Out of nowhere, Yoshimura had a sudden realization.
Could it be that Eto was trying to ally with CCG's Special-Class Investigators to take on V and the Washuu Clan?
The thought was unsettling, but not entirely impossible.
"Thanks for coming up here."
Yoshimura had more or less learned everything he needed.
"It's nothing."
Minami let out a sigh of relief.
Thankfully, manager Yoshimura was understanding and didn't hold it against her for keeping things secret.
"By the way, that blue-haired young man who came here for coffee with Byakuya before — he's someone you know too, right? And he's also a ghoul investigator?"
Yoshimura suddenly recalled the blue-haired youth.
Yomo had mentioned before that there were two main investigators stationed in the 4th Ward — one was a young man dressed in black, who had now been identified, and the other had been described as having blue hair.
It wasn't hard to put two and two together — the blue-haired youth in the shop that day was likely the same person.
"Ah… yeah…"
Minami was taken aback. "Manager, you're amazing. It's like nothing can be hidden from you."
"It's nothing special, just a guess. Otherwise, I wouldn't need to ask you."
Yoshimura replied.
"Arima knows about Anteiku too, but he's actually very kind—he wouldn't harm us."
After spending so much time with him, Minami now deeply trusted Arima.
"You seem quite close to him."
Yoshimura said casually.
But that offhand comment made Minami's cheeks flush slightly.
"Well, we're classmates, after all."
Whenever Arima was mentioned, she couldn't help but feel a little shy.
Yoshimura smiled knowingly, eyes narrowing in amusement—he had seen through everything.
"I see…"
But he didn't say it out loud.
Minami was a ghoul, while the blue-haired youth was likely human or perhaps a half-human.
Yoshimura's mind drifted to his own past with Ukina.
Having someone who not only accepted but understood your ghoul identity —that was something truly precious.
He genuinely wished for Minami and Arima's happiness.
"If you get the chance, you should invite Arima over for coffee sometime."
...
On the Way Back
"Feeling better now?"
Byakuya asked Eto.
"Mhm. Actually, by the time we were in the café, I was already fine."
Eto nodded. "I just wonder what he was thinking when he saw me."
"I'm sure it's complicated."
Byakuya said. "Next time we visit Anteiku, you can talk to him more."
"Yeah… but when the time comes, I might end up not knowing what to say again, just like today."
Eto sighed.
"No worries. Honestly, just saying anything works. I think what you said at the end today was already pretty good."
Byakuya reassured her.
"Well, I'll see when the time comes."
Eto's mood had improved significantly. At the very least, she had spoken to her father today.
"By the way, he totally saw us hugging outside the shop earlier. Kinda curious what he thought about that."
Eto teased, her tone lighthearted again.
"Why are you curious about that…?"
Byakuya felt a little guilty.
Considering Eto's age, standing in front of her father like this… it was hard not to feel a little guilty.
"Do you think he's thinking… 'this guy is absolutely unforgivable'?"
Eto grinned mischievously.
"…"
Byakuya was speechless.
He made a mental note to bring gifts next time they visited Anteiku.
"Speaking of which, we should probably take Mayu there soon. I wonder if she'd be willing to go."
Byakuya said.
"I don't think it'll be a problem. If she wants to stay in Anteiku, she can. If she wants to stay home, she can do that too."
Eto replied nonchalantly.
"Fair enough."
Byakuya nodded slightly.
...
Back Home
Mayu was still obediently watching TV.
"Welcome home!"
She beamed with joy.
"Mm…"
Byakuya felt like now was the right time to bring up Anteiku to Mayu. He sat down beside her.
"There's something we want to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
Mayu asked curiously.
"We're planning to take you to the 20th Ward soon. There's a place called the Anteiku where friendly ghouls help each other out. Mommy and I know them pretty well."
Byakuya explained.
"Ah…"
Mayu's first instinct was to think this was bad news. "Does that mean… I have to be separated from you and Mommy?"
Her expression instantly turned gloomy, thinking she wouldn't be able to live with them anymore.
But she understood the situation — staying with Byakuya and Eto was definitely a burden.
Byakuya was a Special-Class Investigator for the CCG. If the CCG ever found out he had a ghoul living with him, his entire career would be jeopardized…
So Mayu decided not to refuse. She didn't want to be selfish and drag them down.
"Not exactly. In the Anteiku, you'll be able to make more friends. And if you ever want to come back, you can."
Byakuya reassured her.
"Yeah, and we'll visit all the time."
Eto added.
"Okay!"
Mayu nodded obediently, a bright smile returning to her cute little face.
For a moment, she had feared she'd be separated from them, but they were still being so gentle with her.
"You don't have to go out of your way to take care of me so much. I really don't want to cause trouble for you…"
Mayu said apologetically.
"It's no trouble at all. And do you know why?"
Eto smirked playfully.
"Because my dad is there too."
Her tone was teasing. "So when you see him, Mayu, don't forget to call him Grandpa~"
"…"
Byakuya's eyes widened slightly, staring at Eto in surprise.
What was this woman up to now?
"Grandpa?"
Mayu didn't overthink it and simply memorized the new title in her head.