Plum blossoms are blooming beautifully.
The sky is clear, and the weather is getting warmer day by day.
I've already put away all the heating equipment.
It's spring...
Time has passed since that "Kuchiki Family Dry Landscape Garden Mess Incident."
'I think there is a fear that meaning will not be conveyed with that title, however...?'
It's fine, it's fine, it happened in the last chapter. It's still fresh in memory.
Time flowed, and it became spring.
Today is Hisana-san's regular checkup day, so I'm visiting the Kuchiki residence.
"...Yes, that's enough now."
"Thank you very much."
That said, I'm not doing anything that big.
I just apply a little Kaido, ask questions, and check if there are any problems.
I observe the progress and give light advice according to the recovered state, though.
"You are recovering smoothly, but the degree of recovery is low after all. About half of a general healthy person, perhaps."
"That much, is it..."
Hisana-san's face fell.
"It is psychological. I think the cause is the heavy burden on your heart. This isn't something that can be cured by cutting or sewing, after all."
I'm treating her using the period of that, but she's not getting better at all.
Her body is weak originally, and her preconceived notions are too strong.
Hey Byakuya! Are you supporting her properly!?
...Yeah, he was supporting her.
When they came for a regular checkup before, the couple was feeding each other, saying "aaahn."
I had to hurriedly turn back, kill time, and then examine them with an innocent look.
At least they are lovey-dovey.
...Hm?
Eh? Yes, that's right.
It's been over a year since I treated Hisana-san, the second spring.
I treated her in winter, it became spring, passed summer, autumn, winter, and spring came again.
By the way, during this year and more, I've been watching her the whole time.
Seinosuke-san, whom I introduced, has had zero turns.
Both Byakuya and Hisana throw tantrums saying "I don't want anyone but you."
I'm happy, but give me a break... you can rely on others too, you know?
Anyway, I tried various things during this period.
Asking the servants of the Kuchiki family to feed her nourishing foods little by little as dietary therapy.
Telling Byakuya "She needs exercise, so take walks together," casually encouraging walking dates.
'A walk!? Could that possibly be, wearing only a coat late at night and underneath is... that kind of thing!!'
Isn't the royal road rather "Wearing normal clothes, but underneath is full of the extraordinary!"? Playing with children in the park or having normal exchanges with acquaintances while thinking "Ah! I'm doing something outrageous with an innocent face even though the sun is high!!" Enjoying the gap between the daily and extraordinary, along with the thrill of possibly being found out...
Wait! There's no way these two could do such a thing!!
Normal! Just walking normally in the garden!! Because she wasn't exercising, I wanted her to sweat a little!!
Besides, you know about that time too!! The servants of the Kuchiki family were secretly watching with smiles as they had a date like lower elementary school students!!
...What were we talking about?
Right, right, doing various things to become healthy, but the results are not quite there.
"As I thought, it's about your sister?"
"Yes. The better Lord Byakuya treats me, the more I worry about my sister... Even though everyone in the Kuchiki family is already going out to search, this body that cannot go searching is frustrating..."
"I am sorry. We are doing everything we can, but..."
Because she can't be found like that, she worries, and somehow can't reach full recovery.
Also, Byakuya becomes too overprotective and won't let Hisana-san go searching because she hasn't recovered. Instead, he requests the search party to look, but results aren't improving.
She worries that these facts are causing trouble for those related to the Kuchiki family, and because of that, her health deteriorates again.
A nasty loop is occurring.
You can be a little more thick-skinned, you know?
It seems it's tough even for the Kuchiki family search party to go searching as far as Inuzuri.
Moreover, to not be caught at all even though they are searching that much.
Rukia is formidable!
Is some strange correction working?
...It's not like she can't be found because she's already dead... right...?
"This can't be helped, let's take it easy. Besides, Hisana-san, you worry too much. It's work for everyone too, and above all, they are doing it thinking of you two. Please think of it lightly."
"Dr. Yukawa, thank you very much."
I wonder how many times I've said this... but she always worries, this person.
From Byakuya's perspective, he probably says such parts are cute too.
"That's right, Hisana, rely on us more."
The Kuchiki family has also changed completely in this year.
Byakuya moved in various ways, and all the servants—though they were friendly originally—have completely become Hisana-san's allies.
They talk to her casually and interact with her.
It seems she is wrapped in such a bright atmosphere that she doesn't feel even a speck of loneliness like being all alone in a vast mansion.
Also, Byakuya changed too.
While being active as a Captain in the blink of an eye, he is also making his presence felt as the head of the family.
He has also started reforming the rules, wanting to reduce those who suffer like him even a little. It seems he is working hard.
Also, the relatives and branch families who complained when he married Hisana-san apparently met with terrible fates as a result of Byakuya's hard work. Specifically, the political pressure of the nobility was applied.
Did his resolve set in a weird direction?
But, the part that changed the most above all is—
"A depressed face does not suit you. Smile, Hisana. I like your smile."
"Lord, Byakuya..."
—That kind of change.
When working as a Shinigami, he is calm and composed as usual, but when he comes home, it's this.
If you let your guard down, flowers bloom in the background immediately, and they enter their own world.
Did I hit him in a bad spot back then...?
"Since there seems to be no problem, I will go home. Take care."
I don't think they're listening, but I said goodbye just in case.
Despite appearances, I am busy. New students will be entering the Academy soon too.
-----
"Do you have a moment?"
"...!! Gi, Lord Ginrei!?"
On the way home from the Kuchiki house, I was stopped.
What a surprise, it's Ginrei-san.
Byakuya's grandfather, Ginrei-san.
Ginrei-san, who is an old man but younger than me!
"Ah, please do not be so formal. I have already resigned from the Captain position and retired from the seat of the head of the family. Now I am just an old man."
"I, I cannot do that..."
"Above all, being treated formally by someone older is a little... you know."
He said so with a bitter smile.
Really? Then, Ginrei, go buy sake manju—I can't say that!
Even if you aren't Captain or head, how much influence do you think you have!!
"Please forgive me, as I have my position too. Also, what business do you have?"
"Nothing specific. Just idle talk."
Idle talk...? Lie! Definitely a lie!!
"Even if things go well as the head of the family, family is something quite difficult."
"H, Haa..."
"A grandfather inevitably becomes soft on his grandchildren. Besides, boring positions get in the way, and there are many times I cannot say things well. At such times, it is very grateful to have someone who speaks strongly."
...Ah, this is exposed. That I gave Byakuya a headbutt.
Well, naturally. I was lecturing him in the garden, even if it was night.
It wouldn't be strange if anyone saw.
"Thinking back, in the past too... oh, excuse me. As I get older, my stories get longer..."
"...You have my sympathies."
"Thank you."
In the past, huh... If he failed...
Was it Sojun-san's child-rearing, or if not, that incident...
"So, about the main subject—"
Gulp! What will he say...
"Around when can I see the face of my great-grandchild?"
Ah, this is just a doting parent... doting grandfather.
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