I don't really have any excuses to give you guys other than I had no time. I really didn't. A lot of stuff happened and right now, I am contemplating a lot of stuff. Warning: this series will end fairly soon. Next chapter or the one after. I just wanted you guys to know.


To say that they were scared would be an understatement. Besides, I had the same question myself. Parents, no matter how bad they are, should take responsibility of their children. When they abandon them, no matter what the reason is, I cannot say they are good parents. Being gone for a few weeks is one thing; disappearing for over several years is another. Then again, time has a different effect on youkai here since death is no longer an issue; it's our life now.

"Oh, come now, Shi-kun. You don't need to be so uptight." …Shi-kun. You know, that was rather suiting, if you mean the "shi" for civil service. It was so ironic. Katashi apparently has no mercy for his parents, and frankly, I don't even have the sympathy to give to them at this point. Given the treatment Kei-chan has given to both O-koh-san, and I, I could easily look away from such an argument for a few minutes. Besides, what do I know at this time other than they left Kei-chan in the hands of Katashi? Might be worth listening in.

"Oka-san, Otou-san, what's up? Have you got any presents for me?!"

"Now, now. My dear child, we have brought plenty of things for you." Just as they bring out the gifts, Katashi slams his hand on the table in front of them, drawing the whole situation back to the main issue: where they were and what they have been doing as of late. Frankly, it was and still is bizarre how it was that they gave birth to one of the most meticulous and strict persons I've ever met, but we all change to meet our needs, I guess.

As the argument continued to destroy all the appliances in my house, I made a notice of what broke or became damaged in the process. A dented table here, broken tatami mats there, the broken door and window, the holes in the apartment. Considering the likeliness that the apartment would fall apart before the "discussion" finished, I decided to step in. I mean, if the apartment collapsed, who would they blame it on? Of course, Katashi, but me as well since I did nothing to forego the annihilation of the apartment.

"All right, that is far enough!" I grabbed all of them by the ear and dragged them outside, Katashi's parents included. I didn't care who started this fiasco anymore; this situation needed to be resolved here and now. Taking out the piece of paper with all the destroyed or damaged goods, I totaled up the price for which it would take to repair or replace everything. You could say the reaction is rather mild.

"… Katashi, son. It's all up to you." I could easily say that my respect for elders began wearing thin on me.

"Oku-san, Katashi is not the only person to blame for this. On charges of entering into private property without consent and stealing property for consuming without permission, I ought to turn you two over to the Tengu police." Seeing the two elders gulp made me a little bit less annoyed simply because they would have deserved that punishment.

"Furthermore, Kei-chan, you now owe me a part of your salary to pay for the window you broke."

"B-but what about Onii-chan!? He broke stuff too!"

"And he will pay for that out of his own pocket. However, remember what I said before, Kei-chan? You are now responsible for everything you do which includes this. The window's your mess, so you clean it up." To say she was distraught would be an understatement. As it turns out, she had been playing quite a bit, so the thought that her "hard earned money" would be used for something other than partying did not sit well with her. No matter.

"Ka-" Cutting Katashi off was not originally my intention, but given the situation, I thought even I would have the right to scold him.

"Katashi, I scolded you before for destroying property that isn't yours. I am not clean, but I did pay for that mistake. You should know better than anyone else here that you must the one to take responsibility for what you do." Sighing out of annoyance, I thought for a second that I might get a comment back, but considering his silence, he probably knew that in this case, I held the upper hand. No matter what sort of arguments you have, you leave unassociated people out of the conversation or situation. When you break that and disturb others with your problems without consent, that point in time is when you stop.

"Still, what do you propose I do with these pathetic excuses of parents? In the future, you may have to see them more often." Whether or not Katashi was suggesting what I thought he was suggesting, I didn't care at this point. I would deal with it when I got to that point in time. Not before.

"Let's just leave that to the side for now. Besides, what am I supposed to do with these sort of accommodations? Keep in mind that we still have work to attend to tomorrow morning." Gesturing towards the room, even Katashi felt responsible. Guilty, no. Simply because he is technically justified in what he did in his eyes.

