"How is Mizuo doing?"

After stepping back from the coffin, Ziongzong walked to the side where Uesugi Tano was standing, and when he saw Ziongzong coming over, he took the opportunity to quietly inquire.

"Mizuo... I can't say whether it's good or bad, because I don't know how her state of mind will develop next."

"Well, you are still young, of course you can't figure it out, don't force it."

Uesugi Tano patted Ziongzong's shoulder, and the two waited silently for Mizuo's condolences to end.

But Mizuo stayed in front of Watanabe Gengo's body for a long time.

Longer than anyone before.

She just stood there motionless, staring at Watanabe Gengo's body, just like when she heard the news of Watanabe Gengo's funeral from Ziongzong, she fell into contemplation, into her own world.

But here, there was no one to stop her.

At least in this funeral hall, her thoughts would be respected.

After a while, Koga Mizuo, with her back facing everyone, began to tremble slightly.

In the silent funeral hall, you could hear her quietly sobbing.

Even though it was actually very faint.

"Why are you crying."

Is it simply because she feels sad about Watanabe's passing?

Or does she remember her mother's death, triggered by something?

It's actually a good thing if she simply feels sad and sheds tears, as sad emotions need an outlet to express.

But there is another possibility.

If Mizuo also attributes Watanabe's death to herself... A sixth-grade child carrying the lives of her mother and her savior, it is too much to bear, let alone bravely continue living upright.

Ziongzong worries, he is afraid that the tears Mizuo sheds at this moment are tears of self-blame.

"Ziongzong..."

Uesugi Tano gently patted Ziongzong's shoulder, and from his concerned expression, it was not difficult to see that he was contemplating the same question as Ziongzong.

"No matter how things develop, don't rush and stay calm."

"Sometimes, not speaking is also a choice."

Uesugi Tano's suggestion flowed through Ziongzong's mind, making him, who was a little flustered, calm down a lot.

After a while, Mizuo finished her condolences and stood at the side.

Not long after, Yuki appeared by her side, holding her hand tightly.

After that, the funeral continued in an orderly manner.

- It seems that sometimes, silent observation is indeed better than foolish remarks.

Ziongzong watched the sisters from a distance and could feel certain warm emotions starting to reawaken in Mizuo's heart.

Although he didn't know what kind of internal struggle Mizuo experienced in front of Watanabe Gengo's body, he was glad to see Mizuo overcoming her inner obstacles.

This also made Ziongzong, who had stubbornly insisted on "pushing Mizuo forward" in the family discussion, understand that believing in Mizuo and allowing her to overcome it herself was also a way to help.

Later, Watanabe Gengo's funeral came to an end with the cremation of his body.

The visiting guests gradually left one by one, and Dojou Kazuaki and the Uesugi family were the last ones remaining.

Although a few words could not summarize everything that had happened in the past month, everyone briefly exchanged words with each other.

During this time, considering Mizuo's special situation, Uesugi Tano hinted to Yuki, and Yuki cleverly took Mizuo to the restroom.

"Is that so... You've come out, right? It's good that you've come out."

After listening to Uesugi Tano's description, Dojou Kazuaki was also pleased with Mizuo's recovery.

The previous child trafficking incident had also left a significant emotional trauma on Dojou Kazuaki's daughter, Dojou Mei. Fortunately, through therapy and the relentless efforts of the Tsuchihiro family, his little daughter was finally able to avoid leaving behind irreparable psychological shadows.

Dojou Kazuaki didn't mention this matter because he didn't want to disrupt the hopeful atmosphere at the moment.

However, just when everyone was relieved by the smooth progress of things, an unexpected event suddenly occurred.

When everyone gathered by the car and discussed where to have lunch, Uesugi Yuki came running breathlessly.

"Brother, Mizuo is missing!"