Chapter 231 - Daddy's Girl Pickup Center
"So... um... but why did you suddenly propose to me...? I just answered on a spinal reflex..."
I'm weird too, but Ayako-chan, who skipped the brain-processing step and accepted the marriage proposal, is also pretty far gone.
But right now, I'm grateful for that madness.
"It's come to light that your old man is involved in research related to another world. Seems he's been tinkering with goblin brains."
"...My father?"
"You could say he's walking a dangerous path. Because of that, it looks like the Public Security Intelligence Agency has its eye on him."
Though it seems that Public Security Intelligence Agent lost a power struggle and got sidelined from the mainstream faction, I'm not the one to tell him such an inconvenient truth.
"To protect your old man, I want to stop the project."
"...I don't think that's possible... For my father, his work is his reason for living..."
"I know. Researchers are that kind of breed."
That's precisely why I'm marrying Ayako-chan.
"Even if a complete stranger asked him that, it's bound to fail. On the other hand, if I use threats, it'll leave a grudge. In cases like this, it won't be accepted unless it's a request from family."
"...A request from family...? C-could I ask my father for it?"
"That won't work. Your old man will get suspicious, thinking, 'Why does my daughter know I'm involved with goblins?' He'll end up on guard, wondering, 'Could my daughter be threatened by someone?' He might stop his research out of love for his child, but he won't think to side with our camp."
"...You want to bring my father into the fold...?"
"If possible."
I hold Ayako-chan even tighter.
"If I marry you, I'll become your old man's son-in-law. That's right, I'll become Professor Otsuki's family. This should make negotiations a bit easier."
"...D-do you think it'll really go that smoothly????"
"That's where my skills come in. Hey, just watch me."
After all, Ayako-chan's father wasted several years of his career researching a cure for daddy issues because he couldn't handle you!
No matter how beautiful a girl she is, being seen as a sexual object by your own daughter is just creepy.
I know that well thanks to Chloe.
I know it all too well.
In terms of sensation, it's no different from being hit on by my own mother.
And then, when a guy with a face just like yours shows up and says, "Please give me your daughter" —
'Please, I'll do anything, just take her as your wife. Free me from Ayako!'
Wouldn't it turn out like that?
It's too cruel to say to Ayako-chan herself, but that's my honest opinion.
"For now, please order some tea. Two cups should be enough."
I gently pull away from Ayako-chan and head back to the entrance.
"Have you finished your discussion?"
Sugitani-san, still dragging the sleeping Professor Otsuki, shoots me a probing look.
"Perfectly. It seems Ayako-chan will cooperate with us."
"That's reassuring indeed. ...Oh my, it looks like he's about to wake up."
We quickly carry Professor Otsuki, who has started to groan softly, into the living room.
Philia and Chloe, who were relaxing in front of the TV, were sent to the bedroom to avoid complicating the conversation. They were both lightly dressed, which earned them a dirty look from Sugitani-san, but I can't worry about that now.
"Quite the lovely young ladies. I was already aware of the silver-haired one, but when did you pick up the other? She looks foreign, no, half-Japanese, it seems."
"She's a co-star from an information program."
"So, you used your authority as the host to get your hands on a girl? I see, it seems you're enjoying the entertainment world."
After all, we arranged that program for you to have that kind of pleasure, Sugitani-san nods.
"A man without desires can't be trusted. They act on incomprehensible motives and betray for incomprehensible reasons. In that regard, now that we know Nakamoto-san has a weakness for women, it's clear and convenient. We'll continue to regularly offer you beautiful women."
"Hahaha, please make sure they're fresh ones."
"I'll take that into consideration. Do you need any options?"
"I'd be happy with a married woman type."
"...Fresh women, meaning you should prefer young girls, no? Yet you say you like the married woman type. Isn't that contradictory?"
"Huh? There's no contradiction at all! A young, inexperienced married woman is totally possible! I want a younger mama! The charm of a woman is packed into that uniquely babby pheromone she exudes when a girl stretches herself and plays the mother! I want to savor that innocent motherhood cultivated through playing house, like a bath! Why can't you understand something so basic!? In the multiplication table, this is the two times table! Two ones are two, a sixteen-year-old mama, two threes are six, ear cleaning from a sailor-uniform mother! My lullabies learned before compulsory education ended!"
"Y-you seem to have a strong attachment. In fact, isn't this the first time you've raised your voice in front of me, Nakamoto-san...?"
"...Huh!? ...S-sorry, it seems I lose myself when it comes to topics like this."
"W-well, everyone has things they can't compromise on. I myself change completely when golf is involved. For Nakamoto-san, that must be 'younger mamas.'"
As we carry on a conversation utterly devoid of human rights awareness, Professor Otsuki finally begins to open his eyes.
At the same time, Ayako-chan comes from the kitchen. She carries a tray with both hands, walking carefully so as not to spill anything.
"...Here you go..."
With a gentle gesture, Ayako-chan places teacups on the table.
One in front of Sugitani-san. The other in front of her biological father.
"...Well then, I'll go to the bedroom too... I'd just be in the way of your discussion..."
As she tries to hurry away, I grab her arm and stop her.
"You need to stay here too."
"...Eh... but..."
"You have to be here. You have something to report to your father, don't you?"
"...I understand."
She quietly bends down and sits properly in seiza, a posture that truly embodies the Yamato Nadeshiko ideal.
Sugitani-san seems captivated too, and even if I said, "Ayako-chan puts Viagra in my miso soup on her dangerous days," he probably wouldn't believe me.
"So you're Professor Otsuki's daughter."
"...Yes... um... are you someone from Nakamoto-san's work...?"
"From his behind-the-scenes work."
Sugitani-san and Ayako-chan finish their greetings almost at the same time as Professor Otsuki wakes up.
"...Where is this...?"
I turn to the face that looks like my own twenty years from now and gently plead.
"This is sudden, but please give me your daughter."
The response that comes back is a cold, "Huh?"
Just as I expected.