Re:Zero Academy First Period(Extras) Part 1

Re:Zero Academy First Period(Extras) Part 1

Let’s get right into it without any introduction. ――Setsubun season is here this year again.

Setsubun is the most feared day in the year for the “Setsubun King” Natsuki Rigel.

In Banan, Kararagi city state’s 2nd town, it was culture that was now well established, and you’d call it a strange festival.

――Throw beans should you come across an Oni, eat rolls should you face the good luck direction. This is where the idea of hiiragi iwashi3 comes from.

Dunno who said that, but that’s what Setsubun is like―the new culture in Kararagi.

[Rigel: I wonder what they’ll make me do this year......]

On the way back from the school “Temple Elementary”, Rigel, while clasping his hands behind his head, sighs about the upcoming misfortunate event in which he’d probably be attacked.

Wear outfits like Oni underpants and run through the whole town to get away from the hunters that’ll be hot on your tail to try and hit you with beans. ――Rigel does have that sort of role as the king, but that’s if we assume the standard turn of events of just the original bean throwing.

Every year, Setsubun culture goes downhill thanks to Natsuki Subaru’s―Rigel’s father’s―ideas, and now the damage doesn’t stop with just the bean throwing.

An event called ehoumaki where you eat futomaki in silence while looking in the good luck direction.

An event called hiiragi iwashi where you stab a fish head onto a tree branch and hang it at the entranceway to your house.

As a representative of the “Kararagi Culture Promotion Society”, Subaru had a very influential voice, and over the years the amount of those devilishly intricate revamps has increased.

On top of that, since they had an agreement to keep these sort of displays as vague information, occasionally the descriptions people give of the events are from off from what they actually are as a result of word being passed down like a telephone game.

Thus, Setsubun went through changes, and for Rigel it’s an event where stuff like beans, futomaki, and fish heads are thrown at him while he runs around town dressed as an Oni.

[Rigel: Nobody gets what Setsubun is all about! Plus, they all treat food so recklessly! If it were just beans it wouldn’t be that bad, but other things can’t be eaten once they fall to the ground......!]

While looking back at memories of Setsubun, Rigel showed his anger as he grinded his teeth.

This has been said before before, but Rigel doesn’t like the event Setsubun.

Every single time he just takes all the hits. Still, he had no intention of being a tank that likes it.

No matter how cruel the events may have been, the one thing we can say is that Rigel’s father started this. It really irritated Rigel how the original idea was changing into something different.

Letting them do whatever they want with no boundaries as a way to have fun in an event was the worst idea ever. And this event’s supposed to the event that considers tradition and hearts of the people...

――Though he did hate it from the bottom of his heart, Natsuki Rigel insisted on earnestly making Setsubun a success since he was born with the ability to be a hard worker.

Going off the subject, when it gets to the season near Setsubun when people cut back, in Banan town every family starts to stock up on beans. As a result, there are kids who misunderstand the point of Setsubun, and oftentimes they bring out beans from their home and throw them at Rigel a day prior.

There was also one act on the way back from Temple Elementary where kids saw Rigel and determinedly threw his beans at him which they’d found.

However――

[Rigel: ――Woop, oh, oop]

The beans thrown, the size of them, the amount...Rigel knew the trajectory inside out, and dodged all the beans with the minimum amount of movement needed to do so.

If it were only one or two beans being thrown at him, perhaps it wouldn’t be anything to freak out about.

However, this time each kid was throwing a handful of beans at Rigel――even though they were kids, 21-30 beans a throw was rough.

In short, Rigel dodged a storm of over 100 beans without even looking at them.

[???: No way......] [???: Without even taking a glance......] [???: D-Does he have eyes on his back......?]

In response to them being stunned, Rigel looked back as he shrugged his shoulders.

[Rigel: Too naive, brats, try again. Just how many times do you think I’ve cheated death every year?]

Said Rigel as he faced the kids with a twisted smile on his face.

That instant, the kids trembled, shrieked as if to curse at themselves for just casually challenging the “Setsubun King”, then ran away in all directions.

[???: Eek! We’re gonna get killed!] [???: My god, those eyes!] [???: The “Setsubun King” is a heartless demon!]

[Rigel: Hop off with the eyes comment! Also, listen to what your parents said about the rules of Setsubun―participate using the right amount! Now I’ma throw them right back at you!]

