"Yes, I see. Understood."
Only after confirming she'd successfully secured ownership and land rights to the Tokai Family's secret facility did Symboli Sirius finally hang up the phone.
She turned her gaze toward Symboli Rudolf, who lay on the bed nearby.
Though Symboli Rudolf had completely handed all power to her—now Rudolf had become like this.
Seeing Rudolf in such a state, Symboli Sirius just let out a sigh.
Symboli Sirius was fully aware that Rudolf's current condition wasn't good, but she had no intention of interfering.
Still…
"I'll have to arrange some things for Rudolf, at least. She's still the face of the Symboli Family, after all. Even if real authority has shifted to me, her appearance and duties need to remain presentable."
Sirius fell silent for a few seconds, gently brushing aside Rudolf's flowing forelock.
"As for your personal life…well, do as you like."
Standing up, Symboli Sirius picked up her phone again. She still needed to check on Symboli Speed's situation.
Ring-ring—
A simple ringtone sounded: Symboli Speed's phone.
"Hello?"
"Speed-obaasan. How's Natural doing over there?"
"She's…" Speed glanced toward Mochizuki, who was energetically playing in the living room, before continuing, "Doing pretty well, but things seem risky lately. She's been overworking herself."
"If something happens, it could be troublesome."
"I see… Got it."
Sirius paused for a moment before continuing, "I'm planning to visit in about a year."
"You're coming here…"
Symboli Speed briefly recalled Yayoi Natural's current state, then replied simply, "Yes, that's fine. No problem."
"Alright, I'll be there next summer vacation, then."
The conversation momentarily faded into silence, yet neither hung up.
Both women knew the most crucial issue remained unspoken, leaving the line open.
Finally, Sirius broke the silence: "Should I…bring Rudolf along?"
After a long silence, Symboli Speed sighed softly. "If she wants to come, then let her."
"Understood. I'll ask her what she wants to do later."
Having finished addressing Rudolf's issue, Symboli Sirius moved on to another topic.
"About the Tokai Family assets…"
"…Just keep them. Give them either to Tokai Roman or Yayoi Natural—you decide."
"Mm."
The call disconnected, leaving Speed listening to the empty beeping sound.
Setting the phone aside, Symboli Speed quickly trotted over to Mochizuki. "Mochizuki~, great-grandma's here to play with you~!"
"Gramma!"
"Yes, yes, great-grandma's right here."
...
Soon enough, the clock struck six.
Symboli Speed stood up. "Mochizuki, what do you want for dinner? Great-grandma can make something for you."
"No way!"
Mochizuki's blunt refusal didn't surprise Symboli Speed at all. After all, just like Speed herself, ever since the night Mochizuki stayed up late enough to taste Yayoi Natural's cooking, she refused to eat any dinner cooked by Speed.
But this response wasn't exactly disappointing for Speed—because she wanted Natural's cooking too!
Even so…
"Then, how about great-grandma just helps prepare the ingredients? That way, when Mama gets home, cooking will be easier~!"
"Mm…okay!"
"Good girl. Be careful, don't hurt yourself."
With that, Symboli Speed turned and entered the kitchen.
There was still quite a while until Yayoi Natural returned. Preparing ingredients in advance was a good idea, though some things still had to wait until Yayoi herself decided the final dish.
...
It was already night when Yayoi Natural finally arrived back at Symboli Speed's residence.
She opened the door quietly, skipping the customary Japanese greeting of "I'm home."
Yayoi Natural glanced toward Symboli Speed playing with Mochizuki, then silently placed her shoulder bag on the back of a dining chair.
"What should I make tonight?"
"Ah, all the ingredients are prepped. You choose."
Speed spoke gently, placing the last wooden block carefully atop the tower. "All done!"
She used a tone easily understandable for a child.
Watching their interaction, Yayoi Natural simply turned away and headed toward the kitchen.
"Oh, right. Sirius contacted me earlier," Speed mentioned, just as Yayoi entered the kitchen.
"I see. What did she say?"
"She's thinking of coming to see you next year, and also…" Symboli Speed guided Mochizuki's tiny hand, patiently teaching her how to sort blocks into the correct holes. "The Tokai Family is finished. They've started selling off properties and assets."
Speed continued, carefully guiding Mochizuki to place a round block into a square-shaped hole:
"The Symboli and Mejiro Families each took some, and Sirius intends to return a portion to either you or Tokai Roman."
As she finished speaking, the kitchen fell briefly silent, the rhythmic scraping of the spatula halting momentarily.
But the silence was fleeting. Yayoi Natural soon resumed cooking, her voice carrying out from the kitchen with absolute calm:
"Just give them to Roman-san. She probably needs it more. Teio's expenses shouldn't be small."
Her tone carried no discomfort or hesitation, as if she had no attachment whatsoever to the decision.
After carefully guiding the last triangular block through a square hole, Symboli Speed spoke again.
"Since that's your decision, when Sirius contacts me next, I'll let her know."
With that, Symboli Speed stood up.
"Mochizuki~, let's wash our hands and get ready for dinner, okay?"
"Okay!"
Completely unchanged from earlier, Mochizuki happily agreed, unaware of just how significant the quiet exchange between her mother and great-grandmother had been.
But for Mochizuki, perhaps it was best she didn't understand.
Listening quietly to Speed guiding Mochizuki toward the bathroom, Yayoi Natural didn't pause again, simply continuing to prepare dinner for the three of them.