Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093092067930254/episodes/16818622171163852487
After saying goodbye to my mother, I left the hospital. As I walked to the parking lot, I noticed a conspicuous black car and an elderly butler bowing politely. I walked up to the familiar figure and the butler smiled at me.
“Welcome back, Reito-sama. We have been expecting you.”
“Hey Kagehito. Have you aged again?”
Kageno Kagehito. He is a servant of the Sendo family.
The Kageno family has been a family of butlers serving the Sendo family for generations. The beginning of this relationship is said to date back to the Edo period.
Kagehito took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes.
“I’ve been having terrible back pain lately,……, and I’m thrilled to see Reito-sama’s figure again while I’m still alive.”
“Don’t cry. Look, you can talk about memories while driving, right? Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir. Please get in.”
The car with me in it started to drive toward the Sendo family’s house.
The nostalgic scenery of the area where I used to spend my time. Some things have changed, but only the memories remain.
“It must have looked different. During the year that Reito-sama was away, this area has changed a lot.”
“It seems so. The park where I used to play is gone.”
“The times will not wait for us. ……Reito-sama has grown up in a different way, hasn’t he?”
“Well. I don’t think anything has changed for me.”
“The growth is not always visible. The atmosphere, facial expression, and attitude. There are many things that change little by little and take shape.”
“….I see. Kagehito, can you see it? My change.”
“Yes, of course. I love Reito-sama from the bottom of my heart.”
“Haha, I see. Love from a man does not make me very happy.”
“Don’t say that. I will continue to love you even if I cannot reach you.”
As we chatted, the scenery gradually changed to one with more greenery. Once we left the forest, we found ourselves at a mansion on top of a small hill, a place we all remember fondly as our home.
▼▽
As I got out of the car and went through the gate, I saw a maid standing in front of the door. I ran up to her and she bowed her head politely. When I let her raise her head, I saw a familiar face.
“Welcome back, Reito-sama.”
“It’s been a long time, Fumikage. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
Kageno Fumikage. Kagehito’s daughter. She used to take care of me when I was little. She was a newbie at first, but now she’s a solid maid.
“Thanks to you. I am glad to see that Reito-sama has not changed. Reiji-sama is waiting for you here.”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. How about a little tea and then ……”
“Reito-sama. Even I can’t overlook this. You’ve been away from home for a whole year, so I’d like you to say hello first.”
Fumikage leads me to my father’s study in the back of the house. My home after a long absence is as spacious as ever. Every time we pass each other, each servant bows to me, some of whom I don’t recognize. There were a lot of old-timers at our house, so maybe it’s time for a generational change.
“Fumikage, you weren’t here a year ago when I arrived, were you? What were you doing?”
“…Nothing special
“She was crying because she was moved by the growth of Reito-sama, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. She cried until her makeup fell off, so she said she couldn’t let Reito-sama see her face.”
Kagehito’s unexpected interjection made Fumikage’s cheeks redden.
“Oh~? Fumikage, you’re usually so uptight, but you love me so much, don’t you?”
“I-it’s a misunderstanding. I’m not crying,…….”
“You look like you’re about to cry… it’s only been a year, you know?”
“But it’s only been a year. I’ve been watching Reito-sama grow up up close. He’s like a blood brother to me now.”
“…So that’s how it is. Here, Fumikage, handkerchief.”
“Thank you very much.”
I handed her a handkerchief, and Fumikage lightly wiped her eyes and tucked it into her pocket. Hey, that’s my handkerchief.
Soon after, a familiar door comes into view. Fumikage knocks lightly on the door and opens it.
“Excuse me. Reiji-sama, Reito-sama is back.”
“Hey, Dad. Your only son is back.”
The cold, stiff look on his face. Behind his glasses, his cold eyes pierced through me. I stared at my father’s face, defeated.
“It’s been a while. Have you grown a little taller?”
“I haven’t changed. Don’t say things you don’t mean.”
“I see. Sit down.”
I sat down on the sofa in my room.
Sendo Reiji. The trash who stole my dreams from me and doesn’t care about my mother. A trash whose only merit is his work. He is the reason why my rebellious period has been prolonged. I don’t consider him a father. A parent who takes away a child’s dreams is not a parent.
He doesn’t even come to visit my mom. To him, work is more important than family. That’s the kind of person he is.
“How are things going? Are you on track to graduate?”
“Who are you talking to?
Do you think I’m being a slacker?”
“Actually, you used to be.”
There was an uncomfortable silence in the study. I stared at my father’s blank face.
“I hear you’ve recently joined the student council. What kind of a windbag is that?”
“The Maeda family’s only daughter wanted me to join. I didn’t join because I wanted to.”
“I see. Please don’t cause any problems.”
“Hey, hey.
I’ll be quiet as long as no one says anything else.”
“So, ……, did you get a girlfriend?”
“……Why are mom and Dad both extending the conversation in weird directions?”
“This is an important conversation regarding the heir to the Sendo family. You must think seriously about it. …… So, how’s it going?”
“Don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it with someone I don’t like.”
“If you don’t, be honest.
I’ll make a list of candidates for you.”
“You’d better not.
Unless you want to shorten your life….
I’m serious.”
If I were to go on a blind date, Yamanashi would come and eliminate the mastermind. What’s more, she might even attack the person. That would destroy the Sendou family. That situation must be avoided at all costs.
“…Well okay. We can talk about this later. Take your time. How long do you plan to stay?
“I’m leaving today.”
“ ……. Well, at least take a break.”
“See you in a few years.”
“Wait.
……When I’m finished, you’ll take over the Sendo family. That’s a decision.”
“I know that, father.”
I left the room quickly.
“Reito-sama, why don’t you go and rest for a bit? Your room will be left as is.”
“Oh, okay. Then, I’ll take a short rest.”
I headed to my old one-person room with Fumikage and Kagehito.
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