Chapter 42
Book 4
Well, I do plan to report this matter to Chairwoman, naturally I'm gonna tell Ixia-san about it too.
"I'm back, Ixia-san."
"Welcome home. They were all such good girls. Is Kyouko-san perhaps a young lady from a distinguished family? She conducted herself with quite the finesse."
"You could tell? Her family is probably among the biggest names in Japan."
From what I looked up, USH is apparently an old Zaibatsu that made all kinds of stuff from furniture, automobiles, ships, to airplane hulls. It was probably a famous corporation in my original world too.
"Is that right. So... did you have fun today?"
"I did, but there were also some not so fun times in there. So, it's a bit plus-minus."
I told her straight. Everything without lies.
"The human who birthed me came to see me out of nowhere today. I was alone at the time so I thought might as well see it to the end then and there, but she was an even awful person than I imagined. I don't wanna get anywhere near her ever again."
"My... so you did. I did suspect something was up... I see. She ruined your time of respite... Yuuki, forget about her. You'll always be my kid from now on."
"...Right, yeah. We'll stay family forever."
"But... Did you find the answer you wanted, Yuuki?"
"I couldn't get the concrete word out of her but I could definitely tell that she was someone who put her wants above everything else. Apparently, her side gauged that the me now is someone worth of use."
Now that's scary Ixia-san. Please don't suddenly put on a blank expression.
I'm just happy you feel that way, please calm down!
"...Oh dear, I almost lost control and ran my mouth."
"I feel refreshed now that I let it out to you, Ixia-san. I didn't like the feeling that I'm keeping it secret from you. I plan to report to Chairwoman tomorrow, how about we leave for my parent's home right after? It's a grave visiting season soon."
"...Is that so? I suppose I should make preparations post haste. Could I trouble you to order the tickets?"
"Yes. Man... I had no idea you could order that stuff on the internet."
"I wish I could get a handle on that skill set myself...."
I should at least bring some change of clothes, me think?
The night deepened as I was occupied with packing. As I laid down on my bed, about to pass out--
"Yuuki, are you awake?"
Ixia-san came in my room.
"I'm about to doze off..."
"Are you now... Yuuki, can I sleep with you tonight? I have something important to discuss with you."
Huh? What, something's wrong. Ixia-san quietly slipped into the bed, and laid herself next to me before my sleepy head could give her my response.
Huh, something important? Why would that include a sleepover?
"Eh, what's the matter?"
"It's just, I've found myself feeling anxious. I kept imagining what if Yuuki left my side, regardless of what I did. Please let me be with you, if only for tonight."
I couldn't say no to Ixia-san when she sounded so feeble and slightly trembling despite the clear tone.
She wrapped her arms around my body from behind and took my hands.
"...Initially, my soul, as summoned by you Yuuki, had a link connecting the two of us. But after obtaining a physical body and as I became an independent being, that foundational link has been severed. That's why... I feel uneasy about our connection that only exists on paper. This uneasiness didn't go away even after we divulged our shared feelings together."
"...I will never leave you alone, Ixia-san."
"...Yes. Hey, Yuuki. Will you fulfill a little selfish wish of mine?"
'I bet it must be something important', I thought as I gave my reply.
"Yes. Ask me anything."
"...Will you form a connection with me."
"Haa!?"
Hold up! In this situation, does that mean!?
Eh, what are we forming again? What? What!?
"Yes. It's a type of pact. I wish to create a link bridging our souls. Not only on paper. Not mere feelings. I wish to build a bridge connecting my existence with yours, Yuuki."
"W-what do you mean..."
"It's a pact made between two souls. 'To Support and cherish one another, betray not each other'. I am someone who lives by an old fashioned creed. I understand that the belief I hold, that 'Parents must have unconditional love toward their children', may not be shared with everybody in this world today. Therefore--I wish to offer you it by way of a pact."
...Doesn't that sound like a 'Lovers' Oath' depending on how you interpret it?
