I've heard that personality and behavior are determined by one's living environment.
Even if they are related by blood, their personalities will differ if they live in different environments. It is said that identical twins who are separated at birth can sometimes end up with personalities that are like completely different people.
However, it is "blood" that determines appearance.
So even if Hime and Hijiri have similar personalities and behaviors, it doesn't prove they're related by blood. Their appearances are so different that it's easy to think that way.
I had been wondering about that for a while.
It was information that was irrelevant when it came to interacting with the two of them, so I hadn't intended to ask, but...the woman who called herself their mother looked so young in front of me, so my suspicions grew stronger.
"You think I'm their 'step' mother?"
"Yes. She's too young to be the mother of two."
"Hmmm... my dear. That's a problem."
Is this a hit after all?
Saitsuki-san put his hand to his cheek and groaned as if he was deep in thought. His eyebrows were drooping and it was clear that he was confused.
"Um, if it's something difficult to answer, please just ignore it."
"No, I will. It's hard to say, Yohei, but... I'm 42 years old."
"...Um."
That can't be true.
Of course, he didn't say it out loud. It would be too strange for someone his age to look like that.
"You're a real auntie, aren't you?"
"Are you kidding me? You're in your twenties, right?"
"It's true. I know you take care of your appearance, but I never thought you'd look so young."
"...yes?"
Huh?
At first I thought he was just making things up, trying to evade my guess by throwing smoke into the air.
"I'm used to hearing compliments, but... you really mean it, don't you?"
"...Well, yes."
"That's why it's so troubling. You see, we are basically enemies, you know? In a situation where it's obvious that we're trying to find out more, that comment... is a bit absent-minded."
Huh, am I missing something? Me? No no, not at all.
You're not Kiyoshi, so I wish you would stop talking like you're some weird person.
"I don't think you're saying anything strange. People often tell you that you look young, right?
"Given my position, I'm used to being praised, but I'm not so insensitive that I can't sense ulterior motives. I'm not happy about every word from some small-timer who wants to get close to me and make a profit… I'm at a loss."
"Huh? Well, then my guess is--"
"That's way off the mark. You're so stupid... hehe."
Setsu's shoulders were shaking.
Her cheeks were clearly relaxed... and this time she was smiling deeply, right to the back of her eyes.
Apparently, he was serious and found my behavior amusing.
"You're not cut out for business negotiations. You're easy prey in the business world, so don't go into a job where you have to negotiate with people. You're a total loser."
"...It's junk, huh?"
"Shall I say bluntly that he's incompetent? He has absolutely no talent... but I'm confident in my ability to judge people, so there's no doubt about it."
"Is that so?"
"If I wanted to, I'm sure I could mess with your emotions."
"Eh... Scary."
"Scary, right? That's the business world, so be careful. You should know that there are worlds where it's worse to be deceived."
It was kind of a shock, really.
I thought I was a more reliable person, but it seems I wasn't strong enough to engage in a verbal battle with Setsu. I guess I'm not even ready to step onto the battlefield.
"But you seem honest, which is nice. A job as an assistant would be a great fit for you. If I were to hire you, I'd probably hire you as a secretary. I wouldn't have to worry about being betrayed, and I'd have the peace of mind that you'd be fully supported. In that respect, you're an attractive candidate."
Maybe Setsu could sense that I was feeling down.
Although he had been wary up until now, he now said something comforting.
...I think I'm a simple person.
(Normally, I'd be happy)
I felt good when Setsu-san praised me.
And it seems like this person can even see that I'm happy.
"My my. Seriously... it was my fault for trying to figure out what she was thinking. I never thought she'd be this bad at being hostile towards others."
He had an expression that seemed both amazed and amused.
...Well, his attitude seems softer than before. Maybe that's why I didn't feel uncomfortable.