Thanks to Chisato-nee-san and Kaoru-san, our lunch was another feast. Even my girls wanted to eat more because of how sumptuous they made the dishes. They had to take a step back afraid that they might gain weight from eating too much.

Due to that, it rested upon my shoulder to finish the remaining for all of them. I could easily burn those calories out anyway so it didnt really matter if I overeat. Of course, if its something thats way too much than the ideal diet of someone as active as me, I would also take a step back.

Kaoru-san prepared some Tokyo delicacies like sushi and tempura that she made herself. She also brought some pork tonkatsu paired with corn soup.

On the other hand, Chisato-nee-san brought southern dishes that she learned to make. Although her skill isnt as great as Kaoru-san, I could feel the love she put into making them.

One of those was a rice dish that had been cooked in broth and ginger. I paired it with the beef steak and fried dumpling that she also made and its really great.

Even Kaoru-san gave her compliments for it.

Too bad though, even though I successfully invited her to eat with us, she only touched the soup from the dishes she brought. Most of what she ate was Chisato-nee-sans dishes.

I guess I am being hasty to make progress with her problem.

Anyway, after we finished eating, Chisato-nee-san pulled me to the side to talk with me.

Its regarding that side of our family so my girls understandably took a step back to give us space. Ill tell them what we talked about later anyway.

Ruki, is Uncle here in the country?

Chisato-nee-san started with that question. From the way her eyes flickered with caution, she probably heard something from the clan. Nonetheless, I dont sense any malicious intent from her.

I did send a message to my father earlier, telling him that I met Chisato-nee-san here. I thought hed remind me about something but his reply was rather normal.

He only asked if I treated her well. Most likely, hes already aware that shes here and shes also looking for me.

Talk about the reach of my parents intelligence gathering.

Since he ran away from that prefecture, hes probably monitoring them as well so as not to be blindsided by them whenever theyre in the country.

Yes. Is something the matter, Chisato-nee-san?

I returned a question to probe her. Chisato-nee-san hurriedly shook her head as though she was trying to clear up a misunderstanding.

No. Nothing of the sort. Its just my father telling me to ask you when I mentioned that I met you.

I see

Well, thats understandable. Although my father was trying to estrange our family from the local behemoth of the Onoda Clan in that prefecture, its not like hes also going to sever some positive ties.

He just ran away from my grandparents, I guess?

I can call him right now if you want, nee-san.

No. Its fine. My father didnt ask for anything important. He just said to confirm if hes already back.

To confirm, huh? Wait. Does this have to do with the impending visit that Otohas brother relayed to me?

I heard someone will come to visit us in our city, nee-san. Do you know anything about it?

Huh? Are you sure? Where did you hear that from?

From someone who visited that place recently. A person from a noble family.

Ill ask my father about it! They didnt tell me! I couldve volunteered to go instead!

This Can I say as expected of Chisato-nee-san? I still have when and who will come.

What if they knocked on our door while two or more of my girls were in the house? Wont they be surprised?

Uh. No. Thats not whats important. What Im worried about is if they will visit to throw their weight around. Ill kick them out right away regardless of my father and that side of the familys reaction.

Then Ill contact you about it later. It will be great if its you, nee-san. However, you know you can visit us anytime. Ill give you our address. Just dont bring other people with you.

Upon hearing that, Chisato-nee-sans expression immediately brightened as a wonderful grin formed from her lips.

I wont! When I get some free time from work, Ill come see you!

Mhm. Its settled then. Is there anything else, nee-san?

Oh. Yes. There is Its still related to our Onoda Clan.

Is it about my grandparents?

I only have little recollection of them. In fact, in our few months of stay there, Ive only seen them twice.

Its either my parents didnt want to bring me to them or they refused to see me. I have no good memory of them apart from the disappointed look on their faces when they saw my mother and me.

I havent thought about it recently. But maybe, my mother is one of the reasons why my father decided to leave. Theyre against their marriage for some reason.

Compared to them, the family on my mothers side welcomed us warmly. But even then, I dont have that much memory regarding that side.

Yes. They stepped back from the affairs of the family. Theyre now living in one of the vacation houses near the west sea.

When Chisato-nee-san said that, there was a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

Is she close to them? Or did they know her that well?

I dont know how to say this but I heard its because theyre regretting driving away your father. On the day of my graduation from high school, I was invited by them for a meal.

At that time, your grandfather is still presiding over the highest authority within our family. I thought they were simply going to ask me about my future plans. But by the end of that dinner, he brought up your name.

I dont know where he heard that I was fond of you but he asked me how you were as a kid.

I honestly said youre a smart and thoughtful boy. After that, he fell silent. He got lost in his thoughts and your grandmother had to wake him up from that.

Chisato-nee-san recounted everything from that time. And from the way I saw it, shes most likely telling me this because she thought I was neglected by them.

This woman Shes so good to me.

In any case, did he fall to overthinking when he got lost in his thoughts? Looks like that trait runs in our blood. My father is also like that sometimes but with my mother always at his side, I seldom see him get stuck in limbo for thinking too much.

Thank you for telling me this, nee-san. I dont have a lot of memories about them so I guess its good that they can now relax after retirement.

If If you want to see them, I can take you to them in the future.

Mhm. Ill rely on you when that time comes. But I dont think I will see them for the time being. I still have school and as you can see Im already occupied by taking care of my girls.

Thats what I thought Take of yourself, Ruki I wish I could go with you to take care of you. But thats just a wish. Akane and the others are already there. Just dont forget about me, okay?

I wonder.

You How can you say that?

I couldnt help but sneak in a tease. And like my girls, shes easily teasable.

Chisato-nee-san closed our distance and shook me by my collar.

Im just kidding. Of course, I wont forget about my nee-san. You should also take care of yourself here. Dont let any guys fool you. Pick someone wholl take care of you.

Pfft. Youre funny. I told you already. I dont care about them.

Because you only have me in your eyes?

Exactly. I will marry you if Akane doesnt.

Nee-san, do you know what youre saying?

What? Are you going to reject me? As if Akane wont marry you. Youre inseparable since youre both a pipsqueak.

Right.

And then we laughed together. Chisato-nee-san let go of my collar and then hugged me again. I did the same and we held each other for a while, just making one more memory between us. After that, we joined the others in the living room.

Our appointed time to leave is fast approaching.