Rigel threatened the kids running away on the verge of tears and sighed as he looked at the beans at his feet.

Having more of these misunderstood bunches pop up when Setsubun comes near would be troubling. When one does it, everyone else will too, no matter where he goes. Things can’t keep going on like this. He’ll always sense danger whenever he goes out to do a little shopping, or even when he’s taking a walk, and that also goes for when he comes back from Temple Elementary, of course.

Going off the subject again, apparently this is the only time when there are “bean gatherer” jobs for a short period, since oftentimes beans will be scattered all over town when setsubun approaches.

That’s what he’d heard from Clane, a mediator whom he knew. He vaguely remembers being told that they make a fair amount of money and are appreciated.

That being said, this also leads to Rigel’s senses being real sharp during this time.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to go out with cute little Spica in peace. This was probably one thing he developed as a result of having his life in danger.

As long as he’s with Spica, this whole “bean” thing won’t get him, even if they come at him at the speed of light.

[Rigel: Nothing with ‘bean’ in its name can even touch me now, huh.]

[???: ――Saying weird things while looking far in the distance I see. You’re just like Su-san.]

[Rigel: Oh]

Rigel, who picked up a bean and was listlessly murming, raised an eyebrow upon hearing that voice.

He’d heard this voice before. A Kararagian speaker that had a low tone and sounded somewhat witty――the moment he realized who the owner of this voice was, Rigel broke into a smile as he turned around.

[Rigel: Uncle Halibel!]

[Halibel: Aye, glad to see you’re full of energy, Rigel.]

Patting Rigel’s head with his big palm as he said that and ran up to him was a tall man who wore a kimono and had a dog face――no, it was a demi-human with a wolf face.

This man who was a wolf man―a race that was considered to be extremely rare―put a golden kiseru to his big mouth that had a full set of sharp fangs, and laughed as he looked at Rigel with his narrow slit eyes.

Halibel was a friend of his dad and mom, and to Rigel he was like a relative to him, too.

[Halibel: Kids around your age grow up so fast when you take your eye off of them for a second. So fast that I want you to succeed me if Rem-chan lets you.]

[Rigel: I told you this before, didn’t I? I need to find a stable job and support Mom and Spica. Can’t have myself walking around aimlessly like you, Uncle.]

[Halibel: Huh, you sure are harsh. For you to sway me that easily...The way you talk big is too much for me.]

Halibel laughed wildly with his big mouth open, and Rigel also was acting spoiled with a smile that was appropriate for his age.

Rigel was someone who was often pushed around by all the shackles in this world, too. Sometimes you can’t look and act like a child when you’re exploring the hardships of life.

So, that’s why you gotta have times when you’re just being spoiled, like how he was right now.

[Rigel: Guess that’s the least bit of peace you can get as a child whose parents have all their hopes on them......]

[Halibel: You’re getting super deep. Doesn’t sound cool for a child to say that.]

[Rigel: I don’t care about that! Anyway, where have you been, Uncle? You promised to train me, but you were gone for so long that I thought you’d fallen dead on the street or something.]

[Halibel: Haha, got me there. If I ever died or something, that’d be a serious concern for this country. It’d also seal my endangered kind’s fate, I’ve got big responsibilities.]

[Rigel: Yeah. And you’re my master.]

[Halibel: Yep. That’s an even bigger responsibility.]

When he was told something clever, Rigel also smiled at Halibel, who laughed in delight.

Rigel was fond of Halibel, as he was a sociable person and he’d be intimate with him like this.

Although he had a reputation of being an irresponsible person because of his behavior and the fact that he called himself an “Eternal Playboy”, it seemed that he was good at his job, and whenever he walked through town with him, he could tell that a lot of people loved him―so much that he couldn’t help but feel happy for him.

Rigel didn’t really know what his job was, though.

[Rigel: Even after you told me that shinobis fight dangerous people day and night to protect the country. You also said that you’re a wolf, an endangered race, right? You must be exaggerating!]

[Halibel: Well, in your case, you had no choice but to throw away your childish innocence to get through the days. It’s a bit unfortunate, but that’s the uncertainty of life for ya.]

Halibel puffed out smoke from his kiseru into the sky and gave a wry smile.

[Halibel: Oh right, have you been practicing the Substitution I taught you? It’s fine if you got tired of it.]

