A Few Days Later…
During this time, Eto spent most of her time working on her new book.
Matters concerning Aogiri Tree were mostly left to other members unless something particularly troublesome arose—like a formidable enemy.
Now, Byakuya and Eto were shopping at the mall.
They were picking up daily necessities, and Byakuya was also buying some gifts to take to Anteiku.
After dropping everything off at home, they planned to head to the 20th Ward.
This time, they were bringing along Mayu.
"We're going to meet Grandpa!"
Mayu looked excited, completely different from the initial disappointment she had when Byakuya first discussed this with her.
After all, Grandpa's home was her home too.
"Is this really okay? Letting Mayu call him grandpa right away…"
Byakuya whispered to Eto.
"It's fine. Even if she accidentally realizes my father is a ghoul, she still doesn't understand that ghouls can't have pure human children, whether with humans or other ghouls. Besides, Mayu is a well-behaved and smart child. I think we can trust her."
Eto didn't mind at all.
She had her reasons for encouraging this.
For one, it would make it easier to openly acknowledge her relationship with Yoshimura. And second, she enjoyed teasing Byakuya.
A mischievous smile crept onto her lips. "Or is someone feeling guilty? Too scared to let our daughter meet Grandpa?"
Byakuya's mouth twitched slightly. "...Whether I feel guilty or not is one thing, but explaining everything later will be a hassle."
...
20th Ward, Anteiku
A few days had passed since Byakuya and Eto last visited Anteiku.
By now, Yoshimura had already read Dear Kafka and was nearly certain that the girl from that day was indeed his daughter, Eto. Not only that, but Dear Kafka was undoubtedly her work.
The similarities between the novel's story and Eto's real-life experiences were too striking.
Through its pages, Yoshimura could almost feel the immense pain and hardships his daughter had endured over the years.
Now, he stood by the window, gazing outside, unmoving for a long time.
When will Eto come again…?
"Hey… have you guys noticed that the manager has been acting strange lately? Like he's got something on his mind?"
Hikari whispered to the other staff members.
"I've noticed too. I never thought I'd see the manager like this."
Yomo was surprised.
To him, the manager had always been calm and composed—not to mention incredibly powerful. Seeing him distracted was unexpected.
"I've known the manager for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen him like this…"
"Could something serious have happened? I'm kind of worried."
Koma and Irimi both nodded in agreement.
"Why don't we just ask him later?"
Roma suddenly suggested.
She was curious about what was going on.
Since Nico frequently visited Anteiku to see Yomo, Roma eventually discovered that Nico was a Clown member. The two became familiar with each other outside of work.
Thanks to Nico's intel, Roma had a rough understanding of Anteiku's strength composition—especially that the manager was the strongest among them.
However, she was unaware of the deeper truths, like Yoshimura's past as V's Cleaner.
At this time, Ayato and Touka were at school, and Arata had gone to pick them up.
Just then, Yoshimura, looking out the window, noticed Byakuya and Eto approaching.
But this time, there was an extra companion—a little girl, holding hands with both of them.
While pleasantly surprised, Yoshimura couldn't help but wonder… who is that child?
Unlike last time, Eto seemed much more at ease, her expression lighthearted and playful.
She didn't hesitate or waver—she casually pushed open the doors of Anteiku.
Yoshimura was already waiting near the entrance.
As he was about to call out "Eto" the little girl spoke first.
"Grandpa!"
Mayu called out to him directly.
Her "Mom" had already described what Grandpa looked like, so she immediately recognized Yoshimura as him.
That single word— "Grandpa" —stunned Yoshimura.
The employees at the counter, including Hikari and the others, also turned their attention to the scene.
Grandpa?
Now that they thought about it, none of them had ever met the manager's family.
Still, they weren't too shocked. Given the manager's age, it wouldn't be surprising for him to have children or even grandchildren. He just had never mentioned it before.
"This…"
Yoshimura was momentarily taken aback.
He only had one daughter—Eto.
Going by how this little girl addressed him, she would have to be… Eto's daughter?
But Eto is still so young…
Could she really have a daughter as old as Touka? That didn't make sense…
"Child, who are your parents?" Yoshimura asked the little girl.
"Eh?"
Mayu tilted her head slightly.
Did Grandpa… not recognize Dad and Mom?
With that thought, she immediately squeezed Byakuya and Eto's hands tighter before declaring confidently:
"This is Dad, and this is Mom."
Yoshimura fell into silence, staring at Byakuya and Eto.
He had already confirmed that this green-haired girl was indeed his daughter, Eto.
But now, she and this boy… already have a daughter?!
Yoshimura still found this hard to believe, but if it were true…
Then he needed to have a serious talk with this Byakuya.
Sensing the situation heading in a dangerous direction, Byakuya quickly clarified:
"I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding. Mayu is actually our adopted daughter."
"Oh, I see."
Yoshimura nodded—this made much more sense.
"Wait… does Grandpa not like me?…"
Mayu noticed that Yoshimura's expression was a little strange.
Her face instantly fell, her voice filled with sadness.