Stealing Spree

Chapter 2431 To the Dining Hall

chapter 2431 to the dining hall

the two fathers looked at each other and then sighed. gradually, their stance softened up a bit. hitomi's father was the first to speak, "you're fearless."

"not really. i fear the day they stop loving me." my voice trembled slightly from saying that.

"but until then, i'll keep moving forward. if it's about the family's image, i'll do my best not to cause any trouble. but if you're worried about their happiness, then i believe we share the same concern."

otoha's father studied me, his gaze piercing through any facade i might have had. "your words are earnest, onoda-kun. however, actions speak louder than words. the kaneko family is not one to be taken lightly. the decisions you make here will not only affect you and otoha but the future of our lineage."

"why? is she going to be the next chairman after you, uncle?"

"no... however, that doesn't mean she'll be out of the spotlight," otoha's father corrected, his tone hinting at the gravity of his words. "her future is closely tied to our family's reputation. any misstep can cause ripples that may not be easily mended."

"ripples, huh? will your family try to destroy each other? if not, then you can simply take us out of any politics that might happen." i suggested.

otoha's father leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "the world is not so simple, onoda-kun."

"i understand but you're talking about the future too much. why not focus on the present? will you be fine if you see her lonely? i surely am not. what about you, sir? are you certain hitomi doesn't have any desire other than serving otoha?" i asked, switching my gaze to hitomi's father.

hitomi's father was silent for a moment before speaking, "as a servant, my duty is to serve the kaneko family. and as her father, i want hitomi to be happy."

"and she is serving and protecting otoha," i said, "even if we're together, she's doing her duty first and foremost. but as humans, we have desires and feelings. and if you truly want her to be happy, you'll understand that she needs love and companionship too."

"you seem to be mistaken here, onoda-kun. you're not here to be questioned about your affection for each other. it's the position you hold." otoha's father interjected, his tone still firm but with a hint of understanding.

"i see. so, it's all about what i can bring to the table as well." i nodded, understanding their standpoint. "what if i prove that i can contribute to the family, not just as a partner but as an asset?"

otoha's father raised an eyebrow, intrigued by my proposal. "contribute? how do you intend to do that?"

"by growing together with otoha. by supporting her and the family from the shadows. i'm aware that our relationship won't be accepted openly. but i can help in ways that no one would suspect. i have my own connections and resources that could be of use."

"connections... so, in the end, it's still not your--"

ignoring the judging eyes of both otoha's mother and the idiot, i turned my attention to otoha and her brother.

a refreshing smile instantly bloomed from my girl's lips, the tension dispersing from her expression.

her brother nodded at me and meaningfully smiled. i hadn't seen him in a while, but i could tell his mentality had matured a lot. he didn't have the same frivolous air around him anymore. as for whether he still has that certain preference, i have no idea.

"ruki, you're finally here," otoha greeted me, letting go of her graceful bearing to stand and jump into my arms. her warm embrace breaks the chilly atmosphere surrounding us.

i naturally received her properly, holding her tightly, not minding the reaction of her mother.

clearly, this was her way of sending an invisible slap to the ones on the other side of the table.

and sure enough, they didn't take this scene lightly. otoha's mother's eyes widened, and the idiotic ex-fiancée choked on his own spit, his face reddening like a tomato.

"otoha. what are you doing?!" otoha's mother exclaimed, her voice cutting through the room like a shard of ice aimed at her daughter.

"i'm just greeting my man, mother," otoha replied nonchalantly, her arms still wrapped around my neck. she glanced at her matter with challenging eyes, "why? am i not allowed to do this anymore?"

visibly shaking, her mother gritted her teeth and said, "observe proper etiquette, otoha. we're at the dining table. is this what you're learning for associating yourself with someone like him?"

otoha pulled away slightly and looked up at me. we didn't need words to communicate, i understood what she wanted to say.

i nodded before putting her behind me, "it is an honor to finally meet you, auntie. forgive me for not greeting you right away. i've seen otoha restless so... my priority went to ensuring that she's okay."

on the side, otoha's brother, hidekazu, reeled in the grin forming on his face before speaking up, "mother, they're a couple. why don't we let them be? father isn't here yet, so let's not start the dinner on such a cold note."

obviously, that's not going to work. their mother clearly had this certain prejudice against me. instead, she turned to the idiotic dude next to her as though telling him to show his worth and face up against me. it's the reason she brought him here, after all.

but the moment he tried to do so, i looked at him, my eyes narrowing into cold slits.

and that's enough for him to stutter. in the end, his jaw froze, not knowing what to say. it was as if i slapped him with a wet fish and the room went quiet, aside from the sound of servants moving around.

he was only saved when the door to the dining hall opened again as otoha's father stepped in.