Chapter 15

Chronon: One more chapter of sorting out their relationship, then it’s back to the cuteness. The next chapter is a little weird, because I couldn’t tell who was speaking about whom.

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The next day, there were no particularly strange rumours floating about. Those 2 seem to be keeping quiet.
Rather than teaching Amano’s class today, we rarely saw each other face to face.
After safely finishing the day, I felt relieved.
Moving on to Saturday.
Just as I promised Grandfather, I went to meet him with Ruri.

「We’re here grandpa」
「Ok」

Grandpa came out of the house, he didn’t look any different than he did a week ago.

「So this child is Ruri」
「Look. This is my grandfather. Why not introduce yourself?」
「Hasegawa Ruri. Thank you」
「My regards」

Ruri had practised her self introduction the night before her transfer, so she said it smoothly. However, she was still troubled when asked questions.

「I’ve heard you’re having trouble」
「Well, uh」
「For the time being, let’s go to the living room. I’ll make some tea」
「Yes. Excuse me」
「Excuse me」

When I took off my shoes and went inside, Ruri followed.
Whilst waiting in the living room, Grandpa came in with tea.

「What are you doing for lunch?」
「Lunch? I haven’t thought about it」
「When you get to my age, your only pleasure is eating. Does Ruri have any likes or dislikes?」

Grandpa faced Ruri and asked.
I don’t really think she has any.
However, everyone has things they like and hate.

「That’s good, I’m making stew. You two should have some」(TLN: Takes her silence as an answer)
「Really? Thank you very much」

The stew grandpa makes is good.
Grandma made it better, but grandpa’s version is also good. I learnt how to make it from my mother.
「Ok, let’s cut to the chase」

Grandpa exuded a serious atmosphere almost instantly.

「What shall we do about Ruri?」
「Yes」
「Well, what kind of relation would you want with Ruri?」
「Me? I don’t mind as long as she grows up happy」
「Is that such an easy thing?」
「Well…yes」

Grandpa spoke up whilst I was seated.

「Why not adopt her?」
「Adopt Ruri?」
「If you adopt her, It would be more believable than saying she’s a relatives child」
「Umm…..would the last name change in that case?」
「You would have to change it」
「If her last name changes, it might be difficult, since she’s already introduced herself at school and all the paperwork is done」
「It was your fault for being diligent and putting her in elementary school」
「Because I noticed she wasn’t going, I made her enter one」

Since I saw she was『At the age where she must go to school!』I acted straight away.
But it can’t be helped. I can only regret it.

「Well, it’s inevitable. You’ll have to keep saying she’s a relative’s child」
「….Yup」
「Haa….I guess I’ll have to give a hand to my cute grandson」
「How?」

Grandpa coughed lightly

「Why not say she’s your illegitimate child?」
I cast a cold look to grandpa.
The atmosphere grows tense.

「No, that would be a problem」
「I tried giving a helping hand」
「That’s enough. I was a fool to consult with grandfather」
「I can’t help you」
「That’s troublesome」
「I’m at that age. Ho ho ho」

Grandpa laughed.

「Well, it’s your life. But Ruri also depends on you. So work hard」
「…I will」

After speaking, Grandpa puts the cup to his mouth and takes a drink.
Do I have no choice but to insist that she’s a relative’s child after all?
After finishing my tea, I stood up.

「Then I will return. Thank you very much, Grandfather」
「Masachika」

When I tried to go to the front door, Grandpa stopped me.

「Make sure to visit Hiromi some time soon」(TLN: Author mentions that Hiromi is his mother’s name)
「….I see」

After receiving some of the stew at the front door, I left the house with Ruri.

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