Shizuka and Shirou's Lifelong Resolve / Shizuka and the Boy's Temporary Parting ...

"So! Just don't break up!" Shizuka Hiratsuka exclaimed.

"I love Shizuka the most. Although I also like Haruno and Bazett, my feelings for Shizuka are slightly different from my feelings for them. So, Shizuka can't live a happy life." Shirou said earnestly to the woman.

"Eh..." Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at the boy in surprise, feeling that something was different about him now, or rather, that the boy had undergone some kind of change in her heart. She even felt her face getting hot when she looked at him.

"Besides, we made a promise, right? We'll be together for life. So I've thought it through. If Jing's family doesn't agree and strongly opposes it, then Jing won't be able to be happy, and I won't be able to be happy either."

Shirou wants to live happily with Shizuka in this world. If the adults disagree, he will find a way to make them agree. He will work hard to become a better person and more likable.

If the evil Magecraft try to stop him, he will become powerful and drive them away.

Elementary school student Shirou holds the hand of college Shizuka Hiratsuka, kneeling like an immature knight looking up at the Princess. At this moment, the two cannot yet clearly define their feelings for each other, but the idea that they want to spend their lives together, not just in the present moment, is gradually forming a consensus between them.

Chapter 570 Shizuka and Shirou's Lifelong Resolve

Shirou gazed at the woman and softly explained his reasons. The black-haired woman listened quietly and finally nodded.

After that, everyone returned to the living room.

"You're finally back! We just finished discussing it. We'll find Shirou a good school to attend, and we'll also choose a house nearby. Oh, and we have to consider the safety of the neighborhood too," Mrs. Hiratsuka said with a smile.

"Wait, Mom and Dad! You're both meddling too much! Are you expecting me to tell you every single place Shirou and I go from now on?" Shizuka Hiratsuka said angrily.

"If you don't do things that you're afraid of being seen by us, you won't feel that there's anything wrong with these things!" the Hiratsuka family father said sternly.

"..." Shizuka Hiratsuka was speechless, but there were actually many things that young people couldn't let adults see! Not to mention, things weren't that simple; Shirou could be targeted by bad guys at any time.

"In short, Shirou's tuition, living expenses, and accommodation will all be covered by the family, and everything will be done to the best standard. You don't need to worry about him having any problems. Just focus on completing your studies at school," Hiratsuka family's father advised.

"But..." Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to explain further.

"Uncle and Aunt! This is really too much trouble for you two," Bazett said first.

"It's alright, it's alright. We had already agreed to sponsor Shirou and help him arrange accommodation. Miss Bazett, your arrival is just in time!" The Hiratsuka family's father smiled and waved his hand.

It could resolve his ambiguity regarding his daughter's relationship with the underage boy, allowing her to put aside her ulterior motives and wait for the right time to consider things further. Any amount of money he'd be willing to pay would be worthwhile if it could solve this problem.

"Shirou, you agree too, right?" Hiratsuka family's mother asked the boy.

"Yes, Bazett- neechan talked to me about it, and this is best for Shizuka, so I agree." Shirou looked up at the woman, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

"Is that so? Is that so? You're such a good child. Why weren't you born a few years earlier? Otherwise... I wouldn't have to worry about this girl anymore." The Hiratsuka family father looked at Shirou with deep emotion, shaking his head and nodding at the same time. His weathered face was covered with wrinkles of varying degrees, representing his slightly complicated feelings at this moment.

When their daughter was young, the couple were busy with work, so they let Shizuka Hiratsuka grow up on her own. At first, they thought the child was just a little naughty and would grow out of it, so they didn't pay too much attention.

But then they discovered that the child was becoming increasingly unruly, a true ringleader. Wherever there was trouble caused by other children, she was sure to be there.

It was only then that the Hiratsuka family couple began to take the problem seriously, but it was too late. They discovered that their daughter had grown into a wild, masculine, and unruly child.

They were worried that once their daughter entered high school, she might become a delinquent girl who changed boyfriends every week, and end up hanging out with a gang of drug addicts. Fortunately, the girl was kind-hearted by nature, and the comics she liked were action-packed shonen manga, which were generally positive and uplifting. Because of her warm and kind personality, she was respected by many of her peers, so nothing bad happened.

When it was time for all the students to fill out their college applications, Shizuka became obsessed with the manga "Great Teacher Onizuka" and wanted to become a passionate teacher who brought hope to troubled students. So she studied hard and got into Chiba's best teacher training college through her own efforts.

