Episode 214: Parental Love

I shook hands with Masaomi-san. Now that things had finally reached a stopping point, I felt a huge wave of relief.

The talk wasn’t entirely over yet, but honestly, I was just exhausted from the tension.

「Kazunari-san… thank you. And… I’m so sorry. Because I was so useless, you had to handle everything…」

「No, I planned on talking to Masaomi-san from the start. Things just took a different path to get there, but it’s still what I intended. Besides, this was something I really wanted to be the one to say.」

No matter how much I usually rely on Sara-san’s pampering, there are some things I won’t back down on. Even if people call me a romanticist, I want to do the things I feel a man should do.

「Fufu… Kazunari-san, just how much more are you trying to make me fall for you?」

「Ehh!? No, I was just desperate.」

「Yes… it was very wonderful. Later, let me give you some ‘good boy’ treatment, okay?」

Uh, listen… Masaomi-san’s eyes are looking a bit scary, so maybe we should save that for when we get back…

「Dear, stop looking at them like that. You’ve already acknowledged them, haven’t you? Please stop being difficult.」

「Gugh… no, I know, but Sara’s always so stiff with me… and yet with Takanashi-kun, she’s so……」

Thanks to Mayumi-san’s warning, the glaring (?) stopped, but Sara-san is the type who doesn’t show mercy even in front of her parents. I’m a little worried about the future…

「Yes, yes, we get that you’re jealous, but Sara-chan has found a good person now. You need to finally let go of your daughter. Otherwise, she’ll just hate you even more, you know?」

「What!?」

Masaomi-san has been taking damage all day. I feel like he’s reaching a critical limit…

「In the first place, why are you even comparing yourself to Kazunari-san? From my perspective, even doing that is unforgivable.」

「S-S-Sara!?」

Aaaah, Sara-san’s follow-up attack is making things even worse for Masaomi-san…

I’m actually starting to feel sorry for him.

「Oh my, it looks like Masaomi-san is already a lost cause. But I’m truly happy that a wonderful man has appeared for Sara-chan. I remember the day you two came to report to me like it was yesterday.」

Sachie-san, who’d been watching us with a smile, seemed to have returned to her usual self too. I hope the talk ends on this good note…

「Dear, if you intended to acknowledge them from the start, why were you acting so high and mighty?」

「W-well, that’s just how it is. No matter how much my daughter has fallen for someone, as a parent, I at least want to judge her partner for myself.」

Hearing Masaomi-san’s true feelings after Mayumi-san’s jab, it seems he really did intend to accept us from the beginning. It’s only natural for a parent to want to make sure of their child’s partner, I guess.

「But what did you actually intend to do? Personally, my priority is Sara-chan’s happiness.」

「I also think her happiness is the most important thing, but given my position, I want to consider the company if possible. As for the marriage meeting, the President suggested I let her get used to the opposite sex, and I thought that much was fine. But then it turns out Sara has a lover, and it’s Takanashi-kun of all people. Plus, it looked like he was already thinking about the company’s side of things, so I thought I could consider a way to balance both.」

So, based on what Masaomi-san is saying, things might’ve been different if I hadn’t mentioned the company?

「Um… by any chance, did the conversation change because I brought up the company?」

「To be honest, yes. I thought I could accept you if it was you, Takanashi-kun, but since you mentioned the company, I thought I’d test just how serious you were. Sorry about that.」

Seeing Masaomi-san say that with a bit of a mischievous look, I can’t help but feel a little「gotcha」moment.

I don’t regret it, though…

「…I see. So you were just copying what was done to you in the past?」

「Eh!?」

Sachie-san’s quiet murmur made Masaomi-san’s face go pale.

Something done in the past?

