Stealing Spree

Chapter 2431: To the Dining Hall

The two fathers looked at each other and then sighed. Gradually, their stance softened up a bit. Hitomi’s father was the first to speak, ”You’re fearless.”

”Not really. I fear the day they stop loving me.” My voice trembled slightly from saying that.

”But until then, I’ll keep moving forward. If it’s about the family’s image, I’ll do my best not to cause any trouble. But if you’re worried about their happiness, then I believe we share the same concern.”

Otoha’s father studied me, his gaze piercing through any facade I might have had. ”Your words are earnest, Onoda-kun. However, actions speak louder than words. The Kaneko family is not one to be taken lightly. The decisions you make here will not only affect you and Otoha but the future of our lineage.”

”Why? Is she going to be the next chairman after you, Uncle?”

”No... However, that doesn’t mean she’ll be out of the spotlight,” Otoha’s father corrected, his tone hinting at the gravity of his words. ”Her future is closely tied to our family’s reputation. Any misstep can cause ripples that may not be easily mended.”

”Ripples, huh? Will your family try to destroy each other? If not, then you can simply take us out of any politics that might happen.” I suggested.

Otoha’s father leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. ”The world is not so simple, Onoda-kun.”

”I understand but you’re talking about the future too much. Why not focus on the present? Will you be fine if you see her lonely? I surely am not. What about you, sir? Are you certain Hitomi doesn’t have any desire other than serving Otoha?” I asked, switching my gaze to Hitomi’s father.

Hitomi’s father was silent for a moment before speaking, ”As a servant, my duty is to serve the Kaneko family. And as her father, I want Hitomi to be happy.”

”And she is serving and protecting Otoha,” I said, ”Even if we’re together, she’s doing her duty first and foremost. But as humans, we have desires and feelings. And if you truly want her to be happy, you’ll understand that she needs love and companionship too.”

”You seem to be mistaken here, Onoda-kun. You’re not here to be questioned about your affection for each other. It’s the position you hold.” Otoha’s father interjected, his tone still firm but with a hint of understanding.

”I see. So, it’s all about what I can bring to the table as well.” I nodded, understanding their standpoint. ”What if I prove that I can contribute to the family, not just as a partner but as an asset?”

Otoha’s father raised an eyebrow, intrigued by my proposal. ”Contribute? How do you intend to do that?”

”By growing together with Otoha. By supporting her and the family from the shadows. I’m aware that our relationship won’t be accepted openly. But I can help in ways that no one would suspect. I have my own connections and resources that could be of use.”

”Connections... So, in the end, it’s still not your--”

Stay connected with empire

”Uncle, now you’re the one being mistaken. Having connections is also an asset,” I said, cutting him off smoothly. ”But let’s put that aside for now. If you want to scrutinize my intentions, I’d be happy to tell you that my love for Otoha isn’t based on what I can get from her family. It’s what I can give to her, and what we can achieve together, as equals. That’s all. If Uncle is still opposed to that, we better cut this discussion short.”

Otoha’s father’s eyes narrowed at my challenge, but Hitomi’s father nodded slightly as if understanding something. ”Fine. Let’s stop here. Keijo, escort him to the dining hall.”

Hitomi’s father bowed slightly before turning to leave, and I followed suit after standing up and bowing one more time to Otoha’s father.

As we walked down the similar hallway and down to the same set of stairs, Hitomi’s father spoke, ”Your words are surprisingly wise for someone your age, Onoda-sama. However, do you understand why he had me bring you to him the moment you arrived?”

Understand, huh? Isn’t it because he’s afraid of me ruining the dinner?

”I do.”

”If that’s the case then I don’t have to remind you again,” Hitomi’s father said, his voice calm and measured, as we reached the grand dining hall. ”Your intentions may be pure, but the reality is, the Kaneko family operates on more than just love. There are expectations and responsibilities that come with being a part of this lineage. If you wish to stand alongside Otoha-sama, you must be willing to accept and uphold those duties.”

”I’ll keep that in mind. What about Hitomi?”

”Hitomi can choose for herself. She’s not a child anymore. As long as she’s happy with her decisions, that’s all that matters.” Hitomi’s father nodded solemnly before opening the dining hall doors.

Is that really what he’s thinking? Honestly. I cannot be certain since he’s also like Hitomi. He’s an expert in maintaining his poker face.

In any case, I’ll think about that later, looking up ahead, I saw the grandeur of the dining hall. In this part of the mansion, modern influences were more prominent. In the middle of the hall, there’s a table that looks like it could easily fit more than twenty people. There were already three people seated there. On one side, Otoha and her older brother, Hidekazu, and on the other, their mother and someone familiar.

It’s that idiotic ex-fiancee that her mother was pushing for her.

Standing behind them were Hitomi and the other servants. With just a glance, I could already tell the tension in the air.

No wonder Otoha’s mother wasn’t that opposed to inviting me. She was aiming for this.

This was also another reason why her father had me go up to meet him first. Because he knew, this dinner would be an unpleasant occasion.

How utterly disrespectful. I wonder why her husband tolerated this. Is it because she’s still Otoha’s mother regardless of her motive?

Haa...

Ignoring the judging eyes of both Otoha’s mother and the idiot, I turned my attention to Otoha and her brother.

A refreshing smile instantly bloomed from my girl’s lips, the tension dispersing from her expression.

Her brother nodded at me and meaningfully smiled. I hadn’t seen him in a while, but I could tell his mentality had matured a lot. He didn’t have the same frivolous air around him anymore. As for whether he still has that certain preference, I have no idea.

”Ruki, you’re finally here,” Otoha greeted me, letting go of her graceful bearing to stand and jump into my arms. Her warm embrace breaks the chilly atmosphere surrounding us.

I naturally received her properly, holding her tightly, not minding the reaction of her mother.

Clearly, this was her way of sending an invisible slap to the ones on the other side of the table.

And sure enough, they didn’t take this scene lightly. Otoha’s mother’s eyes widened, and the idiotic ex-fiancée choked on his own spit, his face reddening like a tomato.

”Otoha. What are you doing?!” Otoha’s mother exclaimed, her voice cutting through the room like a shard of ice aimed at her daughter.

”I’m just greeting my man, Mother,” Otoha replied nonchalantly, her arms still wrapped around my neck. She glanced at her matter with challenging eyes, ”Why? Am I not allowed to do this anymore?”

Visibly shaking, her mother gritted her teeth and said, ”Observe proper etiquette, Otoha. We’re at the dining table. Is this what you’re learning for associating yourself with someone like him?”

Otoha pulled away slightly and looked up at me. We didn’t need words to communicate, I understood what she wanted to say.

I nodded before putting her behind me, ”It is an honor to finally meet you, Auntie. Forgive me for not greeting you right away. I’ve seen Otoha restless so... my priority went to ensuring that she’s okay.”

On the side, Otoha’s brother, Hidekazu, reeled in the grin forming on his face before speaking up, ”Mother, they’re a couple. Why don’t we let them be? Father isn’t here yet, so let’s not start the dinner on such a cold note.”

Obviously, that’s not going to work. Their mother clearly had this certain prejudice against me. Instead, she turned to the idiotic dude next to her as though telling him to show his worth and face up against me. It’s the reason she brought him here, after all.

But the moment he tried to do so, I looked at him, my eyes narrowing into cold slits.

And that’s enough for him to stutter. In the end, his jaw froze, not knowing what to say. It was as if I slapped him with a wet fish and the room went quiet, aside from the sound of servants moving around.

He was only saved when the door to the dining hall opened again as Otoha’s father stepped in.