-A few Moments Later-

"...I'm sorry for showing a miserable side of me." (Suguha)

Right now, Suguha's face can be not redder than now. Even fresh apple can lose to the current her right now, whose face is bright red.

(....Why did I cry, seriously.....)

No matter who you are, it's really embarrassing for someone to see your vulnerable side of yourself, especially against your closed ones. Even though Suguha feels touched with Rein's words, that doesn't mean she HAS TO really cry.

Even so, Rein only shakes his head and smiles gently to her.

"Kirigaya, I know it's not my position to say this, but I'm really glad you express your emotion clearly like this. After all, it showed that you trust me that much. As a fellow disciple and most of all, as a friend, there's no greater honor than this." (Rein)

"~~~But, it's still embarrassing!!" (Suguha)

"Hahahaha! I can't do anything about that then. It's already become a part of my memory."

"Forget it!! Please erase it!!~~"

...While bantering for a short moment, Rein reminds Suguha before she goes berserk and rampages her emotion to him.

"Kirigaya, sorry to interrupt but I think you should prepare yourself. It's almost time for your school." (Rein)

"Muuu~~~~ It feels like you are dodging the topic!!" (Suguha)

Although she is full of dissatisfaction and frustration, Suguha still follows his words. After all, it doesn't change that she needs to go quickly.

*Da* *Da* *Da!* (Sound of footsteps)

She is fulfilling her youth fully in top speed.

*******

While Suguha prepares for the usual, Rein sighs loudly and calls the person who's supposed to be here long ago.

"....*sigh*....Kazuki, I really need to change my opinion about you. I never thought an honorable man like you have a hobby to peep other people's circumstance, especially your own granddaughter." (Rein)

"...Fuuh...guess I was found out from the beginning." (Kazuki)

What comes behind the door of the dojo is the master of Suguha herself.....who hides behind the door for a long 15 minutes, listening to the entire conversation.

"Of course I knew. I already told you right? A soldier like me have the skills to detect people just form their presences." (Rein)

"...That's true. ...." (Kazuki)

"...."

Silences rule over the space for a moment. Both of them only faces each other directly without saying a word.

However, Rein is the one who broke the pace.

Because.

"Kazuki, are you regretting right now?" (Rein)

"!!!" (Kazuki)

He can't bear to see the pained face on this old man right now.

"...*sigh*...Rein, I already said this, but it is the obvious duty for me to teach my grandchildren so they can grow as a proper person. ...I am disappointed with my other grandson but Suguha is literally my pride and joy. I'm proud of her growth." (Kazuki)

If Suguha hears this directly, she will definitely be shocked that makes her mouth will open widely until fly could go in easily.

Because she really never think her grandfather could be thinking like that to her. All she thinks that maybe grandfather despised her due to her selfishness.

However, the reality is different.

"....I purposely become strict in front of her. Because, I felt that....if I spoil her too much, she will become the same as my grandson, becoming weak..." (Kazuki)

"But now you become uncertain, right? After hearing her true feelings, you don't know whether the path you are taking is correct or not." (Rein)

"....Haaaahhh. ....What am I supposed to do then? What is really the correct way? Can you...tell me the true answers then?"

"Unfortunately not. After all, I myself never had kids since I'm not married. Most of all, there's no proper answer to that question too."

Kazuki is really confused right now. He always believed that you can never be spoiling your grandchild so they won't be selfish. However, knowing Suguha's weak side, his belief had become shaken greatly.

Right now, he's like a man who lost his path.

Truthfully, He also loved his grandson, Kazuto too. No matter what the form is, he is still his other grandson. however, he doesn't know how to be kind so their relationship becomes strained and near to ruin.

...Now, after knowing Suguha's outburst, he doesn't know how to face them properly again.

That's why,

"Even so, I also didn't think your method is wrong too." (Rein)

Rein will become the mediator for this family.

"...What?" (Kazuki)

Seeing the flabbergasted face of Kazuki, Rein only smiles faintly and voiced out his opinion.

"Kazuki, I will say this again but, there is no correct answer in teaching your child. Of course, that also means that no teaching can be fully wrong too. What we can do is put our belief in it so they can grow properly." (Rein)

"....." (Kazuki)

"You are also the same. ...True, your education toward your children can be too harsh, viewing it in third person party. I myself think like that too. Even so, that doesn't change both of your grandchildren have been raised wrong."

".....Is...that....really so?"

*nods strongly*

"Yes. I never really see your other grandson so I can't say much, but I can be certain about Kirigaya. She is really a strong person. Not only she has a strong resolve, but she is also a kind person that'll care for her families deeply. If not, she won't ever dare to stand up against her scary grandfather."

