The Story of A Beautiful Girl I Rescued From An Attacker Who Became My Seatmate. - Chapter 27

“Do you know about the Minamii  Group, Kurata-kun?”

When it comes to the Minamii Group, it’s one of Japan’s leading conglomerates. I know that they have a wide range of businesses, including the automobile industry and banking, and they are a former zaibatsu-affiliated group.

“Well, I do know the name, at least.”

“I see. This group used to be a zaibatsu. And, well, I am the successor of the founding family of that group.”

“What? I didn’t know that.”

Upon hearing this shocking statement, Kirishima, who was sitting next to me, exclaimed in surprise. On the contrary, I thought it was natural for someone who was a president to come from such a family background.

“I’m sorry, Reina. I’ve been hiding it from you all this time. Our past, mine and Mirei’s.”

“Why? I don’t think there’s any reason to hide it.”

Certainly, that’s true. If anything, if he holds a high position, he should have given her an appropriate education.

“That’s true. But I couldn’t tell you. The truth is, your mother and I eloped.”

To the shocking revelation, both Kirishima and I were left speechless. He seemed like a serious person at first glance.

“I came from a wealthy family, so I was forced into many things by my parents. But I hated it. Even though my environment might seem enviable to ordinary people, I couldn’t bear it.

By the way, I attended a local high school, and that’s where I met Mirei. I actually insisted on going to a public high school, against my parents’ wishes. Fortunately, the entrance exam scores were higher than the private schools they recommended, so it worked out.”

“Why did you elope, dad? You could have just gotten married normally, right?”

Based on the story so far, I couldn’t understand the reason for eloping either. It’s not like parents should have a say in who you marry; that’s such an outdated notion.

“I would have preferred that too, ideally. Oh well, that’s why Mirei and I, who entered the same university, started dating in our third year. We kept it a secret from our parents at that time.

Then, through family connections, I joined Minami Trading. This is exactly what they call ‘riding on the coattails of one’s family.’ Just by being a member of the founding family, I was promoted easily. Looking back, it was easy.”

At this point, Kirishima got up from her seat.

“Would you like something to drink?”

“Oh, yes, please.”

Indeed, after talking for a while, I could feel my throat getting dry. Besides, it’s proper etiquette to offer a beverage to guests when they arrive.

“I’m sorry for not offering you something earlier.”

“It’s fine. In fact, it’s a bit uncouth of me to contact you at the last minute like this.”

As we were discussing, Kirishima returned with a cup of tea on a tray.

“By the way, Reina, are you enjoying living here? Oh, I don’t mean to speak ill of you, Kurata-kun.”

“I actually prefer it here. My previous home was lonely.”

“…I see. I understand your preference.”

Kirishima’s father showed a somewhat troubled gesture. I wasn’t sure what he was worried about.

“Let’s get back to the topic at hand. I finally revealed my relationship with Mirei to my parents. I think it was when I was around 25 or 26. And, as you might expect, they strongly opposed it. It seems they intended for me to have a politically advantageous marriage.”

“Nowadays, individual autonomy is respected, right?”

We often hear the phrase ‘individual autonomy’ these days. It probably hasn’t changed much even in the past 10 or 20 years. Kirishima’s father continued speaking with a slightly exasperated expression.

“Well, our family background played a role too. And I was the second son, with my older brother being the heir apparent.

However, our father didn’t approve of that. In fact, he chose me as his successor. Well, I didn’t know this because my brother and I have a significant age difference, but it seems my brother’s behavior wasn’t very good.”

“What? Dad, you have a sibling? I didn’t know.”

Kirishima voiced her surprise once again. It only deepened the mystery as to why he hadn’t shared this story with his daughter all this time.

“The reason I didn’t tell you is that I didn’t want you to end up like me. After a big fight with my parents, I left home. Luckily, I had enough funds to support myself for a while, but I also ended up getting fired from my job. Well, that was to be expected.”

I suppose if you’re disinherited from the family, it’s natural to lose the company that has been in the family for generations. But even so, it gives a glimpse of the dark side of society that they can easily dismiss someone in an executive position.

“So, they easily cut ties with an executive-level employee. Impressive.”

“Well… My brother seemed to hate me, so he readily handed me a dismissal notice. I know it might not be appropriate to discuss this in front of my daughter, but my brother has had run-ins with the police multiple times. And each time, he managed to cover it up with his power, committing heinous acts.”