Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 214: Parental Love.

Parental Love.

After shaking hands with Masaomi-san, I finally felt a sense of relief, thinking that things had settled down for now.

Though the conversation wasn’t truly over yet, to be honest, the tension had left me mentally exhausted.

“Thank you… Kazunari-san. And… I truly am sorry. Because of my own lack of resolve, you ended up having to handle everything…”

“No, I intended to talk to Masaomi-san from the start. Things just shifted a little along the way, but it’s all according to plan. Besides, I really wanted to say those things myself.”

Even though I always rely on Sara-san, there are some things I simply cannot yield. Call it romantic if you will, but if it’s something I believe a man should do, then I want to be the one to do it.

“Fufu… Kazunari-san, how much more do you plan to make me fall in love with you?”

“Eh!? N-No, I was just desperate, that’s all—”

“Yes… but you were so wonderful. Later, please let me reward you with lots of head pats, alright?”

Um… could we not do that here? Masaomi-san’s eyes are a little terrifying right now…

“You. Stop looking at them like that. Haven’t you already given them your blessing? Enough is enough.”

“Guh… I know, but… even with me, Sara always maintains such a firm attitude, and yet with Takanashi-kun she’s so…”

Thanks to Mayumi-san’s scolding, I was spared his glare (or was it a glare?). But knowing Sara-san, who never holds back even in front of her parents, I couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious about what might come next…

“Yes, yes, I understand you’re envious, but Sara-chan already has someone special. You need to start letting go, or she’ll just come to resent you more, you know?”

“Wha—!?”

Masaomi-san has been taking damage non-stop today; at this rate, I’m genuinely worried for him…

“Besides, why do you keep comparing yourself to Kazunari-san? That alone is unacceptable to me.”

“S-Saraaaaa!?”

Ah… Sara-san’s finishing blow has completely devastated him. Now I almost feel sorry for him.

“My, my… it seems Masaomi-san is beyond saving today. But I truly am happy that such a wonderful young man has appeared in Sara-chan’s life. I still remember like it was yesterday when you two first came to report your relationship to me.”

Grandmother Sachie, watching us with her gentle smile, seemed to have returned to her usual demeanor. I hoped the conversation could end on this good note…

“You know, if you intended to approve them from the start, what was the point of dragging the conversation out like that?”

“W-Well, that’s… even if he’s someone my daughter loves, as her father I at least wanted to see for myself what kind of man he is.”

Hearing Masaomi-san’s honest words in response to Mayumi-san’s comment, I realized he had intended to accept me all along. But it’s only natural that as her father, he would want to be sure of who his daughter was with.

“But practically speaking, what did you intend to do? For me, Sara-chan’s happiness is my priority.”

“I think so too. If Sara’s happy, that’s all I need. But in my position, if possible, I’d like to think of the company as well. As for the arranged marriage, the president just suggested it to help her get a little more comfortable around men, and I thought that was reasonable. But who could have imagined she’d already have a boyfriend… and that it would be Takanashi-kun. And on top of that, you were thinking about the company too… it made me think that perhaps it’s possible to balance both.”

Listening to his words, I realized… had I not mentioned the company, would things have turned out differently?

“Um… so, because I brought up the company, did it change the conversation?”

“To tell you the truth, yes. I already felt that I could approve of you, but seeing that you were thinking of the company as well, I thought I’d test just how serious you were. I’m sorry.”

With a slightly mischievous smile, he admitted it. I couldn’t help feeling a little defeated… though I didn’t regret saying it.

“…I see. You just copied what was done to you in the past, didn’t you?”

“Eh!?”

At Grandmother Sachie’s quiet murmur, Masaomi-san stiffened visibly.

Something from his past?

“I remember it now. Back then, he was tested to see if he had what it took to shoulder the company, and he desperately gave his answer.”

“M-Mother, please, not that story—”

“Oh? This is the first I’m hearing of it. I had always heard your father was very agreeable about everything.”

“Well, it was just a test. But you were already in university at the time, weren’t you? To put a high school student like Kazunari-kun through the same thing… we’ll have to talk about that later.”

“Y-Yes… I’m sorry…”

Seeing him deflate like that, I felt it would have been kinder for them to scold him privately rather than in front of us all.

“Putting Masaomi-san aside, I must apologise as well. I said harsh things while thinking of the worst possible outcome… I’m sorry for meddling unnecessarily.”

Being apologised to by Mayumi-san as well only made me feel guilty. None of what they did was unnecessary meddling. It was all out of care for Sara-san, and probably for me too. There was no reason for them to apologise.

“I know it was all for Sara-san’s sake. Masaomi-san, I’m fine.”

“…Thank you. Now, to return to the topic of the company—”

“Um, may I say something?”

At last, after quietly listening all this time, Sara-san interjected. Despite being at the heart of the matter, the conversation had proceeded without her input.

“I understand that Father has given us his blessing. However, I still don’t fully grasp the situation. What exactly has been decided? Also, I’ll say this now: while I will follow what Kazunari-san decides, I have no intention of obeying anything you say, Father.”

“!?”

