077. Meeting the Family

"Name?"

"Natsukawa Kanade."

"Age?"

"Seventeen."

"Gender?"

"…Male."

…

After what felt like an eternity of interrogation, the old man in front of Kanade finally sighed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Alright, I understand the situation now…"

Kanade barely had a moment to breathe before the next words sent his heart into overdrive.

"So, when are you moving into our family as a live-in son-in-law?"

"!!!"

Kanade's head shot up in shock. He opened his mouth to protest, but the sight of the cheerful old man's smile—and the mountain-sized bodyguard looming behind him—made him hesitate. Weakly, he stammered, "I… That might be a bit…"

"Hmm? You're not planning to fool around and abandon her, are you? After doing something so outrageous to my precious great-granddaughter?!"

"No, no! Of course not!" Kanade frantically waved his hands.

"It's really a misunderstanding! I didn't do anything inappropriate to Fujiwara…"

"Which Fujiwara?" the old man cut in sharply.

"Erm… Chika. I mean, Chika Fujiwara. I didn't do anything inappropriate to her!"

Under the piercing gaze of the former Prime Minister, Kanade felt cold sweat trickle down his forehead.

At that moment, he was kneeling on a tatami mat in front of Fujiwara Chika's great-grandfather, a man of immense political influence, pleading for forgiveness.

This unfortunate situation arose because Fujiwara's family had caught sight of him and Chika in the storage room earlier. The compromising scene—Chika pinning him down while he was shirtless—had led to this "invitation" to their family home.

Despite being a prestigious political family, the Fujiwaras were surprisingly warm and welcoming. Their conversation had been insightful and even enjoyable… except for the toll it took on his nerves and legs.

Still, the occasional refreshing breeze through the house reminded him of the small joys of summer, making the visit feel less torturous.

"You brat… You're not going to deny it, are you? Admit it! You've definitely had improper thoughts about my darling Chika!"

"…"

Kanade was at a loss for words. Denying it might seem dishonest, but admitting to something he didn't do was equally impossible.

Sure, he'd occasionally knocked on Chika's head with his hand or playfully tugged at her cheeks, but that was the extent of it! He had never crossed any actual lines.

In fact, it was always Chika who teased him—lately even starting to show a suspicious fascination with his appearance!

What am I supposed to say? "Actually, your precious Chika is a shameless flirt who constantly bothers me and acts like a full-blown fangirl"? That's a one-way ticket to Tokyo Bay, weighted and all!

"If… If I may," Kanade ventured cautiously, "just hypothetically, what if Chika was the one who started it…"

"So, when are you moving in?"

"…"

Back to square one. Damn it! Kanade felt a chill run down his spine. Was this how his future was going to be decided?

Was he destined to marry Chika Fujiwara? To have a dozen children, potentially even twins or quintuplets? To form a family so large they'd have their own soccer team, all while enduring Chika's relentless teasing? Never being able to get mad at her, catering to her every whim…

Why does this actually sound somewhat appealing?!

…No! He couldn't surrender!

Giving in now would mean spending his entire life under Chika's thumb, unable to push back against her antics ever again.

This was his moment to explain everything clearly, even if it meant risking being dumped into the Tokyo Bay!

"L-Look… Chika is, without a doubt, an amazing girl! She's wonderful as a partner… But!! Shouldn't we ask for her opinion first?"

"Oh, so you have no objections, then?" The old man grinned, clearly satisfied, and began to say something further when a crisp, cheerful voice interrupted him.

"Great-Grandpa!"

Turning toward the sound, Kanade saw Chika Fujiwara skipping into the room. Fresh from a bath, her cheeks were flushed pink, and she was dressed in a pair of adorable bear-themed pajamas. She rushed over to the old man's side, her bubbly energy filling the room.

"It's been ages! Have you been eating well recently?" she asked, before glancing at Kanade. Tilting her head in confusion, she added, "Why is the President kneeling? Get up already!"

"Oh, right! President, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Want to join us for dinner?"

"Great-Grandpa hasn't eaten either, right? Let's eat together!"

Kanade glanced at the old man, seeking permission. Seeing the elder nod slightly, Kanade felt an immense weight lift off his shoulders.

"If it's no trouble…"

"I'll pass tonight," the old man said with a chuckle. "I've got some work to handle. You kids enjoy yourselves."

Chika gleefully took Kanade's hand, pulling him toward the dining area. "You're in for a treat! Dinner tonight was made by my sister Toyomi! Her cooking is amazing!"

"Uh, r-right…" Kanade nodded absentmindedly, not daring to look back in case he locked eyes with that fearsome elder again.

Thankfully, the bodyguard and the old man didn't follow, allowing Kanade to relax—until his eyes landed on the sight in the kitchen.

A woman who looked like an older version of Chika, wearing only underwear, casually emerged from the kitchen.

"…"

"Ahhh! Toyomi-sis, what are you doing?! Go put on some clothes!" Chika shrieked, running over to shield her sister.

"Huh? But it's so hot! I just finished cooking, let me cool down a bit…" Toyomi, looking slightly troubled, scratched her head.

"No way! You can't stay like this! Go get dressed!" Chika insisted, pushing her sister back toward her room. Before leaving, she turned to glare at Kanade. "President, shut your eyes! Don't look!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Kanade complied immediately. He wasn't about to risk his life, not with the possibility of a bodyguard springing out of nowhere to gouge his eyes out.

Just as he relaxed, a cool sensation brushed against his face.

Is this… a knife? A gun? Whatever it is, I surrender! Spare me!

"Pokey poke… Pokey poke…"

"…"

His face and neck were under continuous assault. Panicking, he opened his eyes slightly to find…

A sweet-looking girl, resembling Chika but smaller and just as adorable, crouched beside him. She was tugging at his shirt, her curious eyes studying him up close.

"…?"