Feeling the vibrations of the car through the backrest, I asked my father,
"Why are we going on a hot spring trip?"
"They probably want a therapeutic retreat. Since ancient times, hot springs have been said to have a healing power for both body and mind."
My father's answer sounded as if he'd expected the question. We were heading to a secluded hot spring in Gifu at the request of Ireina. When I think of hot springs, I usually think of Atami in the Kanto area, but apparently, there are other options too.
Still, I had some doubts. A hot spring may be relaxing, but is it really a place to go when someone's mental state is broken?
But since not only Ireina but also my father was coming along, there must be a good reason. He wouldn't come otherwise.
Perhaps sensing my mixed feelings, my father continued as he drove along the mountain road.
"Well, even healing has its own principles. Hot springs are located above earth veins."
"Earth veins?"
A term I didn't know. I'd seen it in games, sure, but I didn't know what it actually meant.
"It refers to the energy flowing underground. Hot springs are places where this energy erupts. You know, Itsuki, that magical energy is a form of life force. When your life force is drained, recovering in a place rich with such energy aids in restoring your magic."
"So, a hot spring is... a place to recover magical energy?"
"Put simply, yes."
It sounded like something out of a game.
"Since you're aware, I assume you've noticed how injuries heal faster when your magical power is high. That's because your body is using magic to enhance its healing ability."
Though he said, "since you're aware," I actually wasn't. Lately, if I got injured, I'd just use healing magic—like during the fight with the troupe's actors.
But I understood the general idea that if you restore your life force, injuries heal faster. The concept of
toji,
or therapeutic bathing, started to make more sense.
The only thing I still didn't get was how it helped the mind. So, I asked my father.
"Then, does that mean if Nina-chan goes to the hot spring, she'll recover more quickly?"
"That's uncertain. But it seems that Ireina wants to hold onto some hope. I understand that feeling."
With that said, I couldn't find anything to say back.
Considering all that Ireina had done for Nina-chan, her desire to cling to something made sense. She hadn't just sealed her memories; she'd even come to Japan to try to protect Nina-chan through me.
"It's coming up, there it is," my father said.
I looked up to see a large inn by the river.
Apparently, Ireina had arranged everything for this hot spring reservation. She'd invited my family, the Kisaragi family, and also the Shimotsuki family—Aya-chan's family. Originally, it was just supposed to be my family, but since I thought it might be nice for Nina to have someone her age here, I'd suggested inviting Aya-chan too.
Ireina gave a slightly troubled smile before saying, "Let's move along."
We couldn't stay in the inn's entryway forever, so we moved on. Nina finally let go as we walked, but she grabbed the hem of my shirt and followed closely behind.
When we reached the lobby, familiar faces greeted us.
"It's been a while, Itsuki-kun."
"Oh, hi! Long time no see, Renji-san!"
It was the three members of the Shimotsuki family. Aya-chan's face lit up as she spotted me, and she ran over, glancing at Nina-chan with concern.
Aya-chan must have heard what had happened. She avoided bringing it up with Nina directly and instead asked me,
"Itsuki-kun, are you okay? I heard you got attacked by another
Sixth Rank
."
"Yeah, I'm fine, look."
I held up the chain around my neck with three connected jewels.
It was a charm I'd made from the relics of the Sixth Rank entities I'd exorcised. Among them was a white, red, and green gemstone.
"I managed to take care of it."
Seeing this, Aya-chan let out a relieved sigh and then continued.
"...You really are strong, Itsuki-kun."
I was about to say "I just got lucky," but then I remembered Nina-chan behind me. If I were truly strong, Nina might not have ended up like this.
So, lowering my tone a little, I replied,
"I still have a long way to go."
Before Aya-chan could respond, Renji-san cut in.
"It's good to see you brought it, Itsuki-kun."
"I always have it with me."
Renji-san smiled calmly and continued,
"So, have you decided on which one?"
"Which one...?"
"Hmm? You didn't hear from Souichirou?"
Renji-san went on, seeing my puzzled look.
"You're here to forge it, aren't you? Your demon blade."