落とし穴外伝：親戚が多いと２ (Part2)
"Ah, I see. That makes sense."
"Haha, that sounds just like her."
"I agree. But looking at the numbers, the balance sheet is a disaster; it’s just not feasible. Yet, she’d hate for us to offer direct aid, so we need to find a way to make it acceptable..."
"So, you want us to explain it to her and convince her?"
"Exactly. That’s probably better than having Milly or the others bring it up."
My parents accepted the brief explanation with ease. They’re grounded in reality, after all. Still...
"I offered my own support, but she turned it down. I’ve been a bit worried."
"We have enough to get by, and we’ve had Yuki’s kindness to rely on as well."
"Exactly. Yuki said he wanted to show some filial piety on Milly’s behalf. He’s a wonderful husband, isn't he? You can’t exactly tell him 'no' when he offers help like that. She’s clearly well-loved."
"That goes without saying. She and Yuki are head-over-heels for each other. Wait—I see. So it was also a matter of Yuki’s pride."
"If we took money from both sides unnecessarily, he’d just tell us to give it back, wouldn't he?"
"Naturally."
Yuki’s wallet and my own both trace back to the taxes of Weed; we have no intention of wasting money. Well, we do buy alcohol, but that’s a necessary luxury.
"Alright, I understand the situation. But if Sherry is convinced, who should she accept the aid from?"
"Surely not from Queen Seraria, right?"
"That would make Sherry too nervous, so no. Though, surprisingly, they actually get along quite well. Seraria has a soft spot for younger sisters."
She treats Elju that way, and she still dotes on Aslin and the others. Not that I don't—I consider Aslin and her friends my little sisters, too. But with Elju, Seraria treats her as a woman who has firmly established her own independence. Seraria is surprisingly straightforward in her private life, and Sherry has grown quite fond of her.
"Ah, well, with that Queen, I suppose anything is possible. She shows her face at this cafeteria at least once a month, after all."
"Yes. She talks about Milly and the children, which we’re very grateful for."
"She talks that much? Even though she could come by whenever she wants?"
"If she showed up too often, the others might feel uncomfortable."
"Unlike Milly, some people here don't have families who can visit easily, or they have no family at all."
"Ah, I see. Yes, that’s for the best."
My parents keeping their distance is a consideration for the other families—and for those who have no family at all. So, Seraria is filling that void.
"To get back to the point, I’ll meet with Sherry tomorrow and talk it over."
"I’ll ask her who she’d feel most comfortable receiving the funds from."
"Yes, please do."
With that, the matter was settled quite smoothly. I returned home and explained the situation regarding Sherry to everyone, and they all accepted it with wry smiles. Now, she’ll be able to ask for help from whoever she prefers. The rest is up to Sherry...
"Oh, big sister. Sorry for worrying you. I heard from Yuki."
"I see. That’s good. You don't have to push yourself... wait, why are you holding hands?"
"Well, it felt wrong to just take money for nothing, so I’m helping Yuki-san."
"Well, I understand the sentiment. I asked her to help me get a sense of the perspective of the average person in the port town."
"Exactly! I haven't really helped Yuki-san much, so this is a great opportunity. Plus, it’s a date!"
"A date? With Yuki-san, of all people... and with Prol and the others trailing behind you?"
Under normal circumstances, I’d be jealous, and I’m sure they’d enjoy that, but Yuki-san has Fiora, Prol, and the others with him.
"It’s fine! It’s fun, and I haven't spent much time with Firia-san, and Orelia and the others are new friends. Right?"
"Haha, there’s no beating Sherry."
"I am honored you would say so."
"I haven't talked much with Sherry-san, so this is a wonderful opportunity."
"Yes, I’m looking forward to it."
Ah, I see. This is actually a bit frustrating. Sherry’s communication skills are just too high.