Hoshimiya Setsuko--Is there anything you'd like to ask Hime and Hijiri's mother?
Of course there is. However, I hesitate to delve into the Hoshimiya family's family situation.
Honestly, I'd wait and see before asking that question.
I wanted to find out what Setsu-san's intentions were... so I started off by asking some inoffensive questions.
"Do Hime and Hijiri know about this?"
"What do you mean?"
"...It's about me meeting Setsu-san."
Even though you know what I mean.
He makes a point of asking again and intentionally separating his words.
It was as if he was asking, "Is that really the right question?"
I was feeling a bit shaken, but if I hesitated, it felt like I was playing into Setsuki's hands, so I answered firmly and continued asking questions.
"I hadn't heard anything about Setsu-san from you two."
"Ufufu. Isn't that obvious? They don't even know that I've returned to Japan or that I'm in this room."
"You didn't say anything?"
"Really? I told Mei about the situation and asked her to let me be alone with you."
"So, the two of you..."
"She's not here right now. She's probably out shopping. Mei must have arranged for that."
I see. The reason why Hime and Kiyoshi hadn't contacted me was because they had no idea about their mother in the first place.
Hearing that cleared up one of my doubts.
At the same time, the sense of tension grew even more. If something were to happen, the sisters would not come to their aid. There were no allies here.
"You have a cautious personality. That's cute."
"...Carefully, can you see?"
"I said, 'Ask me anything,' you know? Considering that, I thought your question was quite reserved."
Even as we talk, Setsuki doesn't move an inch.
She sat deep in her chair, arms and legs crossed, staring intently at me.
There's nothing particularly strange about it, but it's strange because just being watched makes me feel extremely uncomfortable.
"I think it's more like being cautious than being cowardly."
"Oh, you say so yourself."
"It's a fact."
"...I wonder if he's not being servile."
"I don't hate myself. I don't think that kind of personality is so bad."
"Hmm? I see...that's interesting."
No, I don't think it's interesting.
Saitsuki-san laughed softly. I don't know what was so funny about it... but I'll just ignore it for now.
"So, can I ask you a more in-depth question?"
"Of course. Please, feel free to ask me anything."
"How old are you?"
"...My dear."
Oh, what's that?
Did I ask the question wrong?
In fact, I had been wondering about this for a while now. She looks young to be Hime and Kiyoshi's mother, but her appearance makes it hard to tell her actual age.
"I'm curious about your aunt's age."
"My parents are in their fifties, so I'm surprised at how young I look in comparison."
"Well, you're good at flattery. When you say that, I'm going to be a little lenient in my assessment."
"I'm not trying to flatter you... well, you're right. I think it's best to be clear about it."
Apparently I had asked the wrong question after all.
I don't really like roundabout methods, so I'll just get straight to the point and ask you.
"She's too young to be Hime and Hijiri's mother... Also, I feel like she looks a little different."
"I see. So what does that mean?"
"...I'm wondering if we're related by blood."
Yes. I was curious about how Setsu and her sisters looked completely different.
It's easy to tell that Setsuki and Kiyoshi are father and son. They don't look alike, but it makes sense that they're related by blood.
However, when it comes to Setsu and Hime, things are completely different.
I felt that we were similar on the inside, but I don't think we looked alike at all.
That's why I was curious about their blood relationship.
With Seduki's appearance, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for her to be in her twenties. Even though she is the mother of two, she looks incredibly young.
He suspected that this person might be Hime and Kiyoshi's stepmother.