irreplaceable. In situations like this, where a member's actions tarnished the family's reputation, expulsion was the most appropriate course.
In the Federation, reputation was crucial for a top-tier family like the Douglases. Maintaining a good public image was vital for recruiting external talent, as no family could thrive on its internal resources alone.
By removing Orvis, the Douglas family sent a clear message: no individual, no matter their lineage, could be allowed to jeopardize the family's legacy.
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