Chapter 38: The Gradual Return of Daily Life
It was the evening of the day the discussion about the incident caused by Gon and his group was held.
「Rio, I’d like to speak to you for a minute. Do you have any time to spare?」
During dinner, after Rio returned from his parents’ grave, Yuba spoke to Rio with an air of seriousness.
「Of course, I don’t mind…」
Having guessed her intention, Rio agreed to her invitation.
「Come with me for a minute.」
After having put away the dishes, they left Ruri behind and went to Yuba’s room where she closed the door.
Judging from her actions, it seemed like it was a talk she did not want Ruri to overhear.
「Sorry for asking you so suddenly. That fool caused an uproar and things have been hectic over the last couple of days. I couldn’t find time to speak with you in private.」
「It’s not a problem, I’m grateful for what you’ve done.」
When they entered Yuba’s room and settled down, Yuba started the conversation with an apology.
Rio responded with a line of gratitude.
The days after the incident involving Gon were quite turbulent.
With every day being so busy, she could not find time for a calm conversation with Rio.
「What I want to say is, Rio, thank you, and I’m sorry.」
「Thank you and sorry?」
At Yuba’s unexpected words, Rio responded in confusion.
He could not figure out why he was being thanked or what was done to require an apology.
（It seems this child is not aware why I’m thanking and apologizing to him.）
A tender smile formed on Yuba’s face.
Even his uncanny sensitivity for the emotions of others strongly resembled Ayame.
（Zen was a very clumsy child, but, well, I guess there are similarities in that regard as well.）
Zen was taciturn, hard-working, and a man more known for his actions than words.
Yuba felt Rio inherited Zen’s temperament since he was not one to talk a lot either.
（Like parent, like child after all…）
Rio was an excellent child who inherited both his parents’ positive traits.
He truly was not a child who would take advantage of others.
She had heard that Rio became an orphan at the tender age of five.
Those were details Yuba remained in the dark about.
There were several occasions where she wanted to inquire him about it.
Rio had only given vague information about his past most likely because he was not comfortable with sharing it.
That was also the case for Ayame’s death.
However, he became evasive when asked about the cause.
In any case, Rio was raised in less than ideal conditions and wandered the world all by his lonesome.
And yet, she could not help but admire how he was able to grow up without becoming twisted.
（Towards such a child, my behaviour is no better than an infant’s. Age has nothing to do with this. Wherever I could cut corners, I did so.）
Rio’s behaviour that night was clearly abnormal.
However, by next morning, that passion was gone, as if it was nothing but a lie.
Yuba was able to witness incredible mental fortitude unsuited for a boy so young.
Indeed, Yuba gave priority to Ruri who seemed much more unstable than Rio.
Ruri was just an ordinary village girl that could found anywhere.
Even within the village, she was but an ordinary girl.
It was without a doubt, a big shock for her and Yuba knew it would carve a deep wound in her heart.
While it varies from person to person, psychological wounds take a long time to heal for those who have never been exposed to such things before.
As a result, Yuba paid special attention to Ruri’s condition.
Rio and Ruri.
Even if they were raised differently, she equally cared for both of them.
Other than her daily responsibilities as village chief, she also had to take care of Gon’s incident on top of caring for Ruri and Rio. It was not something she could handle alone.
Realising Rio’s strong mental fortitude, Yuba left him unattended for the past several days.
When Rio apologized the morning after the incident, Yuba judged that he would be all right for the time being.
However, even if it was just for a brief moment, she witnessed the eruption of his emotions.
Even if his mental fortitude was strong, the burden on his heart must at least be equal, if not heavier.
In spite of that, she saw how reliable Rio was and ended up delaying her interactions with him.
「Firstly, let me thank you for what you’ve done. Thanking for saving Ruri from Gon. And, for these past few days, thank you for assisting me with the negotiations with Gon’s father. I am truly grateful for your help.」
Yuba deeply lowered her head while thanking Rio.