「I remember now. That person tested you to see if you had the resolve to shoulder the company, and you gave your answer desperately.」

「M-Mother-in-law, that story is…」

「Oh? That’s news to me. I thought you were on good terms with my father?」

「Well, it was just a test. But you were a college student back then, weren’t you? Doing the same thing to Takanashi-san, who’s still in high school… we’re going to have a talk about this later, okay?」

「Y-yes… sorry…」

Masaomi-san looked completely dejected and seemed to shrink in his seat…

Actually, since this involves Masaomi-san’s dignity, I wish they’d pointed it out where we weren’t watching, out of professional courtesy.

「Putting Masaomi-san aside, let me apologize too. I said some harsh things while considering the worst-case scenario… I did something unnecessary. I’m sorry.」

After Masaomi-san, having Mayumi-san apologize too makes me feel even more guilty. Even if they tested me or did something「unnecessary,」it was all because they were thinking of Sara-san, and likely thinking of me too. If I look at it that way, there’s nothing to apologize for.

「I know it was all for Sara-san’s sake. Masaomi-san, I’m fine too.」

「…I see. I’m really sorry. Now, getting back to the topic, about the company…」

「Um, can I say one thing?」

Sara-san, who’d been listening in silence until now, finally joined the conversation. It was a talk that involved her, after all, and things had been moving along without her input.

「I understand that Father has acknowledged us. But I don’t quite grasp the situation. What exactly is the plan? Also, let me say this now: I’ll follow whatever Kazunari-san decides, but I have no intention of following Father’s orders.」

「!?」

Masaomi-san, who I thought had regained his fatherly dignity (?), looked like he was about to crumble again.

He’s probably taken so much damage that he’s in the danger zone where he’ll collapse at the slightest touch.

「Pfft… kuku… Sara-chan, give him a break already. But you’re right, let’s talk about the details.」

「Yes, half the reason I came was to confirm that.」

Mayumi-san offered a bit of a follow-up through her laughter, but she clearly intended to resume the talk. Sachie-san felt the same way, which meant we were finally reaching the third stage, the finale. Since they both looked at me, I guess they’re checking my resolve first.

「Mayumi-san, like I said on the phone the other day, I’ve already decided. My declaration to Masaomi-san was the truth. Also, my parents told me I should dive in without hesitation. So…」

「What wonderful parents. I’m looking forward to talking with them. But are you really sure? I’m happy for us, but you don’t have to push yourself, okay?」

「Takanashi-san, Mayumi is right. We’re happy you’re thinking of us, but please don’t overdo it.」

「I’m fine. I’ll work hard!」

I’m not really pushing myself.

From now on, I’m Sara-san’s fiancé, meaning we’re dating on the premise of marriage. There’s no reason to hesitate about that.

And regarding the company, Masaomi-san and the others are going to take action, and Nishikawa-san is providing cover fire. So I’ll just……… wait, what exactly am I supposed to do?

I was all fired up, but I only just realized I don’t know the actual details.

「Ufufufu… that’s great, isn’t it, Masaomi-san?」

「Haha, you’re right. Then I’ll really have high expectations, not just for President Nishikawa, but for you too. Let’s proceed on that premise. First, some behind-the-scenes maneuvering…」

「You’re getting ahead of yourself. Before that…」

「Mayumi, let him finish. That can wait for later, can’t it?」

Just as the two of them looked like they were about to start a business meeting and drift off-topic, Sachie-san brought them back.

But I also had something I wanted to ask before the talk continued.

「Um, specifically, what should I be doing? I decided I’ll do my best at whatever I can, but I’m not sure what that involves…」

When I told them what I’d just realized, Mayumi-san nodded with a wry smile and said,「I’ll explain that too.」It looks like she’s going to tell me now.

「First, for Kazunari-kun…」

「…Wait a moment, Mother. You just said something I can’t ignore, didn’t you?」

From my right side, which had been warm like a sunny spot until now, I suddenly felt an intense chill…

I stole a glance to the side… and saw Sara-san glaring at Mayumi-san…

「Honestly, Sara-chan, we’re having an important talk right now, so save it for later.」

「……Gugh… I understand. But you will give me a thorough explanation later, okay?」

「Yes, yes. Honestly, you’re so quick to get jealous. So… let’s see… ah, right. We definitely have to get a clear agreement from Kazunari-kun’s parents for this, though.」

Since my parents were mentioned, I guess she’s going to talk about the engagement first.

