Although Kuroha Akira was practically vibrating with curiosity about the dollar (or rather, yen) amount, Granny Kobayashi seemed utterly indifferent. She didn't ask for a specific figure, simply rattling off a string of numbers—her bank account details—with the bored instruction that if he wanted to send money, that's where it should go.
"There is, however, something I'd like to say to Shion directly. Could you please relay it?" the voice from the speaker asked.
"You can tell her yourself. The speaker is on."
"..."
A heavy silence followed. Shinomiya Kazuhiro was likely gathering his thoughts, steeling himself for the words to come. Shinomiya Shion, who had been wiping the table, paused.
After a brief, confirming glance from Granny Kobayashi—who gave a single, firm nod—she set the cloth aside and moved quietly to stand near the old-fashioned landline phone.
"Ahem… Shion… can you hear me?"
"…Yes. I'm here."
A long, audible sigh of relief traveled through the speaker. "That's good. I was willing to trust Kobayashi-sama's word, but hearing your voice myself… I can finally relax completely."
Akira's ears perked up at the honorific.
Kobayashi-sama. Not -san, but -sama—a term of profound respect, bordering on reverence.
It was a far cry from his own teasing use of "Class Rep-sama" earlier that day. Shinomiya Kazuhiro's deference was clearly genuine. It confirmed Akira's growing suspicion: the Kobayashi household was no ordinary family.
Owning property in central Chiyoda Ward was proof enough of significant influence, but this level of social weight hinted at a legacy far deeper. Akira's mind wandered to the original transmigrator, Granny's late husband. Just what kind of mark did that senior leave on this world? How much of modern Japan's landscape did he shape?
On the other end of the line, the one-sided heart-to-heart continued, dominated by the father's worried, gentle outpouring.
"Have you eaten? I've been so anxious these past two days, worried your health might suffer."
"I have."
"Good, good. I'm sure the meals at Kobayashi-sama's residence are excellent."
They are most certainly not, Uncle, Akira mentally interjected. Your daughter was nearly reduced to tears by a plate of apocalyptic curry. The culinary situation here is dire.
He focused his thoughts into a silent, potent mantra: The money. The amount is everything. Our escape from curry-hell depends on your generosity. More. Give more.
After a series of concerned questions about her well-being, Shinomiya Kazuhiro finally broached the core issue, his voice laced with regret. "I am truly sorry. I never imagined things would come to this… But you must believe me, Shion, this is not your fault. The responsibility is entirely mine. It has nothing to do with you."
"..."
He was quick to shoulder all the blame, hoping to absolve her of any guilt. Without knowing the specifics, Akira couldn't judge if Shinomiya bore any responsibility. Judging by her expression—still somber, unchanging despite his words—she likely still carried the weight of it herself.
"I was a fool," her stepfather continued, his voice thick with self-reproach. "I failed to understand your mother's heart, her unspoken feelings. That's why I said those words that hurt her so deeply."
"…That sentence was just the spark," Shion replied softly. "The kindling had been piling up for a very long time."
"I realize that now. It's why she finally broke. I had the chance to heal that pain slowly, and I missed it… I even made it worse."
He paused, his tone shifting to one of remembered warmth. "The day you first called me 'Father,' I was happier than I'd ever been. It felt like I had gained a real daughter. Perhaps… that happiness made me careless. It led me to say something I should never have."
"Is Mother… awake now?"
"She is, but her emotions are still very fragile. I've already taken Fumiko to see a specialist. The doctor said we must be prepared for a long road to recovery."
"Mother… I'll leave her in your care. I… won't be coming back."
"I understand your feelings, Shion. I won't ask you to return. And it's true, it wouldn't be good for your mother to see you right now…" His voice held a steady, unwavering resolve. "But I will stay by her side. I will help her, for as long as it takes. One day, you and your mother will be able to meet again properly. Until that day comes, Shion, please… live well."
"Yes…"
"And this isn't just empty comfort: Fumiko deeply regrets the words she said to you. Someone who has been hurt should not go on to hurt others… especially not their own child."
"..."
A bitter, almost imperceptible smile touched Shion's lips. Those words had indeed carved a wound so deep she couldn't find her way out of the darkness alone. Yet, a certain eccentric boy's outrageous proposition had somehow given her a handhold, a reason to keep climbing.
"If you wish to continue your schooling, I will arrange everything from here," her stepfather offered.
"That won't be necessary. I've already decided on the path I want to take."
As she spoke, Shinomiya Shion's gaze drifted across the room, coming to rest on Kuroha Akira. The confusion that had clouded her eyes was gone, burned away. In its place was a quiet certainty. He would be her guide now.
A bitter smile touched Shion's lips. Those words from her mother had carved a deep, paralyzing pain within her, a wound she couldn't have healed alone. Yet, a bizarre conversation with a certain strange boy had somehow given her the reckless courage to keep moving forward.
"I see… Well then, whatever path you choose to walk, your father will support you. The Shinomiya family will always be your home. That is all I wished to say… Please, stay safe and well."
"Mm… Father, you must take care of your health, too."
"Shion…!" The voice on the phone trembled with unmistakable emotion. He was clearly overjoyed to hear her call him 'Father.'
"And the young man who brought Shion home," the voice continued, shifting focus, "are you listening as well? I am deeply grateful for your assistance to Shion. I would very much like the opportunity to speak with you in person one day."
"Uh…"
I'd really rather not, 'Dad.'
A sharp pang of guilt pricked at Kuroha Akira. His intentions toward Shion were, admittedly, entirely self-serving. Not toward her body, but unequivocally toward her face and her staggering talent.
If this doting stepfather knew it was Akira who'd convinced Shion to abandon a conventional, bright future for the nebulous promise of 'the industry,' he'd probably want to wring Akira's neck. That 'speak in person' carried a distinctly ominous, investigative ring to it.
Once the father-daughter exchange concluded, Granny Kobayashi reclaimed control of the conversation.
"One more thing," she stated, her tone leaving no room for debate. "The security in my neighborhood is excellent. Recall your people. I won't have unnecessary commotion around my home."
"Understood. I will have them withdraw immediately. They will not trouble you."
"Hmph. That settles it." Without another word, Granny Kobayashi unceremoniously ended the call.
So that's why Shinomiya Kazuhiro trusted her so readily, Akira realized. He'd had people tailing his daughter the whole time, monitoring her movements in real-time. They'd known she entered the Kobayashi residence.
Which meant back at the shrine… if Akira had harbored any genuine ill intent, he likely would have been intercepted and 'dealt with' by Shinomiya's covert protectors before he could even get close.
Wait… were they watching the entire time we talked?
Ah… how embarrassing.
The fact that he'd sensed nothing spoke volumes about their skill. Professional bodyguards of that caliber… I'd love to see what kind of talent and proficiency ratings they have.
The ability to employ such skilled personnel pointed to one thing: Shinomiya Kazuhiro was a man of significant wealth. Which meant Shinomiya Shion was, in fact, a young lady from a very well-off family.
And her stepfather clearly adored her.
So she's not short on money at all! The realization hit him with the force of a revelation. The 'penniless runaway' narrative had just undergone a major plot twist.