◆Part 1◆
『Cradle to the Glaive』
Better known as 『CtG』, it was an ultra-realistic virtual adventure RPG that utilized a headset device known as Ramiel.
Imagine Ekphrasis worked with an external research agency to develop this game. In a mere one year after its release, it secured over one hundred million (technically, one hundred and fifty million people) active users. It made itself known with the slogan, “An entirely new form of entertainment”.
The engine used to create its elaborate virtual world caught much attention from various audiences and was viewed as a great addition to scientific study, environmental engineering, and even military research.
However, the technology used to create 『CtG』 had not been revealed to public at all and served solely for entertainment. Even now, they continue to decline requests from many national and foreign official institutes to share their technology.
Many theories were made concerning their reasoning, however the real reason was still hidden within the shadows.
And the origin of the strange events that befell Kasugai Yuu were none other than that game.
Shortly after his mother, a former 『CtG』 developer, passed away, Yuu start playing 『CtG』 as if to chase after her remnants. One day he met a player named Mifa, and completed an event called 《Marriage》. It was a rare event with unknown unlock conditions, however it was supposed to be nothing but a single experience in that unreal world.
However.
The next day, a baby was born between Yuu’s Avatar, Clamp, and his 《Marriage》 partner Mifa.
Born from a game, it was none other than their daughter. They later named her Haruha.
Haruha possessed very extensive range of emotions and wisdom, things one wouldn’t expect from an AI. Although Clamp was puzzled at first, he began to grow fond of her as she continued to absorb their teachings like a sponge.
Both Yuu and Mifa had issue with their relationships with their own parents, therefore by raising Haruha, they figured it might help them find out the way to fix their problems.
However, in a mere 2 months, Haruha had grown to the size of an eight-year-old and everything started to change.
Haruha, who were supposed to be nothing but an existence within a game, suddenly appeared in front of Kasugai Yuu in the real world.
Those who brought Haruha to his side were Niiro Mansei and Hajime Hidari. The two claimed that they belonged to a secret organization researching the method to give birth to a new type of human. They called themselves the “Human Equilibrium Institute”.
Their researchers secretly conducted their experiment in 『CtG』 ‘s virtual world. There, they created the prototype of new humanity, Hadzar. And the first successful incarnation of their experiments was Haruha――― Yuu’s daughter, Kasugai Haruha.
Alongside her came the player who controlled Mifa, Kugimiya Miharu. She served the role as Haruha’s mental support. In the end, the three of them live together in the Kasugai household.
To Yuu, who had once separated from his mother, abandoning Haruha was not an option he could take.
Thus, it started, a strange daily life alongside Miharu, who was a little afraid of men.
The gaze of suspicion from Yuu’s childhood friend, Kodzuchi Fuyufu.
The threat from a rogue Hadzar, Memento Coppelia.
The challenge from the self-proclaimed delinquent middle schooler, Kanna Sakura.
And lastly the battle with a Hadzar who attempted to unite the world of 『CtG』 under one united consciousness, Ikui Librium Gepetto,
Their new life was filled with many new meetings and troubles, all the while illuminated by Haruha’s pure innocent smile.
And finally, …
That girl showed herself in Kasugai household.
『Haruha, the first successful unit of New Humanity.
In other words, my daughter. I have come here to pick her up!』
A bold declaration made through the entrance intercom.
It all happened shortly after the conclusion of the “Ghost” incident caused by Ikui, in the early days of summer vacation―――
s
◆Part 2◆
s
The sound of cicadas filled the living room.
The Kasugai household is located on the far corner of the suburbs and is surrounded by forest. During summer and autumn, the sound of insects could be constantly heard. Before Haruha and Miharu came here, their sound was the only thing that kept things lively in this once quiet house.
Right now, the sound of summer that filled the room felt different from the normal sound of nature. The tremendous tension distorts the atmosphere and instills pressure in the ear.
“Hmmmn……”
Feeling curious, but looking disinterested. That was what her sigh conveyed as she looked around the Kasugai household.
“Well, at least it’s not that dirty.”
She doesn’t appear to be that far of an age from Yuu.
Her long glossy blonde hair swayed from the wind coming from the weak air conditioning. However, despite her provocative expression, she does not give off a strict impression, partly because of her somewhat youthful rounded face. Her sleeveless blouse looked simple but was really well-made, displaying the superb skill of its tailor.
Yuu seemed to not be able to take his eyes off her for some reason.
In short, she’s a beautiful girl. But, besides her blonde hair, nothing about her particularly stood out. Though, for those who knows, her clothes and accessory are actually that of top-class works from a skilled designer. But Miharu aside, Yuu has absolutely no clue about such a thing.
Therefore, the reason why Yuu was so attracted to her looks lies somewhere else.
They look alike.
It is as if the kid he used to know appeared in front of him after growing 8 or 9 years older. Lastly, the words she spoke through the intercom echos inside his mind and pulled him into the abyss of confusion.
On the other hand, the girl in question suddenly sat down on the most comfortable-looking sofa in the room without permission and embraced her own knees. Her bare legs uncovered by her short skirt was so white as if she had never been in contact with the sunlight, and it moves restlessly as she sits.
“So, where is my Haruha?”
“D-Did you just said ‘My Haruha’…?”
Miharu weakly protested, but the glare from the girl sitting on the sofa immediately drowned out her voice. After being together with her for so long, Yuu had forgotten how timid Miharu actually is when with those who she was not familiar with, even if that person is off the same sex. She’s the complete opposite of her Avatar-self, Mifa in 『CtG』.
Meanwhile, Haruha was on the second floor with Sakura. Apparently, this conversation is something that shouldn’t be heard by her.
Yuu placed his hand on Miharu’s shoulder to tell her to stop then looked at Hajime Hidari. He’s demanding for an explanation through his gaze, while delivering criticisms along the way.
The girl who suddenly visits them and the words she said through the intercom. Yuu was taken aback by it, but Hajime appeared to hear her as well and quickly changed to her serious face and welcomed the girl inside.
If she’s related to their laboratory, it won’t be weird for her to know about Haruha’s existence. Therefore, Hajime has the obligation to explain.
Hajime made a smile but it was obviously a crude one. Her glasses were slightly off but she forgot to fix it. She understands the situation but was unable to fully adapt to this unforeseen occurrence. Her face shows that much.
“E, eerm… this lady over there is Kusaka Airi-san. She is from the chemical food company that is currently investing in our laboratory. Not only that, despite being just 17 years old she cooperated in the creation of Ramiel and the Nephilim Computer synchronization technology…… she’s truly a talented woman.”
A lady and a genius girl at the same time, how overly high-spec, he thought, but he’s oddly convinced. Her unique eccentric personality and her “at my own” pace kind of behavior feels befitting of such a special individual.
And before Hajime could continue to introduce Yuu and the rest, she got cut off by the girl―― Airi.
“I know you. You’re the son of 『CtG』 game designer, Kasugai Mana, Kasugai Yuu and…”
Airi then switched her stare over to Miharu.
“Haruha’s babysitter, Kugimiya Miharu right?”
