[First, regarding her commute and safety, I assume you'll be mindful of those things without me having to say it, correct?]
"Yes."
Chihaya Tetsuya's reply was decisive and firm.
"Those two points are the most fundamental for me as well."
[Very good. Then, the second point is about her activities.]
Mori Minami said.
[If she is preparing to make any major decisions that could determine her future, you must inform me.]
"Regarding these major decisions, could you be a bit more specific?"
A large part of the reason he wanted Mutsumi to stay here was to allow her to temporarily escape her mother's control. But if he reported every single decision she made, the courage she had finally mustered would lose its meaning.
In order to secure the greatest possible degree of freedom for her, Tetsuya prepared to discuss this issue with Minami thoroughly.
However, to his surprise, the answer she gave was far more direct than he had imagined—
[As it stands, that would only be her future career path and her romantic life.]
Minami's response was unexpectedly straightforward.
[As for anything else, let her follow behind Sakiko and experience things for herself for now. If she truly encounters a problem she cannot overcome, she will naturally come back to me.]
"...You don't seem to be that opposed to her running away from home."
Tetsuya's tone was filled with surprise.
"Is it because you have high hopes for Sakiko?"
[Sakiko? How could that be? If she were merely following Sakiko, I would have sent people to bring her back right now.]
Minami scoffed.
[The person I have my eye on is you, Chihaya Tetsuya.]
"Eh?"
[After I went home that day, I specifically asked Mutsumi for details about you... I never expected that a rookie designer who started from scratch would not only be collaborating with the hottest idol group of the moment, but also have such close ties to the "Nagasaki Consulting Firm" and the youngest daughter of the Sakurakouji family. Your ability, background, and prospects are all sufficiently excellent. Taking into account the changes that have occurred in Sakiko, I believe I can place a certain amount of expectation in you.]
Minami stated her view.
[Speaking of Sakiko, until that meeting, I had always regarded her leaving home as just some rebellious tantrum. After all, a high school girl who has just entered high school would, in all likelihood, return to the Togawa family and accept her predetermined fate after experiencing the bitterness of life and reality... However, the determination and spirit she displayed that day truly exceeded my expectations. It was not a momentary rebellion, nor was it a blind gamble, but a serious decision made after actually experiencing and thinking through it all. If she has grown to that extent, then even I must acknowledge it.]
Faced with this statement, so completely different from the one she had given that day, Tetsuya was taken aback.
"! Does that mean you no longer oppose Sakiko's decision?"
[I am merely reserving my judgment for the time being. I still do not believe she can repay the debt left by her father all by herself. However... her struggle is not entirely without merit. From a parent's perspective, perhaps it is better to observe the situation further rather than using forceful means to completely crush her spirit.]
At this, Minami's words paused for a moment before she continued.
[Of course, excessive indulgence will only be counterproductive. That is why I am calling to remind you. You must remember, both Sakiko and Mutsumi carry numbers and influence far greater than you can imagine. I want you to be aware of how special the two of them are, and to take responsibility for the impact you may have, as well as for all the consequences that result from that impact.]
Minami heavily emphasized the last two words.
[That is all I have to say. Do you understand?]
"Yes."
Tetsuya nodded.
"I am now very clear about the change in your thinking, as well as the special nature of their identities."
Although Minami was certainly a person with a strong desire for control, her profit-first values had also caused a subtle shift in her thinking. While surprised by the change in Sakiko, she also seemed to be anticipating whether Mutsumi could, under his influence, undergo a similar transformative growth in a short period of time.
"Then, it's settled regarding Sakiko and Wakaba-san. To put your mind at ease... I will also contact you periodically."
[Mhm, that's fine... This is our household's private line. Even if I am not available, the butler will answer in my stead.]
Minami also approved of the idea of regular contact.
Then, just as Tetsuya was about to end the call, she suddenly spoke again.
[Oh, right... if Mutsumi has forgotten to bring anything from home, you can casually ask her about it and then tell me. I will have the butler prepare it and send it over in his name.]
"Why not in your own name?"
[Because that would undermine the dignity I have established thus far.]
"..."
Instead of conveying her concern to her daughter, this person would rather maintain her so-called dignity...
Although he really wanted to ask if it was truly necessary to maintain such dignity between a mother and daughter, it was, after all, their family's business, so he didn't intend to interfere. Even so, this stilted and awkward inability to convey even the simplest of emotions was something he found very difficult to understand.
"Being born into high society is really quite a troublesome thing."
After hanging up the phone, he couldn't help but sigh.
Nearby, Chihaya Anon, who had silently listened to the entire call, also shook her head.
"That's terrifying. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't have been able to survive in that house for so many years!"
"It's hard to say. After all, if you grew up under the pressure of a parent like Minami-san, even the most proactive person would probably become hesitant and overcautious."
Just imagining the scene of Anon being scolded, Tetsuya couldn't help but stroke her hair.
"What we've seen so far is a Wakaba-san who has been forced to suppress herself under that pressure. Once she truly breaks free from it and rediscovers her true self, she might become someone we can't even imagine."
"Ooh... that's something to look forward to."
As Anon spoke, the image of the huge guitar case she had seen earlier appeared in her mind.
"Come to think of it, seven-string guitars are usually used for metal music. Maybe... her true nature is a lot more 'rock and roll' than we think~"
Ah, right, her guitar skills are apparently unanimously acclaimed!
Alright, I'll definitely get on good terms with her and ask her for guitar tips!
Anon thus set this small goal in her heart.
...
"I see... no wonder you could write that song with Uika. You're quite the genius yourself."
The manager, who had just finished listening to the performance, nodded and then looked at Togawa Sakiko.
"Now then, please explain to me in more detail what you mentioned earlier—"
"That band project called... [Ave Mujica]."