As an educator, he had at least not destroyed the Hiratsuka family tradition, so Hiratsuka's father let Shizuka Hiratsuka live the way she liked.

The Hiratsuka family parents' methods of educating their children were indeed somewhat problematic.

Because of their laissez-faire attitude, when their daughter went to college, they found that Jing still didn't show any inclination to date. Thinking back, she wasn't following the rules in high school; she simply treated boys like brothers.

The Hiratsuka family couple couldn't help but worry that their daughter might graduate like this and then become an older single Saintess trapped in the hell of arranged marriages.

Unexpectedly, their daughter once again exceeded their expectations, only this time her development was a bit too advanced.

While they were worried that their daughter wouldn't be able to find a boyfriend or a partner, she had already brought someone home with her, though perhaps she was a little too young.

The simple and late-blooming Shizuka Hiratsuka may not even understand her own feelings, but Hiratsuka family parents, who have been through it all, have noticed something. They understand just how irresistible a kind and gentle boy with similar interests can be to a pure-hearted girl.

The closer people get, the more likely they are to hurt each other. Even close friends will inevitably clash if they live together for a long time.

Shirou would watch Kamen Rider with his daughter, discuss shonen manga, and live together without ever getting tired of it. On the contrary, their relationship seemed to grow stronger and their lives became more harmonious.

If they are brothers, it could be attributed to kinship and shared interests. However, if they are just strangers who happen to meet, and they act this way, it's almost certain that they are subconsciously developing feelings for each other.

Actually, the Hiratsuka family wasn't particularly opposed to their daughter's choice.

As for family background, Hiratsuka family's father wasn't that concerned. He was a businessman, not one of those political families that had to consider so many things. He didn't rely on the political status inherited from his ancestors, but on his own ability to keep up with the times, and he didn't need any marriage alliances.

As for age, it's not unusual for an eighty-year-old man in their social class to have a twenty-year-old wife. So, as long as you're willing to work hard, being an orphan isn't a big deal.

However, they still care about the law and societal norms, so they will not allow their daughter to have any relationship with him before Shirou comes of age.

Fortunately, all the problems have now been resolved. The little boy, whom they thought would be the biggest obstacle, unexpectedly stepped forward and helped them persuade Jing.

"Shirou, I'm sorry to have dragged you into our family's argument," Hiratsuka's mother said to the boy.

"Why should I apologize? I didn't say I wouldn't see Shizuka anymore. If I miss Uncle and Aunt Hiratsuka, I'll come to see you." Shirou said with a bright smile.

He liked Jing, so he was happy to get along well with Jing's parents. For him, today's events were not a passive acceptance, but an active attack.

"Hahaha, welcome, welcome." Hiratsuka family's father looked at the boy and suddenly burst into laughter. He suddenly realized that this boy was no ordinary person and that his future was truly promising.

"Yes, of course you're very welcome!" Mrs. Hiratsuka family said with a smile.

In the end, the Hiratsuka family unanimously agreed to the decision that Bazett would take care of Shirou, and the Hiratsuka family would provide financial assistance to their family until Shirou graduated.

Chapter 571 Shizuka's Temporary Separation from the Boy

"Alright, as for the house, we happen to have a few vacant school district properties, and we know people at the school. We just need to give them a shout, and Shirou can enroll right away. So! Without further ado, tomorrow! Bazett- chan, you take Shirou and me to look at houses." The Hiratsuka family mother was as excited as if she were her own child going to school, and she started planning for little Shirou.

"Yes, thank you." Bazett and said.

"Would tomorrow morning be alright? I'll send a car to pick you up," said Mrs. Hiratsuka family.

"Yes, I'll be at your service anytime," Bazett in agreement.

"Alright, it's settled then," said the Hiratsuka family matriarch with a smile.

After everything was discussed and agreed upon, the Hiratsuka family in high spirits. They took full responsibility for Shirou's matter, since the news had already spread throughout the wealthy circle. Since they were helping someone, they couldn't be too casual, and everything was done to the highest standards.

They even helped arrange Bazett's job, mainly so that her older sister could focus on taking care of Shirou.

After that, they had lunch together, and the Hiratsuka family saw Bazett and Shirou off. Shizuka Hiratsuka was about to leave as well, but her family called her back.

"Shizuka, don't go yet, we still have something to say to you," said the Hiratsuka family father, arms crossed.

"Well, Shirou and Bazett- chan, let the family send a car to take them home. You can stay for dinner," said Hiratsuka family's mother.

