"What?" Reika Tohsaka was stunned by her daughter Kaoru's words. She had been prepared for her daughter to resent and hate her, but she hadn't expected such a response.
Kaoru sat up halfway in bed. "Even though there are things I didn't personally see or experience, I know you haven't had an easy life these past years, and it was because of me. So I won't hold even the slightest grudge against you, Mom—because this was your way of finding relief."
Although her face was still deeply flushed, her words were clear and logical.
"And Ichiro…"
"Mom, you told me before—big brother Ichiro is the one we both have to rely on. Not just you… even I…"
Hearing her daughter's words left Reika with a complicated feeling. What had happened last night was her way of seeking Ichiro Takayanagi's protection—she had never considered that Kaoru might think the same way.
But now Kaoru not only accepted what happened, she was even thinking of joining in herself.
Remembering Kaoru's current state, Reika put the pieces together. First, she had been too timid to use the device. Then, while going to look for her mother, she had stumbled upon last night's scene. After returning, she must have started using it. And when Ichiro told her to rest today, she must have used it again.
On one hand, it meant Kaoru already had feelings for Ichiro. On the other, it meant the once well-behaved tomboy had gotten a little too drawn into something after discovering a source of pleasure.
That wasn't a good sign.
Reika scanned the bed and found the instruction manual at the headboard. Picking it up, she glanced at it and said with a red face, "It clearly says here to use in moderation. Look at the state you're in now."
Embarrassed, Kaoru muttered, "I didn't know… so I didn't know when to stop."
"I'm going to take care of things now. Get up, clean yourself, and rest properly, alright?" Reika stood up.
"I know." In truth, Kaoru was already near her limit.
Seeing her nod, Reika turned to leave—but Kaoru called out to her.
"Mom, can I ask you something?"
Reika turned back, seeing the curiosity in her daughter's eyes. "Go ahead."
"What does it feel like?" Kaoru blurted out before quickly hiding under the covers.
The question left Reika speechless. Should she tell the truth or lie? In the end, she replied, "You'll find out someday. There's plenty of time ahead."
With that, Reika quickly left the room, afraid that if she stayed any longer, Kaoru might ask more awkward questions.
Only after sensing her mother's absence did Kaoru peek out again. Instead of getting up right away, she began wondering when that "someday" would come.
…
After discussions with the clan, Ichiro became the Takayanagi family head without opposition as the sole first-in-line heir.
Since the main family members no longer had ambition and didn't wish to follow Ichiro to the city, they agreed to let him renovate the estate and leave them sufficient funds.
Ichiro accepted, since although Musashi's vault held most of the loan records, other relatives also possessed some, which they handed over in exchange for his agreement.
With the inheritance and records settled, Ichiro and the clan bid farewell to Musashi.
That evening, Ichiro dined with Reika and Kaoru. Starting tomorrow, he would take them to Tokyo, while the family estate's future had been entrusted to appointed caretakers.
After last night's incident—especially with Kaoru having seen it—there was no repeat in either the mourning hall or bedroom tonight.
However, as Ichiro drifted toward sleep, he felt someone slip into his bed. The faint fragrance instantly woke him.
"Big brother Ichiro, I want to experience it too." The voice could only belong to Kaoru, and she was clearly referring to what had happened the night before.
Ichiro didn't refuse, pulling her into his arms.
And so, a melody unlike the one he shared with Reika played out in the room.
(End of Chapter)
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