Chapter 338. One more kiss

Good morninggood morning!

Yoshida-kunYoshida-kun!

Hmm?!

Yoshida-kunYoshida-kun!

Goodmorning?

Its morning already?

My body feels heavy.

My stomachs turned over

What?

My condition is too bad.

I wish to sleep further.

Get up! Yoshida-kun!

Yoshida

Yesthats, my name.

Its morning already! Get upYoshida-kun!

Its noisy

I open my heavy eyelids.

Then

The first one I see is

Eheheheheyou finally got up!

Mao-chan?

The angelic smile of the three year old girl fills my vision

Good Morning! Yoshida-kun!

Err

Ah, you cant go back to sleep! Thats bad!

No, Im completely awake.

Whats going on?

I

Im on a fluffy bed.

SomehowIm in an amazingly luxurious room.

The curtains are closed so I cant see outside the window, but

Morning light is shot from the gap.

Yeahnight has already ended.

You seeMama said that you didnt take a bath last night and just slept, so lets take a bath!

Mao-chan tells me.

Do you get itYoshida-kun?!

Nouhm

Mebath?

Its not just Yoshida-kunMao will join in too!

Ohthe two of us.

Or rather.

HeyMao-chan. Wheres Nagisa?

Not just Nagisa.

Wheres everyone else.

Or ratherwhats this room?

At the moment the doubt comes to mind

The door opens and Nagisa herself appears.

Ohawake? Im glad

Nagisa smiles gently

Looking at it, theres one chair besides the bed I was sleeping on.

Nagisa was watching over me?

Wheres this?

Were still in the hotel. Its close to the top floorI had Shige-chan lend us all three suite rooms. This is one of them

Then that means

Everyone else is in another room?

Maoget the bath ready

Eh, Mamaaa

Mao-chan doesnt seem to want to leave my side.

Well be coming right awayyou can help out cant you?

I look at Mao-chan

PleaseMao-chan

Mao-chan smiles

Okaaaay~!

Saying that, she head to the bathroom.

You dont have to runits dangerous if you fall down!

I can run just fine!

The noisy angel leaves the room.

Inside the room is only me and Nagisa.

Nagisa sits on the chair next to the bed.

Were you able to get out of the basement right after that?

I explore my ambiguous memory.

It took more than two hours after you lost consciousness. Thats when the elevator was restored. But still, everyone were at the limit of their mind and stamina It was impossible to use the escape route where itll take time to open. If we went that way, we cant get any help from outside

Taking the trouble of removing the lock from the inside one by one

The only person in left in the basement who has the physical strength would be Megu

Is everyone safe?

Yestheyre safe. Everyone is. Dont worry

Nagisa smiles

Yeahthat makes my heart feel lighter.

Ruriko?

Misuzu and Yoshiko-san escorts her and went home first. She has to prepare for her fathers wake

Right

Their guards are Seki-san and Michi-chan. Edie=chan wanted to go but Kyouko-san held her back

Sister Edies completely attached to Michi.

Butits worrying for that girl to be in the funeral of a member of Kouzuki family.

Shes likely to pick a fight with a guard of another family that came to burn incense.

In the first place, she doesnt know the atmosphere of Japan funerals

The police are on the grounds of this hotel. But, Shige-chan doesnt let the police enter above 19th floor. Therefore, well be fine here. When were about to head out, well just contact Tanizawa-san andKouzuki security service car would send us off

Police?

It should be on the variety show this morning

Nagisa turns on the television with a remote.

In the screenis the whole view of the hotel were at.

Oh, the messed up flooded first floor is reflected.

A hotel in Odaiba is raided by a 120 men Russian Mafia murder group!

Those were the headline.

The situations covered by helicopters so dont open the curtains

I see, thats why the windows are shut off.

Nagisa changed the channel, a moderator and commentator talks.

But still, why would someone like Shirasaka Moritsugu try to borrow the power of Russian Mafia to destroy his enemies?

He must be getting impatient. Theyre on the crisis of downfall after all

Butfor a newspaper person who believes that pen is mightier than sword, isnt it surprising for them to hire a terrorist?

Well, we dont know whats going on inside Shirasaka house after all

Nagisa turns off the TV.

Shige-chan made everything Shirasaka Moritsugu-sans fault

I see

In fact, the people opposing Shirasaka house stayed here last night

The kill request of Shirasaka Morisugu was a matter of miss Cordelias businessit was not the main purpose of the hotel raid, but

The people of Shirasaka house doesnt know anything behind the scenes so they just forced the owner to retire you see? Shige-chan declaredIts all your faultso the media is reporting as Shige-chan says It seems that Shirasaka house will pay for the hotel repair expenses and compensation pay for the closed down businesses.

Thats cruel.

Thats very Jii-chan like though.

Only this case, Shirasaka house also covers the situation of this hotel on the same tone as the other stations. Shirasaka houses control on the newspaper and television companies is now over. The world will never allow Shriasakas name to become a top company

Then, the people close to Jii-chan will be holding down the newspaper and television companies either way.

