Chapter 0019: The Story of the Neighboring Little Boy
"Actually, Mizuki and I aren't really married," Miki said slowly as she settled back into her chair. "This apparent marriage is just a transaction."
Transaction?
The word made me frown in surprise.
I instinctively felt that there was something complicated behind this. I didn't want to get involved, but it seemed like Miki was getting more and more eager to reveal her secrets, as if she wanted to lay everything bare.
"Because of certain reasons, I needed a relatively stable place to stay. Mizuki also wanted someone to take good care of his daughter. So, I moved here as his second wife. Of course, the surname and age are all just disguises," Miki explained.
Wait, is it really okay to tell me this?
I could sense that things were about to get complicated.
From Miki's words, I could already tell that trouble was brewing. If she were just an ordinary woman, why go through such a transaction? Why not reveal her real name and age?
Moreover, Mizuki's reputation and strength in the village were comparable to my foster father's. Although he wasn't as renowned as the "Three Ninjas of Konoha," he was far beyond the level of an ordinary Jōnin.
For someone of such standing to secretly assist Miki in hiding her identity—this couldn't be the action of an ordinary person. The kind of trouble that might come from being entangled with such a person was self-evident.
But now that things had come this far, complaining wouldn't help. I sighed deeply and asked, "So what now? Since Uncle Mizuki has passed away, are you planning to stay here?"
"Why not?" Miki blinked innocently and smiled. "I know you'll protect me."
Please, don't say that; the pressure is overwhelming!
I could feel a cold sweat forming on my forehead. Not to mention that my current strength is at most that of an elite Chūnin. Relying on a seven-year-old for protection—am I missing something here?
"Um, Aunt Miki…" I felt I needed to have a serious talk with her.
"Aunt Miki?!" Miyuki gave me an exasperated look. "From now on, call me 'sister.'"
Uh.
I was momentarily stunned, the words I intended to say getting stuck in my throat.
"If you have something to say, sit down first," Miki said with a smile.
"Okay." I nodded and looked around but couldn't find a second chair in the study. I was momentarily puzzled—where should I sit?
"You fool!" Miki lightly scolded me and then patted her lap. "Come here, sit here."
Sweat.
A few more sweat lines appeared on my forehead. "This... doesn't seem right."
"What's wrong with it?" Miki said, standing up and pulling me into her embrace. "My full name is Tsukawa Miyuki. From now on, please take good care of me."
"Uh, okay," I managed to say, my cheeks pressed against her soft lap. I nodded instinctively, but then it hit me. Wait, wait… this feels like a lifelong commitment—what's going on?!
I'm only seven years old. Are you really doing this?!
"Hey, Hiroto-kun, what were you about to say?"
"Ah, actually…" I was about to say something, to tell her not to place all her hopes on me. But then, that annoying system beeped again with its dreadful prompt.
[New options generated!]
[Host, choose one of the following options:]
[-> Option one: Declare loudly: 'Miyuki—your chest—belongs to me and no one else.'
[-> Option two: Firmly state: 'I'll guard your panties from now on.']
[-> Option three: Gently ask: 'Are you ready to carry our child?']
"…"
[Notice: The host needs to say them out loudly and not simply think to himself in his mind. On failure, the host will need to blurt out all of the three options.]
"Pfft."
I almost spewed out my saliva. No matter what, it seemed this mess was something I was stuck with now. Well, I was starting to get used to the system's lack of shame.
Resigned, I shook my head and turned my gaze to Miyuki. After hesitating for a moment, I made up his mind. "You… your panties… I'll guard them from now on."
"No, this is too embarrassing!"
After saying that purposely, I buried my face into Miyuki's embrace like an ostrich.
In that moment, our embrace looked very strange. It wasn't quite like a sibling hug, nor did it resemble that of lovers. In fact, it looked more like a mother and her child.
Miyuki, however, seemed unaware of this and looked at me with some confusion. "Panties?"
"Uh, I was just saying that randomly. Don't take it seriously," I mumbled, too shy to lift my head, with my mouth pressed against Miyuki's clothes.
"Is that so?" Miyuki said with a strangely tone, "Hiroto-kun, you've become quite bold. No wonder Kurenai is so troubled."
"I'm sorry!" I didn't offer any rebuttal or explanation.
[Congratulations, host, on completing the mission.]
[Reward: Advanced Swordsmanship Talent. Acquired Intermediate Sword Technique: Iaijutsu.]
This reward was quite unusual; not only did it come with a skill, but also with a talent. In a way, it was a big bonus.
Even though I had been tricked, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited about this swordsmanship talent and skill bonus.
"You don't need to apologize," Miyuki's voice brought me back to reality. "Today's research was very successful. I should be the one thanking you."
"Research?" I looked at her in confusion.
"Ah, you didn't think I would really accept your confession, did you?" Miyuki blinked and smiled. "You're still too young. Maybe when you grow up a bit more, I might actually feel moved."
"I'm not wondering about that!" I said, pulling a face. "What do you mean by 'research'?"
"Hmm, it's for my new book." Miyuki picked up a stack of manuscript papers from the desk and waved them in her hand.
Gulp.
Seeing the title on the manuscript, I couldn't help but gasp. The cover read: "The Story of the Neighboring Little Boy."
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