Hiiro (23)
In the silent room, Naruhito remained composed, tilting his head without being disturbed by the attention. To him, it was just stating the obvious. This person truly listens well.
Instead of praising for saying it well, I ruffled his head affectionately. He closed his eyes in contentment, showing a pleased expression.
“I will prepare the disownment documents.”
The judge nodded once and stood up to get the documents.
“A doll. Yes, Otoha was a doll, created to keep Mihane alive. It was a pleasant miscalculation that Akesora could also use her. Yet, she forgot her purpose for being useful.”
Nijou Akegi muttered to himself.
Looking at Otoha, she stared expressionlessly in the direction of the three sitting as if she were a doll. Naruhito reached out to Otoha, who was on his left, and affectionately ruffled her head. Otoha turned towards us with a slight smile.
Indeed, bringing Naruhito along was the right decision. Otoha doesn’t turn into a doll when she’s around him.
“Enough, Akegi. I have my limits too. I won’t allow Otoha to be further degraded.”
“There’s no reason for you to interfere to this extent, Master Hiiro. This is our family matter.”
“Do you intend to disrespect me? I won’t tolerate it. Otoha is not only the wife of Hitachimaru, my personal guard, and a friend but also the person responsible for the internal affairs of my mansion. She is an essential member of my household without whom my residence wouldn’t function properly.”
Before Akegi could say anything more, three documents were presented.
“This is the disownment notice. By submitting this, Lady Otoha will no longer have any ties with the Nijou family. She will not be contacted regarding matters such as inheritance procedures.”
“Yes, I’m happy.”
“Hmph, idiot. You’re happy to leave the prestigious Nijou family?”
“Yes, very much.”
“You’re losing your place and family.”
“I now have a place to return to and a family, both of which I never had before.”
Otoha smiled radiantly. Without hesitation, she signed and pressed her thumbprint on the three disownment notices. She received the completed document and held it against her chest like a treasure, whispering.
“This doll no longer exists.”