Even though my parents already told me what their job really was, it was not to the extent that I was aware of what they were doing exactly. They had that wide influence that even cornered that Nobuo easily so it was definitely not just a simple governmental job.

Well, I shouldve expected this but it flew off my mind because of his eccentricities and perhaps, the pressure I felt in meeting him.

Hearing my mothers name mentioned by the Patriarch of the Kaneko House himself, it surely got me taken aback. My mind whirled on how I should answer.

Should I ask him how he knew my mother? Whats his connection to her? Or should I just give him a straight and honest answer?

Moreover, theres also Otoha who paused after hearing her grandfathers question. Although she hadnt met her directly yet, she already got to talk to my mother that day her grandfather collapsed and got hospitalized.

And from the look of it, this was also her first time hearing her grandfather talk about it, or bring it up.

In any case, he specifically named my mother and not my father who shouldve been always with her. That sparked an interest in me to know the bottom of it.

He didnt give us that much time to think though.

Perhaps noticing how I paused and contemplated as though I was stumped by his question, the old man laughed. He then stared outside once more, not to stare at the animals though. His eyes were out of focus as though he was reminiscing a painful memory as his face twisted into a sorrowful frown. Once he was done, he stared back at us with his lips stretched into a gratified smile.

Lets just say, I got the luck to employ her in my service once. Its conditional and short employment. During that time, Miss Sayuri saved my life.

Saved his life? Now thats added to the list of my mothers mysterious achievements.

Did my dad know about this?

Grandpa, what is this? This is the first time Im hearing about this...

Because he didnt even let me answer that question, it was Otoha who raised one, curious about the event that led to that.

Hmm? Of course, you wont hear it anywhere. Its something I ought to keep as a secret and should be brought down to my grave. I wont give you the details even if you ask me and Ill be imploring you to not talk about this to anyone. Thats for the both of you. The old man shifted his eyes from Otoha to me. However, you can ask her yourself and if you can also add this; tell her that this old man sends his regards.

After saying that, he gently shook his head and laughed again.

For you to be involved with my granddaughter, its like fate has been playing with us.

Alright. Lets not start there... This old man dropped a revelation and he didnt even let me talk about it, much less answer the initial question. He just went on and on.

And now, he looked like he was lamenting about fate...

What should I even say at this point? Yeah, Ill relay your message. Dont worry...?

You know what? I yield... I raised my arms on my side and this time, I switched my sitting form. From doing seiza, I copied him and settled down comfortably while cross-legged. I could feel my legs which were about to go numb shake as blood began circulating in them again.

The girl beside me looked confused but upon seeing me surrendering and relaxing my posture, she didnt think twice of copying me before snuggling closely to my side.

Upon seeing that, the old man laughed once more. He looked like he was having the time of his life.

Minutes later, his face relaxed as he exhaled a considerable sigh as though he was purging out a great burden on his chest. Seeing an old man do that, I could only shake my head.

Right. This meeting had already twisted and turned in different directions in the span of a few minutes... I should just wait and see where this would get us.

The mention of my mother might just be his way to transition to this... relaxed atmosphere. But that didnt discount the fact that he told us. My mother saved his life once...

By making it a point that hes not going to talk about its details, that topic was brought up and shelved by him. Thats weird, alright. Or thats just his boasted eccentricity.

Hmm... Thats more like it. You two have been so stiff ever since entering this room. Its so nice to be young. If your grandmother is still living to this day, shell be delighted to see you finding your own happiness rather than stick to a traditional noble belief that has been upheld since our establishment.

Grandpa, you... Otoha reacted to that. ... miss grandma?

I sure do. Shes the only one who can handle this behavior of mine since young. Theres no one like her. And when I say shell be delighted for you, I mean it. She always despised the tradition of a political marriage. She even once asked me to run away and not take the position given to me. She failed. I cannot turn my back on this family. Especially when were stripped of the noble status during my generation. Everything is crumbling apart...

With this, he began talking about their past. Why and what exactly happened to lead to the current state of the Kaneko House.

His late wife is also someone from nobility, or their family used to. Even after years of the abolishment of that hereditary peerage, they hold onto that status and kept with the old system.

Because it was too strict and their fates were still being decided by the Patriarch of their families, the two, who already promised themselves to each other, thought of running away.

And like what he mentioned, they failed because he decided to return and succeed his late father; Otohas great grandfather. Fortunately for them, the two were joined in marriage.

However, even years after becoming the head of a former noble house, he thrived to keep it afloat. They couldnt break the shackles imposed on them and that extended to their children...

Then today, or rather, in this generation, theres Otoha who now has the same aspiration. To be with someone not decided by her family.

Obviously, the circumstances are not the same but the old man fully supported her. At least for her, he hoped to accomplish his late partners lifelong dream.

Ill be blunt, young man. Ive only known about you when this girl decided to get out of her arranged engagement. Naturally, Ive also got the gist of whats happening around you. I should be opposed to this as what youre trying to accomplish is something preposterous even during my generation. However, knowing that youre Miss Sayuris son, I will turn a blind eye just this once. He paused for a while as he released another sigh. But remember, I will be watching your growth closely. Im not yet blinded by age. Otohas determination to be with you is genuine, I can see that much and youve proven yours today...

The old man ended his words at that. When Otoha and I tried to say something in line with what he just said, he stopped us.

From that, I understood. Although hes turning a blind eye and he said hes not going to oppose us, the only thing weve proven is our resolve... In the end, it still boils down to the same thing, We have nothing to show for yet.