[Rigel: Of course I have. Why would I get tired of it? Can I show it to you? Though, the hiiragi iwashi that was thrown at me on my way back is the only thing I can use Substitution on.]

[Halibel: I see those fish heads every now and then. Su-san must have something to do with it.]

The iwashi head that had been thrown at him was very nice, so he thought to bring it home and show it to his sister for a memory.

When he took it out from his shoulder bag, Halibel nodded over and over as if to approve of it.

This wolf man has been friends with Subaru for a very long time, and just because of that, he was quick at figuring out what was going on.

[Halibel: He works for the Banan Culture Promotion Committee, right? I hear about him quite a lot in other towns. He’s gotten pretty famous. I’m proud of him.]

[Rigel: Hehe, dad may be how he is, but I mean, it is my parent’s job. I guess him being praised is kinda nice. Oh, but please don’t get carried away and tell my dad!]

[Halibel: Kids sure are complicated.]

Halibel, who put his hand in the front of his Kimono and was scratching his stomach, had a bit of a wry smile on his face.

Saved by his understanding attitude, Rigel started walking as he went “Oh yeah” and said,

[Rigel: Since you came over here, that means you’ll be staying in town for a little while, right?]

[Halibel: Yep, for sure. I’m gonna go say hi to people I know for a bit, and then I’ll show up at your house at night again. Tell Su-san and Rem-chan I said hi.]Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

[Rigel: Uncle.]

[Halibel: Hm?]

[Rigel: What about Spica? Nothing for her?]

Rigel frankly asked, smiling with his head tilted.

Upon hearing that, for some reason Halibel’s face stiffened up as though he’d been overwhelmed and said,

[Halibel: O-Oh, right. Tell Spica-chan to be a cute girl and wait for me.]

[Rigel: Ahh, gotcha, I’ll let her know! Oh, but I dunno...Spica is already as cute as an angel as it is. If she consciously tries to be cute and wait, she might just reach an unfathomable level of loveliness.]

[Halibel: That part of you really shows how you are Rem-chan’s kid.....]

Rigel blushed and worried as he imagined his cute little sister waiting at home. Halibel, faced with this scene, scratched his cheek with a dumbfounded look on his face.

[Rigel: Hah! I can’t be doing this! I have to come home and see Spica ASAP! Uncle! See you tonight! Don’t forget to bring Spica a present!]

[Halibe: Oh, okay, gotcha. I’ll pick something out and bring it home.]

Rigel waved goodbye with his small hand, turned around as if to say “My work is done here”, then started to zoom through town.

As Halibel watched him fade away while making clouds of dust, he smoked his kiseru and,

[Halibel: You were a sister lover before your sister was born, but after she was born, it’s gotten even worse, huh, Rigel.]

He muttered while giving a wry smile.

※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Ignoring Halibel’s murmuring―though, even if he did hear him, Rigel would be doing the same thing―he fiercely ran through town, and was rushing home.

[Rigel: Spica, Spica, cute li’l Spica.]

While excitedly humming to himself, Rigel ran faster than the wind.

Just by picturing my cute little sister in my mind, endless amounts of energy flows from my body. How about I call this the everlasting Spica engine?

The world ought to acknowledge Spica’s endless potential.

If everyone in the world were to see Spica, all kinds of things would come to an end through stuff like fighting.

While being possessed by such grand fantasies, Rigel repelled the beans that were thrown at him, waved at his neighbor who was nibbling on a futomaki to practice for ehoumaki, and when he put a fish head he’d been carrying on a hiiragi that had had only its fish head stolen by a cat, he’d made it back home.

Feeling that he couldn’t waste another second, Rigel opened the front door, and rushed in at once.

[Rigel: All riiiright, I’m hooome! Spica, Nii Nii’s home! I’m going to wash my hands and gargle right now, so be a cute girl and wait for me please!]

Rigel, with a big smile on his face, announces that he’s home while bearing with his urge to hug Spica right this instant.

Washing his hands and gargling was an obligation that he’d been taught since he was a baby.

He’d been told that he had to do it so that he didn’t get sick or something. And Rigel has actually never gotten sick before, though he wasn’t sure if it was because of that.