Well, the head house will still be one of the major shareholders.

But, Shirasaka clan who works for group companies in the future wont be ahead.

Ahahaha

A dry laugh overflows.

Anyway, the immediate worry is gone

Megu and Manas life is no longer in danger.

Nei-sanwont be attacked anymore.

Cesario Violas dead after all.

I shot him dead.

You really did your best

Nagisa says.

I havent done anything helpful to anyone

Thats not true. You havent received any special trainingyoure just a high school student and yet, youre such a kind and hardworking boy thats why you did the impossible. You did all your best until you fall

That was my limit I guess.

My bodys so dull.

My stomach feel sick

My whole bodys screaming

Yeah

Ive been on an extremely dangerous place last night.

At the brink of life and death

I was tense last night so I didnt feel it, but

I forced my mind and body to its limit.

Right. Im a normal human. No, rather, I have less power than an average person

The ones who actually fought are Margo-san, Michi, Seki-san and Reika.

I was being protected.

Kyouko-san was the one who saved the crisis

Because of me hurrying things upin the end, I felt like I was just interfering with Jii-chans plan.

I didnt help out at all

The sense of inferiority and defeat wraps me up

Dear

Nagisa embraced me tightly

Soft and warm body

You really did your best. I saw it. I think you should be proud of it!

Nagisa

Nagisa kisses me.

Then

Ratherit was us who didnt do good depending on you too much. You bore the burden and went beyond your limit

Ikilled a person

Ill tell you Minaho-sans message

Nagisa looks into my eye

First, you are freeunderstand that you dont have to feel any obligation towards us

Free?

Yes. Minaho-sans first proposal is

Nagisa continues to talk sadly.

If, you want to leave ourfamilythis is a hypothetical talkMinaho-san will prepare a new family register for you. Youll be given a sizable amount of money as well. You can live a new life with a new namein a place far away from us. If ever you dont want to see us againwe can move to a foreign country. Well never show ourselves to you again. Because, we want you to make your life to the fullest

Theres no way I would wish for that!

Dont think about us for nowthink of your own life as a priority. Understand that you can redo your life as an ordinary high school student! I dont want you to think that your life is over!

Nagisa

Theres no way I would abandon my family because of that!

A life without everyone is just

Minaho-sans second suggestion isyou have to chose afamilyto live with

Choose

If this continuesyoull be crushed by shouldering everything yourself. If sothen, isnt it better to limit it to the only family you think its comfortable and easy to live with?

What do you mean?

Minaho-san said that its best for your mental stability to stay with me and Mao in my house but You can live with Katsuko too. Katsuko-san, Megu-chan and Mana-chan. Renting a house for four people

Rent a house?

Why not themansion?

Even Misuzus place will do. Shige-chan will prepare a house for it. Shes attentive and gentle. I think its good to live with Misuzu, Ruriko-san, Yoshiko-san and Michi-chan in places Shige-chan backs up.

Thats

AnywayMinaho-san said that you should narrow it down to a range of people. If youre always worried about everyone, youll fall down in anxiety. Of course, you can change on the places as you like. For example, youre worried about Ruriko for now arent you?

Yeah

Then, stay up with Ruriko until shes settled downwhen you think its okay then go with Katsuko. That is okay too

But

And, the last proposalMinaho-san said that you should stay away from the criminal organizationKuromori. Thereforedont enter themansionanymore, and never see Margo-chan, Kyouko-san and Minaho-san herself ever again

Theres no way Id do that.

Minaho-neesan.

Minaho-sans the most depressed now. Minaho-san wants to be your teacher forever. She regret that she put you into danger

Oh

Dammitwhat should I do?

I

Uhm, what about Nei-san?

I ask Nagisa.

Nei-sans name hasnt come out

Nei-chans on hold. Nei-chan is in state of shock right now

What?

Though the real Viola diedNei-chans fear of Viola that has been eroding her all this time hasnt disappeared yet. The balance of reality and mind is being tipped off

is that so?

Yesshe can only take time to stabilize. Everything has changed so suddenly after all

Its because I shot Viola in front of Nei-san.

How about going on a trip with Nei-chan for a while, for about one month. Theres an option like that too

Nagisa said.

AnywayMinaho-sans proposal is too long to be understood butMinaho-san wants you to stop thinkingIt cant be helpedorI have to do something Its the same as giving up your life

So I wont have to give up on my life.

Even II want you to choose what you want to do. We will support you whatever you choose I dont mind feeling lonely as a result of it. We want you to be happy

Nagisa.

What are you going to do in the future?take your time to think about it

Mao-can pops out of the door.

Ihihihiits filled with hot water!

Pleasecome in with Mao

Nagisa smiles at me.

Since shes three years oldshell be fine as long as you take care she doesnt drown

Thenshe said.

Its her long time dream to bathe with her father

Bath! Bath! Rururu!!

