Stealing Spree

Chapter 2376: Meeting Marikaʼs Aunt (1)

The car ride felt longer than usual. The hum of the engine became a constant reminder of the confrontation ahead. The thoughts running in my head were never-ending as my tendency to overthink was probably once again acting up.

I mean, this was different from meeting my girlsʼ parents, after all. While technically, it should be easier, the fact that Marikaʼs Aunt is going to represent the Kujou Family who entered into an agreement with the Ichihara Family made it trickier than just convincing the parents about our relationship.

Will I be belittled for having nothing to offer compared to the deal they agreed to? Most likely.

But even if thatʼs the case, thereʼs no turning back anymore. Besides, this is bound to come so... facing it and overcoming it is better now than later.

While occasionally asking for kisses to boost her courage, Marika remained nestled against me. Warmth already returned to her hand as she gradually set aside her earlier fear. For the girl, my presence alone was enough.

The car soon slowed to a crawl as we approached their street and stopped right before the entrance to the place she was staying, next to the Ichihara Compound.

I gently tapped Marikaʼs shoulder, signaling to her that we arrived. She looked up at me and kissed me one more time before straightening her back.

Her posture returned to being prim and proper, as though preparing herself for battle. Her fingers clung tightly to mine, yet the warmth in her grip reassured me that she wasnʼt backing down.

The car door opened and we stepped out.

As we took a few steps towards the entrance of the place, one unfamiliar servant greeted us with a polite bow.

When I looked at Marika, she just nodded at me, silently telling me that this was someone either her Aunt brought with her or the Ichihara lent to serve her.

”Miss Marika, Lady Kagura is awaiting you in the hall.”

Marika tensed at the mention of her auntʼs name but I gave her hand another reassuring squeeze.

”Lead the way,” I said despite the servant clearly not acknowledging my presence.

Of course, she had no choice but to heed my words as Marika clung to me.

I checked our surroundings and there was surprisingly no lookout from the Ichiharaʼs side.

The servant bowed and led the way as ordered.

Since sheʼs practically living here and Iʼve already entered this place a few times before, having someone guiding us like this was pretty pointless.

But hey, if thatʼs what makes her aunt comfortable then so be it.

As we reached the hall which was just her living room, the servant stepped aside and gestured for us to enter. ”Please, proceed.”

There, sitting gracefully in an armchair was Kujou Kagura, her sharp, discerning eyes locking onto us the moment we entered her gaze.

Kujou Kagura was every bit the image of a strong-willed and formidable woman. Her shoulder-length golden hair was swept to one side, showcasing a clean view of her right face and ear. She had a pearl-like earring that made her look sophisticated. Her tailored suit highlighted her composed yet intimidating demeanor. Despite her age, likely in her late twenties or early thirties, her beauty was undeniable and her presence filled the room.

Compared to the princess-like image of Marika, sheʼs more like a rich girl who you would often see shopping in luxury stores with a branded bag in one hand and an overpriced coffee in another.

According to the intel from the eccentric old man, she should be a liberated woman who traveled the world and it shows. She doesnʼt have the air of a traditional woman or even a typical aristocrat. Her aura is more... that of a free-spirited person who will not bow down to anyone.

I guess except for a man he truly likes, no? As for whether she has the kind of excessive independent mindset where sheʼd always find herself correct in every situation and everything a man could do was, she could do better, itʼs still hard to gauge.

”Marika, dear. It has been a while, hasnʼt it?” Her voice was smooth and welcoming, yet there was an underlying edge that commanded respect. Her gaze then shifted to me. ”And you must be Onoda.”

Marika took a deep breath, and with my hand still in hers, she stepped forward. ”Yes, Aunt Kagura, this is Onoda Ruki. My boyfriend and the one I wish to choose as my partner in life.”

Marikaʼs words instantly lifted her auntʼs eyebrows but she didnʼt say anything, she was waiting for my response as well.

”Itʼs a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kagura,” I greeted her with a firm bow. ”I apologize for coming without notice.”

”No. Itʼs fine. I like the initiative.” Kujou Kagura waved her hand. The smile plastered on her lips tells me she was also expecting me today. ”It mustʼve been one of the traits that drew my poor niece to you.”

She studied me from head to toe, her eyes scrutinizing every detail as though she were sizing up a potential investment. Or rather, my value.

Perhaps to her, every man has a price tag and Iʼm someone she can also buy.

”By the way, donʼt call me ʼMissʼ. I hate that. Call me Kagura,” She crossed her arms and legs as she gestured for us to sit down before continuing, ”So, youʼre the one whoʼs been stealing my sweet little Marika from her responsibilities.”

She didnʼt want to be called ʼMissʼ? Good thing she didnʼt want to be called ʼMisterʼ either. That would be weird, right? But hey, Iʼll play along.

”Aunt, thatʼs not true... Ruki is... the person who helped me realize that I too can have a choice,” Marika replied, her voice shaking slightly.

I took a seat next to Marika, holding her hand to channel more courage to her. Her auntʼs gaze remained on us, scrutinizing every move and every breath we took.

”Choice, you say?” Kagura leaned back in her chair, the leather creaking gently. ”Yes. The

sweet taste of freedom that comes with youth. You can choose who you love and not worry about the familyʼs traditional values. How utterly fascinating. Are you taking after me,

Marika?”

Marikaʼs cheeks flushed at her auntʼs words. She took a moment to compose herself before speaking up. ”Iʼm just trying to live my life, Aunt Kagura.”

”Honestly, I commend you for your choice. Youʼre the first one after me who chose to rebel like this. Youʼve heard about me, right? How I ran away when I smelled that old man attempting to find a suitor for me.” Kaguraʼs smile grew a bit more genuine, hinting at a bit of nostalgia from her own youth. ”But Iʼve come to realize something. Freedom is a luxury, and itʼs not something you can buy with love, no matter how pure it is. Sometimes, you have to pay with something else...”

”Something else?”

”Yes. Something else,” Kagura echoed, her smile fading into a solemn expression. However, she didnʼt elaborate on what it was that she paid in exchange for it. Instead, she looked directly into her nieceʼs eyes. ”Marika, I understand your feelings. I truly do. But our family wonʼt allow another ʼmeʼ. Especially with this issue of restoring our ancestral state as part of the deal with this marriage alliance.”

Marikaʼs grip on my hand tightened, and I could feel her resolve wavering. But she held firm, drawing strength from my presence.

”I understand the familyʼs situation, Aunt Kagura,” she said with a quiver in her voice. ”But I canʼt... I canʼt marry someone I donʼt love.”

Kujou Kaguraʼs lips pressed into a thin line. ”Love? How quaint. Do you believe love alone can sustain a future, Marika? I may have gotten my freedom but I too have given up on that. Our family has thrived for generations because we value alliances and duty over fleeting

emotions.”

She gave up on it, huh? What did she mean by that? Then what she got wasnʼt freedom. Or maybe, she was stuck in the past. She left behind something that she wouldnʼt be able to get

back again.

I leaned forward slightly, interjecting before Marika could respond. ”Kagura-san, I understand your perspective, but isnʼt Marikaʼs happiness equally important?” ”What do you know about happiness, Onoda? Enough about Marika, letʼs talk about you. Do you think you can come in here and act like youʼre some knight of love fighting for my niece? Pray tell. What of the other girls involved with you? Do you feed them the same lies?” Right. Of course, thereʼs no way I could hide it from her. It didnʼt matter where she got her intel, the most important thing was... it now became another hurdle. And lying about it would

just make us fail.