"What's wrong? Well, Bazett, you and Shirou should go back first." Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at her parents with a puzzled expression and could only agree.

"Yes, we understand." Bazett.

"Goodbye, Shizuka." Shirou gazed quietly at the black-haired woman, then waved to her.

Bazett led Shirou outside, but Shirou turned back and stared at the woman until the heavy mahogany door closed, separating their gazes.

"Let's go, I want to talk about your future plans," said the Hiratsuka family's father.

Meanwhile, when Bazett and Shirou reached the door, the car was already there. Besides the driver in a suit, two maids in kimonos were also waiting. The four of them then rode in the car driven by the Hiratsuka family's driver back to the apartment.

Shizuka Hiratsuka stayed in the living room with her parents.

"Xiaojing, we've already sent someone to pack your luggage, and it will be delivered soon," said Hiratsuka family's mother.

"Mom, what's going on?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked, puzzled.

"You don't need to go back. We hope you will come back to live at home from now on," said the Hiratsuka family father.

"Huh? Didn't I already agree to let Shirou and Bazett move out? Why do I have to move back?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked, her mouth agape.

"That's why we're having you move back. If we leave you out there, it'll cause problems! I saw the look in your eyes when you looked at him. Shirou is still a child, but he's already starting to develop feelings for you. Why don't you go study abroad and go to America for a few years?" Hiratsuka family's father said.

"What...!" Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to retort, but Shirou's previous behavior suddenly came to mind, and she fell silent again.

Hiratsuka family's father continued, "This is not strange at all. Food and sex are human nature. Genji awakened to the idea of love for women at a much younger age, and Jia Baoyu had his first sexual experience at the age of 10."

Even kindergarten children choose partners to play house with, but this kind of childhood infatuation is so subtle that it's hard to say whether it's their first love. I can't let you continue to have this kind of contact with him."

"In short, you can't be alone with Shirou for the next few years. Either you go back home, or you go abroad to study, or you might as well give up being a teacher!" Hiratsuka family's father said in a deep voice.

"This is utterly unreasonable! You want to control everything, you've got everything decided in your head, Dad, you idiot!!!" Shizuka Hiratsuka was shocked to hear that she was being told to give up her dream of becoming People's Teacher, or else she would have to separate from Shirou. She had no choice in this situation!

Shizuka Hiratsuka stood up, feeling agitated, ran back to her room, slammed the door shut, and locked it.

What kind of feeling is that? When Shirou holds my hand, I always feel a tingling, numbing sensation, like being electrocuted, but strangely, I don't find it unpleasant.

This was the first time she had experienced this feeling. They had been hugging and leaning against each other every day before, and she hadn't felt anything unusual.

Shizuka Hiratsuka began to feel confused about her relationship with Shirou.

"Is this really okay?" Mrs. Hiratsuka asked, holding her husband's hand with some concern.

"No, she won't understand unless we go to this extent," Hiratsuka family's father said solemnly, taking a deep breath.

Like the samurai daimyo of Japan, who didn't have a few male favorites around them? Famous examples include Oda Nobunaga's Mori Ranmaru, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Ii Naomasa. This is why Japanese female fans who adore Sengoku period warlords are all well-versed in history—because it's so real.

In fact, countries within the Confucianism cultural sphere are quite open-minded. Since the time of the "homosexual relationship," China has had a long-standing custom of pedophilia, regardless of gender.

This is not a distortion of human nature in later generations, but perhaps it is still the desire of the human heart, the instinct given by nature. Humans are just pursuing what they consider beautiful, and this kind of beauty may not have so many restrictions.

This was especially evident during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With the development of maritime trade, even foreigners who came here for trade and exchange clearly recorded the presence of male prostitutes in their biographies. On the streets, one could see many male prostitutes wearing flowers in their hair and dressed in women's clothing, soliciting customers.

In ancient China, many scholars enjoyed having a handsome young pageboy, like a gentle breeze or a bright moon, to grind ink and compose poetry together. In fact, some believe that the reason why ancient people had such strict requirements for women's three obediences and four virtues was to prevent them from stealing their boyfriends.

Ji Xiaolan even wrote a method for cultivating male concubines. He would buy handsome children under the age of ten and let them play with other children during the day. At night, when the master slept with other boys, he would have them serve as servants by the bedside, helping to fetch candles and serve tea and water. After seeing this many times, they would become accustomed to it and by the time they were thirteen or fourteen, they would be obedient and ready to be taken by him.

