'However, will the Togawa family agree?'
Although Sakiko now looks somewhat down and out, Mori Minami clearly knows that is only temporary.
'The bond of blood is something that can never be severed.'
'As for that man Togawa Kiyotsugu, forget it. He is a mere live-in son-in-law to begin with, and after making such a huge mistake, no one cares whether he lives or dies.'
Togawa Sakiko is different. As the carefully cultivated heir of the Togawa family, and bearing the Togawa bloodline, even if she has fallen to the outside world, it is only a form of tempering for her.
Young people, after being beaten by society a few times and personally experiencing the hardships of life, will naturally remember the good of the Togawa family.
Sooner or later, she will return to the Togawa family, and the old man who holds power will not allow his granddaughter to continue living a life of wandering and hardship.
It's only because of his daughter's serious illness that the old man cannot currently attend to his granddaughter.
Once he has time again, Sakiko will still be able to return to the Togawa family and be their young lady.
For members of big families, arranged marriages are the norm; free love is what's strange.
Sakiko is of course no exception.
If there are no surprises, her future fiancé will only appear among families of equal status, or, like Sakiko's mother, she'll choose an outstanding man to become a live-in son-in-law.
Although Togawa Kiyotsugu is now a good-for-nothing, twenty years ago, he was also a top student who graduated from the University of Tokyo, with a handsome face. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the qualifications to live off the Togawa family.
'Thinking about it like that… that Kaito seems to far surpass Togawa Kiyotsugu in every aspect?'
'No need to mention his looks. In front of him, I don't think, there is anyone as beautiful handsome in this world.'
'So young, yet already a powerful exorcist, seemingly even more impressive than the shrine maiden Kagano.'
'Although the Togawa family is a renowned wealthy family in Japan, they still must show respect in the face of those who possess extraordinary powers.'
'If Kaito-kun is really willing to marry in, the Togawa family truly has no reason to refuse; rather, they should beat drums and gongs in celebration.'
'If only… he has been born twenty years earlier.'
'If only… Sakiko's biological father was him.'
Thinking of her bedridden friend, Mori Minami sighed, somewhat disheartened.
She and Sakiko's mother had been close friends since high school, and their bond had never faded over the years. That's also the reason she's so close to Sakiko.
As for the horrible things Togawa Kiyotsugu did, Mori Minami had heard a little. Abusing his position to force several people to death, secretly accepting bribes, getting reported, losing his position as a councilor, and due to his greedy ambition, causing the company to lose as much as 1.6 billion yen.
If he wasn't Sakiko's biological father, if he wasn't the son-in-law of the Togawa family, he would have long since been dumped into Tokyo Bay.
Just driving that man out of the family was already a light punishment.
Her best friend had always been frail and sickly, and because of these matters, fell seriously ill and was admitted to a private hospital. Her condition was worsening daily, who knows how long she can hold on.
'All of this is hidden from Sakiko, but even if they continue to hide it, how long can they really keep it from her?'
Unfortunately, the old man of the Togawa family issued a gag order, and even her best friend doesn't want her daughter to worry.
Mori Minami, after all, is just an outsider and shouldn't overstep her bounds.
Togawa Sakiko didn't understand why Aunt Mori Minami, who was just happily gossiping about her love life a moment ago, now suddenly seemed listless and downcast.
'Is it because she is worried about Mutsumi?'
'But… it doesn't quite seem that way.'
The sadness in the other's eyes, though fleeting, was still sharply caught by her.
It was as if, through Sakiko, she saw someone else.
Togawa Sakiko hesitated for a moment, then still asked, "Aunt Mori Minami… is there something you want to say to me?"
"Sakiko."
Mori Minami didn't answer directly. After a moment's thought, she tentatively asked, "Ever since you left 'there,' haven't you ever considered it? Mmm… I mean, the idea of going back to visit?"
"...", Togawa Sakiko turned her face away, not letting her see her expression, "Why are you asking this?"
"It's been some time since you left, hasn't it?", Mori Minami sighed, "There are always people who worry about you."
"Did Mom ask you to ask me this?", Togawa Sakiko said quietly, "Or… Grandpa?"
"In Sakiko's heart, is it only Grandpa and Mom, those close relatives, who care about you?"
Mori Minami discontentedly pinched her cheek, "Calling me 'Aunt Mori' so politely, in the end you still treat me like an outsider. Sakiko, that's so mean!"
"That's not what I meant…", Togawa Sakiko, a little embarrassed, tried to escape her clutches, mumbling vaguely, "Aunt Mori, stop pinching…"
"Fine, I won't argue with you," Mori Minami snorted softly and returned to the topic, "You're still young after all, and have no experience living independently. Living outside alone is always dangerous."
She didn't mention Togawa Kiyotsugu, that scumbag. Just being able not to drag Sakiko down is already a blessing, let alone taking care of her.
"I'm not alone," Togawa Sakiko didn't mention her father either. She just shook her head, "I'm living very well now, and safely too. There's no need to worry."
Compared to constantly being scolded in customer service, working convenience store shifts, or handing out flyers in costume… being a secretary is a respectable job. No overtime, no worries about delayed wages, and even better benefits.
Although it's a bit busy, the thought that her hard work in business helps make Kaito's student life easier fills her with motivation.
'She actually rejected it?'
Mori Minami was a little surprised.
'So that means Sakiko isn't living alone right now?'
'But besides Togawa Kiyotsugu, she doesn't seem to have any particularly close friends outside?'
As if realizing something, this famous actress suddenly widened her eyes, "W-Wait! Don't tell me it's that Kaito?!m"
"You two are living together?"
Although cohabiting while unmarried has become quite common in this society, as a traditionalist, Mori Minami still found it hard to imagine Sakiko doing such a thing.
"How could that be!", Togawa Sakiko sighed helplessly, "We're just neighbors, not as dramatic as you think."
"In any case," she didn't want to continue discussing this topic, "I'm doing fine now, and I have no plans to go back. Please tell Mom and Grandpa, there's no need for them to worry."
Of course Sakiko misses her family, especially after cutting ties with that scumbag father.
But she still hasn't figured out how to face her mother, so the only thing she can do is avoid it.
Seeing Sakiko faintly resisting, like a little blue hedgehog curled up to fend off the world, Mori Minami sighed too, and didn't force her.
And just at that moment, the tightly shut door suddenly opened, and Kaito stepped out.
Mutsumi, in a thin nightgown and barefoot, was following closely behind him.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.
https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y