“Ugh…”
Miharu wanted to say something back, but had her words stuck in her mouth. Taken aback by her unexpected remarks, she couldn’t prepare a reaction matching to her emotion.
That’s why in Miharu’s place……. or not, Yuu opened his mouth.
“……I still don’t know who you are. I also don’t know your relationship with Imagine Ekphrasis, the laboratory, or Haruha.
But, you’re wrong. Kugimiya-san is Haruha’s mother. Please correct yourself.”
Paying no heed to his strong demanding voice or his piercing gaze, Airi did not flinch at all. Instead, she listened, full of interest.
“What if I say I can’t?”
“I’ll have you kicked out of this house. This is my house, and I will not accept any visitors who insulted Haruha’s mother.”
Just before, Airi said “I know you”, but if she had indeed “known” Yuu she should know that Yuu’s behavior was a weird one. Outside Haruha related-cases, it’s unlikely for Yuu to get this angry. That’s why, Miharu, Hajime and even Yuu himself was surprised.
Just how much Miharu thinks about Haruha.
Just how much Haruha yearns for Miharu.
Yuu knew all about it. He knows because of how much he has regretted the fact that he never once realized how much his mother loved him when she was still alive. Hearing someone denying Miharu and Haruha’s relationship has angered him beyond his imagination.
However, Airi did not notice that, or maybe she’s just too rational to realize that. She’s that kind of girl.
“Really? But I can’t deny a 『fact』. After all, Haruha is a child born from my 『blood』, and that girl is just simply taking care of my daughter up to this point.
You too will surely understand after knowing about the truth that I’m about to tell you today.”
Airi raised one finger and closed her eyes. It was as if she was about to show the proof that she’s indeed the one worthy of the possession of this Hadzar.
“Listen well. To begin with, Haruha is――
……Eh-? Wha-, what!?”
Airi’s lecture suddenly turned into scream midway.
It’s because she was suddenly carried by Yuu.
To put it in a word, it was a princess-carry, but it was too crude and had no trace of grace at all, just like how one would carry luggage.
Dumbfounded by Yuu’s unusually violent behavior, Miharu and Hajime were so surprised that they couldn’t even react. All they could do was to watch over Yuu who nonchalantly carried Airi to the entrance.
Yuu swiftly unlocked the entrance while carrying Airi and tossed her out butt-first. In other words, he threw her out. (ED: That’s right! Show her who’s boss!)
“Ugh……! You-……!?”
Airi having gone red from the humiliation, glared at Yuu, but just like how Miharu behaved in front of her before, all she could do was move her mouth fruitlessly.
In front of the house parked the black foreign car that drove Airi here. The young man who served as the driver looked at them from the rear seat with a surprised look on his face.
He gave both of them a shallow bow and tried his best to ignore Airi who’s showing her intention to protest and watched over Yuu walking back into the house. After the door closed, he heard the sound of the automatic lock turning, preventing the door from being opened again.
『……! ……Nnng……!』
Shortly after Airi finally unleash her frustrated voice, but none of her words could be recognized through the thick door.
Appearing to be slightly refreshed, Yuu returned to the living room. He faced Hajime who was still dumbfounded and tiredly asked her.
“Just who was that person?”
s
Meanwhile.
Sakura got her hand pulled by Haruha and was taken into Yuu’s room.
Although Sakura had arbitrarily explored the Kasugai household storeroom in search of the old game console, it’s the first time she has gone to the second floor.
Yuu’s room was surprisingly clean, with no furniture other than the bed, a desk, and a bookcase.
“Fuu…. hot hot.”
Haruha crawled up onto the bed and operated the air conditioner remote placed at the bedside with familiarity. After that, she moved on top of the bed and stretched her body around the middle of it. It appears to be the spot where the wind blows onto directly.
Sakura then took off her jumper, and lay near Haruha. The wind blowing onto her head feels comfortable.
(……That guest just now, just who was she?)
Sakura hadn’t seen her, but judging from the atmosphere and the fact that they didn’t want Haruha to listen to their conversation, it most likely had something to do with 『CtG』. It’s the overly realistic and mysterious game that gave birth to Haruha and turned Sakura into a “Ghost”.
Could another trouble like 《Crystal World》 be happening again? As she thinks about such things, she closes her eyes――― and suddenly felt a presence around her back and she turned around. In front of her eyes was Haruha’s smile. This girl has a habit of hugging others.
“Sakura-chan, Sakura-chan. What should we play?”
Now that she mentioned it. Sakura told her that she had gotten tired of the fighting game and had Haruha to take her to somewhere else as an excuse to leave the room.
“Wanna play Sumo? Payakino-san taught Haruha how to do Uwatedashinage” (TL note: It’s a Sumo move. I can’t find an equivalent English name for it.)
“Girls don’t play Sumo, geez.”
Sakura replied as Haruha shook her body as she clung to her back.
“Is that the law?”
“It’s no-… nn? A law huh. I’m not really sure.”
“Law is a hindrance…?”
“You sure say some scary stuff sometimes…”
As she says that, she pushed Haruha’s body off simply by moving her center of gravity. For Sakura who had once earned the title of prodigy in Judo, rolling a clumsy little girl is a simple matter. Like that, she then lies her head on top of Haruha’s belly like a pillow.
“Uwaaa, Haruha have been had!”
Haruha looks like she’s having fun. For a while, she restlessly swung her arms and legs like an overturned turtle, but Sakura’s head that was placed perfectly on top of her prevents her from escaping. Shortly after, appearing to be switching interest, Haruha started playing with Sakura’s hair.
“You see, Haruha always sleeps here.”
“Nn? Not with Miharu-san, but with Senpai?”
Haruha shares many likeness to her mother, so it was pretty surprising. But once she thinks about it, it’s not weird for girls with mental age such as Haruha to sleep with her father. Even Sakura herself sleeps together with both her parents up till elementary school.
However, this family’s circumstances is far different from normal ones. Yuu and Miharu are both Haruha’s father and mother, but the both of them aren’t exactly husband and wife, not even a couple (apparently).
“Daddy and Mommy sleeps together here too.”
“Eeeh?”
More confusion follows as Haruha’s explanation continues.
……Yuu and Miharu? Together? In this bed?
Reflexively she started to get conscious about the smell of others that remained in the bedsheets. The image of Miharu’s overwhelmingly beautiful body and the unexpectedly strong-looking hand of Yuu pops into her mind.
The image of a “Romantic Relationship” Sakura had was mainly based on the ladies’ comic that a senior from her dojo had lent her. Therefore, once she pictures a woman and a man lying on the same bed, the rest will be quite a mess.
And then, once she started to think about such a thing happening on this bed that she’s lying on, the immoral feeling(?) reddens her face.
But once she thinks more rationally, between them there is Haruha, and judging from Yuu and Miharu’s personality, such a mistake is unlikely to happen. But the fact that the pair of guy and girl whom she’s familiar with is sharing the same space together had turned Sakura’s heat switch on as her brain continue to produce inappropriate images and have it flowing inside her head.
Sakura then got up, and lifted Haruha up. Both then face each other while sitting. And after clearing her throat, she asked.
