Go-Toubun no Hanayome √AE

Chapter 40:Colors of a White Stone ①

Maruo had just finished a meeting with his fellow doctors and had returned to his office. Upon entering the room, despite it being locked, he saw that Isanari was there, checking out all the extravagant books and equipment there.

Isanari:"Man, no matter how many times I see it, I'm still impressed by how wonderful this office looks, Mr. Chief Physician. But you shouldn't let these wonderful distractions stray you away from going back home, you know."

Maruo:"How did you get in here?"

Isanari:"Details, Details."

Maruo rubbed his eyes.

Maruo:"...I don't recall lifting the ban that forbids you from entering. Leave now, Uesugi."

Isanari:"Hey, now. Aren't you being a bit cold? And here I came with some nice news. It's almost here. It's been more than 10 years. We should have ourselves a good old fashioned class reunion."

Maruo:"I have more pressing matters to attend to."

Isanari:"I can tell. I've been keeping track of this place. You're in quite the pickle, aren't you?"

Maruo:"It's nothing more than some fools attempting to ruin me. No matter what, I will not let that happen again."

Isanari:"You and me both. Got hit pretty hard way back then. But even so, don't you look a little too happy?"

Maruo:"Hm?"

Isanari:"There's something special attached to this little situation, isn't there? Does it have to do with your little project?"

Maruo:"I see you've gone through my papers."

Isanari:"Let's just say I was looking for something and I just...happened to come across it! So, will you use your butler to deal with this?"

Maruo's eyes squinted.

Maruo:"I have nothing to tell you. Will someone please throw him out? Preferably through a window."

Isanari:"Ah, you son of a..!"

Maruo:"You're lucky I'm not arresting you."

...

Maruo:"Even if I wanted to use him, I don't want to put him through that. I need to make sure he's all right."

...

Fuutarou was walking back from his time with Miku.

Fuutarou:[That probably seemed rude to just walk away like that, but...I don't even know.]

{"I've said what I really wanted to say. I wonder if you'll be able to do the same too, Fuutarou."}

Fuutarou:[Why did Miku mention that at that very moment? It obviously wasn't just about her school plans. Could it have to do with her feelings of me...Or could it be something different? The way she phrased it...Saying it's my turn. What I have to...No, what I want to convey...]

Isanari:"Yo, Fuutarou! You're heading home too?"

Fuutarou turned to see Isanari across the street.

Fuutarou:"Pops..."

Isanari:"It was your off day, no? Where did you go and wander off to?"

Fuutarou:"I was with a...friend..."

Isanari:"Hm?"

Isanari noticed something going on with Fuutarou.

Fuutarou:"Anyway, let's head back. Raiha's waiting."

Isanari:"...Hmmm, no. There's something bothering you, isn't there?"

Fuutarou:"...No."

Isanari:"Now, now. Despite how useless I am, I'm still your father and I love you kids. Of course I can tell when something is wrong."

Fuutarou:"..."

Isanari:"So you're finally at that age...Come on, we're changing course."

Fuutarou:"Huh? But what about Raiha?"

Isanari:"She can handle herself, she's already more competent than I am."

Fuutarou:"I...can't argue with that."

Isanari:"This is when you're supposed to tell me 'It's okay, father. You're plenty competent', Fuutarou!"

Fuutarou:"Who do you think I am?"

...

Isanari led Fuutarou all the way to a place he hadn't visited much, the cemetery.

However, Isanari did not go towards the entrance, rather he turned towards an abandoned shack nearby that was blocked by a fence. Following along the fence, he found an opening and went through.

Fuutarou:"What are you...?"

Isanari:"Don't be a wimp, come on."

Upon looking through the darkness, he saw that this used to be a flower shop. Fuutarou made sure no one was around before following his father through the hole in the fence. Inside, he saw Isanari going around the shack through some bushes. Behind it was a small space filled with flowers and different assortments of beers and wine.

Fuutarou:"So you were a part of a cult this entire time."

Isanari:"Okay, first of all, hurtful. Second of all...Say hello to someone very special."

Isanari pointed to a small shrine with a picture of a woman with long, black hair. Her eyes were a little scary, but the smile she was showing contrasted perfectly. Fuutarou had seen this before, many times. This was a picture of his mother.

Fuutarou:"This is where mom is?...Wait, why here?"

Isanari laughed a bit.

Isanari:"Bear with me here...I had promised myself that I wouldn't show you nor Raiha this until you reached maturity. You don't remember too much of her, right?""

Fuutarou:"I can only recall some vague details. The most vivid thing was how great her bread tasted."

Isanari smiled before sitting down with his legs crossed.

Isanari:"It sure did. Come here, Fuutarou. Sit with me."

Fuutarou followed the instruction. He had a hunch of what was coming.

Isanari:"Let me tell you about a certain amount of insignificant events that led to some of the happiest days of my life...and what happened after..."

End of Chapter 40