Suffice it to say, I had a field day, taking out the slackers we dubbed his parents. Needless to say, speed became a necessity for the carpenter. Replacing objects is easy enough, provided it is not pinned to something. Repairing would be another. After apologizing to the landowner about the disaster that recently occurred, he took little heed to it since the building is not that new and considering that I am not the sole blame, but Katashi, he understood. Katashi's rather destructive behaviors never really surprised any youkai after seeing what he does to Enma-daiou.

Knowing that the carpenter would prefer to work in peace and without distraction, I dragged Katashi's parents out for shopping. They did, after all, become the source of the problem and are indeed "criminals", so a little redeeming seemed to be a start. I told Katashi to remain behind with Kei because knowing her, she would destroy more than help and Katashi with his parents would only spur further arguments. Besides, I thought that given more time, I could perhaps come to understand the nature of Katashi's parents.

"So, you are the lover Kei-chan spoke of. You handled Shi-kun rather well." Well, if I didn't stop him, who would? I genuinely ask this question because I would love to take a holiday from babysitting Katashi every so often. It is rather stressful at times.

"Indeed, I am, but if you think that I condone your actions just from that, I would hope you to be more considerate." At this time, she held up a daikon, checking how fresh it was. I had to admit, I could see who had the meticulous nature of the parents. She noticed even the smallest of cuts and chose the best vegetables and haggled better than anyone I knew, including Katashi. Still, I had questions that needed answers.

"Considerate? How so, child?"

"Perhaps you would like to enlightenment as to why you haven't been back in all this time." At this time, it has been almost two years since I came into the department. It seemed a little odd that I hadn't heard of them coming at least once in that time period.

"Ah… that's… a difficult topic." How is it a difficult topic? I am not asking for something particularly difficult. I just am asking for some justification.

"Is it? I don't ask where you have gone or what was there. I ask for a justification for your action." Is that such an unreasonable question? A justification for your being away from your needy daughter for so long?

"We parents need some quality time, as you can see. Kei-chan doesn't really let us have that time."

"I can see that, but how does that grow to be several months or over a year?" A month is reasonable; any longer, it becomes more of an excuse than a justification. I may not be a mother, but I know fully well what a mother should be. Mother always made sure to take care of us, even when times were busy. She never forgot what is more important in life.

"Dear lady, do you think that Shi-kun would have been as capable as he is now if we did not push him to be in charge of Kei-chan? To be fair, he was the far more troublesome child because he did as he pleased if the situation would allow him to do so." Sir, even so… that's not an excuse. I may be flexible on most things, but the only true thing I hold true even now is my dedication to children. If we, the adults, do not provide a proper example as how to act, how will they ever know? Knowledge is only useful if applied to the world we live in.

"Perhaps, but you sacrificed your other child. She is not one to take care of herself solely because of this. Dropping a cub, hoping it will land is not the way to do things." Hozuki-chichi-ue then came up to answer that question. I first noticed how Hozuki-haha-ue changes her expression, but that thought became lost after what I heard from Hozuki-chichi-ue.

"However, my daughter was not my primary concern at the time; my lazy son was. He only learned how to do things out of necessity. What other way to teach him how to be caring other than have him taking care of his little sister who he is obligated to help?" I couldn't bear to hear any longer. Any parent who selfishly chooses that the life of one of his children over the life of another in favorable conditions is inexcusable. Had they been poor and were starving, I could sympathize and perhaps understand, but no. There was no starvation in Hell, except for punishment. We had programs in place to feed those in need, shelter for those who had none. Just what sort of justification is that? It is logical, but no compassion in my heart could potentially make me remotely sympathetic anymore.

Considering that I destroyed the ground beneath me in order to make a point, you could say this is more infuriating than anything I knew. Seeing Hozuki-san's father flinch at the sight of the broken ground, I grabbed him by the collar and threw him into the Scalding Cauldron in the department. His mother, clearly knowing the consequences should she disobey, followed my steps as I headed towards the department. By the time I arrived, Hozuki-san was already waiting. After quickly writing up a check to pay for the damage, I warned the rest of the employees to tell them that if they wanted to survive, they would vacate the premises.

