The Assassin Girl Who Stayed by My Side in Another World… Somehow Followed Me Back to Modern Japan - Chapter 08: Because She’s My Daughter…

Chapter 08: Because She’s My Daughter…

While feeding Aira between bites, I finished off the bento Nee-san had packed for me.

…Well, yeah. Of course it was crazy delicious—that goes without saying.

But still, maybe because this body of mine was technically still in the middle of growing, half a bento just didn’t cut it.

Not that I’d ever say that out loud or let it show on my face—I didn’t want Aira to worry or feel bad.

“That was really good.”

“I’m glad to hear it… not that I made it or anything.”

Aira looked totally satisfied. Makes sense—she’s pretty petite, after all.

Well, maybe she was actually just as hungry as I was and doing a good job hiding it with that usual calm face of hers… but honestly? Who knows. I’ll just assume she’s fine.

…Anyway, the bigger problem—what do we do about dinner?

Should I skip lunch from now on and just give Aira the whole bento?

…Nope. That’s definitely not happening.

For one, Nee-san would totally notice if I brought the bento back untouched. And more importantly, it’d feel kinda wrong to let only me eat warm, freshly made food while Aira gets stuck with cold leftovers. There’s no way I’d feel good about that.

Feeding her store-bought stuff or eating out every day would drain my wallet in no time, too.

…Maybe I should get a part-time job?

It’s not like I lost any of the skills or abilities I picked up in the other world. Whatever the job is, I’m pretty sure I could handle it without much trouble.

…Honestly, not a bad idea.

Though, it probably wouldn’t do much to ease Nee-san’s financial burden…

I already plan to spend every last yen I earn on Aira anyway.

…Sigh.

Even if I decide to get a part-time job, that doesn’t exactly help with today or tomorrow.

…Maybe I could just text Nee-san and say I’m eating out with some friends, then take Aira somewhere for dinner?

Yeah, that’s probably the safest move for now.

It’ll put a dent in my wallet, sure—but I’ve got some savings set aside. And more importantly, it’s for Aira. That alone makes it worth it. No complaints here.

Still, I can’t exactly keep using the “eating out with friends” excuse forever… though technically, I don’t have to eat out with her either.

I could just let Aira eat an early dinner, and then have the one Nee-san made later at home.

…Actually, maybe I should try cooking dinner for Nee-san sometime.

Back in the other world, I used to cook for myself all the time. Wouldn’t hurt to do something to show my appreciation.

Kinda like… filial piety? Or maybe, in this case… sisterly piety?

Yeah, that.

“I wanna eat something you make too, Hiroto.”

“Next time, alright?”

While chatting with Aira, I quickly sent Nee-san a message: Gonna grab dinner with friends tonight!

She was probably still at work, so I didn’t expect a response anytime soon—but that should cover me for today.

Tomorrow and the day after, I’ll just have Aira eat first while I hold off.

…She’s important to me. My daughter. Of course I’d rather eat together if we could—but sometimes, you just have to make do.

“You still got time?”

“Hm? Ah, yeah. I can stick around for another ten minutes or so. Why? Something up?”

Now that I’d figured out what to do about Aira’s dinner, I finally felt a bit more at ease.

As I started packing up the bento box, Aira casually settled herself right onto my lap, fitting perfectly as I sat cross-legged.

“…What are you doing?”

“Not allowed?”

“…Do whatever you want.”

Back in the other world, stuff like this was totally normal, so I just nodded and let it slid

…Honestly, spending quiet moments like this with my daughter—it wasn’t bad at all.

“Hiroto, your heartbeat’s faster than usual. Is your heart racing?”

“It’s not. You’re imagining things.”

Then Aira leaned in and rested her head against my chest, like she was trying to listen closer.

“…See? Nothing.”

“It is.”

“…It’s not.”

“Your face is red too. That means you’re thinking about me. I’m happy.”

“…It’s really not, but whatever. Think whatever you want.”

“Okay. I will.”

There’s no way I’d get flustered over my daughter.

Absolutely not.

So I said that, and gently patted her head.

She really is cute…

…Obviously as a daughter. Just as a daughter.