The Last Glory of Councilor Kondo
Kondo Father’s PoV
So this is the rumored Kitchen Aono.
When I arrived at the place, I found it to be a long-established Western-style restaurant.
According to information, Eiji Aono’s father, who used to be the owner, died of illness a few years ago, and his mother and brother are now running the place. This is good news. In such a family structure, money is usually scarce and hard to come by. So even if they rebel at first, if I give them money … I’m sure they’ll agree to make peace.
I open the door.
“Welcome… How can I help you? …Huh! Councilor Kondo?”
It was Eiji Aono’s mother who came out.
Since she knew who I was, I assumed that he was the one who reported my son’s crime.
“Are you Eiji Aono’s mother?”
First of all, be a gentleman and be polite.
“Yes, but … what the hell can I do for you?”
It clearly oozes rejection. This is hard.
“I apologize for the trouble my son has caused. I too have just learned of my son’s foolishness. I should have come earlier to apologize, but I apologize for the delay.”
I bowed deeply.
“I have nothing to discuss. We will let the police do a thorough investigation.”
“Please don’t say that. Please, can you withdraw the report? My son has important club tournaments and college entrance exams coming up. Please consider this …”
“My precious son was beaten! Please forgive him? Don’t be silly!”
She got upset. It’s a mess.
“Yes, of course. You are right to be upset. So, I’m not going to say it is free. I’ll pay you a certain amount and so on. Please, please!”
In a case like this, talking about money should shake things up a bit.
“Do you really think that money will move me? You are really rude!!”
Hmmm…she is a tough one. Well, that’s okay. It’s a fight from now on.
“But you need money, don’t you? Even Eiji-kun is about to take his college entrance exams. Having any amount of money is not a bad thing.”
Come on, you’re probably a little bothered by the reality that’s hitting you. Let’s see how it goes.
“Don’t be rude. Don’t be stupid, or I’ll call the police!”
Ugh! That was your last chance. You pissed me off, you old hag.
“Aono-san. I’m a councilor and a contractor. If possible, I would like to settle this quietly. You are mature enough to understand what I am talking about, right?”
“Are you threatening me?!”
“No way. I’m just introducing myself.”
Of course, it’s a threat. As a councilor, you can put pressure on city hall and get involved in all sorts of permit applications. And I have money.
“You …”
This is getting a little wobbly. I’ll push through here.
“This restaurant is an important restaurant that your late husband left you. So you shouldn’t make a big deal out of it. If I were serious, I could even do something about a restaurant like this.”
Come on, settle the case quickly. Get the money and be satisfied.
Just when I was sure I had won, I heard applause from the back of the restaurant.
The sound of dry clapping, along with the sound of shoes, came toward me. Who is it, the eldest son from the report?
“It was a wonderful speech, Kondo-kun.”
A wrinkled voice called my name in a friendly manner. Immediately, the possibility of it being the eldest son disappeared. Who is it? I’ve heard that voice before.
The owner of the voice slowly appeared. The gesture of taking off the hat he wore on his head like an actor gave him a sense of power.
“Ah … You …”
My voice faltered at the unexpected appearance.
“I had no idea that you, a council member, had such power. It seems that I have not studied enough. So please teach me well. To this retired old man.”
Mayor Minami laughs and sits down in front of me. It’s been a few years since he retired, but he’s still trusted by the staff and the council members, and he’s still a very influential figure in the city government.
Impossible!
“Let me ask you again, Kondo-kun. What can you do?”