These were common sense at the time, part of the secular world, and were accepted as natural. Therefore, these things could be easily mentioned in ancient novels, whether they were banned books or circulating ancient editions.

The famous Peking Opera actors in the movie Hegemon-King Concubine all needed wealthy and powerful people to support them with money and connections. The people Cheng Dieyi served included a retired eunuch from the palace and Master Yuan. First of all, you had to have good acting and singing skills, but when something really happened, you still needed someone to step in and protect you.

But even if these traditions were once common sense, they are all abandoned traditions of the past!

This is actually just a group of people in power who started having fun when they were ten, and when they got tired of women in their thirties, they started looking for new thrills.

Indeed... Hiratsuka family's father didn't think his daughter would be such an arrogant brat, and Shirou seemed to have feelings for Shizuka as well. They were mutually attracted, but being underage meant it wasn't allowed.

The Hiratsuka family will not tolerate such a person!

Chapter 572 Shizuka's Confused Love for the Boy

The sun set in the west, and darkness gradually fell. It was past dinnertime at the Hiratsuka family mansion, but Shizuka Hiratsuka's room remained tightly shut.

The black-haired woman lay face down on the bed, her hands gripping the sheets tightly. She was caught in a deep conflict between her dream career and her choice between the young boy and the woman.

Meanwhile, Shirou, standing alone on the balcony of his apartment, looked up at the night sky, wondering if the woman on the other side could see the bright moon.

Moonlight streamed through the window and shone on the woman, who was buried deep in the blankets, tears welling in her eyes, and fell asleep, unaware of everything.

Shirou gazed silently at the dark night sky, beyond countless stars, into the deeper reaches of the vast universe, but even so, he could not find the answer.

The surroundings were quiet, without a sound, and the night passed without incident...

After that, Shirou and Shizuka Hiratsuka went on to live their own lives.

With the help of Hiratsuka family's mother, Shirou and Bazett were arranged to live in the family's vacant apartment, with the rent being a symbolic fee of less than 30% of the market price. However, she also concealed the fact that she had deliberately avoided the schools attended by children that Shizuka Hiratsuka might know, and had arranged for Shirou to attend the elementary school furthest from Shizuka Hiratsuka's university.

As long as Shizuka Hiratsuka can be separated from Shirou and she can step away from being a perverted teacher with a thing for young boys, all the sacrifices will be worthwhile for Hiratsuka family's father. Not to mention that they were already planning to sponsor Shirou's studies and see what kind of world this extraordinary boy could create.

Meanwhile, Shizuka Hiratsuka led a life of going between school, the library, and home. Although she did make progress in her studies, her eyes were lifeless, as if she had become heartbroken and was using studying as the only escape from her miserable life.

Sometimes, Haruno would still go to Hiratsuka family to play with her, but Shizuka Hiratsuka always seemed lost and out of sorts.

"Wait, Shizuka-chan, what are you thinking? Your aunt and uncle didn't forbid you from going to see Shirou."

"No, I just don't know how to face Shirou," Shizuka Hiratsuka said, covering her face. Ever since that time they held hands, her heart had been shaken like never before.

Zhuge Haruno shrugged and said, "How are you going to face it? If you really like him that much and can't live without him, then wait a few years, find an opportunity to get together with Shirou, and go to your family while you're pregnant. Do you think they'll force you to have an abortion? Of course, if it were me, I could definitely be more tactful and make them agree."

Shizuka Hiratsuka blushed slightly and scolded, "How could I possibly do something like that! Besides..."

Unfortunately, Shizuka Hiratsuka and Haruno are simply not in the same league.

What should we do if she really does have feelings for Shirou?

What if she has feelings for Shirou, but Shirou actually has feelings for her in return?

If her feelings for Shirou are the same as Shirou's feelings for her... then what should be done if such feelings truly exist?

This conflicted feeling kept her confined to school and home, afraid to see Shirou.

"Ugh! You're a primary school student! My little sister is probably better than you!" Haruno Yukinoshita couldn't stand it anymore and pointed at Shizuka Hiratsuka.

"I wish I were an elementary school student..." Shizuka Hiratsuka slumped dejectedly onto the table.

"Ah... this is a serious illness. This is really bad. We have to think of something, but there's nothing I can do except pour cold water on her head. As expected, the one who tied the knot must untie it." Haruno Yukinoshita said quietly, resting her chin on her hand.

A few more days passed.

Shizuka Hiratsuka was carrying books and notebooks as she walked outside when a high school girl with short black hair came running towards her, smiling brightly and waving.