Once the conversation started, Law's initial restraint gradually faded, and it wasn't until the food was served that the chatter finally stopped.
Mito sat across from Law, her expression unreadable.
Law couldn't tell what Mito was thinking, but his stay for the night was already settled.
Gon's household didn't have a rule against talking during meals, so he kept asking Law all sorts of curious questions between bites, and Law answered each one.
Bertha smiled as she watched Gon and Law interact. The dinner table at home was rarely this lively.
Indeed, when a new face is introduced into a monotonous routine, the atmosphere changes entirely.
Unconsciously, Bertha's gaze lingered on Law, and a sudden thought crossed her mind.
'If only Law and Mito could become a couple...'
The moment the idea took root, Bertha's mind began racing.
'Mito was already at the age where marriage should be considered, but she herself didn't seem concerned. With Gon to take care of, it was entirely possible that in the next five or even ten years, she wouldn't just avoid marriage… she might not even date at all.'
'Law was handsome, a skilled cook, treated Gon well, and Gon clearly adored him. He was practically the perfect candidate. Missing this opportunity would be a shame.'
The more Bertha thought about it, the more convinced she became. But then it hit her… Law would be leaving in a couple of days. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
She wondered if there was any way to make Law stay longer, even entertaining the wild idea of forcing the two into a situation where they'd have no choice but to commit.
If Law and Mito knew about Bertha's 'crazy' thoughts during dinner, they'd probably be speechless.
From another perspective, Bertha must have been desperate about Mito's future.
Had Law not come to Whale Island, in a few more years, Bertha might have given up entirely, letting Mito do as she pleased.
Gon kept pestering Law with questions throughout the meal, while Mito ate quietly. Seeing Gon so happy, her earlier negative impression of Law gradually softened.
After dinner, Bertha and Mito cleaned up while Gon went to take a bath. Law headed to the open-air balcony on the second floor, sitting on the recliner and gazing at the night-shrouded fields.
Ten minutes passed, and footsteps approached from behind.
Even without turning around, Law could tell it was Mito.
"What's your relationship with Ging?"
Mito walked to the edge of the balcony before turning to face Law.
The crescent moon hung in the sky behind her, like a hairpin slanting through her hair.
"Good friends," Law replied without standing up, his hands resting on the armrests as he sat upright.
"Where is Ging now?" Mito pressed.
"He just arrived on Whale Island yesterday but left this morning. As for where he is now, I don't know." Law wore a faint smile.
Before leaving, Ging hadn't told him to keep it a secret, so when Mito asked, Law answered honestly.
Hearing this, Mito clenched her fists in sudden anger, but soon, they slowly relaxed.
She was furious that Ging had come home without visiting, but in a way, it was a good thing he hadn't seen Gon.
After all, she had lied to Gon, telling him that Ging had died in an accident shortly after his birth.
"You absolutely cannot tell Gon about Ging, understand?!" Mito's tone was firm as she met Law's gaze.
Since Gon hadn't come to ask her about Ging, she assumed he still didn't know. But there was no guarantee Law wouldn't spill the truth later.
"Why not?" Law kept smiling, feigning ignorance.
He knew about Mito's lie… that Gon believed his parents had died in an accident shortly after his birth.
But in a few years, Gon would meet Ging's disciple, Kite, in the forest. From Kite, he'd learn about Ging and realize he was still alive, sparking his desire to become a Hunter and find his father.
As for why Kite would be there, it was likely all part of Ging's plan.
After all, Kite's final test from Ging was to find him, so of course Kite would come to Whale Island.
Law knew every detail of these future events, and since Ging had told him not to interfere, he wouldn't. Still, he couldn't resist teasing Mito a little.
Mito couldn't read Law's thoughts. She hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice, "I lied to Gon. I made him think Ging was dead."
"Do you think it was a well-intentioned lie?" Law asked.
"Yes!"
Mito answered without hesitation.
"If you say so. But if you want me to help keep this secret, shouldn't there be something in it for me?" Law stood up from the chair, rubbing his thumb and forefinger together.
Mito stared at him. "Name it."
"Let me think."
Law walked toward Mito.
Watching his approach, Mito's brows furrowed slightly.
"What can you give me?"
Law stopped in front of Mito, still smiling.
"Is letting you stay the night not enough?" Mito tilted her head up, meeting his gaze stubbornly.
"It's definitely not enough." Law shook his head.
"Then what do you want?" Mito subtly clenched her fist, ready to throw a punch at his face if necessary.
"How about..."
Law suddenly took another step forward, forcing Mito to retreat until her back pressed against the balcony railing.
Seeing her slight tension, Law smirked inwardly. He raised his right hand, reaching past Mito to rest on the railing, then leaned his face closer… just as he was about to make his demand-
Mito's eyes narrowed, and she delivered a swift kick aimed squarely at his groin.
"That ruthless, huh?"
Law's eyelids flicked up as he swiftly clamped his legs together, trapping Mito's foot before it could land its devastating blow.
"Drop dead!"
Instead of pulling her foot free, Mito immediately swung a fist at Law's face.
Law caught her wrist with his left hand and sighed. "Was that reaction really necessary? All I wanted was for you to wash my clothes."
Mito froze at his words.
Just then, footsteps sounded from the doorway.
Both Law and Mito turned to see Bertha stepping onto the balcony, carrying a tray with two glasses of orange juice.
Bertha looked at the two people's rather ambiguous posture, a glint of understanding flashed in her eyes, and she smiled and said, "I'll just leave the juice here. Don't mind me… pretend I wasn't here."
With that, she quickly set down the tray and scurried off, leaving Mito stiff with mortification and Law mentally cursing his luck.
"Let go."
Mito's voice was cold as she glared at Law.
Without hesitation, Law released her wrist and foot, then took several steps back.
Mito shot him one last cold look, "I'll wash your clothes. In return, you don't tell Gon that Ging is alive. That's it."
With that, she strode past him and out the door.
'Seems like she's mad.'
Law scratched his cheek as he watched Mito leave.
'Did I take it too far...?'
'Still, that kick to the groin had been way too decisive. But it suited her personality… in some ways, she reminded me a little of Machi.'
Shaking his head slightly, Law tugged at his dirty clothes and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.