“F-……Fill me in on the detail, please!”
She wasn’t conscious about it, but she started speaking in a similar tone as her mother.
s
『Agh, I got it……! I got it already…… For now I’ll admit that Kugimiya Miharu is Haruha’s mother, so hurry up and let me in!』
After several times of ringing the interphone, Airi finally compromised. Ten minutes had passed since she got kicked out of the house.
As she entered the Kasugai household for the second time, Airi angrily glared at Yuu, but he ignored her as expected. While being soothed by Hajime, she walks in and once again rested on the sofa while folding her arms.
Being locked outdoors on a midsummer day, Airi was drenched wet in her own sweat and her expression turned stern, leaving no trace of the elegance and composure she had from earlier. After receiving a towel from Hajime, Airi started wiping off her sweat and continued to glare at Yuu expressing her protest. Miharu herself started to forget the feeling of antipathy she had towards her.
It’s all because of how surprising it was for Yuu to become so enraged.
Usually, though not as much as to the point of being a coward, Yuu is a very prudent person. Although it was concerning Haruha, he just literally threw out a girl he met for the first time. Although it’s certainly not just for Miharu, that act shows just how much Yuu cherished the relationship the three of them have.
That’s right. This family will not break away like Miharu’s family did……
But, the sudden appearance of this girl who looked very alike to Haruha, and the identity she spoke of, blew away all the composure Miharu had.
s
―――Although the air conditioner was working perfectly to chill one’s skin, sweat still began to flow. Yuu wiped his forehead and opened his mouth.
“In other words, Kusaka-san is… the DNA provider for Haruha’s body?”
Yuu was sitting on the carpet facing Airi who was sitting on top of the sofa while hugging one of her legs. In response to his question, Airi replied.
“That’s right. The female DNA came from mine.”
It was the second time Airi declared that. The first time was in the middle of her far-reaching explanation using multiple esoteric terms plus commentary from Hajime, which made it pretty hard to understand.
But, after Yuu confirmed it, the atmosphere instantly turned heavier.
The proof is right there in front of them. It’s Kusaka Airi’s face.
Both of them looked alike.
She had the face that would most likely be how Haruha would look like after 7 or 8 years. The only difference that stood out were her eyebrows, but other than that, they’re like a carbon copy of each other.
And now, the reason behind that has been explained by Airi herself. To even the smallest detail.
According to Hajime, the embryo DNA that gave birth to Haruha and the other Hadzar are based from 『CtG』 user biological DNA that was then hand-selected for the most appropriate ones and later modified into what it was now. The subject of the modification, in addition of Kaman Modd (TL Note: Kaman Modd/カマン・モッド, I had no idea what it is and google didn’t help me much), includes metabolism, strength, enhancement of metabolism system, and other physical characteristics, apparently.
“In Haruha’s case, Yuu’s mainly unmodified DNA was taken as part of her paternal reproductive DNA.”
Hajime explained as she awkwardly pushed up her glasses. Hearing that, Yuu got mildly confused.
“Why mine? Shouldn’t there be many others that would work better than mine?”
Objectively speaking, Kasugai Yuu’s mental and physical strength is only slightly above average, in other words he’s a normal boy. Just by looking at students from his school, there were so many others who are much better than him.
“Well…… you see, Yuu’s mother is a talented creator after all. Tracing back her bloodline we might find a surprising number of great people, right? We believe that there’s a possibility within the genes, the latent ability that the person themselves didn’t know off might later flourish in their offspring.
Also, needless to say, you’re the one in charge of Haruha-chan’s upbringing after all. The priority to adopt DNA from you will be inevitably high.”
Hajime’s answer was undoubtedly a plausible one, but it sounds like she’s trying to move the conversation elsewhere.
Miharu who couldn’t catch up with the conversation muttered.
“So, I was not that excellent at all……”
“No, it’s not that simple. It’s simply the matter of your suitability with the Hadzars, it has nothing to do with your ability as an individual.”
Hajime tried to cheer Miharu up, but the cloud on her face still hasn’t cleared up. After all―――
“In other word, Haruha was born from Kasugai-kun and Kasuka-san’s…… body DNA, right?’
Miharu couldn’t say it in any other way. She couldn’t, but…
Although Haruha has been modified as a Hadzar, she’s still their daughter.
Hearing Miharu’s words, Airi nodded in response.
“Well, to put it simply, that’s the case. Although it’s unpleasant to have my dna used without my permission, I’ll let it slide.
I’ve also got my way of remodeling Ramiel, and hacking into the Nephilim Computer, so that makes up for it.”
“So, that’s how you learnt about Haruha’s successful incarnation and that she’s now staying in this house…… Although you’re indeed involved in the Ramiel development, I didn’t expect you to be able to crack into Nephilim…”
Hajime said so as if lamenting. From her response, it’s clear that Airi’s knowledge of Haruha was unexpected.
If she’s not mistaken, Nephilim Computer is the strange computer that runs 『CtG』. Miharu recalled.
With aid of its exclusive terminal, Ramiel, it’s able to reproduce and modify the “World” that the player perceives through their brain and cells, creating the most realistic virtual world possible. Due to its nature, the more players that logged into the game, the more realistic it will become. The reasoning behind such a system was simple. The perception a person had might be full of holes and mistakes, but if you synchronize the perception of 100,000 people together into one, then it’s possible to erase those errors and contradiction.
In this era where the development of quantum computer is at a stalemate, this heterogeneous technology allows them to create an advanced artificial intelligence like Haruha by utilizing human resources.
Hacking into the human body and using their brain as a computing machine. Because of its nature that contradicts with ethics, its existence was kept secret, and they decided to secure resources through 『CtG』(Online Game). It’s not a computer for games, but a game for the computer itself.
Their purpose for doing so was to create personality for the Artificial New Humanity Hadzar and have them reside in the real world with a human body.
And now, the current result of their Hadzar research was Haruha who’s the first to succeeded in her incarnation ――― from inside 『CtG』 to the outside, a child who’s raised by Yuu(Clamp) and Miharu(Mifa).
And Kusaka Airi’s goal is to take back Haruha.
“Now you understand, right? I have the right to have Haruha by my side, and I have a complete understanding of her nature and how to properly raise her.
That’s why I’m saying that you should give her to me. I find it interesting to raise a new founder(Adam) who looks just like me.”
“Kusaka-san, that……”
The reason why Haruha was given to Yuu and Miharu was to keep Haruha, who was still mentally unstable, under a minimum stress environment.
Haruha is the first and only Hadzar to ever succeed in her incarnation, therefore it’s desirable for her to live in an environment that would stabilize her growth.
Hajime preached, but Airi simply sneer in respond.
“No matter how you look at it, it’s clear who her real parent is. Right?”
“B-But you just merely resemble her!”
Miharu finally opened her mouth. But, although it’s a sound argument, those words sounded bitter. Sure enough, Airi smiled and shrugged.
“That’s what is important right? 『Form ever follows function』 someone once said, in other word, the format itself is the function. (TL Note: It’s quoted from Louis Sullivan whose full saying is “It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human, and all things super-human, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law.”)
