The moving of Shioriko's belongings finally ended on a bright Sunday.
The Akagis' guest room became Shioriko's.
Koremitsu mumbled and fumbled, sweating profusely as he explained how he took Shioriko away from Kuze to Masakaze and Koharu.
He told them that though Kuze was Shioriko's relative, he could not acknowledge her, and had to send her to a boarding school in the countryside, that Shioriko herself wished to stay with the Akagis.
He was mentally prepared for any refusals that might come. Kuze was Shioriko's father after all, and even if he could not acknowledge her, Koremitsu should not have broken their relationship apart.
But an unexpected event happened.
The news broadcast on the television reported that Kuze was requested by the police to cooperate in their investigations due to a bribery issue of a politician. Also, there was news that the politician was involved with Kuze's alibi in the mass food poisoning incident ten years ago. Thus, all the media stations were investigating the truth of the matter.
Masakaze and Koharu assumed that Koremitsu's decision was based on this commotion, and allowed Shioriko to stay at the Akagis.
After Koremitsu said that he would work part-time to pay for Shioriko's food and school fees...
"What did you say!?"
"We're not so poor that you have to go out and work!"
He was immediately rebuffed.
Kuze did not ask anything, either due to being blackmailed by Koremitsu, or that he was occupied by the media and police scrutiny.
"Hikaru, was the police investigation just a coincidence?"
Koremitsu asked, and Hikaru answered with a wise expression,
"Who knows? Mr Soichiro's influence had waned gradually over the years. Perhaps it was only a matter of fact that this happened."
"That's reaping what he sowed."
But ultimately, Kuze was still Shioriko's father, and Koremitsu was unable to be happy over this turn of events.
Shioriko too watched the news with conflicting emotions.
But after the luggage was shifted in, and the guest room became a child's bedroom, she still gave a cheery smile.
"You're no longer a guest now, so you have to do housework too. I'll just call you Shiiko instead of little Shiiko now."
"Okay, aunty Koharu."
"Play five-in-a-row against me later."
"Yes, grandpa Masakaze"
Shioriko got along amiably with Koharu and Masakaze.
And even Koremitsu...
"Thanks for coming to school with me, big brother Koremitsu "
The next morning,
Shioriko was standing at the elementary school gate, smiling as she carried the school bag on her back and a grassy green pochette.
It was still early, and no students could be seen in school.
She was not formally inducted into the school until the procedures were done, but Shioriko would be attending this school from this day onwards.
"I did the procedures along with aunt Koharu on Saturday. I know all the places, including the staff room, so it's alright. You're going to be late if you don't go to school, big brother."
YOU ARE READING
"Waka Murasaki" - Hikaru ga Chikyuu ni Itakoro......(Volume 3)
Romance> The story starts with the death of Hikaru Mikado. That guy was a natural charmer, a "harem king", but had no real male friends. After he died, he became a ghost, a soul, but Koremitsu Akagi can see him. Koremitsu though, isn't really like Hikaru...
