Stealing Spree

Asking my parents about the Kujou family would surely yield results, but given that I had already troubled them with keeping the Ichihara family in check, I felt it was my

Responsibility to do my own part and not just wait for the result.

The first person who came to mind was someone with the knowledge and connections I needed. The Patriarch of the Kaneko Family. A big shot in any industry tied to the former noble houses, he’d likely have the information I was after.

"I’m sure they could help me out," I said, my tone becoming serious, "but Grandpa, I can’t just sit back and relax, can I?"

"Indeed, you can’t," The old man replied with a gruff chuckle. Even without seeing his face, I could already imagine him looking out at the sky while brushing his beard or mustache, "However, let me remind you. Someone like you, who only has his tongue as a weapon, won’t be able to influence a family like the Kujou. You should know by now how I despise idealists. So, tell me, what’s your plan here? If you convinced me with your story then I might consider lending a hand."

"I understand. Just hear me out, Grandpa..."

With that, I laid out the details of my current situation. He listened intently, though it was clear he already knew many of the key points.

I mean, ever since that meeting with Otoha and the old man, I was aware he’d been keeping tabs on me. Not that I minded. He was doing it for Otoha’s sake, making sure I didn’t go off the rails. And, of course, he’d already told me I’d owe him a favor in the future. And that favor was something I’d cashed in early to help Juri out of her predicament.

After a long-winded explanation where I even told him I wanted to take Marika out of that house and bring her somewhere else, there was a brief silence on the other end. Then, I heard a low, thoughtful hum.

A few minutes later, his voice echoed again, "Got it. You’re quite bold. It’s impressive your parents still back you up this much"

"I’m being spoiled," I admitted.

"Hah! At least you’re aware of that. But you can’t always dive into this deep of a problem every time. Ichihara are upstarts but the Kujou? No matter how weak they are today, they’re deeply entrenched in this side of the world that you young people haven’t seen yet. If you mess up here, your parents may also be in trouble."

"I appreciate the concern, Grandpa. But backing out isn’t an option anymore. And Marika... she deserves a choice, just like Otoha."

"And you think that choice is you?" He asked with his tone becoming sharper.

"It doesn’t have to be me," I replied. "It’s just that things turned out this way. Doesn’t her situation remind you of the past? If she marries that spoiled brat, her future won’t be any better."

"Kid, you of all people shouldn’t be talking like that," he scolded lightly before letting out a long sigh. "But fine. I’ve seen what you’re capable of. I’ll help you this time, but this is the last favor. Until you complete the task I’m going to give you, don’t come asking me for anything else."

"Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll accomplish that task when the time comes. It won’t involve me seducing someone, right?"

"You fool! Is getting more women all you think about?"

"Not really. It’s just that... It’s kind of my specialty."

"Ugh. You’ll give me a heart attack, boy. If Otoha sheds a tear because of you, I swear you won’t see the light of day again, understand?"

"Of course, Grandpa. You can rest assured I’ll always treat Otoha and my girls like princesses."

"... Forget it. Get some sleep. I’ll get back to you in a few days."

After that, the old man cut the call off without waiting for me to reply. I stared at the screen for a while, my lips curved up.

That was bold of me, but I knew he’d appreciate my directness. If I’d changed my tone, he would’ve picked up on it instantly.

Still, I wondered what kind of task he had in mind. He’d been sitting on it for so long, and there was no hint of what it might be.

Ah. I should just deal with it when the time comes.

After checking my messages one last time, I put down my phone and then joined Akane in our bed, cuddling her in my embrace.

Friday morning started normally. Akane, who found the pancakes I left for her downstairs, returned to our bedroom, waking me up with her mouth stuffed with me.

We spent an hour dealing with the side effects of the tea.

After that, it’s the same routine of exercise, breakfast, and then preparing for school.

Fuyu joined us in the train and I escorted the two of them to their school. I thought Futaba and Eri would also join us but they were running late.

I also received a message from Futaba, asking me when she should deliver the two underwear that I lent her.

Yeah. She washed the two boxers and wanted to return them to me even though I told her that it’s fine since they’re just my old boxers stored in my room.

She was insistent though so I told her to give it to Akane. Obviously, she refused. She would be bringing it with her the next time they visit our house.

Eri also messaged me but it was more of an update about her attempt to take initiative with her boyfriend. She said she got so nervous that she failed to do anything. On the other hand, her boyfriend also didn’t do anything else but cuddle her when they were alone. In short, there still wasn’t any progress in their intimacy.

I don’t know if I should give her a push or just tell her to be more aggressive but in the end, as her ’boy best friend’ I told her to not be hasty since progress can’t be made overnight, especially for them who were both inexperienced. Like Futaba, she said she’s going to visit again in the future. To ask me for more advice.

I already told her everything though. What other advice can I give her?

After separating from Akane and Fuyu, I then met up with Miyako.

I thought I should pick her up again but when I messaged her, Miyako told me she was already

At the bus so I just waited for her at the bus stop. When she arrived we made a detour,

Extending our morning together, before I escorted her to their school gates.

With that done, I made my way to pick up Marika. It’s the same scenario with Ichihara Jun still waiting outside. Nothing changed. I walked in, picked up Marika and we took the bus to school, leaving the pompous idiot reeling in anger.

He still couldn’t do anything.

But unlike yesterday, I noticed that Ichihara-san’s husband returned to observing the

Proceedings.

Our gazes met briefly, and it was a chilling exchange. Though he did nothing out of the ordinary, I could sense the same coldness from that day I met him in Ichihara-san’s house.

He’s a cold bastard.

How did Ichihara-san end up with a man like that? Was it just another arranged marriage? Whichever the case, I believe I should continue being wary of him.

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