"That was quite a nostalgic dream..."
As soon as I woke up, I murmured those words, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia.
It was something that happened decades ago, yet I could recall it as vividly as if it were yesterday.
"A feast for the eyes."
That was what Hisui said the other day when I showed my bare body. It was exactly what old man Kohaku used to say, and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.
"Honestly, Misago has no sense for names..."
The way she instinctively named that stone she picked up was identical to what I did back then.
"I guess you can't fight your bloodline... Strange things do get passed down."
Even though it's a direct lineage, it's already been three generations—my daughter Toki, my grandchild Tsugumi, and my great-grandchild Misago. It's quite something.
Back then, we didn't have much of a foundation for living, so when the government offered subsidies for people moving to designated areas, we came here.
Since Kohaku and I arrived through that program, I figured the government would just send a replacement after Kohaku left. But when I casually made the request, someone far stranger than expected showed up, causing quite a commotion. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, things turned out like this.
I never really thought about it since we were always nearby, but looking back, Kohaku wasn't just SSR-tier—he was more like an Epic or even a Legendary. I only realized that after he was gone.
Before he passed, Kohaku didn't leave his fortune as personal assets; instead, he converted it into business funds—government bonds, stocks, and other investments—ensuring not just our inn but the entire region could sustain itself. That financial stability was maintained, but the absence of men created a stagnation in the atmosphere... a kind of toxicity I hadn't anticipated.
Things just don't go as smoothly as you'd hope.
There's enough money to support the entire clan, yet this stagnation is more suffocating than I expected.
Life without Kohaku has been unexpectedly lonely and dull.
Even though I have a daughter, a grandchild, and even a great-grandchild, they're all independent now, so there's not much left for me to do.
Until recently, I was just sleeping out of boredom.
When you live this long, you completely lose track of time. Sometimes I'd wake up and realize I'd been asleep for three or four days straight—not because of old age or anything, but as they say, boredom is a disease that leads to death.
But ever since Hisui arrived, things have been much more fun.
I even woke up on time today—my streak of consecutive wake-ups continues!
Alright then, let's have some fun today. I'll mess with Hisui a little and stir up some drama. Love stories are the sweetest entertainment, after all.
At the end of the day, I'm still a romantic at heart.
Now, who should I play matchmaker for next? Or should I just take matters into my own hands?
Right now, Misago and Hachikuma are in their honeymoon phase, so they have priority. But a little interference shouldn't be a problem, so I'll continue to poke around.
Since Hisui doesn't seem to care much about actual age, Tsugumi should be a viable option. He also doesn't seem to mind height—if he's fine with the rather tall Misago and the even bigger Hachikuma, then maybe I should bring in Hakuto, who's even larger?
Toki, on the other hand, is too focused on work. I doubt she'd suddenly start having romantic feelings for Hisui now.
That being said, I should probably wait until everyone gets their vaccinations first—it'd be bad if I rushed things. Toki would scold me for sure.
Speaking of which, during that semen collection, Tsuburi also seemed to have fallen for him. Since he's close to Misago, then Suzume or Tsubame might be the next logical candidates?
Honestly, with someone as high-grade as Kohaku having been around, and with how poorly the government has handled things, this place is basically filled with "leftovers." There are plenty of people who need pairing up, and I'd love for Hisui to make them all happy.
Oh, right—the two agents from the Protection Bureau. Hachikuma will probably make a recommendation there, so I don't need to intervene.
As I mentally list the names of possible candidates, I head to the lobby to wait for Hisui.
Anyone going to the hot springs has to pass through here, so all I have to do is wait. Of course, I wouldn't be so rude as to barge in while they're bathing.
Ah, there he is—found Hisui!
Without hesitation, I go straight up and hug him tightly.