「In addition to that, I became too absorbed in my duties that I neglected on checking up on you. I am deeply sorry. It must’ve been painful for you as well.」
When Yuba raised her head slightly, a bitter expression could be seen on her face.
Seeing Yuba like that, Rio slowly shook his head with a warm smile.
「Please, it is not something to thank me for. We are family. I only did what was natural. That was all. That is why, please do not apologize since it is painful for me as well.」
With his eyes fixed on Yuba, Rio spoke in a clear voice.
Even though his personalities were clashing internally, Rio felt surprisingly refreshed.
His revenge was something he had to take care of by himself.
He had no intentions on talking about it with anybody else either.
That was why he would not show any frustration so Yuba would not worry about him.
Ruri’s state was much more pressing than his own.
That was Rio’s rationale.
To not be unsatisfied about that was unthinkable.
Yuba matched Rio’s gaze.
It was a smile of deep understanding, completely like one of a saint.
Like a wide river, it was quiet but contained a powerful might. Yuba found herself unintentionally holding her breath.
「No, but you know…」
For an instant, the figure of Rio from that night flickered into Yuba’s mind.
It was as if he was completely possessed by Asura; just by being in his vicinity, one could sense the dreadful fury.
Regardless, Rio was able to completely regain his composure in a single night.
However, even if he behaved normally in front of everybody like nothing ever happened, it was obvious he was trying to keep up a facade.
The other night’s frenzy was probably still weighing on his mind.
His eyes did not carry a hint of fear or hesitation.
It was not something that Yuba could discern.
What was it?
However, was it something she was entitled to knowing?
It was the issue pertaining to his parents.
Although there was reason Yuba could not bring up the topic, it felt unfair to ask about his past without sharing her own knowledge.
Should I just tell him?
Still, just the other day, the letter she sent out was to inquire about the matter.
Permission to reveal the truth will surely be given.
Acting rashly would be unwise.
「I understand… However, it’s true that I’ve placed a lot of burden on you. That’s why, please at least let me say this, I am sorry.」
After deliberating for all that time, those were the only words that came out.
Suppressing her wavering heart, Yuba deeply lowered her head to Rio.
「Understood.」
Sensing Yuba’s determination, Rio accepted her apology with a wry smile.
「Ruri should have calmed down by now and I think that child wants to apologize to you as well. Will you forgive her?」
「There’s nothing for her to apologize for though…」
Perplexed by what Yuba said, Rio could only offer a wry smile.
「It’s about her behaviour you know.」
「Her behaviour?」
When Rio asked about it, Yuba looked at him in the eyes with a slight smile.
「You saved that child so I’m sure she’s not truly afraid of you. It’s just that she’s been through a lot and hasn’t been able to calm down yet.」
「That is…」
For the past few days, Ruri had been timid in her interactions with Rio.
It was something that Rio was able to notice as well.
However, on that night, Rio had unleashed his bloodthirst without holding back and pummeled Gon towards an inch of his life.
Without building up a tolerance against violence, it was difficult to not be afraid.
To become estranged with her who was his cousin was not something Rio wished for.
Despite being frightened by Rio, Ruri still worried about him.
Those were Rio’s thoughts.
「It’s not her fault you know.」
That was why Rio had no intention on criticizing her behaviour.
「…I thought you’d say so.」
Perhaps having already anticipated his words, Yuba responded with a wry smile.
It was the look of a parent witnessing their child becoming independent.
Suddenly, Yuba was overwhelmed with the feeling of wanting to act like a proper grandmother in front of her overly benevolent grandchild.
Whether the solution to her earlier worries was solved was unknown.
Far from offering any support, all she was able to say were a few trivial words to Rio.
（I’m such a useless grandmother, aren’t I…?）
Yuba now felt confident about disclosing the truth to her reliable grandchild. However, at the same time, she felt ashamed and sighed deeply in her heart.