Even a Summer Retreat Cannot Keep the Nakayama Family Idle
August, Karuizawa.
Sunlight pierced the lush canopy, casting mottled light and shadow across the wide lawn of the Nakayama family's private estate.
The chirping of cicadas in the trees rose and fell in waves, carrying a laziness and tranquility unique to a summer retreat.
Big brother! Wait for me! Huff—puff—
One-and-a-half-year-old Nakayama Miki wore a little pink dress, stepping forward on chubby little legs as she stumbled across the lawn, running out of breath with a flushed little face.
A dozen meters ahead, six-year-old Kazuki brandished an insect net almost taller than himself, running frantically in single-minded pursuit of a green beetle while completely ignoring the little tail behind him.
Keiko tied her apron, walking quickly behind the two children with her hands held out, terrified lest little Miki take a fall.
"Master Kazuki, run a bit slower, and watch out not to bump into Miki," Keiko called out with a chuckle, her eyes filled with maternal affection.
On the wooden veranda.
Nakayama Hayao wore a dark yukata, resting comfortably in a rattan chair.
He picked up a rough pottery teacup, blew on the rising steam, and took a small sip.
During the half-month since leaving the hospital, the cool and pleasant climate of Karuizawa had helped him recover quite well. His originally pale complexion was much ruddier than before, and his voice carried plenty of vigor, recovering a portion of the majesty that belonged to the former head of Sega.
Nakayama Takuya sat at a small side table nearby, flipping through a few internal Sega financial reports just faxed over from the Tokyo headquarters.
"Going stir-crazy after getting out of the hospital?" Nakayama Takuya tossed the reports onto the table and reached out to grab a slice of iced