Chapter 265: Please Take Care of Kaori and Kyoko

Kaori was silent, unsure of how to respond. Meanwhile, Haruto just looked down, hiding his regretful gaze behind the shadow of his body.

"I'm sorry, I'm just an acquaintance of Kaori..." Haruto said with a polite smile, trying to keep his tone calm.

"Really?" Mio looked at Haruto with doubt. Her tone sounded serious, and her eyes narrowed as if trying to read the truth behind Haruto's words.

"Yes... I just want to ask Kaori to move, just for a few days," Haruto said, this time with a firmer tone, trying to convince the woman in front of him.

Mio sighed softly. "I see... In that case, Kaori, you should go with this man for a while," Mio said, shifting her gaze to Kaori.

"But, Aunt Mio!" Kaori protested, her face clearly showing her displeasure.

"Kaori..." Mio looked at Kaori seriously, her tone firm yet caring. "I don't know who this man is, but I can assess that he has a pretty good network of information. In fact, I also came here to tell you that the Southern District might face serious problems in the next few days or weeks."

Kaori was shocked. "What? Is that true?" she asked, her voice rising.

Mio nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm not sure who they are, but there is suspicious activity in the Southern District. They are guarding a place very tightly, and this is clearly not a good sign. I'm sure something big is going to happen. That's why I want to warn you," Mio explained, her eyes showing deep concern.

Kaori was silent, trying to digest the information. After a moment, she spoke hesitantly, "So... Can't I stay with you, Aunt Mio?"

Mio shook her head with a sad expression. "I'm sorry, Kaori. It's not that I don't want to, but I can't guarantee your safety, let alone Kyoko's. I'm afraid if you come with me, Kyoko will get hurt," Mio said, glancing at the little girl who was still standing quietly behind Kaori.

Kyoko looked at Mio with big, innocent eyes, as if she understood part of the conversation taking place. Mio sighed again, guilt evident on her face.

"I see..." Kaori finally gave in, her tone weakening. "I understand."

Haruto, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up. "So... do you want to come with me?" he asked calmly, looking at Kaori seriously.

Kaori looked down for a moment before nodding her head. "... Yes, only until the situation in the Southern District is resolved."

Haruto nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "Of course. Just prepare the things you need."

Kaori nodded without saying anything more. She then turned to Mio. "Excuse me for a moment, Aunt Mio," Kaori said before entering the hut to prepare her belongings.

After Kaori left, Mio looked at Haruto sharply. "Please take care of Kaori and Kyoko. If they get hurt, I will definitely come looking for you," Mio said, her tone firm yet full of warning.

Haruto nodded calmly. "I understand..." he replied briefly, but his tone showed seriousness.

Not long after, Kaori and Kyoko came out of their small hut. Haruto observed the items they were carrying. There were only a few small bags that looked worn and shabby. Even the clothes worn by Kaori and Kyoko appeared simple, with colors faded from time and use.

Haruto was silent. The sight pierced his heart. He never expected that Kaori, the woman who once seemed so cheerful, had to live a life filled with such suffering.

Guilt flooded Haruto. He clenched his fists at his sides, trying to hold back the mixed emotions swirling in his heart.