Stealing Spree

Having introduced myself like that, a noticeable similarity to Otoha was displayed by the old man, he raised his brows and his lips stretched thinly to a smile as though he was amused by what I said. He started tapping his legs and placed his chin on his palm.

Although he had just been acting like a comical old man, hurting from Otoha’s words, he quickly switched his stance and put me under pressure just by doing this simple gesture.

It seemed like he was waiting for my next words after that brief introduction.

I planned to take him really seriously but his eccentric outfit and the way he was acting were making my lips twitch from slight irritation. He’s far from what I expected him to be. He didn’t even look like someone who had just been hospitalized. He’s as healthy as Hisa-jii from the boxing gym.

And if he’s not Otoha’s grandfather, I would probably walk out of this room and bring the girl with me. Just to stay away from his weirdness.

In any case, Otoha, whose attention returned to me, looked on expectantly. There’s still that trace of concern earlier and it’s even more apparent now that I started talking to her grandfather. To once again assure her, I fixed my sitting position. Even though I was still slightly lowering my head, I bravely faced her grandfather’s gaze. Following that, I squeezed Otoha’s hand. I even raised it and kissed the back of her hand.

Saying that it’s to assure might be half the truth, the other half was to check what would be this doting grandfather’s reaction.

And I wasn’t disappointed. The tapping sounds stopped and he faked a cough to get our attention.

“You’re too daring, young man. Do I not appear intimidating enough?”

“I believe not. This one is still trying to rack his brain on how to act in front of you. Thankfully, Otoha is with me. Her presence alone is enough reason for me to be calm and not cower; I have to look cool in front of her. Hopefully, I’m not offending someone of your stature.”

As someone who wasn’t too used to acting respectful, I had to be careful. Even if Otoha lauded him as someone agreeable because of his eccentricities, he’s still someone two generations higher than me on top of being the Patriarch of a former noble house.

Not only does he have his pride, but he also has vast experience and knowledge.

“Hmm… No worries, I’m not a stuck-up old man who’ll be offended by every little confusing thing a younger generation child will do. However, young man, are you aware of the weight of what you just declared? My darling girl’s beloved.”

“Grandpa! I told you not to call me like that, I’m not a child anymore!”

“Whatever are you talking about?”

With Otoha’s rebuttal, the old man went back to his goofy self. He scratched his head and whistled. Obviously playing the fool for his granddaughter.

In any case, I focused on his question and surely, he was waiting for my response.

“Weight? If this is about her status as your granddaughter and a noblewoman, then all I can say is, I don’t care about it. But that’s not convincing, right? As someone on top of the ladder, you will not be able to cast off the suspicion that I’m just using her. That’s why all I can do is be truthful with my words. Take it or leave it, it won’t change. I love Otoha not because of her origin or status. I simply fell in love with the woman that she is.

There’s no use beating around the bush here. Besides, I didn’t even think of playing with words around an experience-enriched old man like him. Doing a dogeza to prove my dedication to Otoha was also in line. But that’s only if necessary.

For now, I would be treating him with respect as Otoha’s grandfather and not as the Patriarch of the Kaneko House.

I would leave it in his discretion if ever he steered the conversation to that point. In which case, I’d just brush it off and veer back to my original purpose.

Upon hearing my words, the old man took a minute to respond. Otoha also remained silent at my side, reading the current air.

“I can see that you’re determined, young man. However, love alone cannot feed my darling girl. You’re aware of that, correct?”

“Yes, that is correct. I never said I will only feed her my love. Believe it or not, I’m not planning to rely on your status to get by. If no one’s going to object, I’m going to take her and let her live with me. However, you’re not going to allow it, am I right?”

“Oh hoh? You have that kind of resolve. But that’s still just words. It can easily be said than done. I won’t easily entrust my darling girl to someone of no status. No matter how flowery your words might be. The way I see it, you’re still immature and you only have an idealistic outlook. Idealists, you see, are people I don’t want to be associated with. They can flaunt their ideals and approach it to an end, but most of the time, their ideals fail them.”

“I think I will correct you on one thing. I don’t have an idealistic outlook. I’m well aware that it will be an arduous path. And that’s why I’m going to prepare for it. No. I’m already preparing for it.”

I’m not just talking about my relationship with Otoha but still, it fitted the context. Besides, I wouldn’t raise the issue of my multiple relationships myself. Even if I assumed that he already knew about it, there’s no reason to bring it up.

“The way I see it, you’re still full of ideals. Because as you mentioned, I cannot hold you to your words. Lying is too easy for anyone. I have lived my life lying and deceiving people. One cannot be too honest, you know? You’ll be taken advantage of by people who mean you not an ounce of goodwill. I can say I accept your relationship today and the next day, I can send Otoha far away from you.”

For him to openly say that, I guess he’s really serious about this meeting. But I noticed how he occasionally looked outside as though he was waiting for something or someone to appear.

In any case, I didn’t have much choice but to continue this conversation.

“That’s true. And I will be powerless to stop that from happening. Even so, that’s not a reason for me to give up on her. You’ll probably see our relationship as temporary or a youthful indulgence. But that’s not how it is for us. Take her far away and I’ll work my ass off to find her and bring her back to me. Even if that means defying you.”

“Grandpa, if you do that, I will not hate you. You’re thinking of my well-being. But that will be the end of it, the granddaughter in your mind will be gone. I’m also sitting here not just to accompany Ruki. I’m standing on his side.”

Otoha broke her silence and chipped in her thoughts.

That’s correct. I’m not facing him alone. Otoha is also doing her part, as someone who loves me.

Upon hearing that, the old man heaved a sigh. He picked up his sunglasses, put it on before rubbing his eyes as though wiping off imaginary tears.

… That’s absurd. Why put on the sunglasses? But I guess I won’t be able to know the answer to that.

“An excellent resolve…” While faking a sob, he mumbled, “… yet, I’m still not convinced.”