Stealing Spree

According to Hitomi's recounting of events that led her to come and pick me up, she messed up in front of her grandfather.

Apparently, given the old man Hirokage's knowledge of my complex relationship with other girls, he hinted to the old butler that his granddaughter could also be one of those girls.

To confirm, the old butler waited upon Hitomi's return to interrogate and get a clear answer from her.

Perhaps with the combination of her deference to her grandfather as well as the positive mood brought about by the time we spent earlier, Hitomi easily admitted to all of it.

Although a little off with my guess that she was told not to meddle with Otoha's affairs, it's actually in the same essence.

The old butler convinced her that her relationship with me would go nowhere. Or at least, from the way he worded it, he made her recall that their family or clan – the whole Mihara Family – will always be a family in servitude towards the whole Kaneko lineage.

Since it has been the case for several generations, the old butler reminded Hitomi that it was preposterous for her to have any thoughts of stepping out of that role.

Or in short, she was told to mind her own place and not overstep her boundaries as a servant no matter how favorably Otoha treated her.

If I recall correctly from Hitomi's own words back then, she mentioned that there was really no restriction on her if she wanted to marry someone.

In this case, however, that stuck-up old butler wanted to uphold their standing in society as nothing more than servants for the Kaneko. For Hitomi to be in the same relationship with me like her 'mistress' Otoha was something he couldn't allow to happen. It's like in his mind, Hitomi was trying to climb out of their social standing.

And that's the summary and the glaring which led to the decision of Hitomi to try severing our connection. Not something so complex as she's not allowed to date someone, it's simply because she shares the same lover as the young lady she's supposed to serve.

Really. I could say it's an idiotic mindset. However, with respect to how nobilities operated back then, I could be open about it and be a little understanding of why he believed that should be the case.

Nonetheless, that wouldn't stop me from arguing that the times have already changed. We're already in a modern era where there are no more recognized noble lineages, only the imperial family left. Furthermore, even the Emperor only served as some kind of a symbol of an old era and his position was only ceremonial. It held no real power except being revered as the ruler of the country.

In truth, the whole government was already run by the Prime Minister and the other branches. Politicians were now the new overlords.

In that sense, the old butler's derision over Hitomi's relationship with me was just him being too old-fashioned or a relic of the past.

But then again, what I was aiming to do was also not normal. It's probably another reason why he's against and adamant about it.

Thinking about it from the outside. I couldn't help but sense that this was all a ploy by that eccentric old man. Most likely, Otoha's grandfather was already laughing from where he was, imagining this scenario or what I would do on this occasion.

I mean, there's no reason for him to hint it at the old butler without understanding the reaction it would elicit from him. It smells too intentional on his part.

Am I actually being tested? Is this to find out how I will fare against an adversary such as Hitomi's grandfather?

Did he really bring out a mid-game boss at a newbie hero that has just left the starting village? Ugh. That was really how it looked considering the background of Hitomi's family.

Well. Enough about that. Even if that's the case, I won't consider it a problem. Rather, I do not doubt that it is clearly a challenge crafted for me.

To clear it whether it be through fists or my skewed logic, I have to convince an old-fashioned old man like Hitomi's grandfather that there's nothing wrong with the woman for being in a relationship with me.

Anyway, soon after understanding the whole situation, I didn't waste any moment and immediately arrived at a decision.

While Hitomi remained leaning on me as I caressed her head and back in an attempt to calm her down, I asked the woman to bring me to her grandfather instead of the original destination in her mind.

Rather than wait for another day to settle this, it's best to make a move right away, right?

Moreover, to also lighten the mood and tension inside this cold car, I cracked my knuckles and flaunted my well-maintained body to my woman, putting her hands on my chest.

She responded with a burst of dry laughter but at least, I was successful with my intention. Even if her voice still sounded so brittle, I sensed how I managed to chip away at her weakened mentality. She soon faced me with clearer eyes than earlier as well as a newfound resolve.

With that, I thought I already got it in the bag and she was about to agree to my request. However, after taking the liberty of initiating a kiss, three times as passionate as what we shared earlier, Hitomi directly gazed into my eyes and straightforwardly refused my request.

And with a shake of her head, she said, "Ruki, I have to thank you for clearing my head. Can you leave this to me? Grandfather defeated me with his words and I feel ashamed for being convinced by him. Let me redeem myself."

Yep. It's not because she's against my decision to fight for her. She wanted to be the first one to stand up against her grandfather. And perhaps, only if she gets defeated again will she ask for my help.

In a way, even if she still appeared a little lost, my firm and swift decision to fight for her moved her a lot. Even more than her initial interest in me. It's like I got another whole heart of 'intimacy' in her route. It probably jumped from three to four stars.

"Redeem yourself? Girl, you don't need to. I understand your situation. Besides, even if I failed to stop you today, do you think I will take it lightly?"

"No, you won't. However, Ruki. That is why I have to do this before you. Because I know that even if I fail, you'll still be behind me."

This girl… So she's doing this to prove herself to me? In that case…

"It sounds like you also finally found a meaning to your interest in me."

"Un. I do. I came to understand that, I cannot just cut you off from my life. I had nothing but Otoha-ojou-sama before I met you. And I am nothing but a bundle of curiosity, watching over you. But these days… I'm always hoping to see a glimpse of you. Even if it's from afar."

"That's the longest I heard you talking about what you are feeling. I'm glad to have heard it, Hitomi. Alright then, I won't stop you but Hitomi, please inform me right away."

Well, that's my honest thoughts as well. Hearing her open up like that might not be the first but it's certainly the most heartfelt. It's like I finally managed to drill a hole in the vault of her steel heart, giving me access to the woman who thought that her life's purpose is to be with Otoha.

"Un… I will." Hitomi nodded and with a small smile adorning her face, she once again brought our lips together, savoring this very moment.

A while later, she turned her car around and returned to the route straight to my school.