Take into consideration what I know about parents, I already knew that there were certain values that should never be forgotten. My father and mother never once put their work above taking care of Sumire and I; they always found ways to prioritize us whenever the situation deemed it necessary. Even when Sumire and I were just having nightmares from a story when we were young, Father and Mother stayed with us during the night, holding our hands. I know they remained by our sides for the entire time because their hands still gripped ours when I awoke. I know I shouldn't expect that much dedication from other parents towards their children, but abandoning one child for the sake of another? I could never condone that.

"Your daughter was not your primary concern? I ought to hang you for that. No parent would even chose between their children unless it was absolutely necessary and as far as I see, you could afford to cherish her." Tying up my potential father-in-law might have been bad diplomatic relations, but I could not stand by and let these sort of people simply do as they please.

"Just what do you think is the purpose of children? If you wish to be rational and weigh the costs and benefits, a baby is the most useless investment ever because you will never get that money and time back in those terms." I'm being rather blunt. If you think of things economically, children are a waste of time. However, what we get out of children is a treasure that cannot be measured by money or anything along those lines. These sort of priceless moments are what makes living, be it in Hell or the Mortal World, worth surviving through. If you treat your children simply as a means to an end, then I cannot think well of your character.

"…. To continue the family line. Young lady, what do you possibly know about such a thing as taking care of children?" And you sir believe that you are better? I beg to differ.

"And why is that so important? Tradition? Duty? What? What could it possibly be other than morality and good character? I could easily believe you did it out of sadism since your son must have learned his example from someone. However you used reason to combat me and you cannot even utilize it." Let us be fair. I am not against logic, but I'm against cold logic. If we only considered logic and ignored compassion, there would be no need for hells. Everyone would do as they told and never sinned.

"And you state that you do? What does a child like you understand about balancing? I grant you, you are a very logical person, but you use empathy in cases where it would normally be impossible to use." I gripped my

"What else could I use in such a case? We are not talking about inanimate objects here! We are talking about Kei-chan, your daughter. A youkai."

"Hmph. A daughter who did nothing to aid the family. What a pathetic excuse of a child." Where have I heard that phrase before? Oh, right. Hozuki-san. Like father, like son, I guess. Still, I think Hozuki-san is a lot more reasonable than Hozuki-chichi-ue; at least he didn't abandon his sister.

"So, at least you acknowledge she is a living creature. When you state the value of living being, you are giving it an intrinsic value that cannot be taken away and yet you treat her as a means to an end. How hypocritical." At this point, I was so fed up that I nearly left. No matter what I could muster, respect just wasn't coming through. Well, that was until Hozuki-haha-ue came in and smacked her husband to the neighboring building. Well, at least I know where Hozuki-san gets his strength from.

After dusting off whatever came onto her kimono, Oku-san came towards me with a rather wide smile and I could swear I heard giggling. To say I was a little confused would be an understatement. Then again, to give birth to creatures such as Kei-chan and Katashi, the mother must be a rather interesting individual herself.

"My apologies about my husband. He says those things, but I think he's trying to justify to himself his actions when he knows he was in the wrong." I could see that, but I stopped caring at this point. I could imagine both the pain and such, but I will not forfeit my ideals just yet. I may be young, but I hardly think that changing with the times is something I plan on doing.

"Even so, I think I have a right to advocate what I believe. Besides, both of you decided to enter into my apartment without permission and broke so much. Am I not entitled at least my own opinions on my private property?"

"That may be so, but this may not bode well for you, considering you are Shi-kun's partner." I knew too well.

"Haha-ue, please be reasonable. Do you expect someone who manages to attract a youkai such as me to be so easy on others?" Please. If I had the capacity to be so compassionate, I would not be in Hell to begin with, now would I? To be compassionate, you have to hold to your own principles, but be willing to accept others' as well. I can to a degree, but I would never give into certain things and some crimes, I will never forgive.

"Besides, Chichi-ue has no right to judge anymore." Here, I realized that I let my temper get before me a little. Admittingly, I knew logically that he probably suffered in his own way, but to me, that didn't matter. If I were to be so accepting of such ideals, I would be so hypocritical on the one ideal I would never wish to even bend.