God created humans in the form of himself. A child is the duplicate of their parent’s genes. Meaning, precisely because I look similar to Haruha that I ought to have the function as Haruha’s mother. It’s a very simple matter, don’t you think?”
“That’s a sophism!”
Yuu couldn’t help but argue back. Airi narrowed her eyes aggressively.
“What nonsense are you speaking? Inheriting a form is the ultimate proof of bonds between living beings, right?”
“In this world, there are plenty of parents who do well with their kids even though they’re not related, right? To begin with, Kusaka-san, in a normal sense, you’re not blood related to Haruha either.”
“That’s what I would call sophism! If not, a hypocrisy. In the end, to inherit a form from their parents is a child’s noble privilege.”
Both Yuu and Airi wouldn’t back off from their argument. On the contrary, it heated up more and more.
Meanwhile, Miharu missed the opportunity to enter the discussion, but thankfully because of that she’s able to calm down a little and started to feel a slight discomfort.
(Kusaka-san…… it sounded like she’s insisting on the fact that they look alike.)
As a matter of fact, aside from their size, they really do look alike so it’s not that weird for her to insist on saying that. But, if she’s indeed a great woman like Hajime said she is, she should be more reasonable, or maybe using her political power to take Haruha away from Miharu and Yuu.
Could it be that Airi’s company is not really that big? But even so, Hajime is trying too hard trying to not anger her.
――― , Could it be that she don’t really want to take Haruha with her, or is there another reason why she’s insisting on the point that they share a resemblance?
That’s what she thinks. In 『CtG』, it’s Yuu(Clamp)’s role to think up tactics, but now that he’s all heated up together with Airi, Miharu must be the one to protect Haruha and Yuu……
(That’s right. I must tell him that it’s not Kodzuchi-san, but I’m the one who can save him……!)
With such an earnest thought, she enters in. And as if to ruin that determination,
“Mommy, Mommy, Haruha is thirsty. Can Haruha drink cola?”
“You just had cola not long ago, so have some tea oka-…. Eh, eeh? Haruha!?”
All of a sudden Haruha pops out, and pulled at Miharu’s clothes. She was so absorbed into her talk with Airi she didn’t notice her.
“W-What happen to Kanna-san?”
“Sakura-chan, said something like, 『Painful and look painful is the same thing』 and got mad.”
Just what the heck is that girl doing? She thought, but thinking back again, Sakura is simply an innocent bystander. It’s wrong to blame her.
“Hmmmn―――”
And so, it was already too late.
“So, you’re Haruha, huh.”
“? Indeed Haruha is?”
Exact copy, although to say so their height gap is too big.
Kusaka Airi stand up and smiled victoriously, all while facing Kasugai Haruha who blinks her eyes innocently. It’s clear the two of them have the same face.
Looking again, their similarity is uncanny. No matter how close a parent and child can be, it’s rare for them to look so alike. It as if they’re two halves of one being.
Miharu had lost all her temper from before and now turned pale. Airi’s fixation doesn’t feel that weird now. For both a child and a parent to hold so much resemblance, it might be not so weird for the child to follow their parents――― such worries occupy Miharu’s mind.
And so, Airi start talking to Haruha.
“You understand right, Haruha? I’m your real mother.”
“Eh……?
Haruha widen her eyes and awkwardly approach Airi.
Then, while getting watched over by Miharu and Yuu, she opens her mouth.
“Are you the real Cacao seller? Haruha always eat your chocolate dumpling!” (TL Note: The ‘pun’ here is that Airi said “Hontou no Okaa-san” and Haruha misheard it as “Hontou no Kokoa” which means “The real Cacao”)
The chocolate dumpling sold in the neighborhood supermarket is Kasugai household staple afternoon snack.
Airi stumped the floor.
“M・O・T・H・E・R! Just why do you think a person who look exactly like you is a chocolate seller!?”
“Haruha always eat chocolate dumpling and Choco no Egg every day, so Haruha thought it’s a present for loyal costumer……”
“MOTHER! Mom, Mama, Madre!”
“Aah, so… Mommy huh…”
“……Why you look so depressed after learning I’m not the Cacao seller? But at least I got you on the right track now.”
“Real-san’s mommy?” (TL Note: The particle の/no can also mean [ ‘s ], so “Hontou no Okaa-san” becomes “Honto’s Mother”)
“Yours!!!”
Airi shouted furiously.
But, it seems Haruha finally gets what she’s trying to say. Because, she’s tilting her head curiously.
“? But Haruha’s mommy is Mommy?”
Haruha then bury her head onto Miharu’s chest to express that she’s her mother. Out of habit, Miharu hug Haruha back and pat her head. “Nfufu…” Haruha smiled, making Miharu smile back.
Airi felt a quick shock seeing how Miharu’s breast was able to wrap Haruha’s head, but once again she tries to talk to Haruha.
“T-That person is just raising you, she’s not your mother. You can tell just by looking, right?”
Haruha lifted her head off Miharu’s breast and once again face Airi. Airi open her arms.
“I, with my body data, gave birth to you.”
“No”
Instantaneous. Not even a second was wasted for her to say this word of denial.
“Haruha is not yours. Haruha is Mommy and Daddy’s.”
Not to mention, Haruha’s expression did not change in the slightest. Innocent and indifferent, she simply continues to smile.
“Ugh ………！”
It’s not like she didn’t expect her to deny her. In matter of fact, no matter how many times Yuu fought back, she didn’t move an inch. But after being denied by Haruha in such fast and indifferent manner, Airi stood speechless.
On other hand, Haruha’s respond was also a shock for Miharu and Yuu. Of course, they believe she won’t follow Airi in the end, but they didn’t think it would end so instantly. They thought she would put more interest in others who look like herself.
Each and everyone in the room turned silent, all for different reason, and Haruha look at them with confused face. Hajime then stand up and place her hand on Airi’s shoulder.
“Well…… you hear what she says……”
Even so Airi continue to complain, but in the end, she got kicked out by Yuu again. This time he carried her on his shoulder, treating her completely like a luggage.
“W-What a rude man! I won’t give up you know!”
He intended to put her down as gently as possible, but possibly out of embarrassment she start cursing him while crying, so he throw her out like a trash. The guy from the car looked at them and made a bitter smile. Judging from his attitude, and how he talks to Airi once she’s inside the car, it appears that he is her older brother or something similar. They give up the impression of a family from western movie where they eat steak inside the car. (TL Note: Is this even a thing?)
While watching over the noisy visitor’s car go past the residential area, Miharu ask Yuu who was standing by her side.
“It sure is rare for you to treat woman so roughly.”
“Aah……”
Yuu wandered his gaze ambiguously.
“I might have treated her like that because she looked like Haruha”
“Daddy, Mommy, Haruha want to drink cola!”
“Barley tea okay”
“Here…. we go” said Yuu as he lifted Haruha and carried her back into the house.
Seeing such strange sight, Miharu let out a sigh, mixed of both relief and anxious.
s
And so, as she declared.
Starting that day, Kusaka Airi’s approach as “The daughter’s biological mother” starts.
