kscans

Chapter 114 - 君の名

# Welcome Home

"Welcome home, Satou-san."

"I'm home."

When I got home from work, Hikaru-kun greeted me wearing an apron. I had heard he would be at the Mutual Aid Society until evening, so I had arranged to meet him afterward. At that time, Rika-chan had suggested:

"Uncle will be late, right? Then I'll cook dinner at Uncle's house!"

Since both Sarna-chan and Hikaru-kun were eager about it, I gratefully accepted their offer. While I felt bad about having children prepare a meal... I couldn't refuse. Because it made me happy.

"Welcome home, Uncle."

"Welcome back from work. Here, please."

I let Sarna-chan take my coat as directed, but... somehow I felt like I was doing something wrong... When I went to the living room, there was a hot plate prepared on the table.

"Today we're making okonomiyaki!"

"...Well, we chose it because it seemed relatively easy to make."

"Hikaru-kun, you shouldn't say things like that!"

"No, no, I'm plenty happy with that."

As I settled down on the sofa, Sarna-chan brought me some barley tea. They seemed unusually attentive... but I suppose that's fine. It makes me happy.

"So Satou-san, what's this important matter you wanted to discuss with us?"

"Ah, yes... it's a bit difficult to say, but there's someone I'd like your party to look after."

They're all good kids. I can guarantee that. But people either get along or they don't. So I'm not thinking of this as a permanent arrangement.

"First, I'd like to try it from September. Spend some time together, and if it doesn't work out, please tell me honestly."

If that happens, I'll think of another way. Fortunately, there are others their age they hang out with.

"I don't mind at all."

"Neither do I."

"But for Satou-san to make such a request, is there some circumstance?"

Sharp observation.

"Yeah, well... actually, they're my relative's child."

When I explained the situation, Hikaru-kun's face immediately clouded over. He probably imagined Ai and Midori getting involved. After all, even my family members who have supernatural protection get caught up in things sometimes.

"If you accuse me of favoritism, I have no defense..."

"You trust us, right? Then it's not a problem at all."

"If anything, we're happy about it."

"Yes. You've done so much for us, so this is a chance to repay you a little."

These kids are so good it almost makes me cry.

[Continue translation from here if needed]