Chapter 406 – The 1935 Ootori Gathering (2)

“Now then, I hereby declare the Fiscal Year 1935 Ootori Association officially open!”

With the emcee’s customary words, the gathering of Ootori company presidents began. Then came thunderous applause, applause, and more applause.

But first, everyone ate together. That was the established custom. After all, the primary purpose of the gathering was considered to be “sharing a meal from the same cooking pot.”

Drinking was fine too, as long as nobody went too far. However, since most people had meetings and other gatherings to attend afterward, it was rare for anyone to drink excessively.

This year, however, before the customary opening call, my father had been asked to say a few words.

“Before the opening declaration, we would like to invite the head of the Ootori Earldom, His Excellency Ootori Kiichiro-sama, to say a few words!”

“As I have just been