595 – Diminished

Akane went to wake her mother. The old woman woke up feeling joy to see her lovely daughter coming home. But the next second she told her about her concern, the old woman’s smile faltered.

“Can’t you persuade father, mother? It’s pitiful. Just for something we can earn just by waiting a few more years?” Akane asked.

Rio sighed and folded her blanket on her lap. But then the folded blanket was pulled by the little Shitone sitting beside the futon. The old woman let her though. “Akane-chan. Your father did this to protect our family.”

“But we did just fine with Uncle Fu’s help! I mean, please, mother…” She pleaded to her mother. “Imagine me in his place. Would you be fine with that?”

“You’re different.” Rio immediately said. “You and Haato are different. You’re our precious daughter while he’s just someone else. Don’t compare yourself to him, Akane-chan.”

“But he still has family. You can’t deny that.” Akane said.

“Yes, but you don’t have to worry. He’s going to the queen, and you