Vol 1 Chapter 65 – Kagemitsu【Vol 1 – Turning Point】

“I see. So, you’re saying that after all this time, they’ve come looking for Rin-kun? Mama.”

“Yeah, after all this time. I think they’re after money, though.”

“Well, I’d say that’s most likely the case.”

Kagemitsu-san is listening to Michiru-san’s problem very sympathetically. His tone is casual, but his voice is incredibly gentle.

“It’s the worst. To think that parents would try to hit their own child up for money.”

“Yeah, it’s the worst. So, mind if I talk to Rin-kun for a moment?”

When Kagemitsu-san said that, Michiru-san handed me the phone.

“It’s okay, he’s a very kind person.”

she added.

I can already tell he’s kind from his tone of voice. And that he genuinely adores Michiru-san. That’s why I took it without any hesitation.

“N-Nice to meet you. I’m Rin Nanase.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m the lawyer, Masanao Higure. Or should I just go by Kagemitsu Akiba?”

He introduced himself slowly, his kind voice making me picture a smile. It was more formal than how he’d spoken to Michiru-san, and it made him seem like a very mature adult.

“Now then, Rin-san. This is what’s known as a toxic parent problem. However, since there’s been no actual harm yet, I can’t officially take action. I’m ashamed I can’t be of more help, but I have one favor to ask. If possible, would you be willing to meet with your birth mother just once? Of course, I’ll be there with you. Not as your lawyer, but as your friend.”

What an incredible offer. He can’t act as a lawyer, so he’ll help me as a friend. Something like that would probably never happen normally. But it must be thanks to my connection with Michiru-san.

“I understand.”

I don’t want to see my mother. But if meeting her once means I’ll never have to see her again, then I can steel myself for it.

“Also, I recommend separating your family register. You’re living with Mama now, correct? Once you move your register to her address, it will weaken your legal connection in the family registry. You can’t sever ties completely, but your parents will no longer be able to access your records.”

I had no idea there was a system for separating a family register. It was like me slapping my parents with a letter of disownment.

“Is that something to do after I meet her?”

“Yes, that’s right. You learn their reason for contacting you, and then you cut them off. That is likely the cleanest method.”

Kagemitsu-san is giving me such sympathetic advice. And he keeps laying out the path to a solution.

I never imagined having a lawyer who’s completely on your side could be this reassuring.

“Okay! I’ll meet with her!”

That’s what solidified my resolve. I’ll meet her once and find out her reason for approaching me. I was convinced it was the best way forward.

“Thank you for your courageous decision.”

“But how should I go about meeting my mother?”

That was the problem.

“Let us visit your mother’s home. It is your family home, Rin-san, so there will be no problem.”

“Oh, right…”

I’d forgotten; that place was my family home. It was like the scales fell from my eyes when I remembered.

“And one last thing, may I ask an unrelated question?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Will you call me Onii-chan?”

His demeanor changed in an instant… It was the “brother-fallen” attitude the viewers talk about.

“Huh?”

“My apologies. Since we’re both part of the Akiba family, I was hoping we could interact more casually.”

The next instant, Kagemitsu-san’s demeanor was back to normal. Although it seemed a little like an act, I couldn’t imagine Kagemitsu-san had actually become “brother-fallen.”

“Uh, ah, yes! No, I mean, yeah!”

So, I did my best to respond as a fellow member of the Akiba family.

“Alright, then your Onii-chan’s gonna do his best! You can count on me!”

The way he said that, suddenly sounding like a doting older brother, made me laugh.

“Hehe, I’ll be count…ing on you! Onii…chan!”

I’m still not used to calling him that, so I stammered. But this is the first time I’ve said something like that to someone I’ve just met. His abrupt change in personality actually made me relax.

“O-Oh! I’ll do my best! [Fuheheheheh]”

Incidentally, from this point on, Kagemitsu-san would become a fan of mine. He had completely succumbed to the “brother-fallen” phenomenon.

The call ended, and I handed the phone back to Michiru-san.

“Are you okay?”

“About the meeting? I’m okay! I’m not going to be alone!”

Kagemitsu-san is a dependable ally. Lawyers have a vastly greater knowledge of the law compared to the average person. As for Kagemitsu-san, he’s the type of person who can spout laws off the top of his head in response to Super Chat questions. So he should be able to legally protect me from my parents.

“I see… Let’s all three of us go together, then!”

“You’re coming too, Mama?”

If Michiru-san comes with me, it will bolster my courage. She’s also an incredibly dependable ally.

“Of course!”

The truth was that Michiru-san harbored a strong animosity toward my parents.