"Ho ho. I see my son has chosen a lovely bride."… b-bride? Um… well, I guess so? We've only been together for about a year or so. By today's standards, that's not truly enough for a marriage unless under arranged marriages and even then, this was rather quick. Though I never truly minded the idea, it wouldn't really sit well with me being a bride. Not yet, at least. Besides, what would that mean? I stay home while Katashi does all the work? Like that is going to happen.

"In any case, Katashi, go pick up your father with your mother and let me deal with the paperwork. Any more interactions with your father today will result in something catastrophic happening." That much had to be said, at the least in this case. Katashi was hesitant in leaving me alone, but I doubt it was for my own good. I could imagine he wanted answers as to why I was so troubled, but he knew I would eventually tell him with time.

Seeing that I would have quite a time dealing with the cleanup, I took it upon myself to clean up as much as I could without the contractors. I could at least clear the way of debris so they can judge how much it would cost me to repair. Besides, being alone with my thoughts is better for times like this. After all, I saw no reason to deal with more people with my anger.

Considering how the wooden supports were relatively stable and the only damage were on the roof beams and tiles, my work seemed rather easy for my convenience. Besides, as it turns out, Enma-daiou came out to the hall to see what the fuss was about, which was rather amusing. He was in casual sleepwear and had his hair down, which is very bizarre, especially given the size of Enma-daiou. I guess after what happened, anyone would have noticed.

"Minamoto-chan?! What has happened?" To say he was a little concerned would be an understatement.

"Nothing much, Enma-daiou. Rest assure, I will pay for the roof."

"That's not the issue here, Minamoto-chan." I didn't think it was, but to be fair, but I highly doubted that being social at a time like this would help.

"I know, but unless you're willing to get new scars, if you please?"

Enma-daiou didn't say much about the issue, but I imagine that the state I was in wasn't the usual moods. I normally had composure, even when angry. However, I guess this was one of the few times that there was no logical reason to be like this. Following the next hour, we talked about anything else on our minds. The weather, not that it changed much, the recent politics in the Mortal world and such. As it turned out, youkai politics were more straightforward than I thought. Most of people here lived with straightforward thoughts and if there were any politics, it would usually be something that were at least reasonable in my eyes. It is amazing to think that demons are more upfront and honest than humans are. However, Enma-daiou said something that did shock me.

"If you're going to worry about everything in death, then you're going to watch the rest of your death go by without you." … how ironic to hear about this from Enma-daiou, but then again, he has to have some mental merits. Otherwise he would have given up being the judge since long again.

Afterwards, I had no other choice but to return to my apartment. Luckily for me, the carpenter gave me something to block the door with. With a metal chisel and hammer, I carved the words "You enter, you'll suffer." A warning was necessary for this much. After entering into my apartment, I sorted through things that would be useless and tossed them outside to be recycled. Frankly, you'd think after all of this time, I'd get used to have my apartment destroyed, but no such thing occurred. Considering though the damages, I at least still had a relatively sturdy futon and aside from the door and window, the damages could be covered and the draft wouldn't come in. However, before I was really able to settle down, Katashi decided to come back. Was he guilty? If he was, I certainly had to work to see that in his expression.

He helped with the cleaning, but somehow, I doubted that he came simply because he was guilty. Probably had some incentive from the parents and such. Still, I was glad for anything at this moment. After all, I wasn't in the mood to continuously clean forever. Anything to make it faster was ideal.

"Kanna, you look tired. I'll take care of the remaining clean up. Take a rest." For once, I did give in. To be fair, I was not feeling the best either. It just drained me the thought about the cleanup. Besides, what his mother just said to me, I couldn't really wrap the concept around my head. After all, a bride was something I gave up on. To be fair, I didn't think I'd ever be in an environment suitable for children or any sort of personal life, but Hell has shown to me to be the most stable lifestyle I've ever had. How strange the thought was.

