48 Not The Right Time (2/2)

[Winter Fog: He's interesting but he's not quite there yet. Don't mess with him too much and let nature take its course. The time isn't ripe for him to join us yet]

[Autumn Mist: Whatever. I still found him so you have to remember your promise. I'll be expecting you to hold your end of the bargain tomorrow or I'm deleting you from my friend list]

[Winter Fog: I haven't broken a promise yet have I? Rest assured, I will make sure and deliver]

[Autumn Mist: Good! Missing some practice time tomorrow won't be a waste then]

[Winter Fog: You're just using me as an excuse to slack off. You're quite weird sometimes you know]

[Autumn Mist: That's not what you should say to a lady!]

[Winter Fog: Just my honest opinion. It's like I'm dealing with two people whenever I talk to you. The way you switch gears still baffles me]

He had a suspicion after spending some time with Autumn; although she was still different from the one in his memories, he can still feel the similarities between them at some point. Sometimes she would totally be careless and at other times she would be domineering like her old self.

Kazuya had almost already achieved everything he could in the game now that he met with Summer so the only reason for him to log on now was to talk to this nostalgic friend of his. Void Android was already handling all the guild affairs and they had little time left before they started working. He was no longer pressured to log on with a specific agenda in mind.

[Autumn Mist: Why did you suddenly go quiet? Are you AFK?]

[Winter Mist: No, I was wondering if it was time for me to slow down. I really didn't start playing this game to gain fame. I'll probably decide to take it easy one of these days]

[Autumn Mist: As long as you can keep up with me I don't care. You were the one who made me stay in the game despite my intention of only trying it out on the first day. I would have quit the game if that scammer got his way you know]

[Winter Fog: That shouldn't be a problem. I can just stay in the private areas and become a character more focused on crafting]

The two of them chatted for a while before calling it a day. Kazuya went back to his room to find Mei sleeping soundly on his bed. He felt a bit guilty for increasing her workload especially since she had to hide it from Kyouko.

The times she had to work on their company was limited and this was one of the reasons why he convinced Matsuri into joining their team. So far, her role in supporting Mei had been going smoothly. The high regard Mei had for her was for naught but Kazuya was still left unsatisfied. He wanted his big sis to be able to work freely like Kyouko did.

He told Mei that he didn't mind if the establishment was delayed. Kazuya would rather delay the process than seeing her pushing herself, but he told her that it would only last until they got the company up and running.

”Really… such a workaholic… (You don't have to support me in this life you know)” he sighed and took a look at the leftover paperwork on the desk.

There were various issues about the budget. They both decided to not skimp on the necessities because they had to show the employees that they wouldn't regret signing such a strict contract. Kazuya already got the lottery ticket for the end of the year lottery which was the biggest and last lottery he would need to enter.

”Hmm?” he felt Kyouko's presence slowly coming towards his room.

He quietly stepped out of his room to meet her halfway. Mei was already sleeping soundly and he didn't want Kyouko to quarrel with her for making herself at home in his room again.

”Kazuya? Why are you still up?”

”I was going to see if we still had some pudding in the kitchen”

”Is Mei in your room again?” she was already used to her son spoiling her assistant so she saw through him right away. ”You really should stop letting her be too selfish. What you did wasn't your fault and Mei thinks so too”

”It's not that at all mom. I know you and big sis have been working hard so I want to do what I can to help” he honestly replied. Even though it may seem like he favored Mei more, her only advantage was that she acted more selfish than Kyouko when it came to himself.

”I know that. Even though you've changed I'm still your mother you know” She led him to the kitchen and retrieved pudding for both of them. ”So, does that mean that I can sometimes come and sleep with you too?”

”If you want to”

”Hehe, I'm glad to hear that. You used to come to my room all the time and sleep with me you know” she giggled. Mei's position in her son's mind didn't seem to differ much from her at all.

”Do you want me to? I can give you the massage you like so much too” this was a good opportunity. Ever since Mei moved to the Kouzuki household, his chances of enhancing his mother's constitution was significantly lessened.

Kazuya knew that he only had a limited time before his interactions with both ladies would change. He was still in a child's body so it wasn't strange that he slept on the same bed as them but once he reached a certain age, it would be strange for him to keep doing what he has been right now.

”Really?” Kyouko's eyes lit up. Even though both ladies were unable to perceive mana or even know it's existence, both of them have already started noticing the differences whenever they were in a place with high mana concentration.

They proceeded to her room after spending some quality time together. They had a lot of time to spend together because Mei was busy dealing with things she wasn't aware of. This was mainly the cause of concern. Kyouko knew that Mei was hiding something but didn't want to pry too much since she suspected her son might be in on it.

Whatever it was, since Kazuya had a hand in it then it wouldn't be anything bad. Her only concern was if her son was being inconvenienced by her assistant especially since the national tournament he was participating in was very close.

”Hey mom” Kazuya continued his massage and decided to speak.

”What is it?” Ever since she experienced Kazuya's therapy, she hardly ever visited her usual relaxation areas and just headed straight home. He would always happily oblige to her requests and unlike the places she frequented, the results were almost instant.

”Tell me if something is bothering you okay?” Even though he already said it a few times, he still felt that his mother hid things from him. This was obvious especially when it came to matters regarding the Kuroganes. He was curious about his father ever since he met her but it wasn't to the point that he wanted or needed to know.

Judging by his mother's reaction, he knew that it was a sensitive topic. The curiosity Kazuya held towards the Kuroganes were more inclined towards their capabilities and history with the Kouzukis because he wanted to make sure what to expect especially when it came to psychological attacks.

”I will but… Kazuya, you have to understand mom's point of view too you know” she looked directly at his eyes to show her sincerity. ”I know that you care for me and want to protect me but that goes for me too. I don't want you involving yourself in adult matters. I want you to enjoy your childhood and put these concerns at the back of your mind because your mom can handle it”

”I really don't care about who my father is or what capabilities their family has. All I want is to stay here with you, big sis and granny. I won't let them ruin our family. I will do whatever it takes to do so” he held back saying that he would bring the Kuroganes down.

”I'm glad to hear that” she was touched but felt a hint of guilt. Her son had really changed and was maturing by the day. She would be lying if she said she didn't like it but she couldn't help but miss the sweet child that innocently played in their house without a care.

”Thank you, Kazuya. I still want to be able to hold my boy and make a lot more fun memories in exchange for those you've lost so don't grow up too quickly, okay?”

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