Chapter 391 - JUST FOR FAMILY (1/2)

Sayaka did not know if it was her imagination, but it felt like there was some distance between them once again. However, she did not feel like she had acted inappropriately. She wanted her family to be peaceful and harmonious.

Was it too much to ask?​​

And she had come to discover that Akira was a sweet and open-minded girl. Perhaps, she was overthinking the situation. There is no way Akira would hold a grudge over the small things that Hanae had done.

”Why don't we hold a barbeque in the backyard this evening? We can eat, drink and put all bad feelings behind us.” Sayaka said with an enthusiastic smile.

”It's been a while since I had good barbeque ribs.” Kazuo smiled happily.

”What are you talking about? I made you some delicious pork ribs the other day.” Chiharu said softly with rebuke.

Kazuo laughed. ”They were quite tasty, but it is not the same. Barbeque requires an outdoor environment with grills.”

”I will invite Sanraku. He has been hoping to see Daiki lately.” Kaoru smiled.

With the topic change, the atmosphere changed from one of solemnity to that of a happy family. It was almost as if the earlier unpleasantness was swept away by a soft breeze. Akira looked on with some hidden amusement.

Was this façade the meaning of family?

She could not figure out why these people were satisfied with the outward appearance of purity and joy while their hearts hid darkness and schemes. They were all smiling, but each had an agenda buried inside.

She wondered if she would have been better growing up in this environment or if she had escaped the duplicity of the affluent.

Her childhood, after being kidnapped and being left to her other mother, was not much different from Nanase's. She was put under a strict learning schedule. The strong foundation she established in that period before going to the Immortal Sword Valley was the reason she was able to rise through the brigade.

Her other mother was not affectionate, but she was not bad. She cared for her and ensured she was healthy and safe. But her requirements for her learning were too high. Luckily, she could keep up with the pace she set.

Otherwise, it would have been difficult to gain a foothold in the Immortal Sword Brigade and earn her freedom from the strict life.

Despite her other mother's shortcomings, she did not pretend to be something she was not. She was a driven and focused woman with an uncompromised view on most things.

This thought made her a little curious about her other mother's blood family. She had always refused to dig into the matter due to respect for the woman. Perhaps it was time to unravel her strange childhood…

”Akira, do you want to call Seiji?” Sayaka spoke, breaking Akira from her thoughts.

”You can call him. I want to call Kaito and invite him over.” Akira responded.

Sayaka thought of the wild man who was always disappearing from the city or clinging to Akira and felt uncomfortable.

”The barbeque is just for the family.” Sayaka could not help saying.

”Oh, if he can't come, then I will have to leave,” Akira said with a subtle smile.