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Susato took a deep breath, staring at the door of that office while trying to gather the courage to step inside.
Kazuma had mentioned that he would be busy that morning, so she decided to take that chance to visit that place when he wasn’t there. Yet, now that she was standing before the door, she started to second-guess her decision. Not that she was planning to do anything wrong, of course… But, to be honest, despite seeming much more open than three years before, Prosecutor Barok van Zieks was still an intimidating man.
In fact, it was a shock to hear from Kazuma that they were romantically involved. Not only because Kazuma had never expressed any interest in romantic relationships before, but also… The situation between them wasn’t ideal when she left London. But Kazuma had a content smile on his lips when he gave her the news, and the fondness in his voice was also very clear. Despite the surprise, Susato couldn’t help but smile as well, as she sincerely wished for his happiness.
Yet, as Kazuma’s younger—and only—sister, it was her duty to speak to his lover, and make sure he also had Kazuma’s happiness in mind. Maybe she wouldn’t be so worried if it was anyone else, but… Having been on the receiving end of Barok’s rage more than once, it was difficult not to worry.
Once Susato finally gathered her courage, she opened the door, stepping inside the office.
“Excuse me,” she said.
Barok was sitting by his desk, even taller than the impressive pile of documents next to him. He raised his head, looking in her direction.
“Oh, Miss Susato,” he said. “Kazuma left a few hours ago with Lestrade. I cannot tell for sure when he will return to the office.”
“It’s fine.” She smiled politely. “To be honest, I was hoping to find you alone.”
Her words seemed to catch him off-guard. “Why so?”
Oh, dear… She could only hope her words wouldn’t come off as rude or accusatory. “There is something we need to discuss.”
As she feared, Barok’s expression stiffened. “Is it about my relationship with Kazuma?”
“Yes, but…” She briefly averted her gaze. “It’s probably not what you’re thinking.”
Barok’s expression didn’t change. He studied her for a moment, then rested his quill, indicating the chair before him. “Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Susato did as he said, feeling Barok’s gaze on her all the while. She wasn’t planning to take much of his time, but, before she could even open her mouth, Barok spoke.
“What is it that you wish to discuss?”
Despite his composed expression, there was some anxiousness in his voice—which, turns out, was quite contagious.
“Well…” She made an effort to find the right words. “You see, since I was a little girl, Kazuma has protected and taken care of me. Even when he tried to keep his distance, he still did everything he could for my sake. I always admired him… And you probably already guessed it, but it was thanks to him that I chose to become a judicial assistant.”
“Yes, I thought so.”
Barok’s expression was softer than moments before, which was a welcome change. Susato relaxed a little, that initial fear of rejection quickly fading.
“We may not be related by blood,” she continued, “but he is my family just as much as my father. My deepest regret is not realizing that there was something wrong… If only I had paid more attention, maybe he wouldn’t have carried that terrible burden alone for so long.”
“I understand,” said Barok. “But you should not blame yourself. I have learned through experience that, when Kazuma is determined to hide his feelings, it can be quite difficult to convince him to open up.”
“That is true.” Susato lowered her gaze. “And that’s why I worry so much about him… Maybe I should have been more insistent, but I was scared of pushing him away from me.” She paused, once again looking at Barok. “But I’m not going to make this same mistake twice. From now on, I will protect him just as much as he has protected me in the past. And, if anyone ever tries to harm him, I will never forgive them.”
Barok slightly widened his eyes, and Susato’s mind suddenly froze again. She wasn’t planning to give him a shovel talk, but… that was exactly how it sounded, wasn’t it? Oh, dear… could Ryunosuke’s lack of filter be finally affecting her?
She made an effort to sustain Barok’s gaze, half-expecting him to seem offended or enraged by her words. Instead, however, he nodded in understanding.
“I see,” he said. “You truly care deeply about him.”
His reaction helped her calm down a little. That rancorous man from years before probably would have reacted the way she feared, but it seemed that Barok van Zieks was no longer someone consumed by anger and grief—and that unexpected receptiveness made her want to be honest with him.
“Lord van Zieks…” she continued. “To be honest, your relationship with Kazuma came as a shock to me. Not because you are both men, but because… Considering everything that happened, I didn’t think you two could develop these feelings for each other.”
“That is perfectly understandable,” said Barok. “My behavior from when we first met was inexcusable.”
“I am glad to see how much your opinion of my people has changed since then.” Susato offered him a slight smile. “But… That was not my only reason for worrying. As I said, all I want is for Kazuma to be happy. And, forgive my bluntness, but you have hurt him in the past.” She lowered her voice. “Though, to be fair, the same could be said about him.”
Barok nodded. “It wasn’t an easy journey for us, I must admit. It wasn’t always pleasant, and we have hurt each other many times without meaning to. Yet, despite all hardships, we made a mutual effort to understand and accept each other. He has become an important part of my life, and I like to believe he feels the same way about me.”
“I don’t doubt he does. Kazuma is clearly very fond of you.” She hesitated briefly. “I hope you’re not under the impression that I dislike you, or doubt your intentions. But, you must understand… Kazuma is my only brother, and he has suffered enough already. I would do anything to make sure he doesn’t get hurt again.”
