Looking at Sakiko, who had quickly become well-behaved.
Shouko blew into the other's ear again.
"Sakiko, it's no fun if you don't resist. Why don't you resist a little?"
"Shouko, don't, stop blowing, I... I was wrong."
"Hmm, do you think your father being kicked out was a mistake??"
"Of course it was wrong! Grandfather clearly had the ability to solve the problem, so why did he do that!!"
Recalling the situation that day, Sakiko looked indignant.
But Shouko gave a light chuckle, making Sakiko tremble slightly.
"Actually, your Grandfather didn't do your father wrong."
"First, your father was a son-in-law who married into the family, not an adopted heir of the Toyokawa Family."
"Your Grandfather letting him manage the company was already an extremely merciful decision."
"But what about him? Not only did he fail to manage it well, but he couldn't even figure out that people were causing trouble right under his nose."
"His own management ability was lacking, and his public relations ability was even worse."
"Do you think your Grandfather didn't give your father a chance? I believe he gave him many."
"But unfortunately, your father simply didn't have the ability; he couldn't handle it."
"With your mother's passing, your father was immediately set up by others, which also made your Grandfather realize one thing."
"For the sake of the Toyokawa Family's future, and to prevent your father from being played to death, he was kicked out."
"To be honest, your Grandfather was truly compassionate, don't you think?"
"After all, someone had to take the blame for the family company's deficit."
"And taking this opportunity to let him go out and think things through, to avoid trouble—isn't that okay??"
Listening to Shouko's words, Sakiko's eyes couldn't help but widen slightly.
She never expected that the Grandfather she hated so much actually had such arrangements??
"Then why couldn't he say it? If he had said it..."
"Do you think if he had said it, your father could have been propped up, or that you, who knew nothing of the world, would have understood??"
As Shouko threw out this cold question, Sakiko fell silent.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, she had to acknowledge that Shouko was right.
Back then... her father... neither of them truly had the ability to solve their problems.
Seeing Sakiko quiet down, Shouko once again began slowly blowing air into the other's ear while whispering.
"Actually, according to the inheritance rules of large corporations, since you were adopted as your grandfather's daughter, you are the first in line for the family inheritance."
"If you take the time to study the inheritance systems of various major families, you'll be able to understand these things."
"Your grandfather protected your father, and at the same time, he protected you and this broken home."
"As the one your grandfather placed high hopes on..."
"You have absolutely no right, nor any ability, to say anything bad about your grandfather. Do you understand?"
As Shouko said this, she stopped, giving Sakiko some time to think it over properly.
At this moment, Sakiko truly hadn't considered that her previous actions might have all... been wrong??
Grandfather... was actually protecting them all along.
Yet, she didn't appreciate it and instead went against her grandfather's wishes.
"Should I... go back and admit my mistake to Grandfather??"
"No need. Since you've already come out, there's no point in that anymore."
Shouko shook her head gently, causing Sakiko to tremble once again.
"Your father is destined to be a guy who can't be helped up."
"But your future, if planned well, is still quite promising."
"However, don't think that my previous mention of being a star slave was just to scare you, or that it's something impossible."
"Without me explaining it to you, you would have walked down a dark path until the end."
"With no salvation for your inner self while constantly bearing the pressure from the outside world."
"You're like a spring being constantly pressed down..."
"When one day, the great hand of fate makes a slight slip."
"Your life's trajectory would still be sinking, becoming a star slave, and taking that final step."
"So, don't get happy too early."
"What I'm telling you only represents your future; it doesn't mean someone will really keep you down so you never have a chance to rise."
"You are ultimately the apple of your grandfather's eye; he will definitely think of a way to pull you out."
"Of course..."
"The time he pulls you out won't be now, but in the near future."
"When you have truly accepted the harsh beatings of reality and made yourself truly strong."
"You can form a new commercial band, providing your grandfather with an opportunity to pull you out."
"This way, both you and he can resolve the issues between you with dignity."
"But you must know..."
"Once you take that step, it means you can't continue to develop yourself slowly."
"If you aren't strong enough, you'll be crushed by the rolling torrent of fate."
"But if your abilities are strong enough, then you can use this momentum to truly soar into the sky."
"A commercial band, besides training your musical talent..."
"...will also test your ability to handle affairs and solve problems."
"The ability to handle public relations when problems arise, and the ability to manage talent..."
"Each of these abilities is essential for you to take over the Toyokawa Family in the future."
"When you return as a winner..."
"Everything you want—whether it's protecting your grandfather, your father, or thoroughly investigating the stories of past framing."
"At that time, you will have the true ability to handle all of it."
"Do you... understand..."
As Shouko continued to unfold this vast picture of the future...
Sakiko's heart couldn't help but tremble slightly.
So that's how it is. So that's how it is.
Actually, her coming out wasn't such a bad thing after all.
Her abilities could grow rapidly during this period of time.
But... could her abilities really grow to that extent??
Those guys were able to break even her father; could she really withstand them??
"Shouko, even though you're a commoner, why do you know so much??"
"I just enjoy reading stories about nobility, and the history of this world is always repeating itself."
Saying this, Shouko opened her mouth and gave a gentle bite.
Immediately, Sakiko couldn't help but tremble violently.
"I'm saying all this just to give you hope, so you'll work hard."
"Whether you can actually do it in the end, who knows? Do you really think you can't?"
"So..."
"Tomorrow, don't keep forcing it. Go and cancel the lease on the room CRYCHIC Band rented."
Hearing this, Sakiko's lips couldn't help but tremble slightly.
Her face, which had been washed clean, was once again wet with two tear tracks: "I... I understand."