He had a feeling this was simply his healthy mom’s blood being just that tough, but in any case, he had to get to washing his hands and gargling. If he didn’t do that, he won’t even be able to touch Spica and――

[???: You’re real different indoors compared to when you’re outside.]

The one who greeted Rigel as he rushed into the bathroom, however, was neither his mom nor his sister. It was the voice of a woman that wasn’t in his family.

Rigel gulped, and then stopped himself from going to the bathroom. After that, he headed towards the living room while being more cautious, slowly put his hand on the double door shoji, and then opened it.

Inside there was――

[Spica: Oh, Nii Nii.]

[???: Welcome back. You sure are late.]

Rigel gazed in wonderment at the scene in the living room beyond the shoji.

A kotatsu was placed in the middle of the tatami-matted room, and it was an essential for the Natsuki family during cold seasons.

There was a woman with her feet in the kotatsu, and she was cradling a smiling angel in her arms.

The woman shook her milky white hair whose ends were uneven and was furtively giving Rigel a sidelong glance with her almond eyes. Her light pink lips slackened, and she made a very provocative smile.

[???: Can you not be charmed just because I’m cute?]

[Rigel: ――I mean, it doesn’t matter if there’s a beautiful person in front of me, I have my sister.]

[???: Look, you liking your sister is all fine and dandy, but people will think you’re an idiot if you’re always like this. Be careful.]

That moment, he came back to his senses upon hearing those words. What came back to him just then were the indescribable, mixed feelings he had about seeing that woman in her white kimono.

It was a frightening but well groomed woman.

In her case, well groomed may not be accurate, but it’s appropriate if beautiful is what’s meant by the phrase. She was not a result of a doll maker pursuing beauty; she was more like a natural beauty that was miraculously created by things that had been put together by animals that followed their instincts.

Beauty with a hint of crudeness...frankly speaking, that was all she was, but even Rigel, who still didn’t have much interest in women, was moved by just how much of that had to come from a miracle.

Although, that’d only be the case if this were his first time seeing her.

This was not the first time Rigel has talked with this girl.

[Rigel: Tia! What are you doing here!?]

[Tia: Huh? No reason, no reason at all, obviously. When I want to be somewhere, I’ll be there. It’s not like anyone has the right to tell me not to. Oh, there there, you’re so cute, Spica. ――I really want to kill you.]

[Rigel: You’re gonna teach her bad things, stop that!]

While sweetly smiling at Spica, the woman――Tia uttered some really bloodthirsty words.

Rigel thought that she was actually serious when she suddenly said that remark, and when he panicked and took Spica away from her, he made sure that she was alright as he gently patted her black hair.

[Rigel: Are you alright, Spica? She didn’t do anything weird to you, did she? Sorry for coming home late so much. ......What the heck is Mom doing!?]

[Tia: Rem let me take care of Spica and went shopping. I was thinking of going too, but this, uh, kotatsu, was it? It seems I can’t get out. To fascinate me this much...even humans do cool things every now and then, huh.]

Tia pouts over having Spica taken away from her, but she settled down with the kotatsu. She looked happy, resting the upper half of her body on the table as she moaned “Ahh” while smiling.

She looked to be around 20 years old, but the way she talked and acted were completely different. This beauty was also pretty friendly for how stingy she was―not the type of woman Rigel was very good with.

――He didn’t really dislike her, though.

[Rigel: Plus, look at how much of a bum she is, I’m dumbfounded.....]

[Spica: Nii Nii, Nee Nee.]

[Rigel: Yeah, you’re right, Spica. Don’t know how I feel about Tia being “Nee Nee”, but we shouldn’t fight. I’m sorry.]

Spica closed and opened her hand and pushed on Rigel’s cheek. Sensing that his sister was emotionally appealing to him with that, Rigel decided to stop fighting for now.

While watching that interaction, Tia took advantage of this and said “That’s right that’s right.”

[Tia: Reflect upon your actions. Be sorry. Since you’ve hurt me, I’d like to eat sweets.]

[Rigel: Don’t get carried away now. Besides, my kind mother must’ve already left sweets. Where’d they go?]

[Tia: Where, you ask? In my stomach.]

[Rigel: Then you’ll have to hold out until supper.]

Rigel had no words for Tia’s bossy behavior who was acting outrageous at another family’s house.