Asking that from me is like... no, that's fine. If that helps to removes Ixia-san's source of anxiety... then I'll form as many pacts as she wants.
"Let's do it. I don't know what kind of effect it has. I don't mind as long as it forms a concrete link between us."
"It has no effect as I'm simply giving you my protection. That I will always think of you dearly. Just like how a parent never stops thinking about their children. The pact is nothing concrete with no particularly special effect. Yet, nevertheless... It would help to relieve my unease."
She fetched a small beautiful stone on the bedside table under the lamp.
"This stone has been etched with a spell formula. The pact between us will be formed once you sleep overnight with this stone placed under your pillow. It's a simple charm, done only to appease myself..."
"...I got it. I'll do it."
"Are you sure about this? Sleeping is a period when one is the most vulnerable. By opening your heart and giving your consent... you are letting yourself open to any form of tampering. If there were ill wills involved in it... you understand right?"
"But Ixia-san will never do anything bad to me."
Ixia-san formed a one-sided pact with Chairwoman before.
I was curious so I looked into it. What kind of magecraft was that.
...It turned out to be a lost, very much legendary form of arts.
Impossible to dispel. Impossible to decipher. Impossible to defend against. According to a legend, an era saw its twilight due to the use of this forbidden banned art.
Ixia-san is capable of wielding such an art.
Despite all that, I have faith in Ixia-san.
"Please do it. If it helps to brush away your uneasiness. If doing so builds a connection between me and Ixia-san. I'll happily follow along."
"...Yes. Then... Good night, Yuuki. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful dream...."
I fell into slumber while feeling Ixia-san on my entire body.
I actually don't tend to forget my dreams and this one is especially hard to due to its content.
Can't believe I got that kinda of dream in a midsummer night... Must be because I took Ixia-san's word the wrong way before I went to bed last night.
...I got an unthinkably outrageous dream. Gotta be what they call the lewd midsummer dream!
Right now, Ixia-san is sleeping so peacefully next to me, gripping my pajama tightly, not looking like she'll wake up anytime soon.
"Ixia-san, wake up. It's almost eight in the morning."
I shook her. She's not budging at all. She's apparently sensitive to alarm sounds so I try setting off my smart terminal one's and--
"Goof mofning... Yuuki. Have you had a pleasant sleep?"
"Good morning, Ixia-san. I slept like a log yep."
"That's great to hear. It would be terrible if you saw a nightmare because of the spell formula."
I could sense my face almost turning red from recalling the dream I had. Gotta take shelter in the washroom.
Right, I've the chairwoman's office to visit after breakfast.
『Yes, yes. I will be waiting for you. The fault lies on our side for failing to anticipate their move. I wish to formally extend my apologies to Ixia-san as well. I did hide this matter from her.』
"Got it. We'll be heading there right away. Not like Ixia-san look particularly angry about it though."
『Nevertheless. It is a fact that our actions led to the misunderstanding... Also, we should have exercised more caution during this matter. I never meant to offend you.』
After breakfast, I called Chairwoman that we're coming and left for the campus.
Chairwoman sounded really apologetic even though I just wanted to give a report... Sorry that I'm personally feeling like, 'Can I drop by for a bit?'
...No seriously sorry for acting that way when the other party is the top executive of a world-leading corporation.
"Phew... The temperature has risen considerably as of late. We don't want to get this illness known as 'heatstroke' so do make sure you hydrate well, okay. Here you go."
"Ah, thanks... Last time I walked around with a strapped water bottle was in a primary school trip."
"Oho! Could there be pictures of you during your primary school ages in your parent's home, Yuuki? I would love to see them."
"Ah... I wonder about that? We can look for them later."
I brushed Ixia-san off because that would be embarrassing while making our way to Chairwoman office.
The security is as tight as ever, but apparently Ixia-san's been given a free pass now after her successful infiltration last time.
