Stealing Spree

Chapter 2436: Reconnection

The oldest memory I could remember from that prefecture was when my parents brought me to meet my grandparents. They were both frowning at the sight of me and my mother. Even after calling my father, they still did not approve of his choice of running away and making a family with my mother.

And that’s why I’d only seen them twice before. Maybe they already changed their mind considering Chisato-nee-san also mentioned the time they invited her to ask about me but it was too late. I’d already grown up away from their influence.

So, what’s the point of asking Hidekazu to come and convince me to visit my grandparents? Are they that desperate?

I hadn’t heard from Chisato-nee-san about who would visit our house yet, but this was probably related to that.

”I see. They want me to visit and they asked you? Did you meet my grandparents yourself, onii-san?” I answered him with a question of my own.

Hidekazu nodded, ”Yes, I did. They’re quite... traditional. But I believe they’ve missed you, Ruki. And given the recent events, I think it would be beneficial for everyone involved if you did.”

”I apologize but I don’t think I can promise anything right now, Onii-san. We’ve been disconnected even before I was born. For them to ask you rather than going to my parents directly to meet them again feels a bit... inappropriate. I appreciate the heads-up though.”

Hidekazu nodded, his gaze unwavering, ”I understand. I actually wasn’t hoping you’d accept it easily. And the condition I received from them was only to ask you.”

”I see... It looks like they just made use of your business with them to pry into my personal life,” I said with a sigh, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. ”But why would they think that would make me want to visit them?”

”They’re desperate, I guess? Look, I will stop here. Your family matters are something you should talk to them directly,” Hidekazu said with a firmness that was rare for him. He glanced at Otoha who nodded solemnly. ”But for what it’s worth, I believe that it might be good for you, Ruki. To put the past behind and move on.”

”That’s putting it mildly, Onii-san but I understand. Can you tell me about your trip there?”

”Well, omitting the confidentiality of our business, it seems the Onoda Clan isn’t losing out in terms of wealth and power. They’re quite influential in that region,” Hidekazu began, his eyes flicking towards Otoha, who nodded for him to continue. ”If Mother heard about this, her apprehension of giving Otoha to you would surely lessen but as you’ve already guessed, she’s also trying to vie for power in the family.”

With a bitter smile, both Hidekazu and Otoha shook their heads. They understood their mother too well and for sure, their father and grandfather were not unaware of it as well. The reason that they weren’t stopping her was probably to not make her feel suppressed.

If she truly pushed for that guy for Otoha, either her father or grandfather would step in to stop her.

”That’s also what I heard but Onii-san, save for a few, I actually don’t feel any familial bond with them at all. I’ve been living here, with my mother and father who’ve raised me into who I am today,” I replied, trying to keep the frustration from my voice. ”But I’ll think about it. I’m certain they’ve already reached out to my parents and they also refused.”

Otoha looked at me with a hopeful gaze, ”What if they visit you themselves?”

”Of course, I’ll accommodate them as a visitor but that’s all. You also heard about the people they’re going to send, right? I still don’t know who it will be. Whatever agenda they have, I’ll be prepared.”

”Alright. Do you still have more questions, Onoda? I could tell you what I saw or heard on my visit there. Although it wouldn’t probably amount to much.”

”No, thank you, Onii-san. I appreciate the offer, but I believe I should hear it from my own family first. Besides, I have my own ways of finding out what’s going on,” I said, winking at him.

He laughed and nodded, understanding my decision. ”Fair enough. I won’t pry any further. But remember, I’m here if you need anything.”

With that, we turned the conversation to more casual topics. He was as chatty as ever and when I brought up the mention of Mizuki the last time she visited here to check on Otoha, he apologized for making the girl uncomfortable.

He then whispered, ”Did you tell her? About my preferences, I mean.”

”I did. I’m sorry about that, Onii-san. That’s the only thing that can ease her mind.”

”Indeed. I may have been too enthusiastic that day, she must have been mistaken that I was trying to flirt with her. Fufu.”

”Hide-niisan, that’s not a laughing matter.” Otoha interjected, ”I tried telling you that night but you didn’t listen. I get Mizuki is a prodigy when it comes to business matters but she’s still a pure girl that Ruki corrupted.”

Huh? Wait, Otoha, was that an attack on me? I thought you were on my side. Find your next read on empire

”He corrupted her, hmm? If I don’t know you, I will probably misunderstand that you’re using my sister and Miss Hasegawa as stepping stones, Onoda.” Hidekazu shook his head with a smile.

”Isn’t that what your Auntie thinks about me? That I’m only using Otoha for my benefits.”

”The fact that grandpa approved of you for her says a lot. The remaining flaw with you is... your multiple relationships. Color me surprised to know that it was also accepted by him.”

”Hide-niisan, it’s because Ruki convinced him!” Otoha interjected again, her voice a mix of amusement and exasperation. ”He’s quite the charmer when he needs to be.”

”Oh? He also charmed grandpa? Now that’s a story I’d like to hear,” Hidekazu said with a twinkle in his eye.

”It’s nothing exaggerated, Onii-san. It’s only because I showed him my sincerity. I’m sure in the event that I hurt Otoha, he’s the first one who’s going to cut me down,” I replied with a chuckle, remembering that day we met him together.

”He’s a person who hates idealists, Onoda. Convincing him that you’re not one despite your current situation is a feat in and of itself.” Hidekazu’s voice was filled with a hint of admiration.

I guess that’s really a big thing for them, huh?

”By the way, let’s end this here. I apologize for interrupting the two of you. Have a good night.” Hidekazu said, patting my shoulder before leaving us there.

Otoha and I watched him go before turning to each other, giggling at the absurdity of the situation.

”Well, that went better than what I was expecting,” I said, wrapping my arms around her waist.

The girl didn’t resist as she leaned into my embrace.

”Un. But Ruki, do you really not want to visit your grandparents?”

”Not at the moment. I can tell they’re regretting their decision from before but it’s not like my father never tried to make amends, right? In the end, they turned us away again. It’s difficult to just brush that off after all these years of silence.”

Otoha nodded, ”But you do miss your grandparents, right?”

”Maybe? I’m kind of jealous of you to have that eccentric old man doting on you.”

”Pfft. If he heard you calling him like that again, he’d be furious. But Ruki, if you ever decide to change your mind. Bring me with you, I’ll support you,” Otoha said, her voice filled with warmth and determination.

”You’re too kind, Otoha. But for now, let’s focus on us,” I whispered, leaning down to kiss her forehead. ”Let’s go back to your room.”

With a blush creeping up her cheeks, Otoha nodded, and we made our way back to her room, hand in hand. The mansion was quiet, the grandiose halls seemingly stretching on forever under the soft glow of moonlight spilling in from outside.