Tia is another one of Dad’s and Mom’s old friends, and she’s also someone Rigel has known for a few years. According to Dad and Mom, she’s apparently more like family than a friend.

But honestly, Rigel still had some doubts.

And that’s because――

[Rigel: Families live together. If you only show up every now and then like this, doesn’t that mean you’re a relative or a friend or something?]

[Tia: What’s this? Getting all pouty because I don’t come to see you very much? Your face does look just like Su’s, but I guess you have some cute points after all. I want to kill you.]

[Rigel: Don’t say such dangerous things!]

He also didn’t like how she would keep on randomly saying “I’ll kill you” and “I want to kill you” as if it was a routine that she just had to do at the end of her comments.

The way she spoke, the way she behaved...those aspects were ruining a lot of things.

If only she didn’t act that way, she’d look quite――

[Tia: ......? Did you get taller when I wasn’t looking?]

[Rigel: Gulp]

Tia got out of the kotatsu, instantly closed in, and stood in front of Rigel. She smelled pretty good. She nonchalantly reached her hand out and touched Rigel’s short blue hair.

Rigel’s silky hair was patted by her thin fingers, and he couldn’t move a muscle. Meanwhile, Tia, who seemed to be very pleased with how much Rigel has grown,

Rigel was ruled by that sort of sense of despair, having a feeling that he’d be killed by beans tomorrow.

However, Rigel was――

[Rem: ――No, Rigel. It won’t be like that. Leave it to your mother.]

The one who gallantly got up and came to the rescue was none other than Rem.

She was in a light blue kimono, and when she tucked up her sleeves, she clenched a fist with her game face on.

[Rem: Subaru-kun told you something. That they’ll be going all out, and we’ll be going all out. That’s exactly what’s going to happen. So, all we have to do is give it all we’ve got and play along.]

[Rigel: But Mom, what are we going to do? Wearing costumes is one thing, but I’ve never disguised myself before. They’ll easily recognize me, and I’ll be dead......]

[Rem: You’re so silly, Rigel. You don’t have to take on everything all by yourself.]

[Rigel: Huh?]

With a smile, Rem nodded at Rigel who was confused. She gently reaches her hand out, then Rigel’s mom’s hand touched his cheek. Then, their blue eyes met each other.

[Rem: Listen, Rigel. Leave this to me. Subaru-kun......Your dad thought hard to come up with this idea for your sake. So, it’s only natural for me to do my part as his wife.]

[Rigel: Mom.....]

Upon hearing those words, something warm started to fill Rige’s chest.

Then, Rigel thought for a little bit, and――

[Rigel: ――Alright. I’ll trust you, Mom.]

※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

This was after Rigel, who believed in Rem, left it up to his mother to handle the matter.

[Rem: What do you think, Rigel? I did the best I could.]

Said Rem as she firmly nodded while appearing to be wiping the sweat off her forehead.

In response, Rigel took a good look at himself in the full-length mirror. In the tall mirror that reflected his whole body, there was a brand new Rigel.

[Rigel: This is me(atashi)2......?]

Reflected in the mirror was a pretty girl who was the same age as Rigel.

She had a kimono that was based around a dark indigo blue color, and a distinctively light red hair ornament. Her light blue hair was put up nicely, and she kind of looked like a rich girl.

She did have a sharp look in her eyes, but her long eyelashes and lightly rouged cheeks coupled with her slightly embarrassed expression created quite the charm that’d sway a man.

She turns around. Rem nods.

She turns around. Halibel breathed a sigh in amazement.

She turns around. Seeing that girl, Subaru grinned and said,

[Subaru: Let’s name this you Natsumi Rimmel!]

[Rigel: Shut up!! I was an idiot for trusting Mom!]

Rigel hated Subaru’s expression as he held in his laughter, so he stomped his feet with all his strength.

Of course, the pretty girl reflected in the mirror was a magnificent transformation of Rigel done by Rem. To be honest, it was so perfectly done that it made Rem’s skill scary.

[Rem: I saw nothing wrong with it. Rigel, I think you almost have the same potential as Subaru-kun......It’s a masterpiece.]

[Subaru: Yeah, it’s pretty cute. I was worried about your future when I saw that you were born with eyes just like mine I was worried, but worst comes worst, with this, there are also eyes that can do something about the future......]