"....Who do you call scary." (Kazuki)

"Hahaha!! it's the truth you know? In fact, I'm sure you think yourself like that too."

"....Shut it. ...it's none of your business."

Seeing him being sullen, Rein can only feel funny and snicker, knowing the delicate side of side him.

Shrugging his shoulder, Rein continues his speech.

"*cough*...Let's go back to the topic. ....In any case, what I want to say is that your teaching really helps both of them a lot. Whether they want it or not, the world and society will give them tougher challenges to face. If they know it beforehand during the younger days, then it's a good thing." (Rein)

"...." (Kazuki)

"However....you are lacking one thing Kazuki."

"....Which is?"

"Compassion."

"...Com...passion...is it."

*Nods*

"I don't know much about your background and past so I can't say anything about it. You may suffer and go through a lot. Even so, times have changed Kazuki. You can't just act like a demon to your child. If they only know how to be strict but never to be kind as other, then they are a failure as a person."

"....."

"Besides, I also feel that your grandson never really gives up and become a weak person."

"...What?"

This time, Kazuki is really shocked.

Kazuto is not weak?

Rein never meets with Kazuto so how he can be sure about it? Moreover, how does cowering inside own room for a long time to run away from reality is not a weak person?

"Kazuki, do you know a game called Sword Art Online?" (Rein)

*shakes head*

"...No. I never pay interest to it" (Kazuki)

"..Well I guess so. Then, do you know your son is playing it right now? It's before the official release so he is chosen to test the game first."

"...What does that relate to him being not a weak person?"

"Simple really. Because that game is another reality itself for the user to play. In short, they go to another world by using advanced technology."

"...Is that even possible?"

To an old-fashioned man like him, he really doubts whether that kind of thing is possible.

Actually, it is possible but with the prerequisite of a super genius like Kayaba Akihiko working the project. As proof, the old world James had been living never progress much in it and may take tens of years to realize it.

*Nods*

"It is. But the point is," (Rein)

"Your grandson is still grabbing a sword until now in that world."

"!! Wh-what!?" (Kazuki)

Right now, Kazuki is wearing a face like a pigeon being shot. After all, he really never expect that weak-willed child will pick the sword again.

But, there's no reason for Rein to lie to him so he needs to accept it.

Seeing him like this, Rein only smiles to reassure him.

"It's true. That world itself filled with fantasy and supernatural things like a monster. ...Maybe yokai will better fit your description. In any case, he in that world is still chasing the path of the sword in his own way."

(Note: Yokai is a type of ghost depicted in Japan's folklore)

"...I....see. *Sigh longingly*... I really become old. My eyes become blind because of my selfishness and never really see them properly. I'm a failure as a grandfather."

*Shakes head*

"No, That is wrong Kazuki. A failed educator is not doing the wrong thing, but not noticing the mistake is. Everybody makes mistake, including me. There is no such thing as a perfect being. Only God can achieve that. ....What we can only we do is to know and repent on it so we never do it again. If you already noticed it yourself, then I can confidently say that you are doing a good job as their grandfather."

"...(Trembles) Do I...still have the time?" I always think that I'm too--"

"No, you still have time. You are not too late at all."

Before Kazuki could finish his words, he interrupts him strongly.

Right now, what Kazuki needs right now is also confidence like Suguha so they could follow the path they chase clearly and most of all, without hesitation.

All they need is one small push and a little guide.

With a strong smile, Rein grabs Kazuki's shoulder to encourage him.

"Just once is enough, face with your grandchildren one more time. However, this time you need to face them properly and listen to their feelings too." (Rein)

"....." (Kazuki)

"It's fine to be awkward in the beginning. Being clumsy is not a problem. What really is hard is the first step of it. ...Even so, if you already take that first step, the rest can flow easily like water."

"....(smile)...I understand."

"(smiles back) That's good then."

With this, their misunderstanding toward each other will disappear like smoke.

(...They really are awkward between each other.) (Rein)

Suguha loves her brother but can't express it well, Kazuto feels grateful to Suguha but can't express it clearly while Kazuki loves both of them but never get reached due to his strict demeanor.

In essence, all of them cared for each other but they miss it by a thin line.

Now, they can see each other properly again.

******

-On the way to school-

"... I've never been this surprised in my entire life." (Suguha)

"Well, you don't know what's coming in future. I guess that's what makes our life colorful." (Rein)

On the way to school, Suguha is still wearing a mix of a surprised and blank face during the entire way. Seeing her like this, it forms a wry smile on his face wondering whether she will be able to snap out of it.

The reason is simple.

-20 minutes ago....-

Before Suguha head to school, she is stopped by Kazuki who has a face, 'I am prepared for anything.'