◆Part 1◆
『Cradle to the Glaive』
Better known as 『CtG』, it was an ultra-realistic virtual adventure RPG that utilized a headset device known as Ramiel.
Imagine Ekphrasis worked with an external research agency to develop this game. In a mere one year after its release, it secured over one hundred million (technically, one hundred and fifty million people) active users. It made itself known with the slogan, “An entirely new form of entertainment”.
The engine used to create its elaborate virtual world caught much attention from various audiences and was viewed as a great addition to scientific study, environmental engineering, and even military research.
However, the technology used to create 『CtG』 had not been revealed to public at all and served solely for entertainment. Even now, they continue to decline requests from many national and foreign official institutes to share their technology.
Many theories were made concerning their reasoning, however the real reason was still hidden within the shadows.
And the origin of the strange events that befell Kasugai Yuu were none other than that game.
Shortly after his mother, a former 『CtG』 developer, passed away, Yuu start playing 『CtG』 as if to chase after her remnants. One day he met a player named Mifa, and completed an event called 《Marriage》. It was a rare event with unknown unlock conditions, however it was supposed to be nothing but a single experience in that unreal world.
However.
The next day, a baby was born between Yuu’s Avatar, Clamp, and his 《Marriage》 partner Mifa.
Born from a game, it was none other than their daughter. They later named her Haruha.
Haruha possessed very extensive range of emotions and wisdom, things one wouldn’t expect from an AI. Although Clamp was puzzled at first, he began to grow fond of her as she continued to absorb their teachings like a sponge.
Both Yuu and Mifa had issue with their relationships with their own parents, therefore by raising Haruha, they figured it might help them find out the way to fix their problems.
However, in a mere 2 months, Haruha had grown to the size of an eight-year-old and everything started to change.
Haruha, who were supposed to be nothing but an existence within a game, suddenly appeared in front of Kasugai Yuu in the real world.
Those who brought Haruha to his side were Niiro Mansei and Hajime Hidari. The two claimed that they belonged to a secret organization researching the method to give birth to a new type of human. They called themselves the “Human Equilibrium Institute”.
Their researchers secretly conducted their experiment in 『CtG』 ‘s virtual world. There, they created the prototype of new humanity, Hadzar. And the first successful incarnation of their experiments was Haruha――― Yuu’s daughter, Kasugai Haruha.
Alongside her came the player who controlled Mifa, Kugimiya Miharu. She served the role as Haruha’s mental support. In the end, the three of them live together in the Kasugai household.
To Yuu, who had once separated from his mother, abandoning Haruha was not an option he could take.
Thus, it started, a strange daily life alongside Miharu, who was a little afraid of men.
The gaze of suspicion from Yuu’s childhood friend, Kodzuchi Fuyufu.
The threat from a rogue Hadzar, Memento Coppelia.
The challenge from the self-proclaimed delinquent middle schooler, Kanna Sakura.
And lastly the battle with a Hadzar who attempted to unite the world of 『CtG』 under one united consciousness, Ikui Librium Gepetto,
Their new life was filled with many new meetings and troubles, all the while illuminated by Haruha’s pure innocent smile.
And finally, …
That girl showed herself in Kasugai household.
『Haruha, the first successful unit of New Humanity.
In other words, my daughter. I have come here to pick her up!』
A bold declaration made through the entrance intercom.
It all happened shortly after the conclusion of the “Ghost” incident caused by Ikui, in the early days of summer vacation―――
s
◆Part 2◆
s
The sound of cicadas filled the living room.
The Kasugai household is located on the far corner of the suburbs and is surrounded by forest. During summer and autumn, the sound of insects could be constantly heard. Before Haruha and Miharu came here, their sound was the only thing that kept things lively in this once quiet house.
Right now, the sound of summer that filled the room felt different from the normal sound of nature. The tremendous tension distorts the atmosphere and instills pressure in the ear.
“Hmmmn……”
Feeling curious, but looking disinterested. That was what her sigh conveyed as she looked around the Kasugai household.
“Well, at least it’s not that dirty.”
She doesn’t appear to be that far of an age from Yuu.
Her long glossy blonde hair swayed from the wind coming from the weak air conditioning. However, despite her provocative expression, she does not give off a strict impression, partly because of her somewhat youthful rounded face. Her sleeveless blouse looked simple but was really well-made, displaying the superb skill of its tailor.
Yuu seemed to not be able to take his eyes off her for some reason.
In short, she’s a beautiful girl. But, besides her blonde hair, nothing about her particularly stood out. Though, for those who knows, her clothes and accessory are actually that of top-class works from a skilled designer. But Miharu aside, Yuu has absolutely no clue about such a thing.
Therefore, the reason why Yuu was so attracted to her looks lies somewhere else.
They look alike.
It is as if the kid he used to know appeared in front of him after growing 8 or 9 years older. Lastly, the words she spoke through the intercom echos inside his mind and pulled him into the abyss of confusion.
On the other hand, the girl in question suddenly sat down on the most comfortable-looking sofa in the room without permission and embraced her own knees. Her bare legs uncovered by her short skirt was so white as if she had never been in contact with the sunlight, and it moves restlessly as she sits.
“So, where is my Haruha?”
“D-Did you just said ‘My Haruha’…?”
Miharu weakly protested, but the glare from the girl sitting on the sofa immediately drowned out her voice. After being together with her for so long, Yuu had forgotten how timid Miharu actually is when with those who she was not familiar with, even if that person is off the same sex. She’s the complete opposite of her Avatar-self, Mifa in 『CtG』.
Meanwhile, Haruha was on the second floor with Sakura. Apparently, this conversation is something that shouldn’t be heard by her.
Yuu placed his hand on Miharu’s shoulder to tell her to stop then looked at Hajime Hidari. He’s demanding for an explanation through his gaze, while delivering criticisms along the way.
The girl who suddenly visits them and the words she said through the intercom. Yuu was taken aback by it, but Hajime appeared to hear her as well and quickly changed to her serious face and welcomed the girl inside.
If she’s related to their laboratory, it won’t be weird for her to know about Haruha’s existence. Therefore, Hajime has the obligation to explain.
Hajime made a smile but it was obviously a crude one. Her glasses were slightly off but she forgot to fix it. She understands the situation but was unable to fully adapt to this unforeseen occurrence. Her face shows that much.
“E, eerm… this lady over there is Kusaka Airi-san. She is from the chemical food company that is currently investing in our laboratory. Not only that, despite being just 17 years old she cooperated in the creation of Ramiel and the Nephilim Computer synchronization technology…… she’s truly a talented woman.”
A lady and a genius girl at the same time, how overly high-spec, he thought, but he’s oddly convinced. Her unique eccentric personality and her “at my own” pace kind of behavior feels befitting of such a special individual.
And before Hajime could continue to introduce Yuu and the rest, she got cut off by the girl―― Airi.
“I know you. You’re the son of 『CtG』 game designer, Kasugai Mana, Kasugai Yuu and…”
Airi then switched her stare over to Miharu.
“Haruha’s babysitter, Kugimiya Miharu right?”