[Rigel: As if there are! What do you mean “This’ll unlock a future for me”!? And what’s this about me almost having the same potential as Dad!? Dad’s going to crossdress too!?]

[Subaru: Natsumi Schwartz......Look forward to tomorrow.]

Rigel had no choice but to yield to Subaru’s vaguely confident reply.

Halibel taps Rigel’s shoulder. When the slit-eyed wolf man let a sigh out of his large mouth, he said,

[Halibel: You might not be very happy about it, but isn’t it well done? I mean, that kind of outfit may be useful for sneaking into places if you’re going to succeed me in the future.]

[Rigel: Stop trying to cheer me up ......In fact, just knock it off, Uncle. I have to do this.]

[Halibel: You’re getting pretty into it......]

Perhaps he just liked to laugh at himself. Perhaps he’s just the type to get totally immersed in whatever he did. Or, perhaps he was just used to it.

While wryly smiling at how quick Rigel switched to accepting reality, Halibel scratched his head as if to think for a bit, and he said,

[Halibel: Then how about I teach you the Clone technique for tomorrow? Dunno if it’ll go well if you only learn it on the spot, but you’ve got a feel for it, so maybe you’ll be able to make like one more of yourself.]

[Rigel: Is Clone the thing you used to make four of yourself?]

[Halibel: Yep, yep. I become 4 times the trouble, so it’s super strong. The thing I have to be careful of is, although I become more troubling the more clones I have, the wounds are shared. So if I get hit, I take 4 times as much damage.]

[Rigel: I can’t see anything coming out of it other than me being hit by two times as many beans...]

[Halibel: Wow, even your voice is higher......]

If that’s how it is, maybe I really do have a higher chance of surviving if I nail acting like a woman.

I should forget that I’m Natsuki Rigel and be so girly that they’ll hesitate to throw beans at me.

[Rigel: So I’m being a Setsubun Ghost to keep the Oni away......]

[Halibel: It’s not really like you’re going to fight against your own blood.]

[Rigel: Uncle, I won’t lose.]

[Halibel: Yeah, okay then. Go ahead and try your best. I like how you go all out in everything you do.]

Since Rigel was fired up, Halibel threw away his thought and was about to pat his head, but then he tapped his shoulders, perhaps out of worry that his hair would get messed up.

The way he cared about his hair made his heart skip a beat.

[Rigel: This is bad. I’m already losing doubt that this is who I am......]

[Subaru: The way you get influenced so easily is both one of your strong points and one of your weak points.]

Rigel didn’t touch on who that someone that influenced him was and just stuck his tongue out.

Anyway, if we disregarded Rigel’s own shyness, the Natsumi Rimmel―previously Natsuki Rigel―strategy surely will be effective.

If there was a problem, it’d be――

[Tia: ――Pant, pant, I’m going to die. I’m going to die. T-They’re going to try to kill me, what the heck, ahaha]

[Rigel: It’s not that funny! I’m going to get hurt too, you know!]

[Tia: C-Cmon, stop being so into it. Ah, my stomach hurts, it hurts......!]

Tia had been laughing ever since Rigel’s makeover had been finished. Although, it’d be kinda weird if she were to just accept it as if nothing was odd, so he was thankful that she was laughing at him.

[Rigel: ......Do I really look that weird?]

[Rem: I’m proud that it is pretty perfect. But at the same time, when I look at you now, I do get the feeling that I may have created an absolute monster......]

He turns around to the mirror, and makes a quick pose. He thought it was cute.

Even though Rem was satisfied with how Rigel was doing, she was starting to break into a bit of a cold sweat.

Seeing his parents reactions in the corner of his eyes, Rigel laughed inside, delighted with how things were going.

Of course, he didn’t actually like crossdressing. Well, he did think that it was pretty perfect, and he was surprised that he was pretty cute, but that was different.

When they realize that their own actions are going to put their son in danger, surely then his parents will learn to not have their ideas get out of hand.

By no means was he enjoying this cross dressing, since this chance doesn’t come all that often, and letting out his daily frustrations by intimidating his parents.

[Rigel: Heeey, Spica. I’m going to do my best tomorrow.]

[Spica: Aooo?]

Spica, who was playing around, going in between everyone’s legs under the kotatsu, turned around upon hearing Rigel’s words.

Then, she stared at her completely unrecognizable pretty brother, and put her finger in her mouth.

