kscans

Chapter 264 - One More Request

—An hour had already passed since the start of our meeting.

Although I was hinted at a plethora of mysteries at the beginning, thankfully, the subsequent exchange wasn't filled with 'company secrets.' After going over the contract details, my treatment, and discussing what my future actions should be, the result was—though it seemed decided from the start—that there was really only one option.

"—I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise, I'm counting on you."

The handshake we exchanged was a sign of our agreement. After aligning our intentions, I had decided to enter into a contract with Yotsuya Development.

Well, it wasn't so much a decision as... frankly, there wasn't a single reason to refuse. Even considering the abundance of secrets.

First and foremost, the trust and power that Yotsuya as a company has built up are just too immense. To be under its protection while I continue to exist in the virtual world is equivalent to obtaining an invincible shield—though it seems some 'craftiness' is required for the public image.

What I'm providing is, just as Mr. Yotsuya said, simply an 'active stance towards clearing the game.' Since that was already my plan, it's no exaggeration to say I'm giving up practically nothing.

In return, what Yotsuya Development will provide is... 'a shield' and various other things.

Somehow, the thought of contacting my parents with all this information is just too terrifying. My mother might be fine, but I wonder if my timid father won't have a heart attack.

"Well then—we've been talking for quite a while. There's no need to cram everything in at once, so let's set the difficult matters aside for now."

"Yes, that's true. I also need to talk to my parents, so I'd appreciate it if we could leave it at that for today..."

Frankly, a matter of this scale would easily overwhelm my parents' capacity. It's unavoidable that it will be more of a report on a decided matter than a consultation.

"If you'd like, could you give me your parents' contact information? After you've reported to them, I'd like to greet them as well."

"Ah... w-well then............Yes, please do."

..................Right, I'll just give him the contact information for the absolute powerhouse of the Kasuga family, my mother. I can't afford to lose a parent to an unforeseen accident before I've even had a chance to be a good son.

I also gave him my own address and message ID, and received his contact information in return—and the name 'Yotsuya Togo' was now etched into my phone's address book.

This is seriously a dizzying affair. I wonder how much time it will take for this reality, where I've stepped one foot into another world, to feel real again...

"It's getting late. I'd like to have lunch together to build some rapport, but... actually, there's one more thing I need to talk to you about."

As I was indulging in a bit of escapism with a distant look in my eyes, Mr. Yotsuya, who had been fiddling with his phone, spoke up again. Since he was the one who said the difficult conversation was over, this must be a completely separate matter from the contract.

...But I wonder, what other business could the representative of the great 'Yotsuya Development' possibly have with me?

"First, I'd like to ask—Haru-kun, you don't happen to have a girlfriend right now, do you?"

"Huh, no, I don't..............................EXCUSE ME???"

Hey, not again. First Natsume-san (the maid), and now there's a mysterious demand for my relationship status?

"Um, what's the meaning of that question?"

"Even if you don't have a girlfriend, you don't happen to have a woman you're interested in, do you?"

"Wha, what...? Um, no, not at the moment."

"Is that true for both the real world and the virtual world?"

What on earth am I being interrogated about by a middle-aged—a mature man I've just met?

"...At least for now, I'm not actively looking to be in a relationship."

"I see, that's good."

Nothing about this is good for me.

"Actually, I have a daughter."

".................."

Ah, I get it. This man is more himself when he's like this, isn't he? He's got a slightly pushy, my-pace kind of vibe, the type who pulls others into his flow.

Though our status and standing are worlds apart, it reminds me of the owner of the izakaya where I worked until last year. I wonder if he and his daughter are doing well.

"I see, you have a daughter..."

Mr. Togo's name is famous as the representative of Yotsuya, but there shouldn't have been any detailed information about his family situation. At least, the information I crammed into my head overnight yesterday didn't include the existence of a 'daughter.'

Is he simply keeping it under wraps, or is he forcibly suppressing the information—

"Regarding that daughter, there's something I'd like to request of you, separate from the contract."

"...I'm listening."

When he puts it like that, I have no choice but to nod. Honestly, I sense trouble, but since I'll be under his protection, I need to repay the favor where I can. I should probably accept this request, as long as it's something I can do.

"My daughter's existence isn't widely known to the public, but it's not as if no one knows about her. Even if we can prevent the spread of information, we can't protect her from everyone's eyes."

I see, so he's hiding her while forcibly suppressing what he can.

"Because of that, she inevitably gets caught up in unnecessary entanglements. It's unfortunate, but she's had to endure a lot of hardships."

'Entanglements' that befall Yotsuya's only daughter—... When I hear about the troubles that a celestial being's daughter has to endure, one thing comes to mind.

"Is this, um, marriage proposal-related?"

"Yes, it is marriage proposal-related."

I wish he would spare me the fierce expression he's showing for the first time, as if to say 'How detestable.' But if he says it's unfortunate, a natural question arises—

"In that case, couldn't you just... do something about it?"

It should be simple, for Yotsuya.

As I lightly voiced my thought, Mr. Yotsuya gave a bitter smile in response.

"This also involves some complicated circumstances... but to put it simply, it's difficult. At least, for now."

"I see."

...Is that so? This is another one of those 'company secrets,' isn't it? It's not something I need to pursue, so for now, it's best to let it slide.

"Well, I understand that your daughter is in trouble due to some unfortunate circumstances—so, what is it you want to request of me?"

Let's set aside the complicated circumstances for now. In any case, I can't say anything until I hear the details of the request. So please, if you could, just tell me quickly.

That gaze, as if bracing for the worst, is giving me a bad feeling—

"I want you to lend me your name."

"...My name?"

".................."

"..................For what, exactly?"

This is a huge gap from the dignified figure I've seen so far—somehow, a look of weakness on Mr. Yotsuya's face makes my wariness grow. Is it a premonition, or perhaps a revelation from the heavens?

I came to a certain conclusion, and I could feel my cheeks twitching. Namely—

"Haru-kun—would you be willing to become my daughter's 'fiancé'?"

"————......................................................What???"

—the conclusion that this 'request' would be something unbelievably outrageous.

And indeed, what flew from Mr. Yotsuya's mouth surpassed even my predictions—and to me, who could only respond with utter bewilderment, he too wore an expression that seemed to say, 'I'm at a complete loss.'

Just kidding—I waited silently for those words.

But the 'request' that had been uttered was never, ever retracted.