"Now, can you tell me what exactly is your relationship with my daughter?"
"Friends and partners, right?" Homura said after taking a sip of tea.
"I believe, Umezono-sensei knew about your daughter's novelist identity under the pen name Senju Muramasa, and it was through this connection that we met."
After a moment of silence, Rintaro nodded. "I know, but I've always been against her writing novels."
"Why oppose it?" Elf couldn't help asking. "Muramasa's novels have outsold countless others, which proves she has a natural talent for writing."
"...This child has always been indifferent to everything, showing no interest in anything until she discovered manga as a medium that piqued her curiosity. But soon after, she lost interest again, and then she came up with the idea of writing her own novels."
After another moment of silence, Rintaro continued with a sigh.
"When she started writing novels, I was actually happy because there weren't many things that could hold her interest. However, Hana's focus is so intense that once she picks up a pen, she no longer cares about anything around her. So, I worry... that's why I objected to her writing novels."
Homura nodded, having known this from the start, and didn't show any surprise.
Elf and Sagiri suddenly realized!
"I see now, Muramasa's dedication to writing seems like it worries everyone around her. It's only natural for her family to be concerned and oppose it..." Elf said.
"You're right." Homura chimed in. "Umezono-sensei, I don't think you're wrong to worry about Muramasa's passion for writing."
"Homura!" Elf looked astonished, wondering what he was up to.
"However..." Homura interrupted, though impolite, he had to say it. "Umezono-sensei, do you really understand your daughter?"
The corners of Elf's mouth twitched. This was like a direct slap in the face! Saying that in front of both father and daughter, claiming that the father doesn't understand his own daughter—if it were someone else, they would have exploded ages ago!
"Please, go on." Rintaro remained composed and wanted to hear Homura's thoughts.
"May I ask, is Muramasa writing novels with the intention of getting published?" Homura asked.
With one sentence, the room fell into silence, and even Elf nodded with sudden realization.
Yes, you worried that your daughter's intense focus on writing will ignore everything else. As a result, you're preventing her from making connections with people from the publishing industry. But how are these things related?
In the first place, Muramasa never wrote novels for others. Even if her novels don't get published, she will keep on writing no matter what—because her novels are for her own satisfaction! They are meant for her to enjoy!
"...You're right." Rintaro sighed. "I've been deceiving myself... because I loved my daughter too much, I was worried, but I didn't want to directly oppose her. So, I tried this indirect way to vent my emotions and hoped that Hana would understand my feelings."
"But... you underestimated her dedication. Everything you did, she didn't care about it at all. As long as she can write her novels, it's enough for her." Homura unveiled all the cover-ups without hesitation, laying everything bare.
Muramasa's expression changed as well. 'So, Daddy had these thoughts? But when did Minamiya-kun figure it all out?'
"Trying to dissuade people in the publishing industry won't work. If we want to make a change in her attitude, we should start by getting her attention on other things. That's what we should do."
The corner of Elf's mouth twitched again. 'Homura is quite skilled as a negotiator, huh? At this rate, we should get to the point soon, right?'
"So... what's your plan then?" Rintaro chuckled, "You kids came here today for this, right? Go ahead... or should I say, I'm already convinced..."
Elf rolled her eyes, wondering why she had racked her brains earlier.
"Well, it seems nothing can escape your notice." Homura said calmly.
Alright, now that they had achieved their purpose, it was time to talk politely. Being too impolite would be rude.
"Having said so much, we haven't even done proper introductions. My name is Minamiya Homura, and this is Yamada Elf. The one on the tablet is my sister. We're here to invite Muramasa to join our circle, Another Dimension."
With a simple self-introduction, Homura also revealed the purpose of their visit.
"Oh, so it's you..." Rintaro suddenly realized. He had heard quite a bit about Homura recently. Unlike his daughter, who was a computer idiot, he found out that Homura was quite extraordinary!
"Not simple at all..." After observing Homura closely, Rintaro sighed. "To achieve this level at such a young age and see things so thoroughly, it feels like you have a direct grasp of the essence... impressive."
"Where did that come from? You're exaggerating." Homura replied modestly.
"You're not just anyone who can see through the complexities of my daughter's mind... anyway, let's continue. Since you and Hana came together, it means she's really interested in certain things, right? I know my daughter, and it's not easy to move her. So... can I have a look?"
"Of course."
Homura smiled, taking out his work plan of 'Fate/stay night'. He also brought along the game of 'Your Name.'.
"This work plan is what persuaded Muramasa, and this one is our circle's previous works. Please try it out when you have the time and give us some feedback."
Rintaro didn't speak but nodded, taking the items and carefully inspecting what had managed to captivate his daughter.
Meanwhile, Homura gestured to Elf and Muramasa, signaling they could chat while waiting for Rintaro to review the materials.
In a hushed voice, Elf said, "Homura, you're really something else. You stayed silent until the right moment and then wrapped everything up in one go. Why do I feel like my presence here was a bit unnecessary?"
Elf was indeed correct. Since they arrived at Muramasa's home, Homura hardly spoke at all. It was Elf and Muramasa doing most of the talking. But when he finally spoke, everything seemed to fall into place, making Elf feel a bit useless.
Muramasa gave her a playful glance. "Now you realize you were unnecessary?"
"Fufu..." Elf wasn't upset, only smiling. "Then, Sagiri?"
"Ugh..."
Homura chuckled at their almost teasing friendship. They seemed to have a close bond, but they also used it to harm each other for amusement, the so-called frenemies.
"Actually, if you hadn't come, it wouldn't have been easy to convince Muramasa's father you know..." Homura revealed to Elf.
Elf was a clever girl, and upon hearing that, she quickly understood the reasoning.
"I see..."