Having agreed to let the couple visit, he would naturally receive them.
As for whether they actually came or not, that was no longer Hogen's concern.
After leaving the hospital, Chisato sighed. "Ah, I really can't handle this sort of visiting and offering condolences."
Hogen looked at her and smiled. "Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You just need to go through the motions. That's enough."
Chisato nodded. "That's true."
Although they were from the same clan, she did not know Ouyashiro Shin at all, yet she had been calling him Uncle so affectionately.
Chisato did not like that feeling very much.
"Ah, I'd better hurry back and report to Father. I really don't like this feeling after all. Next time, let my brothers handle it."
Hogen laughed. "My father was the one who asked you to come along this time. It was mainly to help you build up some prestige. You should understand what that means."
Chisato understood as well. This was a rather good opportunity, and coming together with Hogen would also bring the clan a great deal of attention.
It was simply that Chisato did not particularly like the feeling of it. It always felt as though she was using Yahiko.
She hoped that her relationship with Yahiko would not be mixed with any clan interests, that it would be a simple romance.
Not one where her clan could use the opportunity to seize enormous benefits.
That would make it difficult for her to face Hogen.
Fortunately, this time it had been proposed by Lord Torikaze. If Oyakashiro Homura had forcibly made Chisato accompany Hogen to offer condolences—
Chisato would truly have felt utterly humiliated.
"By the way, how about I take you out to have some fun in a few days?"
Chisato nodded. "Sure. There