「In the future, we want to welcome Kazunari-kun as our adopted son-in-law.」

「「……Eh?」」

Sara-san and I harmonized perfectly.

But I felt like the reasons were different. I reacted to the「adopted」part, while I think Sara-san reacted to the「son-in-law」part.

I say that because Sara-san had frozen while staring at me with a red face.

「Adopted?」

「Yes.」

Adopted… if it means what I think it does, it means welcoming a child with no blood relation into the family.

「This is a talk for the future. It’s not something that will happen right away, and we have to talk to your parents first.」

「Um, Mayumi-san… by adopted, do you mean I’ll become a son of this house?」

「That’s right.」

It seems my understanding was correct.

Adopted… what’s going to happen to me? What’s going to change?

「It’s still a ways off, and it’s for future circumstances. There are a lot of complicated reasons, so for now, just hear it as the plan. More importantly…」

Once Mayumi-san got that far, she looked at me with a mischievous smirk. What now?

「Mmm-fufu~, Kazunari-kun, it looks like Sara-chan is waiting?」

When I looked at Sara-san, I immediately locked eyes with her, she’d been staring at me this whole time.

She was looking at me with eyes that were clearly expecting something.

Ah, I see, she hasn’t explained the「son-in-law」part yet…

Mayumi-san’s smirk was an unspoken order for me to be the one to tell her.

But because it was so sudden, I couldn’t find the words… should I just say it straight?

Ah… I’m getting nervous all of a sudden…

「Sara-san.」

「Kazunari-san……」

Judging from my tone that I was about to say something serious, she stared at me even more intently. But she seemed to have already guessed the content, and her eyes were full of expectation.

「This is about the future, but… with me…」

「Yes! I gladly accept!!」

……I hadn’t even said anything yet, but Sara-san gave me an immediate answer as if she couldn’t wait any longer… I got an OK before I even asked, but should I still finish the sentence?

「Um, so, from now on…」

「Yes! I gladly accept!!」

………….What do I do?

She clearly knows without me saying anything more, and I’ve already gotten two answers, right?

「Sara-chan, listen to him properly. You shouldn’t get in the way of a man’s big moment, you know?」

「M-my apologies! Kazunari-san, I’m listening. Please continue.」

Thanks to Mayumi-san, it seems she’s willing to listen to the end now. Plus, she’s gone and raised the bar for me… I feel like something is off here.

I psyched myself up and decided to tell her for real this time, speaking with a burst of momentum.

「Sara-san, we’re dating normally as a couple right now… but from now on, well, on the premise of marriage…」

「I gladly accept your proposal. I will strive to be a fiancée you can be proud of, so I look forward to being with you from now on.」

Sara-san’s demeanor shifted completely as she gave an incredibly polite reply and a deep bow.

I ended up bowing too, and when I heard Mayumi-san and Sachie-san giggling, I felt embarrassed all of a sudden. Did I do something wrong?

After she finished her bow, Sara-san dove into me with the biggest smile I’d ever seen. I hurriedly caught her, but her excitement didn’t seem to be dying down.

「Ah… is it okay to be this happy… No matter what happens, I’ll never show a pathetic side of myself again. I’ll always support you, Kazunari-san, and walk beside you.」

「Sara-san…」

Those words sounded like a vow and gave me more strength than anything else. If Sara-san is supporting me, I’m certain I can overcome anything in the future.

「That’s wonderful, Sara-chan. Becoming Kazunari-kun’s fiancée.」

「I’m happy about that, of course, but I haven’t agreed to Mother calling him Kazunari-kun.」

As if to protect me, Sara-san stepped in front and put herself between Mayumi-san and me, though she was still clinging to me.