I saw some students attending summer lessons here and there, but there's apparently no class in this main building, I don't see them anymore inside. Not even security people. It's full of security cameras and identifying spell formulas though.
I knocked four times. I believe the number of knocks have different meaning, wonder what this one implies?
"Please enter."
"Excuse me."
"Excuse me."
Inside the office, Chairwoman was waiting for us without her usual mask.
As beautiful as ever. A sight for sore eyes.
Ixia-san looked surprised probably because she never saw her bare face before.
"Good morning, Chairwoman. You've got your mask off today."
"Good morning. Yes, after all I had you two come all the way here despite seeking your forgiveness. It's the least I could do."
"Good morning, Chairwoman-san. There is no need for apologies. I am well aware the extent of which you have gone to assist me and Yuuki. Still... your countenance is as gallant as I imagined."
"...Thank you very much."
The atmosphere is kinda awkward for some reason.
An alarm bell suddenly rang in the room. Another crow? Or....
"This time it's really an uninvited guest."
Both Ixia-san and I braced ourselves for battle. But--
"He's an acquaintance. I do not recall asking for his presence, however."
"Ah, really now. Then we'll be leaving--"
"No, please remain here. You may sit on the sofa. I do not wish to have this guest take a seat."
"...Yuuki, let us comply."
"Ah, yes."
Eh, Chairwoman seems really dislike this guest. I'm getting the cold feet here.
"Excuse me, Akimiya."
"I will not. The exit is that way, Elder Ishizaki."
The guest was none other Grandpa Ishizaki I met in my last Field Training.
Ah... Right these two are like cat and dog.
"Do you know not courtesy, Family Head of Akimiya."
"Oh, you're with a peon of yours. I suppose not even you could fight against age?"
"Kuku, do pardon. I told him there's zero danger lurking about but he insisted."
He's with someone else. Probably a bodyguard, the guy's got long hair and an awfully cold gaze.
"Grandpa Ishizaki. How you been."
"Oh, good to see you're here. Long time no see, Yuuki."
"Do you know him, Yuuki?"
"It's the grandpa who gave us that tuna monster."
Ixia-san stood up and walked up to Grandpa Ishizaki.
"My! Nice to meet you, Ishizaki-san, is it? You have my thanks for that wonderful gift... I would love to offer a token of--"
The bodyguard man stepped forward and shoved Ixia-san off.
"Why does Family Head-sama of Akimiya allow such a disrespectful woman be present here."
"...Fumu. 'Kawamura' leave this room. You have made an enemy of someone you must never."
Correct, Grandpa Ishizaki. Look, Ixia-san even put on a rather sad expression.
"I had no idea I was speaking to a great man. I offer you my apologies."
"Hmph, as long as you--"
In that moment, Grandpa Ishizaki took a small stone from his pocket, gripped it and punched this Kawamura guy hard in the face with the gripping fist, sending him flying.
"I said leave."
"Sir. Excuse me."
What kind of mood is this. And Chairwoman... it's like she's looking at repulsive filth, never seen her like that.
"How sickening. What business do you have today, Elder Ishizaki."
"Hold it, let me apologize first. My bad, Yuuki. My bodyguard... and my family have disrespected you. You have my apologies."
"I'm just glad you caught on it quick. But really, what's up. I get that you and Chairwoman hate each other at least."
"So you see. A branch family of mine went ahead of themselves. Hence, this apology."
Oho, must be some kinda back door dealing.
"Hm, I don't really follow though."
"I believe you do. One of the slightly declining families under my wings, 'Kishisaki'. Their family head--"
I get it now.
"I'm gonna hate you gramps. Think you should leave."
"...That's the situation. My bad, Yuuki. It was all due to me speaking of you recklessly. That foolish family had the bright idea of wanting to make you as their own."
"...I see. Kishisaki Family is where Yuuki-kun's biological mother lives. They wished to utilize that to present him to you."