After seeing Kohaku-kun, I knew I loved children. Visiting Sumire was a rare occasion and to avoid unwanted attention, I would wait in the back with Kohaku-kun while Sumire worked quietly. Kohaku-kun was a very silent and easy baby. He didn't cry as much as other babies and actively moved around. Of course, that would be tiresome to some people, but for someone like me, children were angels. They were always very honest about what they wanted and pure in what they chose. They never asked for complicated things, but rather the small little things like a hug, a small toy or a smile. They always knew what was the most important. Of course, as they grew older, they forgot that, but when they were young, they knew.

When seeing Sumire, there were times when I was jealous beyond remorse, but I bore through it. I knew she deserved the happiness she got. I knew fully well that to keep that happiness, she needed someone to look after her. Even if I couldn't have the family I dreamed of, she would. Sumire was and still is a person who deserved that sort of joy. The concept was something other people knew about; to put into practice was always harder than it looked. To ensure that, I sacrificed my own personal life. I didn't really mind considering I wasn't really wife material and the idea that there'd be such a man who would not use me solely for my connections was odd.

Now that the situation was before me, I really didn't know how to react. Instead of dealing with a potential mother-in-law, I left for my apartment. What I really didn't want to see though was a mob out to kill me right in front of my room. I figured it would spread throughout the entire department, but one hour after Katashi's parents arrived wasn't what I had in mind. Furthermore, I didn't really have the patience to deal with them. They didn't get to see me, so I walked over towards O-koh-san's room. I could go to Katashi's but I had the distinct feeling that I would meet my potential father-in-law if I went towards the department.

O-koh-san let me in with glee. I had a distinct feeling she already knew, but I refrained from really delving into her ideas. I made it very clear that even if it got to that point, I wouldn't just drop my job and stuff. I couldn't imagine wasting away my days inside. Not in an apartment by myself with nothing by my own thoughts. That concept was truly frightening. Children, I would understand, but with my situation at the time, I didn't think that I could take it at the time. After all, I was thrown into Hell only within a year or so. Getting married so quickly? Sounded odd.

"Sounds like you and Hozuki-oku-san would get along well." Well, it wasn't a bad concept. Having a mother-in-law who wouldn't hate me would be nice. After all, enough stories about disputes between in-laws spread even in our times.

At the time, we were drinking tea for the evening after eating. After work conversations with another female was rare, especially since it didn't involve work itself. Katashi and I rarely talked about light topics, so O-koh-san would be my occasional companion. It would be odd after all if I spoke only to Katashi. I did need a life without him occasionally.

"That is if Hozuki-san and I even attain that level of intimacy. I would find it strange, if not unprecedented after all. I am not one to particularly rush into these sort of things and Hozuki-san probably would prefer to avoid a headache."

"Still, I have high doubts that Hozuki-sama would choose anyone else. After all, he does have the highest standards possible." That he did. That he did.

"Besides, when have you two done anything together that is romantic or not for work?" Very rarely, I think? After all, he and I didn't really like the concept of it. We had nothing to really do together aside from work and our hobbies usually involved solo work. Besides, that might have been the best for us. We didn't need all the extremely romantic stuff. It'd be nice to hear those sentiments every so often, but reality was that I wouldn't believe in it that much. The only way Katashi would act like that is if someone poisoned him with an aphrodisiac. That or if he became so drunk that he became obsessive, but I never saw it with my own eyes. Besides, I trust in him enough that he wouldn't force it unless he absolutely felt the need. It's not like I intend on imposing the feelings on him.

"No, but that's fine. We're not like that anyways." The way O-koh-san looked at me showed some aspect of surprise, but it isn't something I took too much mind to.

"Now, that I think should be remedied a little. Minamoto-san, you should try to do something outside of work occasionally." I wouldn't deny that, but even on our days off, we take care of so much that we don't really relax. Besides, isn't being around each other enough? We enjoy more of each other's company because we don't act so overbearing to one another. We may not necessarily do the more romantic things, but at this time, we were starting to. Well…. if the fact he stripped me partially and left a hickey doesn't indicate romantic if not downright sexual, nothing will except the act itself.

"Doing what? Katashi and I are workaholics. We enjoy working. I admit, it is stressful, but it's not in our natures to sit down and do nothing with our time. Besides, we like that sort of relationship. It's not something so dramatic and we both keep our independent lives. What would you propose would remedy that sort of relationship?"