「Eh~? But ‘Takanashi-san’ is too formal, isn’t it? He’s going to be my son, and he’s Sara-chan’s fiancé, so I think Kazunari-kun is better. Or maybe I should just call him Kazunari?」

「What!? Don’t you dare!! I will absolutely not allow you to call him by his name without an honorific!!」

I’m pretty sure Mayumi-san is just teasing her, but since it’s about me, Sara-san is getting really worked up.

As for me, I finally understood why Mayumi-san had suddenly started calling me by my name. If I’m going to be her son-in-law, then it makes sense. Sara-san doesn’t seem to like it, though…

「Sara-chan, you’re way too possessive. I’m going to be Kazunari-kun’s mother-in-law, so I want to be closer to him. A-n-d, looking at Kazunari-kun just makes me want to dote on him.」

「!!?? M-M-Mother, you can just be close with that person!! Doting on Kazunari-san is my role as his future wife!!!」

Th-this is embarrassing… what kind of face am I supposed to make… it feels wrong to be happy about it, but I don’t hate it…

I stole a nervous glance at Masaomi-san… ah, his soul has left his body…

「Kazunari-kun reminds me of Masaomi-san when he was younger. That makes him even cuter… plus, it’s fun for me.」

「Don’t you dare group Kazunari-san with that person! That’s rude!」

Please stop already. Masaomi-san’s HP isn’t just at zero; this is overkill, and I feel bad for him…

「…I see. Now that you mention it, he really does remind me of Masaomi-san back then.」

Sachie-san murmured something, but it was drowned out by the noise from the other two.

「Anyway, I’m calling him Kazunari-kun from now on. He’s going to be my son either way, so I won’t back down even if Sara-chan says no! Kazunari-kun, let’s get along with your Mother-in-law, okay?」

「I told you to do that with that person!! I’m the one who gets to be close with Kazunari-san!!! …Besides… with me saying Kazunari-san and Mother saying Kazunari-kun… somehow…」

Sara-san continued to bark at Mayumi-san while holding me protectively.

I think I know what she’s getting at. It’s true that「-kun」sounds more intimate than「-san.」If that’s the case, there’s only one option left for someone closer than that. Although, being called that by Sara-san feels a bit off, or rather, it doesn’t really fit her image.

「Sara-san, if you want, you can just call me by my name without an honorific…」

「No, I would never do that to you, Kazunari-san. I simply cannot do that.」

Apparently, Sara-san has a specific rule about that too. To be honest, it didn’t really fit her image anyway, so maybe it’s for the best…

「I’ve thought of something. Since I’m your fiancée and your (future) wife… Um, Kazunari-san, I don’t have to do it all the time, but would it be alright if I changed how I call you? Until it’s official, I’ll keep it the same in front of others…」

Sara-san seemed to have come up with something, but she was bright red and fidgeting, which made me nervous. I felt a mix of expectation and anxiety about what she was going to call me.

「E-eh, sure. I’m fine with whatever you want, Sara-san…」

「Thank you. Then I’ll be in your care from now on…… Dear (Anata).」

………!!!!!

Dear… Anata… even I know that「Anata」means something different now compared to before.

I’m sure I’m as red as Sara-san right now. I can feel it.

「Fufu… is something wrong, Dear?」

This is bad… this is really bad…

I can’t describe it well, but it’s「bad.」

「S-S-Sara!? I-I-I think that’s still way too early, don’t you…」

「Please stay out of our business. More importantly, think of how to handle the company. I already have someone I’m spending my future with, so don’t you dare bring me any more unnecessary talk.」

I felt a genuine pang of sympathy for Masaomi-san as he gave a dejected nod.

It seems his stock has plummeted in Sara-san’s eyes because of this incident. I’d like to follow up for him someday… but I don’t have any good ideas for that yet.