“Ugh…”
Miharu wanted to say something back, but had her words stuck in her mouth. Taken aback by her unexpected remarks, she couldn’t prepare a reaction matching to her emotion.
That’s why in Miharu’s place……. or not, Yuu opened his mouth.
“……I still don’t know who you are. I also don’t know your relationship with Imagine Ekphrasis, the laboratory, or Haruha.
But, you’re wrong. Kugimiya-san is Haruha’s mother. Please correct yourself.”
Paying no heed to his strong demanding voice or his piercing gaze, Airi did not flinch at all. Instead, she listened, full of interest.
“What if I say I can’t?”
“I’ll have you kicked out of this house. This is my house, and I will not accept any visitors who insulted Haruha’s mother.”
Just before, Airi said “I know you”, but if she had indeed “known” Yuu she should know that Yuu’s behavior was a weird one. Outside Haruha related-cases, it’s unlikely for Yuu to get this angry. That’s why, Miharu, Hajime and even Yuu himself was surprised.
Just how much Miharu thinks about Haruha.
Just how much Haruha yearns for Miharu.
Yuu knew all about it. He knows because of how much he has regretted the fact that he never once realized how much his mother loved him when she was still alive. Hearing someone denying Miharu and Haruha’s relationship has angered him beyond his imagination.
However, Airi did not notice that, or maybe she’s just too rational to realize that. She’s that kind of girl.
“Really? But I can’t deny a 『fact』. After all, Haruha is a child born from my 『blood』, and that girl is just simply taking care of my daughter up to this point.
You too will surely understand after knowing about the truth that I’m about to tell you today.”
Airi raised one finger and closed her eyes. It was as if she was about to show the proof that she’s indeed the one worthy of the possession of this Hadzar.
“Listen well. To begin with, Haruha is――
……Eh-? Wha-, what!?”
Airi’s lecture suddenly turned into scream midway.
It’s because she was suddenly carried by Yuu.
To put it in a word, it was a princess-carry, but it was too crude and had no trace of grace at all, just like how one would carry luggage.
Dumbfounded by Yuu’s unusually violent behavior, Miharu and Hajime were so surprised that they couldn’t even react. All they could do was to watch over Yuu who nonchalantly carried Airi to the entrance.
Yuu swiftly unlocked the entrance while carrying Airi and tossed her out butt-first. In other words, he threw her out. (ED: That’s right! Show her who’s boss!)
“Ugh……! You-……!?”
Airi having gone red from the humiliation, glared at Yuu, but just like how Miharu behaved in front of her before, all she could do was move her mouth fruitlessly.
In front of the house parked the black foreign car that drove Airi here. The young man who served as the driver looked at them from the rear seat with a surprised look on his face.
He gave both of them a shallow bow and tried his best to ignore Airi who’s showing her intention to protest and watched over Yuu walking back into the house. After the door closed, he heard the sound of the automatic lock turning, preventing the door from being opened again.
『……! ……Nnng……!』
Shortly after Airi finally unleash her frustrated voice, but none of her words could be recognized through the thick door.
Appearing to be slightly refreshed, Yuu returned to the living room. He faced Hajime who was still dumbfounded and tiredly asked her.
“Just who was that person?”
s
Meanwhile.
Sakura got her hand pulled by Haruha and was taken into Yuu’s room.
Although Sakura had arbitrarily explored the Kasugai household storeroom in search of the old game console, it’s the first time she has gone to the second floor.
Yuu’s room was surprisingly clean, with no furniture other than the bed, a desk, and a bookcase.
“Fuu…. hot hot.”
Haruha crawled up onto the bed and operated the air conditioner remote placed at the bedside with familiarity. After that, she moved on top of the bed and stretched her body around the middle of it. It appears to be the spot where the wind blows onto directly.
Sakura then took off her jumper, and lay near Haruha. The wind blowing onto her head feels comfortable.
(……That guest just now, just who was she?)
Sakura hadn’t seen her, but judging from the atmosphere and the fact that they didn’t want Haruha to listen to their conversation, it most likely had something to do with 『CtG』. It’s the overly realistic and mysterious game that gave birth to Haruha and turned Sakura into a “Ghost”.
Could another trouble like 《Crystal World》 be happening again? As she thinks about such things, she closes her eyes――― and suddenly felt a presence around her back and she turned around. In front of her eyes was Haruha’s smile. This girl has a habit of hugging others.
“Sakura-chan, Sakura-chan. What should we play?”
Now that she mentioned it. Sakura told her that she had gotten tired of the fighting game and had Haruha to take her to somewhere else as an excuse to leave the room.
“Wanna play Sumo? Payakino-san taught Haruha how to do Uwatedashinage” (TL note: It’s a Sumo move. I can’t find an equivalent English name for it.)
“Girls don’t play Sumo, geez.”
Sakura replied as Haruha shook her body as she clung to her back.
“Is that the law?”
“It’s no-… nn? A law huh. I’m not really sure.”
“Law is a hindrance…?”
“You sure say some scary stuff sometimes…”
As she says that, she pushed Haruha’s body off simply by moving her center of gravity. For Sakura who had once earned the title of prodigy in Judo, rolling a clumsy little girl is a simple matter. Like that, she then lies her head on top of Haruha’s belly like a pillow.
“Uwaaa, Haruha have been had!”
Haruha looks like she’s having fun. For a while, she restlessly swung her arms and legs like an overturned turtle, but Sakura’s head that was placed perfectly on top of her prevents her from escaping. Shortly after, appearing to be switching interest, Haruha started playing with Sakura’s hair.
“You see, Haruha always sleeps here.”
“Nn? Not with Miharu-san, but with Senpai?”
Haruha shares many likeness to her mother, so it was pretty surprising. But once she thinks about it, it’s not weird for girls with mental age such as Haruha to sleep with her father. Even Sakura herself sleeps together with both her parents up till elementary school.
However, this family’s circumstances is far different from normal ones. Yuu and Miharu are both Haruha’s father and mother, but the both of them aren’t exactly husband and wife, not even a couple (apparently).
“Daddy and Mommy sleeps together here too.”
“Eeeh?”
More confusion follows as Haruha’s explanation continues.
……Yuu and Miharu? Together? In this bed?
Reflexively she started to get conscious about the smell of others that remained in the bedsheets. The image of Miharu’s overwhelmingly beautiful body and the unexpectedly strong-looking hand of Yuu pops into her mind.
The image of a “Romantic Relationship” Sakura had was mainly based on the ladies’ comic that a senior from her dojo had lent her. Therefore, once she pictures a woman and a man lying on the same bed, the rest will be quite a mess.
And then, once she started to think about such a thing happening on this bed that she’s lying on, the immoral feeling(?) reddens her face.
But once she thinks more rationally, between them there is Haruha, and judging from Yuu and Miharu’s personality, such a mistake is unlikely to happen. But the fact that the pair of guy and girl whom she’s familiar with is sharing the same space together had turned Sakura’s heat switch on as her brain continue to produce inappropriate images and have it flowing inside her head.
Sakura then got up, and lifted Haruha up. Both then face each other while sitting. And after clearing her throat, she asked.
