Chapter 975 - The Kasuga Family
By any normal standard, the Kasuga family—my family—would be considered quite well-off.
That's probably because both my parents work, with my mother contributing to the household income, and because my father is a talented architect who's never short on work.
Even when I spent all my time at part-time jobs just for my own pocket money, I was never once scolded for it. They paid for my university tuition and everything else as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Basically, I've… at least, as their son, I've never known what it's like to struggle with money. I'm not being biased when I say my parents are high-spec.
They even own a proper house.
The Kasuga residence, designed by my father himself, may blend into the non-urban neighborhood on the outside, but the interior is a rather unrestrained, do-whatever-you-want affair—well, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a modest mansion.
Of course, it's still within the realm of the ordinary and can't compare to the genuinely grand Yotsuya residence or the impressive and stately Shijo residence. Still, it's quite splendid.
The ground floor houses the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and my parents' bedroom—the core of our family life. My room is on the second floor. That much is normal, but it's probably rare to find a house with large storage rooms and even a 'guest room' on both floors.
—I designed it with gusto, to be ready for any kind of future.
That's what my old man said once…
Well, surely not.
"—Haruka Rin. Nozomi's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"—Kasuga Ayumu, Nozomi's father. It may not have been a long journey from afar, but we're so glad you could come. Please, make yourselves at home and relax."
He probably never dreamed that this particular future was the one he'd have to accommodate.
I didn't either. Obviously.
"…And so, these are my mother and father."
One casual, the other polite. I gestured with my hand toward my parents, who had settled in at the living room table and offered their greetings, then glanced at the opposite side.
Seated across from them… since the table wasn't quite wide enough for three to sit side-by-side, my three guests were squeezed together rather tightly—
First, Sora-san.
A hint of nervousness was visible, but she wore a calm, dignified smile, just as you'd expect from a young lady of the Yotsuya family. She exuded a sense of reassurance that belied her fifteen years.
Nothing to critique. A flawless production by Itsuki-san, as expected.
Next, Nia-chan.
I feel a little bad for her, since she's so obviously nervous, but in a way, Nia has the most correct reaction for this situation.
Even though my mother is acting as composed as a warrior and my father is wearing a mask of serene calm, I can see right through them—they're both freaking out inside.
I suspect her favorability rating with the two of them is rising as we speak.
And finally, Ashe.
Invincible. The end—and with that,
"This is… Sora-san. She's my partner, in the sense that we're comrades in the virtual world."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all again. I look forward to our time together."
First introduction. Sora gave a graceful little bow.
"And, this is Nia… Mademoiselle Liliania Vroobel. She's my exclusive artisan, though it's more of a formality. She said to please call her Lilia or Nia, whichever you prefer."
"…!"
Second introduction. Nia managed a strained, earnest bow, clearly running on fumes.
"And lastly, Alicia White-sama. The one and only 'Princess'… Her Highness."
"—…"
Third introduction. Ashe inclined her head with regal grace.
And then… —
""""""……………………………………………………""""""
An arranged marriage meeting has begun. Well, figures.
After a few seconds, the first one to break the silence was, of course,
"—Sora-san, Lilia-san, Alicia-san. First, as Nozomi's mother, there is something I must make perfectly clear to you. Please listen carefully."
My mother, the designated 'strong one' of the Kasuga family.
And so, to the three girls—who reacted in their own ways, one tensing slightly, one looking terrified she was about to be devoured whole, and one meeting the challenge with a composed, blank expression—she said,
"………………—More than that blockhead son of mine with the dazed look on his face, I welcome all of you. Please, think of this as your own home, and don't feel pressured to do anything but relax."
I knew it. Her son had perfectly predicted she'd start by spoiling them rotten.
"Now then. Let's keep the introductions short and sweet, shall we?"
The stories about these three… not as the world sees them, the 'Maiden of the Scales,' 'Milmarinus,' or the 'Sword Queen,' but as the people they are when you get to know them face-to-face.
I've already been made to spill the beans about what kind of people they are.
Therefore, while my mother and father, who now share my affection for them, are tense, there's not a shred of wariness. That's why my mother, speaking for the Kasuga family, said,
"Nozomi, show them to their rooms. After that, let's all take a little break."
"Aye, aye, ma'am."
She welcomed the three undeniable VIPs as casually as if they were old friends.
◇◆◇◆◇
…And so, as their son led the three girls up to the second-floor guest room,
"—Hah, bwah…"
"—…Ooh, ugh…"
The moment their presence was cut off by the thick walls, the mother and father, who had been holding their composure, both slumped onto the table. One let out a sharp gasp, the other a quiet sigh.
And their inner thoughts were,
"…Honey, your thoughts?"
"…Are they, are they residents of a different world…?"
"They're on another level, all three of them. I'll even forgive you for staring and looking smitten."
"Give me a break. I was staring, but I wasn't smitten…"
A veritable tempest, needless to say.
"To think those girls are in love with Nozomi…"
"That blockhead son of ours is really something… I expected things to get crazy when he moved to the city, but…"
"………………………………In a way, I guess this is profoundly reassuring, isn't it…?"
"Well, I suppose their status and character are impeccable, but still…"
Parents worry about their children more than their children realize.
They have no intention of letting them know or forcing that fact upon them, but that's precisely why parents who watch over their children carry an endless, meddlesome thing called 'worry' in their hearts.
Trust and worry can coexist.
"…Honey."
"What is it, dear?"
And so, in short.
"We're going to stand firm and maintain our act of being perfectly composed."
"…As parents, I suppose now is the time to push ourselves, huh?"
"For now, I'll praise you for not fainting during our first contact."
"Haha, well, I'm glad my efforts paid off…"
The battle for the parents of one of the world's most troublesome sons had only just begun.
A handsome mother and a rather baby-faced father.
The protagonist who inherited his looks from his mother, his smile from his father, and his heart from them both.