But...

"Oh... So that's how it is, is it? No wonder you weren't there at the scene."

Surprised by the unexpected effect, the man patted Ryuto's shoulder excitedly.

"Huh...?"

What's going on?

"Even when carrying out a mission, you don't forget your mother. It's truly touching, brother. You should have told me earlier. Honestly, I feel ashamed for doubting you just now. I shouldn't have, I have immense respect for filial piety. Well done, brother, I truly admire you."

Saying that, tears welled up in the man's eyes.

...Is this guy too easily moved, or am I just that good at acting?

"Huh...? Is that so? Is that it?"

"The reason why you're the only one here today is because your older and younger brothers went to visit your mother. It's really touching."

Before Ryuto could even speak, the other person had already started talking.

"Huh? Ah, yes, because we needed to hand off the hostage, and my brothers didn't go to the hospital yesterday, so I had to come alone today."

Although Ryuto hadn't figured out how to explain why he was the only one here today, since the other person had already come up with a reason, he couldn't let their effort go to waste. Might as well go along with it.

"So that's it, brother. You must have really wanted to visit your mother, I understand."

"Huh...? Yes, that's right."

Do you really understand? Don't act like you know everything.

"But you couldn't go visit because of the mission, which really touched me. I never expected you brothers to not forget the mission even at a time like this. I feel honored to have outstanding subordinates like you, brother."

"Of course, we can't forget the mission. The three of us brothers joined precisely to contribute our part. It may be painful, but no matter what, I don't want our personal matters to burden others. I'm sure my brothers feel the same way."

With that, Ryuto put on a tragic expression.

Well, this expression should be appropriate here.

"My, to join together for everyone's career, the three brothers are truly moving."

"No, this is what we should do."

Ryuto responded with a wry smile.

Well, although it's a bit confusing to suddenly have unknown older and younger brothers, it really helped out here. Thank you, unnamed brothers.

Ryuto inexplicably thanked in his heart.

Finally calming down, the man shifted his gaze to Anna.

Thankfully, nothing went wrong.

Thinking this, Ryuto let out a sigh of relief.

"Well, brother, you've done great, going alone must have been really tough."

"Huh? Ah, it's nothing. I thought, as long as it's for everyone, no matter how hard, it's worth it. So I kept persevering."

"Look at him, look at him, this brother here is truly a role model. Everyone, learn from him."

The man praised Ryuto to the other people.

...

There's something off about this kind of praise...

And I suddenly feel guilty. Am I really a sinner?

By the way, did you forget that the non-existent older and younger brothers? Is it really fair to just praise me when they don't exist?

"Um... It's about time we should leave."

Ryuto reminded the man.

"Oh... Right, if it wasn't for you reminding me, I would have forgotten about this. Can't waste your efforts, brother. Alright, let's go."

And so, Ryuto set off with the others.