“F-……Fill me in on the detail, please!”
She wasn’t conscious about it, but she started speaking in a similar tone as her mother.
s
『Agh, I got it……! I got it already…… For now I’ll admit that Kugimiya Miharu is Haruha’s mother, so hurry up and let me in!』
After several times of ringing the interphone, Airi finally compromised. Ten minutes had passed since she got kicked out of the house.
As she entered the Kasugai household for the second time, Airi angrily glared at Yuu, but he ignored her as expected. While being soothed by Hajime, she walks in and once again rested on the sofa while folding her arms.
Being locked outdoors on a midsummer day, Airi was drenched wet in her own sweat and her expression turned stern, leaving no trace of the elegance and composure she had from earlier. After receiving a towel from Hajime, Airi started wiping off her sweat and continued to glare at Yuu expressing her protest. Miharu herself started to forget the feeling of antipathy she had towards her.
It’s all because of how surprising it was for Yuu to become so enraged.
Usually, though not as much as to the point of being a coward, Yuu is a very prudent person. Although it was concerning Haruha, he just literally threw out a girl he met for the first time. Although it’s certainly not just for Miharu, that act shows just how much Yuu cherished the relationship the three of them have.
That’s right. This family will not break away like Miharu’s family did……
But, the sudden appearance of this girl who looked very alike to Haruha, and the identity she spoke of, blew away all the composure Miharu had.
s
―――Although the air conditioner was working perfectly to chill one’s skin, sweat still began to flow. Yuu wiped his forehead and opened his mouth.
“In other words, Kusaka-san is… the DNA provider for Haruha’s body?”
Yuu was sitting on the carpet facing Airi who was sitting on top of the sofa while hugging one of her legs. In response to his question, Airi replied.
“That’s right. The female DNA came from mine.”
It was the second time Airi declared that. The first time was in the middle of her far-reaching explanation using multiple esoteric terms plus commentary from Hajime, which made it pretty hard to understand.
But, after Yuu confirmed it, the atmosphere instantly turned heavier.
The proof is right there in front of them. It’s Kusaka Airi’s face.
Both of them looked alike.
She had the face that would most likely be how Haruha would look like after 7 or 8 years. The only difference that stood out were her eyebrows, but other than that, they’re like a carbon copy of each other.
And now, the reason behind that has been explained by Airi herself. To even the smallest detail.
According to Hajime, the embryo DNA that gave birth to Haruha and the other Hadzar are based from 『CtG』 user biological DNA that was then hand-selected for the most appropriate ones and later modified into what it was now. The subject of the modification, in addition of Kaman Modd (TL Note: Kaman Modd/カマン・モッド, I had no idea what it is and google didn’t help me much), includes metabolism, strength, enhancement of metabolism system, and other physical characteristics, apparently.
“In Haruha’s case, Yuu’s mainly unmodified DNA was taken as part of her paternal reproductive DNA.”
Hajime explained as she awkwardly pushed up her glasses. Hearing that, Yuu got mildly confused.
“Why mine? Shouldn’t there be many others that would work better than mine?”
Objectively speaking, Kasugai Yuu’s mental and physical strength is only slightly above average, in other words he’s a normal boy. Just by looking at students from his school, there were so many others who are much better than him.
“Well…… you see, Yuu’s mother is a talented creator after all. Tracing back her bloodline we might find a surprising number of great people, right? We believe that there’s a possibility within the genes, the latent ability that the person themselves didn’t know off might later flourish in their offspring.
Also, needless to say, you’re the one in charge of Haruha-chan’s upbringing after all. The priority to adopt DNA from you will be inevitably high.”
Hajime’s answer was undoubtedly a plausible one, but it sounds like she’s trying to move the conversation elsewhere.
Miharu who couldn’t catch up with the conversation muttered.
“So, I was not that excellent at all……”
“No, it’s not that simple. It’s simply the matter of your suitability with the Hadzars, it has nothing to do with your ability as an individual.”
Hajime tried to cheer Miharu up, but the cloud on her face still hasn’t cleared up. After all―――
“In other word, Haruha was born from Kasugai-kun and Kasuka-san’s…… body DNA, right?’
Miharu couldn’t say it in any other way. She couldn’t, but…
Although Haruha has been modified as a Hadzar, she’s still their daughter.
Hearing Miharu’s words, Airi nodded in response.
“Well, to put it simply, that’s the case. Although it’s unpleasant to have my dna used without my permission, I’ll let it slide.
I’ve also got my way of remodeling Ramiel, and hacking into the Nephilim Computer, so that makes up for it.”
“So, that’s how you learnt about Haruha’s successful incarnation and that she’s now staying in this house…… Although you’re indeed involved in the Ramiel development, I didn’t expect you to be able to crack into Nephilim…”
Hajime said so as if lamenting. From her response, it’s clear that Airi’s knowledge of Haruha was unexpected.
If she’s not mistaken, Nephilim Computer is the strange computer that runs 『CtG』. Miharu recalled.
With aid of its exclusive terminal, Ramiel, it’s able to reproduce and modify the “World” that the player perceives through their brain and cells, creating the most realistic virtual world possible. Due to its nature, the more players that logged into the game, the more realistic it will become. The reasoning behind such a system was simple. The perception a person had might be full of holes and mistakes, but if you synchronize the perception of 100,000 people together into one, then it’s possible to erase those errors and contradiction.
In this era where the development of quantum computer is at a stalemate, this heterogeneous technology allows them to create an advanced artificial intelligence like Haruha by utilizing human resources.
Hacking into the human body and using their brain as a computing machine. Because of its nature that contradicts with ethics, its existence was kept secret, and they decided to secure resources through 『CtG』(Online Game). It’s not a computer for games, but a game for the computer itself.
Their purpose for doing so was to create personality for the Artificial New Humanity Hadzar and have them reside in the real world with a human body.
And now, the current result of their Hadzar research was Haruha who’s the first to succeeded in her incarnation ――― from inside 『CtG』 to the outside, a child who’s raised by Yuu(Clamp) and Miharu(Mifa).
And Kusaka Airi’s goal is to take back Haruha.
“Now you understand, right? I have the right to have Haruha by my side, and I have a complete understanding of her nature and how to properly raise her.
That’s why I’m saying that you should give her to me. I find it interesting to raise a new founder(Adam) who looks just like me.”
“Kusaka-san, that……”
The reason why Haruha was given to Yuu and Miharu was to keep Haruha, who was still mentally unstable, under a minimum stress environment.
Haruha is the first and only Hadzar to ever succeed in her incarnation, therefore it’s desirable for her to live in an environment that would stabilize her growth.
Hajime preached, but Airi simply sneer in respond.
“No matter how you look at it, it’s clear who her real parent is. Right?”
“B-But you just merely resemble her!”
Miharu finally opened her mouth. But, although it’s a sound argument, those words sounded bitter. Sure enough, Airi smiled and shrugged.
“That’s what is important right? 『Form ever follows function』 someone once said, in other word, the format itself is the function. (TL Note: It’s quoted from Louis Sullivan whose full saying is “It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human, and all things super-human, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law.”)
