Have Mercy, ■■■■, on Me 11

A few days later, in the residential area where the Rans live

Sanbi: —Thank you for letting us meet with you today.

I’ll be in touch with you in a few days to talk about the future. For now, we’ll get out of your hair.

Now then. The Ran family has agreed to foster Nagisa-kun; what are your thoughts on it, Nagisa-kun?

Nagisa: ...Got. Candy. Tasty ♪

Hiyori: He just started chomping down on their food without even thinking twice. It was a little embarrassing, wasn’t it?

Sanbi: Ahaha, but the family just laughed and let him have it.

Actually, if they’re going to be a family, being so bold might make it easier to get closer to each other.

What do you think, Hiyori, based on what you saw? Do they seem like people you would trust to take care of Nagisa-kun?

Hiyori: Yeah. They seem like nice people.

Both of the parents were kind to Nagisa-kun, and they gave him a warm welcome. That’s a big plus in my book!

Oh, but I am worried about the maybe step-brother and -sister.

They weren’t trying to ostracize him, but it did look like they were on guard.

Nagisa: ...? Nagisa scary?

Sanbi: Well, Nagisa-kun has a rather peculiar aura around him. He’s pretty young, too, so he may seem a bit unapproachable.

Nagisa: ...Sorry.

Hiyori: Hang on just a moment, Brother! Please don’t make Nagisa-kun sad!

Sanbi: I’m sorry. I just think those kids are trying to get a feel for the distance between them and Nagisa-kun.

Anyone would be scared if a group of strangers came to their house.

But either way, I can’t see a need for worrying too much.

You saw Nagisa-kun singing for the Ran family too, didn’t you Hiyori?

Hiyori: ...Yeah. Everyone was listening to him, and at the end they gave him a big round of applause.

Nagisa: ...Made. Smiles.

Hiyori: Ahaha! You sure look pleased with yourself!

You’re right, Brother; there’s probably no reason to worry at all.

......

Sanbi: Fufu. Are you feeling lonely, Hiyori? Maybe a sort of “empty nest” feeling from him leaving sooner than you expected?

Hiyori: You say the weirdest things sometimes, you know? Actually, I’m really happy he’s growing up so fast.

It means I finally get back all the free time Nagisa-kun took from me.

I get my life back, so I couldn’t be happier ♪

Sanbi: Really now? I had a pretty strong case of empty nest syndrome watching you grow up so fast.

Hiyori: Hehe ♪ You sure are lucky I’m not as troublesome as I could be, Brother.

Sanbi: I sure am. You were a much smarter and more capable kid than I was, at least.

Hiyori: That joke flew right over your head, didn’t it? There’s no way I’m more capable than you.

You’re the brilliant eldest, destined to lead the Tomoe house into the next era. Compared to you, I’m just the useless, happy-go-lucky second son.

That’s what made you think of me this time too, right? You left Nagisa-kun to me because I had too much free time on my hands?

Sanbi: Not at all. I can’t deny that I thought you had enough free time to handle it.

But the primary reason was always because I thought you’d be able to open up Nagisa-kun’s heart.

Hiyori: Hmm. I do like getting compliments from you, but I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you?

Where did you even get an idea like that from how I usually act?

It’s sort of weird to say this about myself, but I’m just a self-centered, decadent libertine.

Sanbi: The only reason I’ll be able to take over as the head of the Tomoe house without stress is because I have no one getting in my way.

Everyone fully believes I’m the only one capable of reviving the Tomoe Foundation.

Now, I wonder who it could be who created these circumstances?

Hiyori: I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about, Brother.

Sanbi: Uh-huh. If that’s your story, I’ll believe it—for now.

But someday, I’ll transform the Tomoe house to the point that you don’t have to put on any acts.

Hiyori: You’re such a worrywart, Brother. There’s no need for you to do anything like that; I’m happy just as I am.

Oh, but it does make me happy to hear that you care about me.

I’ll look forward to when that day comes!

Nagisa: ...Talk. Done?

Hiyori: Oops. I got so lost in conversation with Brother that I forgot about you.

Hey, Nagisa-kun. When we get back to the manor, let’s watch a live together. It’ll be your reward for doing such a great job at our little meet-and-greet!

Nagisa: ...! ...Watch. Live.

Sanbi: Fufu. Nagisa-kun really does love idols. Even if his expression doesn’t change all that much, you can still tell how excited he is.

Hiyori: I know, right? He has an even cuter smile when he’s actually watching the performances.

You have work after this though, right? It’s a shame we won’t be able to watch it with you.

Sanbi: It can’t be helped. Not to mention, there’s that matter you wanted me to take care of.

Oh, right. I almost forgot; there’s something I want to give you.

Hiyori: Hm? What is it?