Just when he seemed to have regained his fatherly dignity, Masaomi-san was dealt another crushing blow. At this point, he seemed so fragile it was worrying.

“Pft… kukuku… Sara-chan, let’s go easy on him now, shall we? But yes, it’s about time we discussed the specifics.”

“Indeed. Half the reason I came here today was to confirm that.”

Mayumi-san, trying to contain her laughter, spoke up to move the conversation along. Grandmother Sachie seemed ready as well. Their eyes turned to me – it was clear they wanted to confirm my intentions first.

“Mayumi-san, as I told you on the phone the other day, I’ve already made my decision. I wasn’t lying when I told Masaomi-san how I felt. My parents told me not to hesitate and to dive in. So…”

“You have wonderful parents. I look forward to meeting them someday. But… are you truly okay with this? I would be happy, but you don’t have to force yourself.”

“Takanashi-san, as Mayumi says, we’re grateful that you’re thinking of our family as well, but please don’t push yourself too hard.”

“It’s alright. I’ll do my best!”

I wasn’t forcing myself.

From now on, I would be Sara-san’s fiancé, entering a relationship with marriage as our goal. There was no room for hesitation in that.

And as for the company, Masaomi-san and the others seemed ready to make arrangements, and Nishikawa-san was offering support too. So all that was left was—wait. What exactly was I supposed to do?

I realised I had no idea what the concrete plan was despite all my resolve.

“Ufufufu… I’m happy for you, Masaomi-san.”

“Haha, yes… Nishikawa-san isn’t the only one looking forward to your future. I am as well. Now then, let’s start making arrangements—”

“You’re getting ahead of yourself. Before that…”

“Mayumi, continue with the conversation first. That can wait.”

Just as they seemed about to veer off into a side discussion, Grandmother Sachie brought them back to focus.

But there was something I needed to ask before we moved on.

“Um, what exactly should I be doing? I’ve decided to give it my all, but I… don’t really know what that entails.”

When I voiced my concern, Mayumi-san gave a small chuckle and nodded. “We’ll explain everything.”

“First of all, Kazunari-kun—”

“……Wait just a moment, Mother. Did you just say something I cannot ignore?”

From my right side, which until now had felt like a sunlit haven, I suddenly felt an intense chill…

I glanced over, and there was Sara-san, glaring daggers at Mayumi-san.

“Now, now, Sara-chan. This is an important discussion. Let’s talk about that later.”

“…Guh… very well. But you will explain yourself thoroughly later, understood?”

“Yes, yes. Goodness, you get jealous so easily. Now then… ah, yes, this is something we will of course need your parents’ approval for as well.”

The moment she mentioned my parents, I realised what she was about to say.

“In the future, we hope to welcome you as an adopted son-in-law.”

“…Eh?”

“…Eh?”

Sara-san and I spoke in perfect unison, though the reasons behind our reactions were probably different. I had reacted to the word “adopted son,” while Sara-san seemed to have reacted to “son-in-law,” her face now slightly flushed as she stared at me.

“Adopted son-in-law?”

“Yes.”

The term I knew meant welcoming a child with no blood relation into the family. Was that what she meant?

“This is a discussion for the future. It’s not something that will happen right away, and we’ll of course need to speak with your parents first.”

“Um, Mayumi-san… does that mean I would be adopted into this family?”

“That’s right.”

So my understanding wasn’t wrong.

Adopted… but what would that mean for me? What would actually change…?

“It’s still something far in the future, and purely for practical reasons. There are many complex factors involved, so for now, please just take it as a plan in progress. More importantly…”

As Mayumi-san said this, she turned to me with a mischievous smile, her eyes twinkling playfully. What was she up to now?

“Ufufu~ Kazunari-kun, it seems Sara-chan is waiting for you, you know?”

When I glanced over at Sara-san beside me, our eyes met instantly. Had she been watching me this entire time? She was staring at me with an expectant gaze, as if waiting for something.

Ah… right. I hadn’t explained the part about being a “son-in-law” yet.

Judging by Mayumi-san’s teasing smile, she was silently urging me to tell her myself.

But the words wouldn’t come. Should I just say it straight?

Ah… suddenly I was getting nervous…

“Sara-san.”

“Kazunari-san…”

Seeing my serious expression, Sara-san looked back at me intently. She seemed to have already guessed what I was about to say, her eyes filled with eager anticipation.

“This is about the future but… you and I…”

“Yes! I would be delighted to accept!!”

…Wait, I hadn’t even said anything yet. But Sara-san couldn’t hold back and responded immediately, giving her answer before I could finish. Still, I suppose I should say it all the way through.

“Um, so… from now on—”

“Yes! I would be delighted to accept!!”

…………What should I do? She clearly understands, and I’ve already received her answer twice, haven’t I?

“Sara-chan, listen to him properly. You mustn’t interrupt a man at a moment like this.”

“M-my deepest apologies! Kazunari-san, please, do continue.”

Thanks to Mayumi-san’s intervention, it seemed Sara-san was ready to hear me out properly this time. Though… she also just raised the bar unnecessarily high for me.

