Stealing Spree

As someone who had nerves of steel to become a Student Council President despite her complex of being seen as a weak girl, it didn’t take long for Shizu to recollect herself and face my parents without stuttering again.

It was a surprise, true. And I received her silent reprisal for not telling her early through a pinch on my sides. She also tried ignoring me but she’s not that successful at that. I was holding her tightly, after all.

After the initial introduction when even my father looked at Shizu as though she was an adorable daughter, my parents invited us to go somewhere else. As the place wasn't really fit to hold our conversation, we moved inside the ministry and found ourselves in the lobby.

There were still a few people walking about further inside the building but I couldn’t see Hayashi-sensei anywhere. Most likely, she moved further in and into one of the rooms. Given that she didn’t say anything earlier, I guess she didn’t really need us to be with her wherever she was at the moment.

But Shizu was still a little concerned.

That’s why while she was talking to my parents, I excused myself to look for Hayashi-sensei.

Although the girl looked like a kitten being left behind by her owner, she eventually accepted after I assured her that I would be back quickly.

“Leave her to us, go on and check on Makiko. She’s probably at the Secondary Education Bureau, meeting with the Branch Supervisor.” My mother gave me directions. Looking at her current expression, she’s more than happy to send me away just so she could talk to Shizu freely and without my interference.

Perhaps, when I returned, it would either be Shizu shaken down again or they’d be as close like actual mother and daughter. I’m hoping for the latter, of course. But knowing my mother’s fondness for teasing my girls, Shizu would more or less be in a tough spot.

After following the direction my mother provided, I quickly found myself in front of the office of the supervisor.

It’s not ajar so the voices inside could be heard. From the contents of what they’re talking about, they’re already in the middle of it. And clearly, we weren’t needed inside as it’s progressing normally.

“Miss Hayashi, remember that this incident is a serious stain on your school. If word of this gets out to the other cities and prefectures, the future for your school is bleak. Thankfully…”

That’s probably the supervisor, reminding Hayashi-sensei. He didn’t finish his last sentence though. It’s as if he intentionally dropped it right there. Whatever he omitted to say, I had no idea.

“I know. This won’t happen again. I’ll get a background check for every teacher we have employed.”

“Great. That’s great! What about his ex-wife? Isn’t she a new hire at the school you’re currently staying at? Do you think she can testify?”

“Huh? Why the need to bring her up? Look, Kinoshita-sensei has just gotten out of that marriage. She only has just found out about all his shady dealings. Give the woman a break.”

Hearing Shio being brought up in the conversation, I surely got a little agitated. I found my fist clenched and ready to storm in to threaten the supervisor even if I knew that was not going to do anything. But hearing Hayashi-sensei defending her and stating to leave her out of the issue, I was relieved. Gratified, even.

“I… I understand. But from what I heard…”

“Keep what you heard to yourself… Isn’t that something that needs to be suppressed as well? You already got all the evidence to indict him. Do it quietly and don’t let any media station pick it up. I bet that couple was here to also remind you of that.”

“The couple… you mean…?”

“If you get it then shut your mouth now. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to compensate your office if you help me suppress the murmurs. And that’s even though you’re already told to sweep it under the rug.”

“I… I understand. Thanks for coming, Hayashi-sensei.”

“Un… Keep on doing great work, Supervisor.”

So, in essence, my parents’ influence was an important factor in this… Even a Branch Supervisor, albeit a little low in the hierarchy of the Ministry, could easily be ordered like this.

Besides, even Hayashi-sensei sounded like she possessed some influence. Especially her schools. She’s not lying that she’s the owner of it. Not just the school we’re attending but the other branches as well.

With their conversation ending at that, I quickly moved away from the door and went to a corner I came from.

And when I heard the sound of the door opening, I acted as though I was just arriving.

When Hayashi-sensei saw me, her eyebrows twitched a little before her lips curved a little. Her gaze then passed by my shoulder, perhaps checking if someone else was with me. When she didn’t see anyone, she called out to me.

“Oh. Onoda-kun. Where is Shizu-chan?”

“Uh. As you know, she’s with my parents.” With her question, she’s really unaware that I heard half of the discussion inside that office. “By the way, sensei. Are you done? I thought you needed us to escort you.”

“With what happened, do you think I can still bring you two with me?”

“Right… Then we’ll go back?”

“Are you surprised?” Instead of answering me, Hayashi-sensei asked an unexpected question.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t act dumb. I’m in love with your father.”

“Oh. That, huh? Honestly, I thought you were joking.”

“Look here, young man. Do you think I chose to be single just because I want to? Like your mother said, I’m not getting any younger. Sooner or later, aging will catch up to me… It must be time to let it go…”

Listening to her lament like this, I could somehow feel sympathy for her. How long has it been, I wonder? She’s probably chasing after my father even before I was born in this world. If that’s true, that’s some amazing devotion. Yet, knowing my parents, the probability for her wish to come true is zero.

Even though she looked like my mother was strong-arming my father, both of them were crazy for each other.

“If I can give my honest opinion… Sensei is still a gorgeous woman. Surely, you’re not lacking in suitors asking for your hand in marriage.”

“That’s a given, Onoda-kun. Still, I lost to your mother…” She shook her head and another sad expression momentarily flashed on her face.

What should I do? Should I help her move on? As if that’s easy. And my words would probably have no effect on her.

In any case, she probably needed some kind of push on her back, right?

“Uh… It’s long past the date to recognize that, sensei. The day they got married and gave birth to me, you should’ve let go.”

I carefully picked my words. But the response I received took me by surprise.

“Is that so? Then why are you not like your father?”

“Excuse me?”

“I know about it. Onoda-kun. You’re not only close to Shizu-chan. You have a number of girls around you that may or may not be your lovers. And they’re all getting along well…” Hayashi-sensei answered with a smirk.

This woman… So, she’s aware of it, huh? Well, I mean, it’s not surprising considering how she seemed to be the hidden hand of our school…

And with how I was slowly becoming more high-key in interacting with my girls, it’s only right for some of them to suspect me.

“…” I intentionally fell silent.

“You know being silent is equivalent to admittance, right?”

“No comment, sensei.”

“Amusing…” Hayashi-sensei’s smirk widened into a grin.

At this point, we successfully returned to the lobby and rejoined Shizu and my parents without properly closing that conversation.

If she knew, she knew. It’s not like she’s going to spread it to the whole school. And without my confirmation, it would only be categorized as rumors.

Anyway, when they saw us returning, Shizu immediately stood up and ran to me. On the other hand, my parents just remained sitting there.

“What is this? Did they scare you off?”

“No. It’s not that… I just… regret that I declined to meet them before. Your mother is amazing.” Shizu’s eyes were shining brilliantly as she started enumerating more praises for my mom.

This… What kind of witchcraft did my mom apply to this girl?