Chapter 710

In her heart, she surely believed she was different from people who played music simply because they enjoyed it. At least, her resolve was different.

Kondo Masakazu was her father's name, and he was one of the judges at this year's National Competition.

It was easy to imagine how determined she was to win.

Anything that might get in the way of reaching the finals probably held no appeal for her. Her personality kept her from interfering outright, but she would hardly be enthusiastic about it.

Not that her feelings on the matter meant much to him...

After all, what kind of decent person went more than ten years without even sneaking a look at his own daughter? Even if her mother refused to allow it.

If he had truly wanted to, he could have found an opportunity. That did not even qualify as an excuse.

As a parent, her father scored a zero in his book. He fell far short of even her fiercely controlling mother.

A little while later,

"Here's a charm for you. Thanks for everything you did today!" Tanaka Asuka bowed to him and handed him a blue charm.

Himemiya Chihaya looked down. It was a charm for career success.

Not one for academics? You really are something.

Perhaps she figured that, since he had already found his career, he no longer needed help with his studies.

"This one's from me. Thanks for today, Himemiya student~" Ogasawara Haruka gave him a charm for good health.

"And this is mine." Nakasako Kaori handed him a charm for love.

In the space of a few moments, he had gained three more trophies.

"Then I'll gladly accept. Thanks!" He took them all without the slightest hesitation.

Given what he had done tonight, he had more than earned these gifts.