Hearing Shiina Mahiru's final words of gratitude, Shiina Sayo felt a profound, wrenching sadness. How could a person be completely devoid of feeling? She had, after all, raised this girl for over a decade. Even raising a cat or a dog would foster attachment, wouldn't it? Moreover, every time she had come home, no matter how infrequent, Mahiru had always greeted her with that angelic smile.
Now, after this farewell meal, her daughter would effectively be cut loose. Mahiru would inherit the corporate shell of her parents' life's work, becoming the family's new bargaining chip and asset. She was liberated. So why did she not feel the overwhelming happiness she had anticipated?
"Mahiru… you must be well. Mom… is leaving."
She pulled Shiina Mahiru into a tight, desperate hug, quickly wiped at her own brimming eyes, and then turned and fled, her heels clicking a rapid, retreating rhythm on the marble floor.
Shiina Asahi took a deep, steadying breath, at a loss for words. But after a moment, he adjusted his glasses and spoke, his voice quieter than usual.
"Mahiru, I haven't been a good father. At this point, there's little else to say. I also wish you happiness. And… thank you. For liberating us." He paused, the word feeling both true and terribly inadequate. "Finally… goodbye."
Shiina Mahiru maintained her gentle smile, watching them walk away in opposite directions. She would be happy. And she was determined never to become like them—people who brought children into the world only to treat them as afterthoughts. She would become a far better mother than Shiina Sayo had ever been!
Seeing the dinner had concluded, Hozuki Nozomi walked over. Shiina Mahiru immediately opened her arms to him, a silent request for an embrace. Nozomi's heart melted at the sight. He wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly.
Shiina Mahiru rubbed her cheek against his chest and then voiced a startlingly bold thought. "Nozomi… let's have a child."
Nozomi's mouth twitched. "Silly girl, you're still a high school student. Why would you want a child so early?"
"I just want to prove I can do better than Mom!" she insisted, a pout forming on her lips. "I'll be the best mother!"
"You don't need to prove anything like that," he reassured her, smoothing her hair. "Mahiru is already the best in my eyes—the very archetype of a good wife and loving mother. As for having a child, let's discuss that much later. At least wait until after we've graduated from university! Besides," he added with a playful grin, "I don't want some little kid coming along and stealing Mahiru's affection away from me."
"Pfft, that's so cheesy!" Shiina Mahiru teased, but her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him. "But… I like it." She squeezed his hand. "We still have time today. Nozomi, let's go on a date."
"Okay. Whatever you want."
Holding Shiina Mahiru's hand, Hozuki Nozomi spent the afternoon showing her a whirlwind of a good time. They ended up in the bustling commercial district. Now that she was a young lady of considerable means, shouldn't she indulge in a proper shopping spree?
Shiina Mahiru focused on selecting gifts for everyone back at Sakurasou, with Nozomi offering his opinions beside her. It had to be said, after a therapeutic session of retail therapy, their moods lifted significantly. Indeed, spending money is one of the best ways to unwind. Of course, this principle only applies to those who have it. For those struggling, even a small, necessary purchase can bring pangs of guilt, a stark reminder of their precarious finances. A corporate slave, after an unplanned expense, would only think of the miserable overtime awaiting them to pay for it.
Shiina Mahiru now held the certificate of company shares bearing her name. As a high school student still attending classes, she naturally wouldn't be managing the company day-to-day. She could simply collect dividends. The Shiina family had dedicated personnel to maintain operations.
In the future, however, Mahiru would likely spend time at the company for practical experience. After all, the company was hers; she could do with it as she pleased. If it went bankrupt, it would simply be a costly lesson.
Shiina Mahiru already had her own ideas. Wasn't there a person within her extended "family" perfectly suited to teach her about management? Yukinoshita Haruno was the undisputed heir to the Yukinoshita conglomerate. It would be perfectly logical to seek her guidance. Haruno was Nozomi's fiancée, which made her Mahiru's family too, right?
As for Shiina Sayo and Shiina Asahi, who had walked away with nothing, there was no need for concern. Who doesn't have a little private savings? By handing over the family business to their daughter, they hadn't rendered themselves destitute. They still possessed considerable talent and ability; they could thrive anywhere. One thing was certain: Shiina Sayo retained her refined, severe beauty. She reminded Nozomi somewhat of Sakurajima Miu—both were high-quality, mature beauties with a cool, composed aura. Sakurajima Miu… that's Sakurajima Mai's mother, he recalled.
Back at Sakurasou, Shiina Mahiru distributed the carefully chosen gifts, immediately earning the gratitude and affection of all the girls. More presents, no complaints, right? Everyone adored Mahiru. She was beautiful, smiled like a sunbeam, and possessed an incredibly kind and approachable nature. Who could possibly resist an angel like Mahiru?
That evening, to fully comfort Mahiru, Hozuki Nozomi put in some… overtime. It was hard to say how much time passed. Looking down at the golden-haired girl nestled against him, her small face flushed and serene in sleep, Nozomi gently stroked her beautiful hair.
"Sleep well, Mahiru. And from now on, please take care of me."
"Mmm… please take care of me too… future father of my child."
"Uh… you're still on about that? You're a high school student already thinking about motherhood?"
"Pfft, I'm just kidding," she murmured sleepily, a soft smile on her lips. "I just wanted to tell you… I've decided on you for this lifetime. You can't abandon me. After all, I'm a woman willing to have your child."
"I know. I won't abandon you, Mahiru. I love you the most."
"You still seem quite energetic… how about we…" Before he could finish, Shiina Mahiru placed a small hand over his mouth, giving him a look that was both affectionate and reproachful.
"No… I'm tired. I want to sleep. Also… don't go looking for anyone else tonight. I want you… to belong only to me tonight."
"Alright," Nozomi smiled, nodding in agreement. He was secretly pleased Mahiru had said that. It seemed she wasn't completely immune to jealousy after all. That was a good thing.
The next morning was Monday. Time for school again.
Shiina Mahiru woke up early and, with some reluctance, left the warmth of Hozuki Nozomi's bed to diligently prepare breakfast for everyone in the kitchen. The atmosphere at Sakurasou was, as always, harmonious.
Meanwhile, at the gates of Soubu High School, a group of students from the prestigious Toyotosaki Academy had arrived, drawing curious looks. Among them, the golden-haired, twin-tailed Eriri Spencer Sawamura and the sharp-eyed Kasumigaoka Utaha, notable in her black stockings and white headband, stood out, attracting stunned gazes from Soubu students milling about.
The boys from Toyotosaki formed a cautious, protective semicircle in front of their school's prized beauties, wary of the wolves of Soubu High.
Eriri Spencer Sawamura followed the group toward the Student Council office, leaning toward Utaha. "Speaking of which, Kasumigaoka-senpai, wasn't there someone else? She didn't come?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha also looked slightly puzzled. "Didn't I tell you to inform her?"
"I… I don't know why, but I subconsciously forgot. What was her name again… Kano?" Eriri replied awkwardly, scratching her cheek.
At that moment, a calm, almost ethereal voice sounded directly behind them. "Actually, I've been here all along. And my name is Katou Megumi. Not Kano."
Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri Spencer Sawamura jumped, startled by her sudden appearance.
"Y-You! When did you get here?!" Eriri's eyes widened as she stared at the unassuming girl with soft, brown hair and strikingly large, placid eyes.
Katou Megumi merely blinked, a hint of helplessness in her expression. "I've been with you since we left Toyotosaki…"