Chapter 152 – Two Reports

Knock, knock.

“Gain? Do you have a minute?”

“Yeah. Come in.”

Gain’s voice came from inside the room.

Oh god, I’m nervous.

Heart’s probably going to come greet him soon, but I should report this first, right?

I need a marriage magazine from this world.

I have no idea about the customs or procedures here.

I steeled myself and opened the door to Gain’s room.

The room was filled with the usual assortment of bizarre knickknacks, just like always.

They were all sparkling clean, so did he polish them every day or something?

The thought almost made me laugh.

“Gain, actually…”

“Hold up!”

Gain placed a hand on his chest, signaling wait as he rose from the sofa and moved toward the table.

“Sit there.”

“Okay.”

I had no clue what was going on, but since Gain said so, I took a seat at the table.

Gain straightened his posture and took a deep breath.

“Alright. Go ahead.”

“I’ve decided to marry Heart.”

Gain’s jaw practically unhinged as his mouth fell open, and he collapsed back against the sofa.

Why?

“Gain?”

“That one? You could’ve just said it was that one! I could’ve prepared myself mentally!”

What ‘that’? I thought for a second before snapping my fingers.

“Oh, right! There was that other thing too!”

In my mind, it was already settled, so I’d completely forgotten to give Gain my answer about it.

“About that other thing…”

“Hold up!”

Gain straightened up again and took another deep breath.

Is this some kind of ritual?

Whatever.

“I talked it over properly with Lily. Please become our father officially.”

“I see… I see. So it’s finally happening—I’m getting twin daughters…”

Gain closed his eyes, crossed his arms, and nodded repeatedly.

“I talked to Lily about it too, but she’s got a criminal record. I’d like to get permission from your family…”

Gain cracked one eye open and gave me a puzzled look. “My family?”

“You have a little sister with kids, right? What if one of them grows up wanting to become something someday, and Lily’s record holds them back?”

“I’m cutting ties with that side of the family. That’s why I decided to take you two in.”

Gain said it firmly, arms still crossed.

“Wait. If you just unilaterally decide that, your family…”

“It’s fine. I’ll keep sending them money. It’s just a piece of paper. My family won’t care about something like that.”

Gain stubbornly shook his head.

“Of course, I figured they’d feel that way since they’re your family. That’s not what I meant—I just want to pay my respects or something…”

“Ah, got it. Sure, wanna meet ’em? They’re in a town near the capital, so it’s not far.”

Gain’s expression finally softened.

Come to think of it, he did head home to deliver those remittances every now and then.

“No, that’s not—wait, you already gave Heart your answer!?”

He suddenly leaned forward, slamming his arms on the table.

Way too slow.

“What, now? Isn’t your reaction a bit late?”

“No, you idiot. I was bracing myself to become a father, and then you drop this bomb on me.”

Gain was back to his usual foul-mouthed self.

“Not my fault. How was I supposed to know what you were waiting for?”

“Fair enough, but still. You actually like Heart, right? It’s not out of duty or obligation or some nonsense like that?”

Gain suddenly switched into full dad mode.

“It’s embarrassing, so I don’t wanna say it, but no—it’s not duty or obligation or anything like that.”

“That means… that means…”

Stop.

“Keep going, and I won’t talk to you for a while, father-in-law.”

“F-Fa-Fath… father-in-law!”

Gain rolled his eyes back and flopped against the sofa again.

Nope, too much hassle.

“Anyway, that’s the report! Handle the paperwork, father-in-law!”

I made a heart shape with my hands, tilted my head cutely, flashed a big smile, and left the room.

“Fa… Fa…”

Heh. Is he really gonna be okay?

I’d reported my answer to the proposal, gotten him to agree to become our father, and even set up a meeting with his family.

Anything else I need to do?

I already talked to Gain, so maybe I should check with Sis next.

Gain’s family, huh. Wonder what they’re like.

Hee hee. Can’t wait!

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