Volume 12 Prologue (2/2)
The difference in taste was inevitable.
Even with that knowledge, G.o.dou and s.h.i.+zuka still used manufactured
soup stock.
It was far more convenient. After all, the simmering required to prepare the
soup stock would take too much trouble.
”All due to diligence, that's Grandpa for you. Completely different from us.”
”Completely agreed, for once. But there also exist people who feel quite
troubled because of it.”
The siblings in the kitchen nodded at each other.
The grandfather in question was currently away on a long-term trip. G.o.dou
had heard that he apparently had a friend in Bhutan (referring to the
country sandwiched between India and China, of course) who helped him
in the past but was now hospitalized.
”I'm going to visit for a bit. While I'm there, over at my friend's, I'll take the
opportunity to tour the surrounding region. I guess I'll probably spend New
Year there too. Please take good care of the house while I am gone.”
That was what he said the day before he set off.
And just like that he abruptly left, so fleet of foot that no one would expect
he was over seventy years old.
But conversely, this could be taken as a showcase of Kusanagi Ichirou's
true personality.
”Since he mentioned touring the surrounding region, he probably won't be
limiting his visit to just the one country of Bhutan, right?”
”Naturally. After all it's Grandpa we're talking about.”
”Although he said he's going over to his friend's... It can't be limited to that
alone, right?”
”...Naturally. After all, it's Grandpa we're talking about.”
s.h.i.+zuka stated her doubts. On his second time answering, G.o.dou's tone of
voice weighed a little heavier.
Not limited to a male friend. A female friend, or even female relations.h.i.+ps
of a more intimate nature.
”I really do like Grandpa, but I've always felt that his female relations.h.i.+ps
have always been a sore sight.”
”Well, I think so too.”
”Good, then please pay attention in the future.”
”What do you mean?”
”Like getting involved with strange women. Although you haven't gotten
used to getting along with girls yet, Onii-chan, you've started crossing
paths with girls without noticing. And quite frequently too.”
”s.h.i.+zuka... Don't talk as if Grandpa and I were of the same type.”
Eyes looking off to the distance, G.o.dou started to complain.
”Although this really isn't anything worth bragging about, I have never
talked to any girl for a lengthy amount of time apart from you. Oh, I guess
there is Tokunaga Asuka, but she's a bit different from being a girl.”
”Very good, Onii-chan. Just continue to work hard and maintain the status
quo.”
In response to G.o.dou's indolent grumbling, s.h.i.+zuka looked quite pleased
for some reason.
”If you're going to be that smug, feel free to back it up with some support.”
”Fine, I'm not going to remain silent about the extremely rude thing you
said about Asuka-chan.”
Seeing his sister's smug smile, G.o.dou scratched his head.
He had apparently said something wrong without noticing. Anyway, Asuka
was a childhood friend since before kindergarten. Dismissing the matter as
”whatever,” G.o.dou happened to glance at the calendar by chance.
”Say, Christmas is coming up soon.”
”Now what are you talking about? It's already December. Namely, the most
lonely month for single guys and girls out of the entire year.”
s.h.i.+zuka said this with a cheerful tone.
”Onii-chan, are you going spend Christmas Eve at home again? Anyways,
mom won't be back so we can share the cake just between the two of us.
Oh! Or how about we get Asuka-chan and Sakura-chan and throw together
a small party?”
”Hmm... Sorry, but let me hold off answering for a little while..”
”Eh? Impossible! You have someone else with whom to spend Christmas
Eve together?!”
”No, it's not like that. For some reason I feel like there's an important event
coming up, but just what is it?
Head c.o.c.ked to one side, G.o.dou continued to stare at the calendar in
puzzlement.
The latter half of December. Approximately on the 24th or 25th. There was
apparently something prearranged for sure —
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