I see. So gramps didn't give the order. Well, I don't think he's the type that does such a sloppy job. He's probably telling the truth.
"...I should have brought their heads with me had I known you were here."
"Uh no that's too barbaric. So, what happened to them?"
"Their family has been dismantled. The family head and the concubine are..."
"Dead?"
"Umu. Socially-wise, however."
"Got it. That does help."
It's probably the truth. This person's personality is not that rotten. But I can tell that his moral compass is clearly ways off.
Diametrically opposite to Chairwoman which brings us to their poor relationship.
"...I see. You may now vacate my office if you are done."
"Umu. Luck would have me say it in person. Fare the well, Yuuki."
"Nn. See you around, Gramps. Just don't make your entrance too provocative next time. I bet you knew I was coming here anyway."
"Kuku, who can say?"
Guy shows up and leaves like a hurricane.
Dunno if it's an after effect, but I can tell at least that Chairwoman is now in an awful mood.
"Yuuki-kun, you should not get close to that type of people. He's someone who lives side by side with murder. I don't want you get involved with him."
"I'll bear that in mind. I'll cut him off without mercy if he brings harm to the people around me."
"Do so. Anyways... That appears to mark the end of the matter this time. I see... It's no wonder we could not get ahold of that woman's background. She was under Ishizaki Family all along."
"Oh. Well--I'm just happy that dregs is no longer around. I don't care if it's real or fake, please inform me if someone like that shows up again. I'll deal with them personally."
"...Your ghastliness is steadily surfacing, isn't it Yuuki-kun. Take care you don't lose your way--I suppose that's an unfounded fear."
I was getting heated up when, 'poof', Ixia-san lightly whacked my head like she was brushing it.
"Compose yourself, Yuuki. I'm sorry, this kid is getting all worked up."
"Uh... Yes, I'm sorry Chairwoman."
"...This world really has a way to balance things out. Those with great power always have... someone who walks with them. Ixia-san, I entrust Yuuki-kun in your hands."
"Yes... Family Head."
"Fufu, you don't exactly work for my group, do you? Please call me, Chairwoman, or maybe Ryouka even."
"...Oh that's right. Ryouko-san."
? How did they get all buddy-buddy out of nowhere? Don't see how that exchange got them there.
"Ah, yeah. We plan to head straight to Tokyo Station after this and take a train to my parent's house. Is that okay?"
"Yes, it is. The ferry should set out from the harbor in 90 minute from now. You should make it in time if you take a bus."
"Got it. We'll take our leave."
The matter this time ended in a rather unexpected way. But I don't care about all that anymore.
A pact with Ixia-san. She said it doesn't have any special effect but the fact that our souls are now connected has blown away all the anxiety and foreboding binding my mind, leaving only a refreshing feeling behind.
"Let's head for the bus stop, Ixia-san."
"...No... I thought we would be riding the bus to the Tokyo Station... What should I do. I don't have a life jacket on me...."
"Ah...."
Right right... The bridge is still under construction. Ixia-san... You can do it! It's only for 30 minutes! That's how long we'll be crossing the sea! The ships in this world are super fast!
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"I wonder if they sell life jackets in the district we are heading to. I absolutely must wear one on our way back."
"Ah, heard they're gonna reopen the bridge around new school term."
We're on the Shinkansen. As usual, it's too fast I can barely make out the passing scenery that's full of green. No really... looking again, we've really got nothing out here!
"Phew... Greenery is the best. The hill behind your campus may be verdant but it's nothing quite like the great nature here."
"Agreed. After this, let's grab the house key from the caretaker, Fujiwara-san and then, take a break."
"Yes. We should have lunch and prepare a bit before heading to the grave."
Seeing how fast we can go far in this world, I sure would love to have a long trip even on short holidays. I bet Ixia-san would be pleased to visit Kyushu, Hokkaido, or Kyoto.
