Now Eto and Akira were seated at the dining table, as Mado Kureo brought out the prepared dinner from the kitchen.
"Let's eat."
"..."
The three people at the table pressed their palms together, performing the pre-meal ritual.
Besides some home-cooked dishes, there was curry on the table.
Though not extravagant, Mado Kureo's cooking skills were quite good.
"It smells delicious, but... seems a bit spicy?"
Eto could naturally smell the spiciness of the dishes.
Apart from the rice, which was mild, the entire table seemed to be spicy.
"It's fine. I think it's perfectly delicious this way."
Akira said casually.
As she spoke, she spooned some curry rice into her mouth.
From Akira's reaction, it seemed to be quite tasty.
Seeing this, Eto didn't think too much about it and tried a bite of curry rice.
The result was instant—her mouth was on fire.
"...!"
Eto's expression changed slightly.
But she managed to endure it, her face just slightly flushing, before asking: "You can both enjoy food this spicy...?"
"Is it spicy? I was thinking of adding more."
Akira said with a calm expression.
Seeing that both Akira and Mado Kureo seemed completely unfazed, Eto understood—this father-daughter pair must have unique taste preferences...
This level of spiciness that she found unbearable, the Mado family could eat with relish...
But there was no helping it now. She could only force herself to keep eating, drinking water occasionally to relieve the burning sensation.
"Half-ghouls... are truly remarkable. Being able to sit at the dinner table and eat with us."
At that moment, Mado Kureo suddenly spoke.
"...That's why the Washuu Clan went to such lengths to create half-ghouls."
Eto said softly.
Mado Kureo nodded slightly. "I've heard about the Washuu Clan's affairs. I've also learned some things about Miss Yoshimura."
"Mado-san... are you being this courteous to me for Byakuya's sake and for the bigger picture of the CCG?"
Eto asked directly.
"..."
Mado Kureo was silent for a moment. "Besides that, I have no other choice. No matter how much I dwell on the past, I can't possibly make a move against you now."
What she said was more or less accurate. Byakuya's relationship with Eto, and the CCG's cooperation with Aogiri Tree—all of it left him powerless.
Moreover, even if this were the perfect opportunity with the One-Eyed Owl appearing before him alone, he couldn't defeat her and might even put his daughter in danger.
"This situation is quite awkward for me too."
Eto sighed. "But there is one piece of news that could be considered good news. Your wife—Akira-san's mother—might actually be able to return to your side."
"..."
Hearing this, both Mado Kureo and Akira froze.
Their faces showed disbelief. Mado Kasuka had passed away so many years ago—how could she possibly return to them?
Anyone hearing this would think it impossible.
"Your reactions are exactly as I expected. To be honest, I found it hard to believe when I first heard it too. But this information came from Byakuya."
Seeing Akira's and Mado Kureo's reactions, Eto wasn't surprised at all. "From what I know of Byakuya, he never exaggerates. If he's said something, he can basically accomplish it. So I believe this can be trusted."
"It was actually Byakuya who said this...?"
Surprise still showed on Akira's face. "If he said it, then it really might be possible..."
"My wife... will return?"
Mado Kureo still hadn't recovered from the shock.
This was clearly an impossible thing, yet the name "Byakuya" made this utterly impossible matter become uncertain.
"I believe in Byakuya's abilities."
Eto said.
"Speaking of which... Byakuya must be planning something, right? Including this Tailed Beast incident—I can't imagine what his purpose is..."
At that moment, Akira brought up Byakuya.
Her intuition told her that Byakuya must have something very important going on. But it didn't seem related to ghouls or the Dragon Orphans, leaving her with almost no clues. This made her even more curious.
"It seems he hasn't told you yet. That guy really is something, always making girls worry about him."
Next, Eto shared what she had heard from Byakuya about the "Eye of the Moon Plan."
"In short, the ultimate goal of this Eye of the Moon Plan is to achieve the Infinite Tsukuyomi. I can't explain the specific principles either. I only know he told me it's an ability of his eyes, and in the end, it can turn all ghouls back into humans."
Eto said frankly. "Although this sounds like complete fantasy coming from my mouth, I've always believed that whatever Byakuya says, he can accomplish."
"Indeed... too many incredible things have already happened with Byakuya. Adding one more miraculous thing wouldn't be surprising."
Akira nodded.
"Akira is right. Just the existence of those eyes means we can't view Byakuya through normal logic."
Mado Kureo remarked.
Whether it was the Rinnegan, the Mangekyo Kamui, or the Tomoe Sharingan—all of them completely exceeded the understanding of people in this world.
Logic simply didn't apply to Byakuya.
"If Mrs. Mado really can return, I'll visit the Mado residence again then."
A kind smile appeared on Eto's face. "The reason I specifically came to visit today was actually to discuss these matters. I'm sorry for putting Mado Kureo in an awkward position."
"Not at all. Though I can't completely let go of my hatred, I'm not forcing myself too much either."
Mado Kureo said. "Besides, I should thank you for bringing us this wonderful news."
Of course, this was just polite talk. After all, Eto was the one who had killed Mado Kasuka. Genuinely thanking the killer for something like this would be truly bizarre.
"I wouldn't dare. I shouldn't speak too confidently. If it doesn't work out, that would be awkward."
Eto quickly said.
"Eto-san, after dinner, let me walk you home."
At that moment, Akira smiled gently.
Eto had originally wanted to leave halfway through the meal since she could barely handle the spiciness anymore.
But Akira's words put her in an awkward position—she couldn't just find an excuse to leave now.
The rarely-troubled Eto had no choice but to force herself to continue eating.
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"