“I do understand. Once, I had a brother who would have done the same for my sake.” He made a small pause, meeting her gaze. “I can, however, assure you that, like you, I want nothing but Kazuma’s happiness. I would never willingly cause him harm of any kind.”
“I see…” Susato let out her breath. “That’s good to hear.”
“I apologize for the concern I might have caused you.”
“There is no reason to apologize. As long as you are good to Kazuma, I will support your relationship wholeheartedly. And I’m sure the same can be said about Ryunosuke and my father.”
“That is a relief, to be honest,” said Barok. “I am aware that I am far from being the ideal partner, and that the relationship between two men will never be accepted by most people. But I truly love Kazuma with my entire heart, and am willing to do anything to ensure his future days are happier than his past ones.”
His words were nothing but honest, which made Susato smile. “I’m glad that’s how you feel.”
“Does it mean we have your blessing?”
The playfulness in his words was so subtle that Susato almost missed it. Maybe, not that differently from how she was slowly getting some of Ryunosuke’s spontaneity, Barok was inheriting Kazuma’s sense of humor.
“It’s a little early to say,” she said in a similar tone. “Besides, you should be talking to my father about blessings, not me.”
“I should…” Barok sighed, averting his gaze. “May God have mercy on me.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, “the most dangerous part is already over. Because I may look fragile, but I have already defeated men three times my size.”
Despite being much more relaxed, part of her still wondered how he would react to a joke like that. Thankfully, Barok seemed amused by her words.
“It is a good thing that I have you on my side, then,” he said. “Kazuma has told me much about your feats as a martial artist, and I would never want to experience your rage first-hand.”
Those words caught her by surprise. “He did?”
“That, and much more.” Barok offered her a small, but warm smile. “You are his dear little sister, Miss Susato, and he cares deeply about you as well.”
His words filled her chest with a warm sensation. “Please, only Susato is enough.”
“Very well.”
Turns out, not only was Barok a good man, but it was also much easier to talk to him than she had previously expected. It had crossed her mind when she saw Kazuma again after those three years that he seemed much more at peace now—and, apparently, things weren’t that different for Barok.
“I am truly happy for you both,” she said.
“And I am glad we had the chance to talk properly, after all this time.” Barok paused, lowering his voice. “I was afraid that terrible first impression I made had ruined any chances for us to grow closer.”
Susato shook her head. “Those things are in the past. What matters to me is the man you are right now, Lord van Zieks.”
“Please, call me Barok.”
She couldn’t hold back a smile. “Of course, Barok.”
Susato stayed there for some time, and it didn’t take long for both of them to feel more comfortable with that conversation. The topic changed from Barok and Kazuma’s relationship to Kazuma’s growth as a prosecutor, and then to Ryunosuke’s feats as a defense attorney back in Japan. From there, it moved to her studies and plans for the future. The subject had just changed to their taste in literature when the door to the office opened, and Kazuma walked inside.
“Ah, Susato…” he said. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“I wanted to talk to Barok for a moment.”
Kazuma seemed surprised to hear her call him by his first name. He glanced at Barok, then looked at her once again.
“I see.” His expression brightened. “I’m glad you two are getting along.”
“Indeed,” said Barok.
Susato nodded in agreement: that morning had been much more pleasant than she had expected, and made her look forward to her future conversations with Barok. But, for the moment, she was just glad that they had managed to understand each other so well.
“Ah, I should be taking my leave, now.” She stood up, slightly bowing in their direction. “It wasn’t my intention to take so much of your time.”
“It was a pleasure,” said Barok. “You are welcome to pay a visit whenever you wish.”
His words sounded sincere, which made her happy—and also brought a thought to her mind.
“Thank you. Oh, but before I leave…” She faced Kazuma. “Kazuma, please be good to Barok.”
Kazuma looked at her, confused. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No.” She giggled briefly, covering her mouth with her hand. “I just thought I should ask this of you both.”
Her words made Kazuma’s confusion give place to amusement.
“Well…” Kazuma shrugged. “I guess I can try to be nice to this troublesome man. But just because you are the one asking.”
Barok stared at him. “Would you treat me poorly, otherwise?”
“Worse than you can imagine.”
“Of course, love.”
With an amused grin on his lips, Kazuma moved closer to Barok, cupping his face, placing a brief kiss on his forehead.
“So,” said Kazuma, “you better be grateful that my little sister was so kind.”
“I certainly am.”
Susato laughed at that exchange. Soon, Kazuma turned his attention back to her.
“Are you going back to Mr. Sholmes’ place?” he asked. “I can accompany you on the way back.”
Susato shook her head, answering in fond exasperation. “I’m not a child… I’ll be fine on my own.”
Kazuma pouted slightly, but didn’t argue. “Alright. Just be careful.”
She agreed, saying her goodbyes before walking to the door. As soon as she stepped outside, however, she finally let out the content giggle she tried so hard to hold back.
That had been the first time Kazuma had called her his little sister out loud, after all.