"… how about walking together and having a decent meal in a restaurant? It would make it easier." We've done that though…..

"O-koh-san, we may be less romantic than some would desire, but even we have done that as a couple."

"…. With different appearances and mindset? "I take this idea in with some salt. It would be almost the same as usual, but perhaps the mood would differ. Then again, no one really knew. Katashi and I never really strive to be romantic and we communicated, but often, I feel that we would misunderstand one another at times. Still, I never care to change that. We accept each other with such broad and bizarre expectations to the point where neither of us expect anything to come out of it. Now that the situation presents itself, we really should consider this.

"Perhaps, but probably not right now. For the sake of both of our sanities."

"If not now, then when?"

"At least until the storm passes. O-koh-san, let's get some rest. We will need it for tomorrow's mob."

The next morning, I prepared for the worst. Taking the tanto and wakabashi, I sharpened them and prepped whatever I could. It wasn't going to be something more hazardous than usual, but before I was dealing with different expectations. Now, it was the parents. I should expect the worst. I went to the department with my wakabashi and well… to say it was a nightmare would be one way of putting it.

Half of the department left flowers of congrats for Katashi and I because I finally met my potential in-laws. The other half simply stared at me and glared. Bludgeoning through the day, we finished up the last of the proposals and set up the first projects for improving the government. Katashi and I spread out and tried to deal with a new problem: internal mutiny. Yes, mutiny. If people going into battles over which couple is better, Hakutaku-san and Katashi or Katashi and I, instead of working doesn't count as mutiny, I'm not sure what does.

"Minamoto-aneki is most suited for Hozuki-sama!" … wouldn't this be something we decide on? Yeesh, you would think that with all the problems in Hell, this sort of gossip would die out. Guess too much time on their hands.

"How are you so blind?! Hakutaku-san and Hozuki-san have a forbidden relationship that we should all treasure!" … if they are hoping for something between those two, I'd leave it at brothers. Any further, we're going to have to deal with two morons in something, although tempting, that we can agree cannot happen.

Amusing at it was to see that nearly half of the department was up in arm on a problem that was hardly their concern, I thought it best to step in. Now, I figured that I'd make my point absolutely clear. Apparently, there is some way to get people to listen to reason: absolute terror. You see, in my opinion, there were times which required a little bit of hierarchy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I remind you that we are still in WORKING HOURS?" The aura of complete darkness permeated throughout the department. After all, gossip only lasts as long as we allow it. Since Katashi remained indisposed at this time, I thought it would be best to make our sentiments clear. Yeesh, what is it with people are coupling? Scratch that. Don't tell me. I would shiver at the thought.

"Look, whatever our relationship is, KEEP YOUR GOSSIP OUT OF THE WORKPLACE. If the couple in question can do this, surely, the bystanders can as well." Most just looked at me with dark eyes. Of course they thought we would never understand. After all, none of us want to understand the minds of complete fanatics with disregard for the feelings of the concerned individuals.

After smashing it in their heads that work still existed, I checked over the work that was completed. Not to my surprise, the reports from the previous days were sloppy and needed redoing. Luckily, the current staff was adept enough for that task, but what surprised me was that the remaining unassigned staff spent the time studying. I guess there was only so much that we knew. I could guess that I needed to relearn what I knew from before, as well. That and it would help out.

"Minamoto, you didn't return to your room, so the carpenter left the bill to me. Head over once you're free." I picked up the bill and walked past Hozuki without really thinking much into it. After all, I imagine he wouldn't wish to talk about the current situation until he had the time to fully get all of his anger out and into work.

Well, it would have been the case if Hozuki's parents didn't decide to sit in the department. They thought it to be interesting to watch their son and potential daughter-in-law working. At this point, I could easily see that this would not end well. The entire department already had enough fueling their interest with the clash from earlier that day, but adding Hozuki's parents into the mix just made the situation burn more. Trying to bury the angering thoughts in my head, I head out to do my inspection rounds and left my staff to deal with the remaining paperwork. After all, one does need to stretch the legs after writing up several new proposals.

Of course, it didn't go unnoticed.

