223 Adopted Siblings? Whod Believe That!? (1/2)

‘This guy definitely isn’t as harmless as he appears.’

Seiji had this impression of Naoki and warned himself to be cautious of the blonde boy before him.

While having a discussion with this Naoki Hasegawa might not be the best option, it still seemed better than discussing with his younger sister, who was probably still fuming with anger.

At least it seemed like Naoki would be more reasonable.

”As long as you’re someone sent by Yui Haruta,” said Seiji, ”it doesn’t matter who I talk to—as long as we can discuss things properly.”

”That’s fine, then.”

Naoki smiled as he looked at the black-haired girl across from him. ”Before our discussion,” he said, ”I’d like to ask Kagura-san here to leave for the time being.”

”Why’s that?” asked Seiji coldly.

”Because this is an issue about the Haruta family.”

”She’s my adopted younger sister. I have nothing to hide from her.”

”It’s good that you’re so honest with her. But this isn’t about only you.” Naoki continued smiling. ”It’s about you and Milady… so even if it’s just for show, outsiders shouldn’t be here.” He faintly emphasized the word ”outsiders.”

Seiji furrowed his brows slightly.

A moment of silence fell between them.

”After the discussion, feel free to tell her whatever you like. It’s simply asking her to leave for the time being during our discussion; this isn’t something unacceptable, right?” Naoki said casually.

'It has begun,' Iroha thought as she glanced at her brother.

This was a familiar feeling for Iroha. This sinister sensation from her older brother was something she was incredibly familiar with.

Naoki Hasegawa was someone who always appeared harmless on the surface.

He had an ordinary appearance, and he always spoke politely. This impression that he gave others… made it quite easy for them to drop their guard.

But that was only on the surface.

Naoki was actually a hypocritical, vicious person.

Iroha had already witnessed her older brother use underhanded tactics on numerous occasions. He ruined other people’s originally perfect lives or sowed conflict between the people in organizations both large and small with poisoned words, causing individuals—or even groups—to sink into the depths of despair.

Even though Iroha was his blood-related younger sister, she didn’t particularly approve of the fact that he enjoyed doing such things just for the fun of it. It was definitely rather evil.

But still, he was her older brother.

Even if she didn’t approve, Iroha wouldn’t say anything about Naoki’s ”hobbies.” She would simply watch in silence.

Seigo Harano… just how would he deal with her older brother’s hidden venomous fangs? She was looking forward to it.

Asking Shika to leave during the discussion?

He wasn’t certain why he felt so displeased, but his instinct told him that he shouldn’t let her leave.

No, it should be said that he didn’t want her to leave!

”It’s not unacceptable at all, and your request is quite reasonable.” Seiji decided to go with the direct approach. ”But I simply don’t want her to leave my side.”

Naoki’s expression froze over slightly.

An indescribable light flashed through Shika’s eyes.

”Just stay here, Shika-chan,” Seiji said, turning to his adopted sister. ”Don’t mind what this person says; you only have to listen to me.”

”Okay, Brother Seiji.”

Both of them had resolute looks in their eyes.

”Heh heh… this is…” Naoki discovered that he didn’t even know how to respond to this.

That ”small matter” of a request sounded quite reasonable to him, and he acted friendly about it, so he thought that Seiji wouldn’t refuse, but…

What was with this sudden ”forcefulness!?”

‘Didn’t you want to have a discussion? Didn’t you want to gain Milady’s recognition and return to the family!? Be a little more polite with me, you bastard!’ Naoki had an energetic stream of mental comments.