After that, she said――

[Spica: ――Nii Nee?]

And she had a crisis from perceiving his identity, making her sink.

※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

――The boisterous dinner came to an end, and the night went on at Banan town.

Tomorrow’s Setsubun. Tonight is the night before the final battle.

Rigel’s the type that usually can’t sleep when he has plans the next day, so on the night before Setsubun he was especially nervous.

Apart from Setsubun, there’s also family birthdays. Still, my heart’s pounding.

Halibel, who had had an evening drink with his dad after dinner, has already returned to the tenement house. Subaru has gone to the “Kararagi Culture Promotion Society” for one last business meeting for tomorrow’s Setsubun, and Rem went with him too.

She probably requested “Please take good care of my son tomorrow.” She’s a conscientious and meticulous mother. Because of that, Rigel knew that he was going to be protected by a lot of adults.

Since they were pushing Setsubun so much, the adults, including Subaru, have probably made sure that Rigel won’t get into trouble.

They were thorough with the festival’s participation guidelines too, so they probably have some sort of means to prevent Rigel from being mistaken for an enemy in tomorrow’s “Setsubun Ghost” plan.

He should be ready for the worst scenario, which is a paper sticking on his back saying “This guy’s an Oni.”

And so, his parents were not at the Natsuki home at night. This is when Rigel would become the backup family head and steel himself to protect Spica the cute angel.

[???: ――Can’t sleep?]

A voice spoke to Rigel while he was sitting on the veranda, gazing at the blue moon in the sky.

The person sat straight down next to Rigel before he could turn around. A warm shoulder unreservedly touched Rigel, and he released a small breath.

[Tia: I’m not really sure about this, but don’t Human children sleep around this time? You’re going to be busy tomorrow.]

[Rigel: That’s true, but it’s fine. In my case, a little lack of sleep puts me on edge and I can move better.]

[Tia: But won’t your disguise be ruined if you get eyebags? Won’t it, Natsumi Rimmel-chan?]

Rigel was told that in a mocking tone, and his cheeks suddenly had a tinge of red.

He was being lead by the nose and played around with. Rigel turned away, not wanting to realize that. However, Tia chuckled, and gently pushed her nose onto Rigel’s nape.

[Rigel: Dawa!]

[Tia: Relax. ......Mm, the smell of nervousness. Can really smell embarrassment too. You’re so dishonest and cute. To the point that I want to kill you.]

[Rigel: ......That again? If you wanna kill me, just do it.]

Rigel sighed as if to send the message “Not like you can anyway.” Then, in response, Tia’s eyes opened widely.

After that, she bit her lip just for a moment, looked down, and said,

[Tia: You’re...right. I want to kill you, but I can’t]

Then, Tia’s lips slackened, and with a smile continued and said “Because...”

[Tia: I love you, after all.]

[Rigel: ――――]

They were the words Tia had said when he first met her. Upon hearing them, it really stirred his heart.

This was probably the first time he had someone that wasn’t in his family say “I love you” to him.

On top of that, it was from an stunning beauty. He’d be crazy to not think anything of it.

[Rigel: ――――]

Rigel fiddles with the bracelet on his left hand’s wrist, unwilling to acknowledge the turmoil in his mind. A bracelet made of white beast’s fur, another thing Tia has given to him.

She had said that as long as he has this, she will always come running to save Rigel.

[Tia: You’ve never used that. You’ve never called me over.]

[Rigel: ......’Cause, it’s kinda...pathetic. Calling you over just by crying for help...I don’t wanna do something like that.]

[Tia: Really? Doesn’t your dad Su tend to be quick to ask for help from others?]

[Rigel: Dad does do that, but Mom loves him for it so it’s fine. But I’m not like that. Thanks to Mom’s blood, I’m different from Dad. When I want to see someone, I don’t call them; I go see them.]

[Tia: Hmmm.]

Though it did take a lot of courage to say this, Tia had a negative reaction. She snorted as though she was ignoring him, and played with her milky white hair that was on her shoulder.

[Tia: What a cold night it is. I wonder when Rem and Su’ll be back.]

[Rigel: It’s the day before Setsubun, so they’ll probably drink a bit and will take a little longer to get back.]

[Tia: Is that so? Then I guess we should get to bed, since we wouldn’t want to catch that drunk smell.]