"Minamoto-sama, where are you heading?" I crinkled my eyebrows curiously. Why would it seem odd that I was leaving? I would leave at different times for inspections and moving paperwork around often. Why now?

"Inspections." They fidgeted a bit and I knew.

"… what did you say to Hozuki-san's parents? You do realize that we're in working hours?" All of them shook their heads furiously. This just made me more curious. What could have possibly have frightened them so much? It wasn't like there was a need to interact with them….

"We, um, tried to offer them some refreshments. The, um, gentleman didn't take well to it. He asked for you, Minamoto-sama." … what could he have to say to me? I mean, aside from an apology from insulting him yesterday, but I had no intention of giving it. Walking over to my potential father-in-law, I thought it best to bring something like a stalemate argument. After all, what else would I be willing to compromise?

I sat down next to him and poured a cup of tea. He didn't really say much as he examined me. It wasn't difficult to realize that he critiqued me heavily. The way I moved, the manner of which I analyzed him, even the sounds. All of it. Clearly, Hozuki-chichi-ue posed as a more difficult opponent than most. After all, dealing with a man who sired Katashi could never pose such an easy target.

"Danna-sama, why are you here? Civilians, regardless of relations are not to be given access without proper authorization. I doubt even Katashi-san would let you in without the correct papers."

"Hush, child. I did not come here for my son. I came to discuss matters with you."

"Could this not have waited til after hours? It would cause less a scandal." I had no delusions on the matter. No matter what I do, any meeting with Katashi's parents would result in endless rumors that would need to be suppressed and proxy wars between the fan clubs. At least in the privacy of the homes, the public would not need to know the particulars.

"No, it could not."

Seeing Hozuki-chichi-ue stand up with his cane, it became clear to me that he did value privacy. More likely he had no other way to talk to me in private except when Katashi proved himself too busy to interfere. I gesture him towards the gardens in hopes to find a few quiet moments to discuss what needed to be spoken.

Once in the garden, I observed the elder man and realized more and more how much Katashi resembled him. Not just in stoicism, practicality and stubbornness, but also in his hidden ways of showing compassion. Katashi may not know this, but he shows compassion when he least expects it. In his cooking, his actions and even his words. He may appear cold, but he shows what he can. How I came to this conclusion? Based on this sentence here.

"My apologies if my ingrate son has caused problems in your life." I stared at Hozuki-chichi-ue at such a statement.

"…. What prompted this? Did Hozuki-oku-san scold you for this?"

"Yes and among other things. I know fully well my duties to my son. I am not foolish enough to not take responsibility for my son."

"So, what was so urgent? I doubt an apology on my behalf would deem itself so necessary that it could not wait for another few hours."

"Shut up and listen, child. I am doing this now while I still find the will to do so." Clearly, like father like son. Blunt and straightforward like knives. I closed my lips upon seeing the slight worry in Hozuki-chichi-ue's eyes. I thought my eyes were tricking me, but my doubt left me the more I listened to him.

"I am aware that I am no ideal fatherly figure. Same applies to my wife, but we both agreed that we would not smother our children with spoils. That would only lead to their downfall." I concurred with the thought, but their method left something to be desired.

"I am fully aware it's not my place anymore to rule over his life. We tossed that right away when we left him to his own devices without any guidance. It made him stronger, so I have no regrets over it." That was when he looked at me with earnest eyes and bowed down to me. I almost lost my footing at the sight.

"So, take care of my son. He may be hard to deal with, but he will be a proper husband to you and a wise father to your children." I blushed at the thought of children, but I shook it away as I closed the gap between my "father-in-law" to bring him out of his bow. Now, you'd think I'd be sweet with him, right? Well, you were wrong. I was still annoyed with this man. For a logical reason.

"... you really are a fool, aren't you?" He lifted his head up in annoyance.

"How insolent! After baring my feelings to you!" I harden my eyes on his gaze. Clearly, there needed to be communication. I didn't want such a grandfather for my children because I prefer a family who trusts each other with their wounds than one that does not.

"Rather than telling me this, shouldn't these words be directed to someone else!?" Hozuki-chichi-ue looked away in annoyance. Pride got to him. I didn't care at this point about his pride. I grabbed the elderly man by the collar towards Katashi's desk.

