The Washuu Clan had, of course, instructed "V" to conduct a basic investigation into Uchiha Eto's identity.
However, they hadn't looked into whether the marriage was real.
After all, Byakuya had never denied it, and going out of their way to verify it would've been too much trouble for such a matter.
From their investigation, they only confirmed that Uchiha Eto had no suspicious background and that she could pass through RC detection gates without any issues.
Since nothing seemed out of place, they didn't dig any deeper into it.
But they had completely overlooked the only possible explanation; that Uchiha Eto's true identity was actually the daughter of Yoshimura Kuzeb, which was why she couldn't be detected by RC gates at all.
After all, the Washuu Clan and "V" completely trusted Uchiha Byakuya.
How could they possibly suspect that their most reliable and trusted subordinate had secretly allied himself with the greatest half-ghoul threat?
Besides, V could only operate in the shadows.
It wasn't like they could just launch a full-scale investigation into a half-ghoul who held a legitimate human identity.
Only the CCG had the authority to conduct a public, in-depth investigation into a "suspect" and only if there was sufficient evidence to suggest that person was actually a ghoul.
That was exactly why, in the original story, Eto was able to sign a contract under her real name with Shoei Publishing and work as a writer for over a decade, all without ever being exposed.
Obviously, V couldn't just walk up to Shoei Publishing and demand private information about one of their authors.
In the end, it was Sasaki Haise (Kaneki Ken) and Furuta Nimura who initiated an investigation into Takatsuki Sen under CCG's authority.
From the perspective of the Washuu Clan and V; Uchiha Byakuya had always been obedient.
So, they had no reason to place restrictions on his personal life unless, of course, he failed to keep his wife under control and accidentally leaked the Washuu Clan's secrets.
And even then, they would only take action if they actually found out that a secret had been leaked.
After all, if Ukina hadn't been caught investigating the "V" Organization's secrets, then "V" wouldn't have interfered in Kuzen's marriage to a human.
At most, they would've taken the child and raised it in Sunlit Garden once it was born, since; statistically speaking, it was almost certain to be a half-human.
"Since we're at a mall, we should stock up on more paper and pens."
Eto casually grabbed several notebooks and pen refills all at once.
Even though she had a computer, she still preferred to write down her ideas on paper.
That way, she could record inspiration anytime, anywhere.
"Just take whatever you want. Buy as much as you like."
Byakuya said offhandedly.
"Love you~"
Eto replied just as casually.
"…Wow. That's some cheap love, then."
Byakuya couldn't help but tease her.
Especially since Eto had just said that out loud in public.
Who knew if some random person would overhear them and make trouble?
"How is it cheap? In the eyes of the CCG, we're already officially married. Isn't it perfectly normal for me to say 'love you'?"
Eto grinned mischievously.
But right then, Byakuya suddenly fell silent.
It was because he had just spotted a familiar-looking girl.
She looked to be around ten years old, with slightly long black short hair.
Her clothes were old and dirty, and she wasn't even wearing shoes.
At this moment, she was pressed up against the glass window of a women's shoe store; her small hands were pressed against the glass window, her eyes fixed intently on a pair of red high heels inside the store.
Her gaze was full of longing, as if she desperately wanted that pair of shoes.
Byakuya quickly recognized her.
This must be the young "Nutcracker".
Because of her tragic childhood, "Nutcracker" eventually became twisted, doing whatever it took to make money and become beautiful, no matter how extreme.
She even developed some rather bizarre habits.
Meanwhile, Eto noticed that Byakuya was ignoring her.
And he was still staring at that little girl across the way.
Her golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh, I see how it is. You damn lolicon, completely entranced by that little cutie over there, huh?"
"...That's not it. I just have a feeling that she might be a ghoul."
Byakuya muttered under his breath, keeping his voice low so the people around them wouldn't overhear.
"A ghoul?"
At first, Eto thought he was just making an excuse.
But then, she took a step closer and carefully sniffed the air.
Immediately, she realized that this girl's scent was indeed unusual.
Even though it was mixed with the stench of dirt and grime, it still couldn't fully conceal the lingering smell of rotting flesh; a clear sign that she had been surviving on carrion.
And beneath it all, there was also a faint ghoul scent, the kind that wasn't easily detectable, epecially on ghouls who had spent a long time blending into human society, where the surrounding human smells would usually mask their presence.
"Huh. Looks like you're right, this little cutie is a ghoul. So? What are you planning to do?"
Eto turned her gaze back to Byakuya, eyeing him suspiciously.
"...You're not thinking of kidnapping this little girl, are you?"
Byakuya's mouth twitched slightly.
"What kind of person do you think I am?"
"A lolicon."
Eto responded instantly.
"...Cut it out."
Byakuya sighed, speechless.
At that moment, a store employee stepped outside.
She had noticed the dirty, poor-looking girl lingering outside for a while.
Worried that her presence might scare away customers, she decided it was time to chase her off.
"Hey there, sweetie. Here's a coin, go buy yourself some candy, okay? Then be a good girl and go home, alright?"
The saleswoman handed the girl a single coin, her tone surprisingly gentle.
The girl hesitated for a moment, then quietly accepted the coin.
"...Thank you."
Her voice was soft, her expression complex.
Even though she was reluctant to leave behind those beautiful high heels—
She still turned to leave.
Because she knew, if she tried to steal them, the "Doves" would kill her.
But before she could take another step, Eto suddenly walked over and said:
"Little one, Nee-san here can grant you one wish. What do you want most?"
The girl froze.
She stared up at Eto, her first thought being; what a beautiful Nee-san.
Not only was she incredibly pretty, but she also wore clothes that someone like her could never even dream of affording.
She stood there dazed for a long moment, her mind struggling to process what had just been said.
After all, no one had ever asked her something like this before.
Even the store employee beside them seemed a bit stunned, momentarily unable to react to the situation.
Finally, the girl worked up the courage to hesitantly reply.
"If… If it's really possible… I want that…"
Her small hand pointed toward the pair of red high heels inside the store.
"Of course! Let's go in together."
Eto immediately took her hand and led her into the shoe store.
The girl's expression froze.
For a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming.