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Arifureta Chapter 531
🕑 Added 2025-06-09 08:00:45 +0000 UTCAbyss Lord’s Summer Vacation Arc Prologue
At a so-called high class residential area on the suburb, there was a gently sloping hill with abundant greenery.
The lot size was around four Tokyo Domes. The whole area was surrounded by tall walls with security cameras and patrolling securities keeping a watchful eye on any intruder.
When a certain lord visited here for the first time, he recalled the wall protecting mankind in a certain manga about giant and unconsciously made a tsukkomi「Is this Wall Mar*a……」 from how strict the security was. That place was a super large school for all years from elementary to high school. It was a prestigious schools among all prestigious schools that was said to have social standing among the top three in whole Japan.
It went without mention that many of the students were sons and daughters of distinguished families, wealthy people, celebrities, or important people.
Today at this very day, it had been a while since the summer vacation period began. However quite a great number of students could be seen in that school. That was because the school had invited prominent figures of various fields from overseas to hold multiple lectures.
Of course, the elementary school department also wasn’t an exception.
Currently it was noon when the last lecture had ended. The students were each heading to their next activity or having pleasant chat with each other. They were all doing as they pleased.
「Hum humhu~um♪」
The figure of Fujiwara Hinata could also be found among those elementary students.
For some reason she was in a good mood. She was very unusually humming even though usually she would have this graceful and calm atmosphere.
Perhaps the lecture she had just attended was very interesting?
Her classmates who seemed to be holding a discussion about their impressions about the lecture were stealing glances at her, but Hinata didn’t even show any sign of noticing them while quickly making preparation to go home, so most likely the cause of her good mood wasn’t that.
(Fufufu, this day has finally arrived. The trip to the fairy world……I can’t wait-)
Yes, this was the reason for her good mood.
They couldn’t depart first thing in the morning due to Claudia and Vanessa’s work situation. And so Hinata too attended a lecture today.
Rather than saying that it was because the lecture was interesting, she attended more to fulfill her social obligation.
Her mother Chikage told her that it would be fine even if she paid no mind to that but, as a daughter who respected her mother’s principle that put importance in connection and relation and as the only daughter of Fujiwara family, this was an occasion that she didn’t want to absent from if possible.
Anyway, Rana, Emily, and also Zhu should already be waiting in Endou family home, so Hinata also planned to go there to meet up with them right away after this.
After that, it would be the start of the trip that she had been greatly looking forward for these several days that she couldn’t sleep like a kid waiting for big event like New Year or Christmas.
(Most of all……it will be my first trip together with that person-)
Though it wouldn’t be just the two of them, nor would such situation that lacked modesty be possible unless there was a state of emergency.
Even so it would be the first summer vacation that she could spend together with her sweetheart.
(Uu, what should I do. My heart cannot stop pounding when I imagine it. Even though I have decided to resolutely tell him my request during this trip……)
In the end would she be able to tell him properly if she was already in this state right now? Hinata thought while softly placing her hand on her chest.
For some reason, there were several gulps audible from the surrounding.
Hinata’s existence stood out even in this prestigious school where girls from noted families gathered.
Because of her family standing, and also her beauty and elegance that were befitting it……those weren’t all. The mystique and natural strength of spirit, along with the intelligence residing in that body made the young girls and boys around her unable to stop their attention to be getting pulled toward her.
And it was gathering speed even more ever since the “dragon incident”. Because that immature body was now further filled with resolution, conviction, and strength of will that should be inappropriate for someone of her age.
She was clearly different from before. Should it be said that she now looked drastically more mature? Or perhaps that her aura felt like she had grown significantly as a person?
The students regardless of gender or grade had their eyes drawn toward her unintentionally. Some even held her in respect or adoration. That was Hinata’s current circumstance but……
Even more than that,
「B-beautiful……」
「Really, I wonder what kind of person Hinata-sama’s partner is?」
「It’s clear as day looking from that face. It’s definitely someone magnificent!」
「I think I heard from somewhere that the person is a college student……」
「I heard that he’s studying medicine in a university of Britain. In other words……it’s a long distance relationship with older male-」
「So romantic-. Aa, that heartrending expression when thinking of her beloved that she doesn’t have many chance to meet with……it feels like my heart is torn apart just from seeing it!」
Yes, it was the expression that Hinata sometimes showed that enhanced her charm more than anything.
It wasn’t simply an atmosphere of a maiden in love with love.
It was like she was desperately chasing the large back of someone, like she was doing everything she could to polish herself in order to be able to stand side by side with that person. It was that earnest atmosphere that was attracting her surrounding most of all.
「Tsu, then everyone, farewell. Please have a good summer vacation.」
As expected it seemed Hinata noticed the noise her female classmates made from getting heated up with their imagination. Her face was reddening.
Click- She fastened her bag’s latch energetically and quickly left the classroom to cover up her embarrassment.