When I arrived after kicking the door down, Katashi looked at me with a rather blank stare. Even I couldn't predict what thoughts went through Katashi's mind. I pulled Katashi by the ear and dragged the two stubborn men into Katashi's room. I tossed them both into the room, walked in and blocked the door. I wanted them to have a proper conversation.

"Minamoto, what is this?! I have work to finish."

"Do not pull a fast one on me, Katashi. I saw the work. It was already finished." I noticed Katashi trying to hide this before, but I am not that much of a fool.

"Secondly, you two stubborn mules need to talk. Clearly, you two cannot get your thoughts across and I for one will not tolerate it. If I am truly be Katashi's wife, I want my father-in-law to be present and very much genuine in his conduct." I could feel the death glares at me, but really, this had to be done. Otherwise, a hole in Katashi's heart would never be filled.

"And lastly, I will not budge until you two talk. Should you two try to leave, I shall strip the both of you and prevent anyone else from giving you two clothes. Settle this, NOW." The two of them continue their glares, but Katashi simply sighs in resignation. He knew me well enough to know once I established a line, I kept it. At this point though, I hoped desperately that they wouldn't push me. I started feeling queasy earlier, but failed to mention it due to lack of time and opportunity. That and I thought I could return home before dealing with it. Now that the situation prevents me from so, I had to bet everything on the two men here seeing reason.

Katashi and Hozuki-chichiue stand around, awkwardly. They look stoic, but reality was that I could see the confusion in both their eyes. No doubt they thought they could avoid this situation. I simply stared at them, very annoyingly until Katashi gestured to his father to sit down. I leaned against the door, waiting for one of them to hurry up and speak. Katashi made the first move.

"Chichi-ue, you brought down the fury of a phoenix. You might as well speak."

"Your woman is quite the character, son." That I am and I hardly have any desire to change that.

"That she is. You expect anything less for someone who would accept me, Chichi-ue?" Nope. Not even close. Dealing with Katashi requires a certain stubbornness and malleability at the same time.

"Feh. True. I guess that she is good quality for you."

"… should I expect anything but contempt at his point, Chichi-ue? What have you come back for without any warning?" Hozuki-chichi-ue sits down and glares up at Katashi. Why, oh, why is Katashi and his family a bunch of mules?

"Look, I have not long to live. We may be demons who live long, but even we have expiration dates, son. I am approaching mine and your mother and I hold hopes to see them before we perish." …. Eh? Grandchildren? Oh dear. That will be something to see. I guess that is logical, but Katashi and I have barely been together for over a year and a half. It is not like we are uncomfortable with each other, but having children before marriage is not acceptable.

"So you're insinuating that I need to be married soon." Hozuki-chichi-ue nods firmly. Oh dear. I can see where this is going. Katashi glances over to me and then back to Hozuki-chichi-ue.

Marriage though? I have long given up the thought that I would be married, much less children. I find it rather odd that I am so calm about this. Perhaps I have not fully grasp the depth of this decision. Evens so, do I have a clear reason to say no at this time other than the timing? Granted, we are getting closer to the point where marriage is acceptable, but what about formalities and such? Even with blessings, there is so much to be done.

"Yes."

"… chichi-ue, isn't this coercion? You use your age as an excuse to get me married." It could be seen as that or genuine concern for Katashi's future. Either way, I stare at the spectacle before me and waits by the sides. Katashi sighs and looks at Hozuki-chichi-ue.

"Fine." I look at him in shock. Wait, what?

"You agreed rather easily." Why did he?

Katashi is by no means a bad man… er… youkai, but our situation is hardly one to do a marriage in. Frankly, I need time to get used to the idea again. What is he thinking of right now? Besides, even if we do get married, what is the point of doing it right now just because Hozuki-chichi-ue told Katashi to?

"I'm not doing this for you, Chichi-ue. Besides…" He walks over to me and grabs my hand rather forcefully. He holds me in his arms and I simply look at him as Hozuki-chichi-ue stands up, almost in shock.

"I was planning to anyways."…. WHAT?!