Seeing him like this was a wonder, but the next scene makes her tongue-tied literally.

"...Suguha, I really apologize for my past actions. I fail as a grandfather. No actions could redo my past wrongdoings. However, please let me say this. No matter what, you are my pride and joy."

While bowing 90 degrees, Kazuki expresses his apology sincerely to his own granddaughter who is going to school.

....As for the rest, it can be easily imagined.

Suguha literally froze for not being able to process the information, just like a broken robot. No matter how much Rein is waving her hand in front of her face and shake her body, she didn't respond for one full minute.

Even so, after she woke up from the shocked, she immediately said it to her grandfather.

"N-No!...I...I too feel proud of myself of being your granddaughter! I always feel thankful to you who lead me so I can become the current me now!" (Suguha)

As for the rest, it is a scene like a soap opera where they are hugging in tears. for a long time.

Seeing them like this, Rein move to the sidelines, reading the mood so they can enjoy their family time while watching them warmly with a smile.

...Fortunately, he can be considerate enough to remind Suguha before she is late to school without ruining the moment.

-Back to the present-

"...It feels like, many things are happening so much around me after you come here, Rein-san." (Suguha)

"...I guess that's true." (Rein)

Rein can only smile bitterly after hearing that.

It's not like he's a troublemaker nor doing it on purpose.

Besides, if he takes a wrong step, he can be seen as a rude person who involves oneself in family circumstances too much.

He's doing all of these in the first place because it can help him too. After all, he doesn't want Kazuki to loses interest of him and decided not to teach kendo due to Suguha's condition.

....Well, he also can't deny that he helps them because he's a big softie.

(...I really am an idiot.)

Even so, he didn't feel bad.

because he does all of this not because other person ordered him to, but because he himself wants to.

He can be himself without wearing a mask anymore.

"...haaaahh..." (Suguha)

"That's a long sigh. Is there still something worrying you?" (Rein)

"....It may sound selfish to me but, I also want to mend my relationship with my big brother too."

"...Your brother, Kazuto..is it?"

*Nods*

"Yes... I feel like, he's avoiding me after I'm taking kendo alone. ....But, I don't know the reason exactly. ....Also, because he's playing the SAO right now, he becomes more closed-in, which worries me a lot."

"...."

"...Sorry, Rein-san. It's already rude enough for me but I still complain like this. ...I really am the worst."

*Shakes head*

"It's fine. Go complain all you want to. It's better to let it all out rather than storing inside your heart. If listening only can help lessen your problem, I will do so." (Rein)

"...You are really gentle, Rein-san." (Suguha)

"(Smile teasingly) Well, that makes me a good man right?"

"Aha, what's that? So weird. ...But, thank you."

Unknowingly, they already arrived at the front of school grounds.

Not like in the beginning, there isn't a gallery anymore. Instead, there's a rumor spreading to the whole school, 'Kirigaya Suguha is dating with an extremely handsome prince.'

Of course, she denied it fervently with a red face and explain that he is just a fellow disciple of kendo, but her reaction makes the people doubt her more.

Well, it can only be said as she digging her own grave.

After Suguha receives the usual boxed lunch, she waved goodbye to Rein. However, before she heads in, Reins stop her by grabbing the wrist of her left hand.

"Ah, Wait a sec Kirigaya."

*Badum* (Heart beating)

"E-EH!? Wh-what!? What are you doing Rein-san!?"

Just by grabbing her hand, she becomes panicked and flustered with a red face.

....It can't be blamed though. After all, this man in front of her is just too cool for her to be calm.

Noticing her reaction, Rein also take off her hand and face her directly.

With a smile, he gives her the magic word to fix their last broken relationship.

"Face it properly." (Rein)

"....Eh?" (Suguha)

"I also said this to your grandfather, but face properly with your brother. it doesn't matter how you do it. Even so, just talk with him. About your problems, feeling, complain, or anything. It's also fine to be half-rambling. "

"....Ah."

"It is scary to take the beginning step. ...But, you have to face it. If you do so, you will definitely be able to fix your relationship, no matter how long and hard it takes. Because,"

"You are families."

"!!"

After finishing his word, Rein turns his back.

After all, He also has lots of work to finish.

"I've said my part. The rest is up to you, Kirigaya. Do your best. ....Oh, also, have a good time in school." (Rein)

With that, he left the school entrance.

"E-Eh!? Wa-wait, Rein-san! ....He left."

After she wakes from stupor, she immediately calls Rein back but unfortunately, he's already far away.

That day, she is unable to focus on the class for the whole time... until get lectured by the teachers to stand outside the corridor.

In her mind, the words from Rein are constantly twirling inside her mind.

It looks like the makeup with Kazuto will be sooner.