Tia stood on her tiptoes and got up from the spot.

The Natsuki family has a rule such that, at night, everyone must put their futons together and sleep in one room. Even on days when Tia stays over.

The one thing that changes everyday is who gets to sleep with Spica――

[Tia: Tonight, I get to sleep with Spica. You jealous?]

[Rigel: Yeah, I am. Who cares about Setsubun.]

[Tia: That was such a fast reply. You really are scary......]

This was about Spica, so he couldn’t possibly lie, and he couldn’t come up with a reason to lie either.

Tia squinted her eyes at Rigel, who had those sorts of thoughts as he curiously tilted his head.

[Tia: Earlier I’d figured this out by the smell, but...You’re nervous, and you’re only acting tough, aren’t you.]

[Rigel: ......Well, if I say you’re wrong, that’d mean I could be lying about a ton of things.]

[Tia: Tons of things or not, stop being stubborn. Here, come with me.]

[Rigel: ――?]

Tia, who’d gotten up earlier, pulled Rigel’s hand and made him stand up. Slender fingers, and the feeling of her smooth skin. Rigel, who was unexpectedly forced to stand up, was taken by surprise.

Then, Rigel, still shocked, had Tia’s smile coming close to him. She was right there, smiling at him, almost close enough for both of their noses to touch, and

[Tia: I’ll help you be brave. Today, I have the right to sleep with Spica, so I’ll give you the right to sleep with me.]

[Rigel: H―Huh!? If I do that...If I do that...what’s up with this?]

[Tia: You, me, and Spica can sleep together. I don’t want to give up being next to Spica, but I do feel bad for you, and when I look at your poor ol’ face, I’m itching, just dying to kill you......]

[Rigel: I get it! I’d like to go with your idea!]

Rigel, with an entranced look on his face, surrendered to the danger of Tia as she blushed.

In response, Tia nodded saying “Very well.”

[Tia: C’mon, if you’ve decided, then hurry up and get ready. I like to get some sleep without nightmares on my good days every now and then. I’ll even sing a lullaby for you, which I haven’t done in a while.]

[Rigel: A lullaby.....]

[Tia: Yep, the “Kill’em Song”!]

[Rigel: “Tia”!]

It seemed the lullaby that his mother had hummed to him long ago came from Tia, and clearly the girl herself was a dangerous.

Still, even though she was so dangerous, she’s never changed, and her presence has always saved Rigel.

If she could just stay the same as she was when she first met Rigel and left an impression on him, then maybe someday he’ll catch up to her.

[Tia: Rigel?]

[Rigel: I know, I’ll be there!]

As Rigel heard Tia’s wondering voice, the night sky hit his face, cooling down his hot cheeks and ears.

When he gets in the futon, he might be hot again, but by that time, he’ll be already be snuggled in the futon anyway. It didn’t matter.

So――

[Rigel: ――Agh, goddamnit. Be quiet, heartbeat.]

While muttering, Rigel started walking to the futon where cute li’l Spica and Tia awaited him.

※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Incidentally, the next day, Setsubun incorporated with “Setsubun Ghost” turned out to be a huge success.

“Setsubun Ghost” was well known throughout town thanks to Natsuki Subaru suggesting it. So, many dressed up people got mixed together, even travelers from out of town came to enjoy Setsubun, and the bean throwing ended up being a big event.

As a result, stuff like a “Setsubun Ghost” contest and events to judge everyone’ costumes were held that was suddenly held were held to judge everyone’s costumes.

As a result, with the “Setsubun Ghost” contest suddenly being held, events and such were done to judge everyone’s customs, and――

――The Natsuki Family taking the victory stand remains as a photographic record taken with a “Metia”,

On it were a lovely little girl, a somewhat bewitching beauty, and a beautiful woman dressed as a dashing, gallant man.

With those three who stood together on that victory stand were a big wolf man, and a smiling beautiful woman carrying a baby.

_______________________________________________________________

1. [Nii Nii is a baby-like way to say big brother. Nee Nee is a baby-like way to say big sister.]Jump back to footnote 1 in the text.

2. [Feminine way of saying I. Rigel usually uses Ore, a masculine way.]Jump back to footnote 2 in the text.

3. [Hiiragi Iwashi is a Setsubun custom, and it literally means “Holly Sardine”