"There's much we could discuss, but first, come inside. Let's sit down and talk," Akane-san said, casually kicking off her sandals as she entered the mansion. Beside her, the exorcist from England, Irena, neatly arranged her shoes before stepping inside.
Honestly, it's hard to tell which one of them is the real Japanese here.
But then again, I have no room to talk. I'm the guy who has his little sister Hina arrange his shoes for him at home. I couldn't say anything to Akane-san about it even if I wanted to.
"How have things been, Souichirou? I heard your house was destroyed."
"They're currently clearing the rubble. Rebuilding will start soon, but it'll probably take until June or July to finish everything."
"Hmm, that's quite a while. I suppose rebuilding from scratch does take time... Are you managing financially?"
"Yes, there's no need for concern."
"That's good to hear."
With that, Akane-san led us to a large traditional Japanese room.
I used to think our previous house was quite large, but the Kamiarizuki residence was on a whole different level. The walls were adorned with expensive-looking ink paintings, and the room was decorated with wooden statues of the Seven Lucky Gods, or something similar. They all seemed quite valuable.
Overall, the room gave off a strong impression of wealth. As I glanced around, taking in all the unusual sights, Akane-san, who had seated herself at the head of the room, smirked at me.
"Now then, it's been a while, hasn't it, Itsuki?"
"Y-Yes, it has!"
"Relax. Children are supposed to be carefree."
Easier said than done... Akane-san is an enigmatic figure, and she exudes an aura that makes her difficult to approach. Even if she tells me to relax, it's not something I can do on command.
And now her hair is pink.
"Well, the main reason I called you here today is to discuss matters with Irena, but let's first address your business, Souichirou. Given that you came so quickly after receiving the letter, there must be something urgent."
"Yes. As you might know, Akane-dono, I'd like you to address some of the reckless remarks being made by the exorcists about Itsuki."
"Reckless remarks, you say."
"They're suggesting things like not letting Itsuki attend school so he can focus solely on exorcism training or assigning him multiple fiancées."
"I see. By the way..."
As she said this, Akane-san pulled out a tablet, revealing a screen filled with photos of various women.
Wait, priestesses use tablets nowadays? That's quite a mix of traditional and modern.
"I've already received about 80 requests for marriage meetings with Itsuki."
"Please reject them all."
"Are you sure? The ages range from 21 down to 14. You have quite a selection."
Eighty requests!? Isn't that a bit excessive?
And while some of the women are much older, as my father mentioned yesterday, there are also some closer to my age... well, relatively speaking, considering the eight-year age difference.
"Itsuki is only six years old."
"That's precisely why they want to arrange a marriage now, while he's still a child."
Akane-san laughed heartily.
But still... even though the youngest is 14, this whole thing feels a bit dark. I can't imagine what it must be like for a middle school girl to be told she's engaged to a six-year-old boy she's never met. Plus, isn't it legally questionable to arrange a marriage at that age?
...Wait, but since I'm six, maybe it's not a legal issue?
"Engagements and arranged marriages are old traditions within the exorcist community that are fading away. I want Itsuki to have the freedom to choose his own partner."
"Ha! I never expected you to turn into such a doting parent, Souichirou. I'm just kidding. Don't make that scary face."
With that, Akane-san swiped the screen to turn it off and laughed.
"I understand. You're handling Itsuki's upbringing. I'll make sure to speak to those causing a fuss on this end."
"That would be greatly appreciated."
My father bowed his head slightly. Just as he lifted his head, a man in black brought in tea and snacks.
"Itsuki, would you prefer juice?"
"No, tea is fine!"
"Good to hear."
"About studying abroad? ...Well, to be honest, I'd prefer if you didn't go. But this is your life, Itsuki. If you want to learn magic abroad, I'll support you wholeheartedly."
My father spoke as if he had already made up his mind, his words steady and calm.
Why are you so prepared for this? You're hearing about it for the first time too, right...?
"But this isn't something you can decide simply as 'studying abroad.'"
"What do you mean?"
"In other words, Irena's goal is to secure you early... to bring you into their country while you're still young."
"Why would she do that?"
"Exorcists have always been in short supply, no matter the era."
After saying this, my father added, "Moreover..."
"Japan also has its own blend of Shinto and modern magic. The 'transmitted' magic passed down in our Kisaragi family is one such example. So, Itsuki, you should choose the path you want to take, the place you want to go. This is your life. I can give you advice, but... the final decision is yours to make, Itsuki."
With my father's words, I made up my mind.
That's right. This is my second chance at life. I should be making decisions that I genuinely want to make.
"Irena-san, I'm sorry, but I have to decline your offer."
"May I ask why?"
"I'm not ready to live apart from my family yet."
In my previous life, I thought living alone was perfect. No one bothered me, and I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.
But now, I really enjoy my current life. My dad, my mom, and Hina are all here.
I love living with the four of us together.
So I can't imagine living alone. And if I moved abroad, I wouldn't be able to see Aya-chan or Renji-san either, right? I don't want that.
"So I'll stay here in Japan."
"I see... Yes, that's certainly understandable. After all, despite defeating Raikou Douji, you're still only six years old. It makes sense that you'd want to stay with your family. I'm sorry, Itsuki-san. I may have rushed things."
"No, it's okay."
When I said that, Irena smiled gently.
She's really beautiful.
"Hm? Is the discussion over already? That was quicker than I expected," Akane-san said, rejoining the conversation with a cup of tea in hand.
Had she not been listening? She was nibbling on some snacks when she pulled out an orange amulet from her chest and handed it to me.
"Itsuki, keep this with you."
"What's this?"
"It's a good luck charm for academic success. You're starting elementary school next month, right? It's not just about magic; you should focus on your studies too."
Akane-san laughed heartily, like a friendly aunt.
I wonder if this charm has any magical power, like the talisman. Maybe it'll make me smarter just by carrying it?
"Hey, Akane-san. Does this charm have any special powers?"
"Powers?"
"Well, the talisman protected me from monsters, right? So I thought maybe this charm might have some effect too."
"Hm? No, I don't think so. I just got it from a local shrine yesterday."
Aren't you a priestess? Saying something like that might get you in trouble with the gods.
But... I think this might be the first time I've ever received a charm for academic success.
So I bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much. I'll take good care of it."
"Good! Make lots of friends."
With those words, I made a silent vow to myself.
...I'll do my best.