Stealing Spree

Chapter 2430: Fathers’ Concern

The air in the room was tense, but not tense enough to make me shake in my boots. I knew that I had to tread carefully, but I wasn’t going to let his coldness affect me.

It was audacious but what can he do? Scold me?

In any case, since he was still Otoha’s father and Hitomi’s father was also at the side, I maintained proper decorum as I eventually bowed respectfully before approaching the seat in front of Otoha’s father’s desk.

They watched me carefully, as though expecting something to happen. But I subverted their expectations by simply sitting calmly, waiting for whatever reason I was called here.

Otoha’s father tapped his desk with his fingers, studying me with a scrutinizing gaze. ”Your confidence is admirable, Onoda-kun. But let’s not forget your position here.”

I met his eyes without flinching, ”I’m aware, Uncle. I wonder what I am here for?”

He leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement playing on his features. ”You’re here because I am Otoha’s father. As her father, it is my duty to understand the intentions of the boy who wishes to ask for her hand. I’ve heard a lot about you, Onoda-kun.”

Hitomi’s father remained stoic on the side but he was clearly paying attention.

From their gazes alone, I could already tell that they both knew about my tendencies. Exploits or whatever they want to call it.

”Whatever you heard, I’m not denying anything, Uncle, But I’m sure you’ve heard from Otoha that we’re more than just a simple couple.”

”Indeed. I also heard you’re someone who never backs down,” With an unreadable expression, he presented several photos on the table, each one was a photo of me with a different girl.

And obviously, they’re all taken either at our school or when I was meeting the other girls every morning. There was also a shot on the train with Akane and Fuyu or my supermarket date with Eimi.

I picked up the photos and flipped through them casually. ”Well, like I said, I won’t deny anything. Uncle, what do you want to do about this? It’s not like you can stop me from loving Otoha, or any of them for that matter.”

Hitomi’s father remained silent, but his eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place. Was it disapproval? Concern? It was hard to tell.

Nonetheless, I just kept my neutral face, waiting for his response. This wasn’t even a game of chess. He might have pieces to move but I already expected where he’d place them.

”Your... openness is quite the spectacle. Tell me, Onoda-kun, do you think you can handle the responsibilities that come with this kind of relationship?”

”I’m handling it alright, Uncle. Of course, it’s inadequate to say that I’m fulfilling everything as their man, but I’m doing my best, at least in the current circumstances,” I replied, placing the photos back on the table. ”I’m well aware I’m not the best guy around. I’m probably even the worst scum. But Otoha and the girls accepted me for who I am.”

Otoha’s father leaned forward, folding his arms on the desk. ”The Kaneko family does not tolerate mediocrity. I expect nothing but the best for my daughter.”

”Is that true? Then why was your wife trying to marry her off to someone incapable of her previous fiance? And even now, she’s not giving up. Uncle, these photos came from her, right?” I asked, pointing at the images on the desk.

Since she already tailed us before, it’s fairly easy for her to hire some kind of Private Investigator to dig up all the dirt in me. I expect nothing less from someone of their stature. However, I can also tell that the eccentric old man’s influence prevented them from doing anything more than spying on me.

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”Hiroyuki-sama, may I?” Suddenly, Hitomi’s father stepped up. Most likely to save his master from my question.

He nodded, allowing him to speak.

With that, Hitomi’s father faced me but he maintained his subservient stance. ”Onoda-sama, Hitomi has never been involved with anyone before because of her duty, and yet... you didn’t spare her from your... conquests. What are your intentions with her?”

I don’t know if their family doesn’t communicate with each other but does he expect Hitomi to remain chaste until Otoha doesn’t need her anymore? She was already robbed of her youth and it’s not like she’s neglecting her duties as an adult.

”My intentions with Hitomi are the same as with every woman I’ve been with. To love her, support her, and make her happy. Simple as that.”

Hitomi’s father stiffened at my words, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was clear he didn’t expect such a straightforward answer, especially not one that didn’t involve manipulation or deceit.

”Love and support are commendable, Onoda-kun,” Otoha’s father, Hiroyuki, said with a measured tone, ”But the Kaneko family is not a simple family. What you do in the shadows might be acceptable for commoners, but it won’t fly here.”

”Of course, I’ll be blind if I don’t know about the influence of your family, Uncle. Besides, what we have isn’t even acceptable to the commoners, is it? You can say, we’re paving a new path. And yes, I’m not alone in that sentiment. All of them are helping to make it happen.”

At this point, I can already guess what they want me to admit here. That I tricked the girls into believing my words. Only if that’s really the reason will they be satisfied. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

”Uncle, let’s be frank. This isn’t about my intentions with Otoha, is it? It’s about your fear of me becoming a part of the family. Of me potentially damaging the image of the prestigious Kaneko family,” I said, looking him straight in the eyes.

”Perhaps. But fear is a natural emotion when one’s future is at stake. And you, Onoda-kun, bring with you a certain... notoriety,” Hiroyuki replied, his gaze unwavering. ”No one can cover the skies for you. And if Otoha will suffer the same fate, I have to step my foot down and refuse your relationship.”

”I see. I understand your position, Uncle. Maybe in the future, if I also have a daughter, I’ll ensure no one like me will hover around her.” I wryly smiled.

I remained unfazed though. He’s not wrong, after all. If things go bad, everyone around will also suffer. However, the same thing could be said if it’s the opposite. Hence, I didn’t think much of it.

Because of my answer, Kaneko Hiroyuki burst into laughter, ”So, you know what we’re feeling right now, huh? Then why do you still insist?”

”It’s simple, Uncle. I can’t back down. Not for Otoha, Hitomi and everyone who accepted me. It’s like throwing away their trust in me. Now it’s up to you to oppose us but at the end of the day, our relationship will continue. If I have to... I’ll bring them away from here.”

Upon saying that, I didn’t only face Otoha’s father’s gaze but also Hitomi’s. Since he’s already here and he even joined our conversation earlier, might as well make him understand that I have the same stance for his daughter.