I steadied my resolve and, with renewed determination, finally spoke.

“Sara-san, until now we’ve been dating like any normal couple, but… moving forward, I’d like us to be together with marriage in mind…”

“I gladly accept. I will strive to be a fiancée worthy of you, Kazunari-san. I look forward to our future together.”

With a complete change in demeanor, Sara-san responded with utmost formality and bowed deeply to me.

Feeling compelled, I bowed in return, and at that, I heard soft giggles from Mayumi-san and Sachie-san. Embarrassment flushed through me. Had I done something wrong?

When I raised my head, Sara-san was beaming radiantly. Without warning, she threw herself into my arms. Flustered, I caught her, but she showed no sign of calming down.

“Ah… is it really alright for me to be this happy…? No matter what happens, I will never allow myself to appear weak again. I will always support you, Kazunari-san, and walk alongside you.”

“Sara-san…”

Those words, sounding like a solemn vow, filled me with immeasurable strength. As long as Sara-san was by my side, I felt I could overcome anything that awaited us.

“Isn’t that wonderful, Sara-chan? You’re officially Kazunari-kun’s fiancée now.”

“Of course, I’m delighted about that. But mother, I cannot accept you calling him Kazunari-kun.”

Protectively, as if to shield me, Sara-san stepped forward between Mayumi-san and me, still clinging to me tightly.

“Oh, but calling him Takanashi-san sounds so distant, doesn’t it? He’s going to become our family’s adopted son and your fiancé, so I think Kazunari-kun suits him. Or perhaps… just Kazunari would be better?”

“Wha—!? Please don’t joke about such things!! I absolutely will not allow you to call him without an honorific!!”

I had a feeling Mayumi-san was teasing her, but because it involved me, Sara-san was fiercely adamant.

As for me, I finally understood why Mayumi-san had switched to calling me by name. If it was because I’d become their son-in-law, it made sense. Even so, it seemed Sara-san wasn’t ready to accept it.

“Sara-chan, you’re too possessive. I’ll be his mother-in-law, so of course I want to get along with him. Besides, when I look at Kazunari-kun, I just want to dote on him.”

“!!?? Y-you should dote on father instead!! It is my duty as his future wife to care for Kazunari-san!!!”

This was so embarrassing… I had no idea what kind of expression I should be making. I couldn’t very well look happy about it… though it wasn’t as if I disliked it, either…

I glanced nervously at Masaomi-san… Ah, his soul seemed to have left his body…

“Kazunari-kun reminds me of Masaomi-san when he was young. That only makes him even more adorable… and besides, it’s fun for me too.”

“Please don’t lump Kazunari-san together with father! That’s just rude!!”

Please… someone stop this. Masaomi-san’s HP wasn’t just zero; it was in the negatives. This was overkill and honestly, I felt sorry for him…

“…Indeed, now that you mention it, he really does remind me of how Masaomi was back then.”

I thought I heard Grandmother Sachie murmur something quietly, but her words were drowned out by the commotion.

“In any case, I will call you Kazunari-kun from now on. Whether you like it or not, Sara-chan, I won’t yield on this. After all, he’ll be my son too. Kazunari-kun, let’s get along well, alright?”

“Please, call father that way instead!! I’m the only one who gets to be close to Kazunari-san!!! …But still… if I call him Kazunari-san and mother calls him Kazunari-kun… it feels…”

Sara-san continued to bark at Mayumi-san while holding me protectively in her arms. I understood what she meant. “Kun” definitely sounded more intimate than “san.” But in that case, there was only one other option left. Although, imagining Sara-san calling me that felt so out of character…

“Sara-san, if you’re okay with it, I don’t mind if you call me without an honorific…”

“No, I could never do that. I absolutely cannot call you without an honorific.”

It seemed she had her own sense of propriety about this. To be honest, it didn’t really suit her image anyway, so I was relieved.

“…I’ve thought of something. Since I’m your fiancée and your future wife… um, Kazunari-san, would it be alright if, just sometimes, I called you by a different name? I promise I’ll use the usual address in front of others until it’s official…”

Sara-san’s cheeks were bright red as she fidgeted nervously. My heart pounded with both anticipation and anxiety. What was she planning to call me?

“Y-yes, it’s fine. Whatever you prefer, Sara-san…”

“Thank you very much. Then… I look forward to being with you from now on… my dear.”

………!!!!!!!

My dear… Even I knew that this wasn’t just any “my dear.” It carried an entirely different weight.

I was certain my face was as red as hers right now. I could feel it burning.

“Fufu… what’s the matter, my dear?”

This is bad… really bad…

I can’t put it into words, but… this is bad.

“S-Sara!? D-don’t you think it’s a little too early for that…?”

“Please stay out of our matters. More importantly, focus on dealing with the company. I already have the man I will spend my life with, so don’t you dare bring up any more unnecessary arrangements.”

Seeing Masaomi-san slump in defeat, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

It seemed this whole affair had severely damaged his standing with Sara-san. I hoped I could find a way to help him regain her trust someday… though for now, I had no idea how.