Chapter 280: Being Hated?
"But before that, there's one thing I need to correct. Miss Nagisa, you were in a coma for 24 years. Back then, Yoshino was already thirteen years old.
So now, she's actually older than you are. Please don't treat them like little kids anymore."
The moment the words left Franklin's mouth, Yoshinon kicked him in the ankle.
"Jerk Lin, who told you to bring up the age thing?"
Nagisa froze in place at Franklin's words. After a brief pause, she looked at him with a serious expression.
"We'll set that issue aside for now. But Mr. Franklin, dating two people at the same time is wrong, and Japan's laws don't allow polygamy either…"
Franklin scratched his head and interrupted with a slightly awkward expression. "Actually, it's not just Yoshino and Yoshinon.
I also have Origami Tobiichi, Chiyogami Tobiichi, Tohka Yatogami, and Kotori Itsuka—four more girlfriends.
And in the future, there might be more than six additional spirit girlfriends."
Nagisa went completely still at his words. She looked at Yoshino, then at Yoshinon.
When both of them nodded in confirmation, she sat down heavily on the bed as if her entire worldview had cracked.
"Why?"
That single question seemed to drain the last of her strength.
"You already know that Yoshino and Yoshinon are spirits.
They can safely stay in this world right now because their spiritual power has been sealed, temporarily turning them human.
There are many other spirits just like them, and in this world, I'm currently the only one who can seal their spiritual power.
It sounds a little shameless, but it really is helping the spirits live stable lives.
The thing is, my ability only works if their affection toward me is maxed out—otherwise it doesn't do anything.
And from another perspective, spirits have lifespans of several hundred or even thousands of years, while my lifespan…"
Age: [Age: 49/∞]
After glancing at it again, Franklin just said it straight out.
"…is over ten thousand years. So at that point, there's no need to be bound by normal human rules."
Nagisa, who had been about to object, went blank. Her brain short-circuited for a moment.
Immortality sounded like one thing, but a lifespan of over ten thousand years carried a completely different weight.
"…What you're saying… I don't entirely agree with… but I won't stop Yoshino and Yoshinon from liking you.
No matter what, it's their freedom. I just hope you'll treat them well…"
Seeing Nagisa's worldview in shambles, Franklin scratched his head helplessly.
"You can rest assured on that, Miss Nagisa. I'll definitely give them one hundred percent of my heart."
Hearing his promise, Nagisa's expression softened a little.
When she stayed silent, Franklin straightened his face. "Does Miss Nagisa have anything else to say?
If not, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. It's also what Yoshino and Yoshinon want.
Of course, it could be done with a wish—it's a bit excessive, but in the long run, it's not unacceptable."
At Franklin's bluntness, Yoshino and Yoshinon both lunged at him, but he held their little heads at arm's length.
That helped Nagisa, who had still been struggling to adjust, regain a bit of composure.
"Hm. Since it's Yoshino and Yoshinon's wish, I'm willing to hear it. If there's anything I can do to help, I'll do my best."
Seeing the earnest and slightly hopeful look on Nagisa's face, Franklin suddenly didn't know how to start.
"Ahem. First, do you have any plans for the future, Miss Nagisa? Or anything you particularly want to do?"
"Me? I just woke up. I talked with Yoshinon and Yoshino about the past a little while ago.
For now, I'm planning to find a part-time job, save up some money, and then take Yoshino and Yoshinon on a proper trip—see the world together.
It's something I promised them long ago, but I never managed to do even one. Now that I have the chance, I absolutely want to make it happen."
Her simple, down-to-earth wish gave Franklin a feeling of returning to basics. It had been a long time since he'd worried about money.
"That really is a great idea. We're actually planning a trip soon ourselves, so you can just come along.
Because Yoshino and Yoshinon are spirits, they need stable emotions.
To ensure that, all basic financial concerns are already covered.
So Miss Nagisa, you only need to be a good mother and stay by their side.
As long as nothing major happens, any expenses will be fully taken care of, no matter what you want to do."
Nagisa's mouth fell open slightly, her face full of disbelief.
"Is that really okay? But that doesn't feel right. I'm back now—I can work and handle things myself.
It might be tough, but I should be able to support myself and Yoshino and Yoshinon."
Seeing the "I can do anything" look on her face, Franklin finally understood what a truly independent, strong woman who could hold up half the sky looked like.
"Ahem. A question that might affect your mood, Miss Nagisa.
Have you ever thought about finding a new father for Yoshino and Yoshinon?"
At Franklin's question, Nagisa—who had been so strong just moments ago—immediately darkened. It took a long while for her expression to slowly recover.
"Yoshino and Yoshinon will be fine with just me taking care of them. I'm not looking for another partner anymore. People aren't reliable—I'd rather do it myself."
Seeing the moment was ripe, both Yoshino and Yoshinon turned to look at Franklin.
Under the gaze of the two little ones, Franklin knew it was time to lay some things on the table.
"Um, Miss Nagisa—what do you think about whether I'm reliable? Both Yoshino and Yoshinon really like me, and I really like them.
In the future, we'll definitely live happily together, and there won't be any material shortages."
Nagisa didn't react at first. After a long pause, her expression suddenly turned grave.
"Mr. Franklin, do you realize what you're saying? They're too young to understand, but you should know better.
This is a very serious matter—it involves mental health. I hope you'll reflect on this. This time, I'll pretend I didn't hear it.
If I ever hear you bring this up again, I'll take Yoshino and Yoshinon and leave.
Don't think material things can buy me. I won't sell my soul for that.
Please leave now, Mr. Franklin."
Franklin pressed a hand to his forehead in resignation. He had known it would turn out like this.