Stealing Spree Chapter 2196: I'll get back to you



Asking my parents about the Kujou family would surely yield results, but given that I had already troubled them with keeping the Ichihara family in check, I felt it was my

responsibility to do my own part and not just wait for the result.

The first person who ca to mind was soone with the knowledge and connections I needed. The Patriarch of the Kaneko Family. A big shot in any industry tied to the forr noble houses, he'd likely have the information I was after.

"I'm sure they could help out," I said, my tone becoming serious, "but Grandpa, I can't just sit back and relax, can I?"

"Indeed, you can't," The old man replied with a gruff chuckle. Even without seeing his face, I could already imagine him looking out at the sky while brushing his beard or mustache, "However, let remind you. Soone like you, who only has his tongue as a weapon, won't be able to influence a family like the Kujou. You should know by now how I despise idealists. So, tell , what's your plan here? If you convinced with your story then I might consider lending a hand."

"I understand. Just hear out, Grandpa..."

With that, I laid out the details of my current situation. He listened intently, though it was clear he already knew many of the key points.

I an, ever since that eting with Otoha and the old man, I was aware he'd been keeping tabs on . Not that I minded. He was doing it for Otoha's sake, making sure I didn't go off the rails. And, of course, he'd already told I'd owe him a favor in the future. And that favor was sothing I'd cashed in early to help Juri out of her predicant.

After a long-winded explanation where I even told him I wanted to take Marika out of that house and bring her sowhere else, there was a brief silence on the other end. Then, I heard a low, thoughtful hum.

I could hear him breathing deeply as though he was considering all the points I laid out.

A few minutes later, his voice echoed again, "Got it. You're quite bold. It's impressive your parents still back you up this much"

"I'm being spoiled," I admitted.

"Hah! At least you're aware of that. But you can't always dive into this deep of a problem every ti. Ichihara are upstarts but the Kujou? No matter how weak they are today, they're deeply entrenched in this side of the world that you young people haven't seen yet. If you ss up here, your parents may also be in trouble."

"I appreciate the concern, Grandpa. But backing out isn't an option anymore. And Marika... she deserves a choice, just like Otoha."

"And you think that choice is you?" He asked with his tone becoming sharper.

"It doesn't have to be ," I replied. "It's just that things turned out this way. Doesn't her situation remind you of the past? If she marries that spoiled brat, her future won't be any better."

"Kid, you of all people shouldn't be talking like that," he scolded lightly before letting out a long sigh. "But fine. I've seen what you're capable of. I'll help you this ti, but this is the last favor. Until you complete the task I'm going to give you, don't co asking for anything else."

"Thank you, Grandpa. I'll accomplish that task when the ti cos. It won't involve seducing soone, right?"

"You fool! Is getting more won all you think about?"

"Not really. It's just that... It's kind of my specialty."

"Ugh. You'll give a heart attack, boy. If Otoha sheds a tear because of you, I swear you won't see the light of day again, understand?"

"Of course, Grandpa. You can rest assured I'll always treat Otoha and my girls like princesses."

"... Forget it. Get so sleep. I'll get back to you in a few days."

After that, the old man cut the call off without waiting for to reply. I stared at the screen for a while, my lips curved up.

That was bold of , but I knew he'd appreciate my directness. If I'd changed my tone, he would've picked up on it instantly.

Still, I wondered what kind of task he had in mind. He'd been sitting on it for so long, and there was no hint of what it might be.

Ah. I should just deal with it when the ti cos.

After checking my ssages one last ti, I put down my phone and then joined Akane in our bed, cuddling her in my embrace.

Friday morning started normally. Akane, who found the pancakes I left for her downstairs, returned to our bedroom, waking up with her mouth stuffed with .

We spent an hour dealing with the side effects of the tea.

After that, it's the sa routine of exercise, breakfast, and then preparing for school.

Fuyu joined us in the train and I escorted the two of them to their school. I thought Futaba and Eri would also join us but they were running late.

I also received a ssage from Futaba, asking when she should deliver the two underwear that I lent her.

Yeah. She washed the two boxers and wanted to return them to even though I told her that it's fine since they're just my old boxers stored in my room.

She was insistent though so I told her to give it to Akane. Obviously, she refused. She would be bringing it with her the next ti they visit our house.

Eri also ssaged but it was more of an update about her attempt to take initiative with her boyfriend. She said she got so nervous that she failed to do anything. On the other hand, her boyfriend also didn't do anything else but cuddle her when they were alone. In short, there still wasn't any progress in their intimacy.

I don't know if I should give her a push or just tell her to be more aggressive but in the end, as her 'boy best friend' I told her to not be hasty since progress can't be made overnight, especially for them who were both inexperienced. Like Futaba, she said she's going to visit again in the future. To ask for more advice.

I already told her everything though. What other advice can I give her?

After separating from Akane and Fuyu, I then t up with Miyako.

I thought I should pick her up again but when I ssaged her, Miyako told she was already

at the bus so I just waited for her at the bus stop. When she arrived we made a detour,

extending our morning together, before I escorted her to their school gates.

With that done, I made my way to pick up Marika. It's the sa scenario with Ichihara Jun still waiting outside. Nothing changed. I walked in, picked up Marika and we took the bus to school, leaving the pompous idiot reeling in anger.

He still couldn't do anything.

But unlike yesterday, I noticed that Ichihara-san's husband returned to observing the

proceedings.

Our gazes t briefly, and it was a chilling exchange. Though he did nothing out of the ordinary, I could sense the sa coldness from that day I t him in Ichihara-san's house.

He's a cold bastard.

How did Ichihara-san end up with a man like that? Was it just another arranged marriage? Whichever the case, I believe I should continue being wary of him.