Once we arrived at the station, we took a local line heading for my parent's house area.
Ah... There's fewer and fewer buildings around. And then at last, we got off a vacant train car in an AC-less old train station with zero vending machine around.
"So ho~t... Thank goodness we brought those water bottles..."
"It really is hot. Gulp... gulp... At the risk of sounding weird, this drink I concocted is quite delicious indeed... Especially when you drink it under the blazing sun."
"Haaa! Sure is. Just a little bit more, let's keep at it."
There's not a single new building in this town of mine that looks as if it's from an era several decades behind Floating City.
Honestly, I don't see a single difference around these parts compared to my original world one.
Aside from cars and some subtle design differences.
We walked to my parent's house where a lightly dressed man was waiting for us, waving as we got closer.
"Long time no see, Fujiwara-san. Thank you so much for taking care of this house in our absence."
"Please think nothing of it. It's in my job description. As you may heard already, we have gotten rid of every personnel likely dispatched by the person who came to this place the other day. There has been no new development afterward nor will there be any in the future if I may presume."
He looks like an amiable man you could find anywhere at a glance. But that's merely what he shows on the surface, for he's an Akimiya agent who takes part in the dark side of things like me.
"Well then, I will be standing by in the safe house during your stay in this house, Yuuki-sama. Feel free to contact me if you need anything. I have also written a report that isn't necessarily asked by Chairwoman."
"Thank you for everything... no really."
"Ah, lastly. The other day, the local children organization in the neighborhood requested permission to fetch several pieces of bamboos from Sasahara Family bamboo thicket for use in Tanabata Festival. I presented them seven pieces of bamboos but if that is not acceptable--"
"Ah, it's fine it's fine. You can decide on your own about that kind of stuff."
"Acknowledged. Ah, just one last thing. The garden tomatoes have not been growing well as of late. Would it be alright for Yuuki-sama to tend for them during your stay?"
"O-of course... I'm ever thankful for everything you did, no really."
"Please think nothing of it. This is my job. I shall take my leave. This is the main house key, if you would."
He's a good person, but it's kinda stiffing. Guy's way too thorough.
I'm kinda curious how's he hanging with the neighbors though....
"He left not a single opening just like usual. Fufu, let us go."
The temperature inside the house is well regulated. Fujiwara-san probably took us into consideration and adjusted it beforehand.
No seriously, it's so well kept here. Pristine just like how it looked before I left, I was almost led to believe 'Huh, have I been living here all this time?'
"Yuuki, the water and gas valves are open. Why don't we heat the bath?"
"Ah, that'll be nice. I'll go do some cleaning."
...This place is really where I feel 'Back at home at last'.
Whoops, almost forgot.
"Ixia-san, come here, come here."
"Ah, how could I forgot..."
We went into the altar room and knelt in front of the altar.
I'm back, Grandpa, Grandma, Dad.
"...Fufu, it appears the three of them have all set out to their next life."
"Eh? You can tell that, Ixia-san?"
"Yes. Previously only Yoshine-san, your grandmother remained here. She departed toward her next life... However, their lingering feelings must have come to visit this place. I could sense slight traces of it."
"Hee... Ixia-san can even perceive that huh..."
"Fufu, it's somewhat my specialty. Your family love you dearly, Yuuki. Of course, I love you too."
Ah, no, I'm gonna blush. I know she didn't mean it that way, but that kind of ambushes is dangerous.
"I-I'm gonna clean the bath."
"Phew... Can't believe I would ever miss this cramped tub."
After washing up, I took a dip in the hot water.
Speaking of which, Satomi-san said she'd be coming home the day after tomorrow.
Kyousuke is long here already... Kaname-kun must be around too.
Hmm, there should be an event of some sort during this summer break even in a rural area like this. I'm gonna invite them to go have fun together tomorrow.
Well, I should focus on grave visit for now.
...This takes me back. I couldn't even dream this is how my life would be like around this time last year.
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