God created humans in the form of himself. A child is the duplicate of their parent’s genes. Meaning, precisely because I look similar to Haruha that I ought to have the function as Haruha’s mother. It’s a very simple matter, don’t you think?”
“That’s a sophism!”
Yuu couldn’t help but argue back. Airi narrowed her eyes aggressively.
“What nonsense are you speaking? Inheriting a form is the ultimate proof of bonds between living beings, right?”
“In this world, there are plenty of parents who do well with their kids even though they’re not related, right? To begin with, Kusaka-san, in a normal sense, you’re not blood related to Haruha either.”
“That’s what I would call sophism! If not, a hypocrisy. In the end, to inherit a form from their parents is a child’s noble privilege.”
Both Yuu and Airi wouldn’t back off from their argument. On the contrary, it heated up more and more.
Meanwhile, Miharu missed the opportunity to enter the discussion, but thankfully because of that she’s able to calm down a little and started to feel a slight discomfort.
(Kusaka-san…… it sounded like she’s insisting on the fact that they look alike.)
As a matter of fact, aside from their size, they really do look alike so it’s not that weird for her to insist on saying that. But, if she’s indeed a great woman like Hajime said she is, she should be more reasonable, or maybe using her political power to take Haruha away from Miharu and Yuu.
Could it be that Airi’s company is not really that big? But even so, Hajime is trying too hard trying to not anger her.
――― , Could it be that she don’t really want to take Haruha with her, or is there another reason why she’s insisting on the point that they share a resemblance?
That’s what she thinks. In 『CtG』, it’s Yuu(Clamp)’s role to think up tactics, but now that he’s all heated up together with Airi, Miharu must be the one to protect Haruha and Yuu……
(That’s right. I must tell him that it’s not Kodzuchi-san, but I’m the one who can save him……!)
With such an earnest thought, she enters in. And as if to ruin that determination,
“Mommy, Mommy, Haruha is thirsty. Can Haruha drink cola?”
“You just had cola not long ago, so have some tea oka-…. Eh, eeh? Haruha!?”
All of a sudden Haruha pops out, and pulled at Miharu’s clothes. She was so absorbed into her talk with Airi she didn’t notice her.
“W-What happen to Kanna-san?”
“Sakura-chan, said something like, 『Painful and look painful is the same thing』 and got mad.”
Just what the heck is that girl doing? She thought, but thinking back again, Sakura is simply an innocent bystander. It’s wrong to blame her.
“Hmmmn―――”
And so, it was already too late.
“So, you’re Haruha, huh.”
“? Indeed Haruha is?”
Exact copy, although to say so their height gap is too big.
Kusaka Airi stand up and smiled victoriously, all while facing Kasugai Haruha who blinks her eyes innocently. It’s clear the two of them have the same face.
Looking again, their similarity is uncanny. No matter how close a parent and child can be, it’s rare for them to look so alike. It as if they’re two halves of one being.
Miharu had lost all her temper from before and now turned pale. Airi’s fixation doesn’t feel that weird now. For both a child and a parent to hold so much resemblance, it might be not so weird for the child to follow their parents――― such worries occupy Miharu’s mind.
And so, Airi start talking to Haruha.
“You understand right, Haruha? I’m your real mother.”
“Eh……?
Haruha widen her eyes and awkwardly approach Airi.
Then, while getting watched over by Miharu and Yuu, she opens her mouth.
“Are you the real Cacao seller? Haruha always eat your chocolate dumpling!” (TL Note: The ‘pun’ here is that Airi said “Hontou no Okaa-san” and Haruha misheard it as “Hontou no Kokoa” which means “The real Cacao”)
The chocolate dumpling sold in the neighborhood supermarket is Kasugai household staple afternoon snack.
Airi stumped the floor.
“M・O・T・H・E・R! Just why do you think a person who look exactly like you is a chocolate seller!?”
“Haruha always eat chocolate dumpling and Choco no Egg every day, so Haruha thought it’s a present for loyal costumer……”
“MOTHER! Mom, Mama, Madre!”
“Aah, so… Mommy huh…”
“……Why you look so depressed after learning I’m not the Cacao seller? But at least I got you on the right track now.”
“Real-san’s mommy?” (TL Note: The particle の/no can also mean [ ‘s ], so “Hontou no Okaa-san” becomes “Honto’s Mother”)
“Yours!!!”
Airi shouted furiously.
But, it seems Haruha finally gets what she’s trying to say. Because, she’s tilting her head curiously.
“? But Haruha’s mommy is Mommy?”
Haruha then bury her head onto Miharu’s chest to express that she’s her mother. Out of habit, Miharu hug Haruha back and pat her head. “Nfufu…” Haruha smiled, making Miharu smile back.
Airi felt a quick shock seeing how Miharu’s breast was able to wrap Haruha’s head, but once again she tries to talk to Haruha.
“T-That person is just raising you, she’s not your mother. You can tell just by looking, right?”
Haruha lifted her head off Miharu’s breast and once again face Airi. Airi open her arms.
“I, with my body data, gave birth to you.”
“No”
Instantaneous. Not even a second was wasted for her to say this word of denial.
“Haruha is not yours. Haruha is Mommy and Daddy’s.”
Not to mention, Haruha’s expression did not change in the slightest. Innocent and indifferent, she simply continues to smile.
“Ugh ………！”
It’s not like she didn’t expect her to deny her. In matter of fact, no matter how many times Yuu fought back, she didn’t move an inch. But after being denied by Haruha in such fast and indifferent manner, Airi stood speechless.
On other hand, Haruha’s respond was also a shock for Miharu and Yuu. Of course, they believe she won’t follow Airi in the end, but they didn’t think it would end so instantly. They thought she would put more interest in others who look like herself.
Each and everyone in the room turned silent, all for different reason, and Haruha look at them with confused face. Hajime then stand up and place her hand on Airi’s shoulder.
“Well…… you hear what she says……”
Even so Airi continue to complain, but in the end, she got kicked out by Yuu again. This time he carried her on his shoulder, treating her completely like a luggage.
“W-What a rude man! I won’t give up you know!”
He intended to put her down as gently as possible, but possibly out of embarrassment she start cursing him while crying, so he throw her out like a trash. The guy from the car looked at them and made a bitter smile. Judging from his attitude, and how he talks to Airi once she’s inside the car, it appears that he is her older brother or something similar. They give up the impression of a family from western movie where they eat steak inside the car. (TL Note: Is this even a thing?)
While watching over the noisy visitor’s car go past the residential area, Miharu ask Yuu who was standing by her side.
“It sure is rare for you to treat woman so roughly.”
“Aah……”
Yuu wandered his gaze ambiguously.
“I might have treated her like that because she looked like Haruha”
“Daddy, Mommy, Haruha want to drink cola!”
“Barley tea okay”
“Here…. we go” said Yuu as he lifted Haruha and carried her back into the house.
Seeing such strange sight, Miharu let out a sigh, mixed of both relief and anxious.
s
And so, as she declared.
Starting that day, Kusaka Airi’s approach as “The daughter’s biological mother” starts.