Mao-chan happily scatters around the clothes around the dressing room.

I think while taking off my clothes.

Nagisas last words

Does Nagisa think that I will abandon them?

So, in order for Mao-chan to make her last memories

Im going to take a bath with her.

Uwa, its a peepee

Mao-chan looks into my crotch

No, you dont have to look at that part

Why?

UhMao-chans embarrassed being seen naked, right?

Im fine! Its Yoshida-kun after all!

What?

Yoshida-kun is Maos papa right?!

Mao-chan smiles happily

RightI promised with this girl.

CertainlyI made a promise.

Yes yes, before you take a bath, wash your body properly first!

Mao-chan tells me smiling.

Take a shower

Okay

Pour out the water

Okay

Wowso coold!

Itll be hot water right away

Yeahits getting warmer. Okay, Yoshida-kun, take a sit here!!!

Mao-chan makes me sit.

Ill pour in the shower!!

She does to me what she usually do to Nagisa.

I just let Mao-chan do what she want in silence.

Okay, Ill wash your but too

Her small hand washes my butt.

Here, Ill wash Mao-chan too

Okaay

I pour the warm shower on Mao-chans small body

Thats enough! I also washed my butt so lets take a bath now!

Err

What should I do?

Yoshida-kun, go in first! Then you hug Mao in front!

OhI see.

I can hold Mao-chan in the bathtub.

What small hands.

Looking at it againMao-chans hands are really small.

Its like a miniature of an adults hand.

Not just my hand! Maos all small

Mao-chans angry.

Oh, well of course

Yoshida-kuns big

No Im not. Im just around average in class

Youre bigger than Mao!

Wellof course.

Hey, speaking of which, why is Mao-chan calling meYoshida-kun1?

You seeSensei tells me to do so!

Sensei?

Minaho-neesan?

She saidhe has to go back to his starting point

I see

So I wont get trapped inKuromorihouse

So I can reset my thoughts once more

Hey hey, can you do this?

Mao-chan sinks the towel into the hot water and makes a bubble/

Bukubukubukukyahaha

Ill make you a bigger bubble

I stuffed in as much air as possible and let the bubble flow out.

Wahahaha, amazing, amazing!

Mao-chan laughs.

Hey hey, Yoshida-kunits fun!

Whichthe bubble?

No! Its fun to take a bath with Yoshida-kun!

Mao-chan

Its fun to take bath with Mama butthere are times where Mamas tired

What do you do at those times?

Mao gives Mama a massage!

The mother daughter pair has a lot of troubles too.

Ah, Yoshida-kunyou have to wash the back of your ears!

Mao-chan climbs up my bodyand rubs the towel shes been playing until a while ago to my ear.

You seeYoshida-kun. Maohas a request!

Then, she looks straight to my facespeaking shyly.

What?

There will be a sports day in Maos kindergarten the next day. The other children have their, Papa, Mama, Grandpa and Grandma coming, Mao only has Mama. So

I

Sure. Go. Im coming too

Really? Promise?

Yeah. Im not lying I promise

I made another promise.

UhiiYaaaay!!!

Mao-chan happily smiled

I see.

Right.

Dammit

HmWhats wrong? Yoshida-kun?

I

Nothing

In the end, I

Ive made so many promises.

I cant just run away from those promises Ive made.

Promises are meant to be kept.

I tell myself inside.

Does your stomach hurt?

Im fine

Mao will give you a hug then!

Mao-chans small hand embraces me.

What a good girl.

Mao-chanhugs me.

Ill protect this girl for all my life.

I promised to be this girls Papa

Ill be a good Papa for Mao-chan!

Yaaay!

I cant speak about dependence.

I must protect her even on death.

Ive got promises to fulfill.

Iwill become Minaho-neesans brother.

Katsuko-nees brother, and man.

Nagisas manMao-chans father.

Nei-sans brother.

Misuzus manand owner.

Megus loverand husband.

Manasbrother, and master.

Michis master.

Rurikos brother.

Reikas lord.

I promised to be Jii-chans grandson

I made promises.

To make them happy

I have to do all my best to do what I promised.

I cant be dependent anymore.

Whoever I am

Whoever I killed, are all irrelevant.

Im no longer allowed to be depressed about such things

In order to protect my family

Im coming in!

Nagisas also nakedentering the bathroom.,

Mama, Mama, its trouble! Yoshida-kuns crying!

Mao-chan reports to her mother.

At such times, you give him a kiss! then, sayI love you

Nagisa said.

I love you?

Maodo you like him?

I like him! Hes Maos Papa!

Mao-chan

If you think so then tell him in words and give him a peck. It wont be conveyed if you just think of it!

Yes, Mama!

Mao-chan looks up at me smiling.

Yoshida-kun! I love you! Chu!

Her small lips touches mine

I love you tooMao-chan!

I also kiss Mao-chan on her cheek!

1. Mao-chan calls him in hiragana