(Uu, this is Okaa-sama’s fault! Even though we are not even officially going out with each other, she mentioned something like “There is someone my daughter is latching her heart to” at a social event!)
There were marriage talks constantly coming for Hinata despite her young age. So to say, many families were aiming for the fiancée position.
After all Hinata was Fujiwara group’s only daughter. Obtaining Hinata was the same as obtaining immense benefits.
Chikage didn’t treat such offers with disdain.
It was because of her principle. And most of all, for her daughter.
Nobody knew how the future would turn up. Of course that included what would be the best relationship for Hinata too. Who knew how Hinata or her partner’s heart would grow into.
What was important was creating a lot of possibilities. To increase the options.
That was why she was making effort to show up at party and such events, and she also held parties herself where those people got invited without rejecting them. And then, if those people brought up marriage offer to her she would just say 「That will depend on the feeling of the people in question themselves~」 without giving clear rejection.
That was what she did, until last year.
Perhaps it was around April this year. A party that also doubled as celebration for the children’s grade advancement in school was held but, Chikage implicitly made a proclamation there.
That from there on, she would reject all marriage offer for her daughter.
Furthermore, based from what she said the male was a college student from an ordinary household? It was well-known that Chikage was treasuring her daughter’s feeling more than the group’s interest but, even so this was still too unexpected.
(I got assaulted with barrage of questions right after the new school term started because of that……)
Through that, somehow it felt like the sense of distance between her and the girls in her class got shrinking drastically. Well, she didn’t feel bad about it but……what was embarrassing was embarrassing.
Because, when she was asked questions,
(Did I……tell it too dramatically perhaps? But, it is the fact that Endou-sama is my hero……and I cannot speak about the hidden side of the world, so perhaps there is a little, just a liii~tle bit of fiction got included in my story……)
If asked why did she do that? That was because when she started talking she would unintentionally get too passionate.
(Well, that is, I am thankful for Okaa-sama who is doing a lot of things because she is thinking what is best for me……at least, compared to Otou-sama who is doing nothing but sulking.)
The matter of who Hinata’s partner was never got declared for consideration to Endou family too but, noted families and wealthy people’s investigative ability through their connections and financial power could never be underestimated.
Hinata and her parents also wished to increase the association between their families so it was even more difficult to completely hide it.
And so naturally, Chikage mobilized the full power of Fujiwara group to prevent any needless interference to Endou family.
Chikage went that far and made the proclamation all for her daughter’s sake.
It depends on their feelings──it was something that could also be said between Hinata and Kousuke.
Nobody knew what would happen in the future. This was also the same.
That was why, although Chikage said 「Someone my daughter latched her heart to」, she didn’t say 「She’s betrothed」 or 「Her fiancée」. Put it another way she was only saying 「My daughter got a crush to someone」.
That was because she was thinking that she must not ignore Kousuke’s feeling and start cutting off any path of escape so there wouldn’t be any other choice for him. She absolutely wouldn’t do something so dishonorable.
But however. If that was the case.
If other families found out that this was just Hinata’s one-sided crush then they would surely started moving again aiming for the small chance. Moreover, the hidden side of the world too, other countries would also charging in drove aiming to bring in the bloodline of the strongest Onmyouji into their faction.
Chikage could completely deal with something at the level of marriage offer through family. But, there was nothing she could do about individual trying to make contact with Hinata when she was at school.
Hinata who respected Chikage’s principle that prized connection and relation was a sincere daughter who was too sincere. Surely it would be hard for her to give rejection in consideration of relationships between houses and business connections.
Depending on the situation, she could even put it above her sweetheart. Even if, her mother had told her that she didn’t need to pay it any mind.
In that case. A mother’s heart would naturally want to give her daughter some covering fire.
This was none other than the biggest reason of why she made her proclamation during a party.
──With this, you’ll be able to “refuse” without feeling reserved right?
Hinata pictured her mother grinning in her mind.
(That is, right. It feels like I have been bestowed with the strongest weapon.)
Hinata unconsciously chuckled while walking down the stairs of her school building.
Merely someone she had crush to, and having crush toward someone recognized by Fujiwara family were completely two different things. At the very least in respect to families trying to sound out marriage prospect toward Fujiwara family.
「I will do my best, Okaa-sama……」
The only daughter of Fujiwara family. The strongest Onmyouji in the hidden side of the world. However, all those statuses didn’t mean anything for her first love. Not only that the person already had a woman he loved. Furthermore there were a lot of women around him who were really charming even in Hinata’s eyes.
In addition, there was also the overwhelmingly disadvantageous factor in her side that was the age difference. She was also deeply aware that he didn’t regard her as subject for romance.
But, she didn’t plan to pull back even then. Her feeling wasn’t something that trivial.
Hinata clenched her fist tightly and renewed her determination.
Like that, she exited the school building from the entrance leading toward the parking lot──this academy had separate parking lots and traffic circles for dropping and picking up students of elementary, middle, and high school departments──and her eyes widened seeing the person standing beside the car picking her up. But right immediately her expression brightened up considerably. Right after that.
