Kuroba Akira was dying to know how much money Shion's father was going to send—but Kobayashi Mika, unsurprisingly, showed zero interest.
She didn't ask for the amount. She just calmly recited a string of account numbers and told him to send the money there if he wanted to.
"Then… I have some things I'd like to say to Shion. Would you be willing to pass on the message?"
"You can tell her yourself. I've got the speaker on."
"..."
A brief silence followed. Shion's father was likely gathering his thoughts.
Shion, who had been wiping the table, paused. After exchanging a glance with Mika, and seeing her nod, she set down the cloth and stepped closer to the phone.
"Ahem… Shion, are you listening?"
"…Yes, I'm here."
"Phew… That's a relief. I do trust what Kobayashi-sama says, but hearing your voice myself really puts my heart at ease."
Akira noticed something interesting—Shion's father wasn't calling her Kobayashi-san, but Kobayashi-sama. That sama was a title of utmost respect, typically reserved for people of high status or deep reverence.
Earlier that day, Akira had jokingly referred to the class rep as Class Rep-sama, but that was pure sarcasm. Shion's father, on the other hand, was dead serious.
Akira had long suspected Mika wasn't your average pensioner—but this confirmed it.
Buying a stand-alone house in central Tokyo, in Chiyoda no less, already spoke volumes about her background.
Which made him even more curious about Tokumasa, her husband—and fellow transmigrator. What kind of legacy had he left behind? Did he maybe play a role in shaping this version of Japan?
Meanwhile, the conversation between father and daughter continued—though it was mostly one-sided.
"Have you been eating? I've been worrying nonstop these past two days. I was afraid your body wouldn't hold up."
"I've eaten."
"That's good. I'm sure the meals at Kobayashi-sama's place are excellent."
Not even close, Akira thought. Your daughter's been crying over some demon-level spicy curry.
There really wasn't much to eat in the Kobayashi household. So yes, Dad—your financial support is very much needed.
Whether Shion would live in curry hotpot hell or actually enjoy decent meals… all came down to how deep your wallet went.
Akira silently chanted: Please send a lot, please send a lot…
After asking about her health and general well-being, Shion's father finally broached the topic of what had happened at home.
"I'm truly sorry. I never imagined things would turn out this way… But I need you to know—don't blame yourself, Shion. What happened this time was entirely my fault. It had nothing to do with you."
"..."
He was taking full responsibility. Shifting the blame onto himself to try and lift the burden from her shoulders.
Akira didn't know the details, so he couldn't say whether Shion had actually done anything wrong. But judging by the way her expression stayed heavy, clearly she still believed she was at fault.
"It was my own foolishness—not realizing what your mother was thinking or feeling. I ended up saying something that hurt her deeply."
"That… that was just the breaking point. That emotion had been building inside her for a long time."
Shion spoke quietly.
"I know. That's why she broke down like that. But… I had a chance. I could've slowly helped her heal, but I let it slip through my fingers. I even made it worse. The day you called me 'Dad'… I was genuinely happy. It felt like I finally had a real daughter. Maybe I got carried away in that happiness… and ended up saying something I never should have."
"…Is Mom awake?"
"She's conscious. But her emotional state is still unstable. I already took Fumiko to see a therapist. The doctor said we need to prepare for long-term treatment."
"Please… take care of Mom for me. I'm not going back."
"I understand. I won't make you come home. And in her current condition, it's probably best that you two don't meet for a while… But I'll stay by her side. I'll comfort her. No matter how long it takes, I'll help her recover. And when the time is right—someday—I'll make sure you two can see each other again. Until then, Shion… take care of yourself."
"I will…"
"And this isn't just to comfort you—Fumiko truly regrets what she said. Even someone who's been hurt doesn't have the right to turn around and hurt someone else… especially not her own daughter."
"..."
Shion gave a strained smile. The damage from those words had cut deeper than she could handle alone.
But a certain weirdo had thrown her a lifeline, and somehow… she'd found the strength to start living again.
"If you want to keep attending school, I'll make all the necessary arrangements."
"No need. I've already decided the path I want to take."
She looked over at Akira, who wasn't far away. Her eyes were no longer uncertain.
Because he would show her the way.
"I see… Well, whatever it is you choose to pursue, I'll support you. The Shiginomiya household will always be your home. That's all I wanted to say… I hope you stay safe and healthy."
"Mm… You too, Dad. Please take care of yourself."
"Shion…!"
There was emotion in his voice—clearly, he was overjoyed to hear her call him "Dad."
"And to the young man who brought Shion home—are you there? I'm very grateful to you. If there's ever an opportunity, I'd like to meet you in person."
"Uh…"
Please no. Please, God, no.
Akira stiffened. Because he did, in fact, have an ulterior motive.
Not for Shion's body—but her face and talent, absolutely.
And if Shion's dad found out that it was Akira who convinced his daughter to drop out of school and instead "jump into the industry"… there was a nonzero chance the man would try to strangle him on sight.
Also, that "I'd like to meet you" definitely sounded more like "interrogate you under a lamp."
As the father-daughter conversation wrapped up, Mika took over.
"Oh, one more thing. The security around here is excellent. So kindly tell your people to keep their distance from my house. I don't want any trouble."
"Understood. I'll call them back right away. I won't cause any disturbance."
"Hmph… good. Then that's all. Call again if you need anything."
With that, she hung up—without waiting for a reply.
No wonder Shion's father trusted her so easily. He must've had people shadowing his daughter this whole time, tracking her movements in real time. That's how he knew she'd entered the Kobayashi home.
Which meant… back at the abandoned shrine, if Akira had really tried anything, someone probably would've jumped out of the shadows and eliminated him on the spot.
Wait… does that mean someone was watching the entire time we were talking?
Ugh… how embarrassing…
Akira hadn't sensed anyone nearby. Whoever those bodyguards were, they had serious skills. He kind of wanted to see their talents and proficiency ratings himself.
But if her father could afford guards that good… then he must be loaded.
So Shiginomiya Shion—
Was actually a rich family's young heiress.
And her dad totally doted on her…
Which meant…
She was never poor to begin with!