Stealing Spree

After that, my mother didn’t give me a clear answer and we soon ended our visit after Haruko and I spent a few more hours taking care of Minoru while my parents sorted out something.

On the bright side, my mother didn’t reject my request either. Most likely, the reason she couldn’t give a clear answer was because what I was asking from them was easier said than done. That’s why the thing I needed to do was to be a little patient and wait for the news.

In the meantime, she advised me not to be in a direct clash against Ichihara Jun this coming week. My mother nicknamed him as the golden child of the Ichihara. No matter what he does, he’s always going to get his way. Even if he’s wrong. And if he’s the one wronged, it would be like stomping on an anthill, angering the whole nest.

That’s what my mother told me to be cautious about. While they prepared for a countermeasure, I was asked to avoid him.

However, when I told her that I might encounter him later considering I would be entering their compound to visit Ichihara-san and her daughter, my mother showed a rare dumbfounded expression.

It made her speechless that my father had to talk to me at that point as he was the one keeping his calm regardless of the situation. The only time he would be flustered and not act like himself was when my mother was upset.

What an amusing dynamic, right?

In any case, he had me elaborate on my side job and what it entails.

In the end, he came to the conclusion that the possibility of me running into Ichihara Jun was less than 20%. Because Ichihara Natsuha-san and her husband aren't living in the main mansion. They had a segmented manor within the compound.

While it’s not outside like the place Marika is staying at, the likelihood of Ichihara Jun walking into his Aunt’s manor was close to zero.

Like what I heard from Ichihara-san back then, she didn’t have a great impression of that spoiled troublemaker nephew of hers. Hence, she implored her husband to not live in the mansion and have a place of their own.

Unfortunately, because her husband needed to contribute and hold onto his position in the family, he had to maintain cordial relationships with them and turn a blind eye to his nephew's whimsical and bratty disposition.

Well, he’s probably just playing along because if the successor turned out inept, he could usurp the throne and get real power. Or he could use him to siphon as much influence as possible from the idiot.

According to my parents, that’s out how it is if the conglomerate is run by only one clan. There will be no end to internal conflict when it comes to succession.

What does that have to do with me? You might ask. Maybe nothing but it, at least, gave me my much-needed insight into the background of Ichihara Jun.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve gotten into conflict with before. I mean, Otoha’s ex-fiancee was probably the most prominent when it comes to social status but he’s nothing compared to Ichihara Jun.

Anyway, that’s that. Haruko also returned to my side halfway into the conversation but she was just there to listen and support me.

Once my parents returned to what they did while we looked after Minoru, we said goodbye to the boy and went back home.

I promised to return for lunch, after all.

Next time, I’ll have to go out with Minoru. Maybe an amusement park again or somewhere he can have fun.

“What do you think, Haruko? Am I pushing it this time? Even my parents said it will be dangerous.”

While sitting on a crowded train and waiting for it to reach our destination, I raised that question to the girl cuddled by me. I wanted to hear her insight based on what she heard earlier.

“I’m unfamiliar with how those influential families work but if it’s the same as how a student can be influential in the scope of the whole campus, it might really be dangerous if you go at it blindly and without proper preparation. I know you already did so when you decided to get close to that senior.” Haruko paused for a moment there, perhaps to arrange the details inside her head as well as how she can convey her sentiment properly.

A few seconds later, she continued at the same time as she pulled her phone to show me something written on her memo application. “However, Ichihara Jun’s reputation won’t be that notorious if he can fold easily. I believe you should expect him to come to you this coming week. Thankfully, it’s the Interhigh Week. If our athletes do well in their respective contests, the classes will be conducted lightly, giving us a lot of breathing room.”

What was written in it was something like a bullet point report regarding Ichihara Jun’s past deeds. It’s still incomplete so... that’s that. She’s probably collecting that through her connections. And if I’m not wrong, once she collates everything, she’s going to present it to me.

Really, even without my prompt, she’s doing so much. Not to mention, she also has to continue managing her club and the girls around her.

“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind. But I don’t think I can ignore Marika if she comes to me.”

“You don’t have to ignore her. At this time, she needs you more than anyone. You’re like the beacon of light shining down her path. If you disappear, she will feel lost on what to do next.”

“We can’t ignore how conflicting it will be.”

“Indeed. That’s why instead of taking a step back. Take another three steps forward, hubby. Don’t give them a chance to change her mind or coerce her into doing so. If possible, bring her home and have her stay with you for a few days.”

“That last part isn’t plausible, you know?”

“I know. I just added it to see how you will react.” Poking my cheek followed by her laughing contentedly, Haruko then nestled further close to me.

Ignoring the glares rebuking our public display, the two of us spent the rest of our trip like this.

“This... Is this another Nikaido-special?” Upon taking a mouthful of the creamy garlic chicken that the girls prepared for lunch, I couldn’t help but turn my head at the silent girl who was waiting for me with expectant eyes. Obviously, it’s the dish she made specifically for this occasion.

“Yes. It’s on the menu in our restaurant. I asked my mom to teach me the recipe last night!” Eimi answered enthusiastically. Seeing her glowing eyes as she started detailing how to cook it step by step, the other four girls could only smile at the overflowing dedication she was showing.

Naturally, they’re also enjoying the meal as much as I do so... There are really no complaints coming from them.

“You worked hard, Eimi. Thank you.” I put on a gratified smile as I reached for her cheek.

Without dodging it, Eimi grabbed my wrist and rubbed her cheek on my palm like a cat. No doubt, hearing me praise and thank her was more than fulfilling for her hard work.

“Let’s eat together then, Eimi. Afterward, I have something else to tell you before I escort you, girls, home. Well, regarding the result of my visit to my parents.”

My part-time job today will be a few hours earlier than yesterday. That way I can be on time when Mizuki picks me up later for that business dinner.

That's why to extend my time with them, I decided to send them home one by one. Maybe I could also slip in a visit to the others who I’ve been missing... Like Mina and her mother, Auntie Yayoi. Or Rumi as well. That girl was definitely spending her day alone in that big house again. It’s best to surprise her even if it’s just a short visit.