「Hinata-san. Can I ask for a bit of your time?」
A voice that sounded extremely polite for elementary school student came from behind her.
Although, students who behaved and spoke politely even if they were elementary school student weren’t rare in this school. Hinata too similarly was one of such students so it wasn’t strange.
But, Hinata almost let out a sigh due to this voice that she had been hearing often recently.
The surrounding girls were clearly becoming excited when they saw the person behind Hinata.
Hinata beautifully ignored them and fixed on a lovely smile as befitting a young lady from good family before turning around.
「Ueshiro-sama. Do you have business with me?」
「……」
Her glistening long black hair gently fluttered in harmony with the train of the elegant dress uniform typical of a prestigious school that she was wearing.
The voice’s owner, a boy wearing glasses looked entranced by that gesture. He was a scion of a large corporation that any Japanese would definitely know about. His name was Ueshiro Eito.
He was in the sixth grade in contrast to Hinata who was in fourth grade, so there was no particular occasion for them to interact with each other at school until last year. The two had simply often met each other at party and other events simply because his father and Hinata’s father Taisei were both horse racing friends over more than ten years.
「Ueshiro-sama?」
「Tsu, pardon me. I was at a loss for words due to how beautiful you are Hinata-san.」
Young Eito spoke a line that would set one’s teeth on edge, but based on his red face, it was pretty clear that the line came not from a pretentious personality but from the heart.
Actually young Eito too was one of the boys whose heart had gotten stolen by Hinata’s rampaging charm after she went through the “dragon incident”. It happened during the New Year celebration party.
Why did he suddenly become conscious of her at that time even though they had been acquainted even before that? Even he himself was confused about the reason, but then less than three months after that he learned that it was because Hinata got a feeling for someone else.
His first love lasted for very short……
It would be great if he could graciously bow out like that but, just as feared. He used his family’s power to investigate and the result, 「It’s just a one-sided crush? In that case……I have a chance!! I can make Hinata-san look my way!」 he got such thought.
The surrounding let out even shriller voices from young Eito’s line. He was someone with great popularity. His family standing was at the highest rank, he had handsome look, he excelled both in study and sport, and he was also a member of the student council that many students looked up to.
No wonder the girls also got really excited. But, naturally,
「Thank you for your praise. And, your business is?」
Hinata-chan’s perfect young lady smile didn’t waver at the slightest.
Eito-kun was the one shaken instead.
For some reason voices of 「Oo~」 mixed with admiration came from the surrounding. There were also voices like 「As expected from Fujiwara-san」. There was also a voice that said something like 「That’s right! Fujiwara-sama is only interested with female isn’t it! Ufufu-」.
Hinata-chan’s perfect young lady smile twitched a little. Because she was thought to be only interested to female……wasn’t the reason. What crossed at the back of her mind was her sweetheart whose shadow was too thin……
Also, Hinata still wasn’t aware. How recently she got a fan club because of her charm that was still growing even now due to the major incident that she had gone through.
And then, as the result of Hinata’s conversation with her Zenki──Hidzuki, the legendary fierce god who freely and uncontrolledly showed her form getting witnessed many times,
「Attitude that she would never show no matter what in the academy-. Could it be, that person is Fujiwara-sama’s sweetheart!?」
「It’s possible judging from the fact that her identity still hasn’t been publicized!」
「The mysteries are all solved! Hinata-sama likes womaan!」
「That means I have a chance!」
That was something believed by some people with excitement.
In not that far of the future, she would seriously asked for advice to a certain veteran Onee-sama, What in the world should I do with all these girls who suddenly called themselves my step little sisters and all these seniors who called themselves my step big sister…….
But she still wasn’t aware of that future.
Getting back on topic.
「Aa, yes, pardon me. If you like, do you want to have tea together with me? There is something that I wish to have a long talk about with you.」
「Thank you very much for the invitation. But my apologies. I have a plan……」
「I-is that so. That’s too bad. That said, what about your plan for the summer vacation? Actually my family──」
「I am planning to depart from Japan for a while starting tomorrow. I have been looking forward to it all this time.」
Smile smilesmiiile. There was no way this intelligent girl was unable to guess what was going on within this young Eito who wanted to spend his summer vacation with her, but because she hadn’t so she also didn’t show even the slightest opening.
And, not only she didn’t show opening, she also dealt the finishing blow properly.
「After all I will be able to spend it with that person I am yearning for.」
「!!?」
GUHAH, it felt like everyone could hear such damage voice playing out. At the very least the surrounding students could.
Before anyone realized, the parents and drivers who came to pick up their charge had also noo~onchalantly observed the going on but, they too went 「Oh my」 with expression of half sympathy and half amused.
Normally in this situation anyone would want to run away with their tail tugged between their legs but, young Eito was a Man. He pushed up his glasses kui-.
「It is exactly that person, who I wish to discuss. Is it true that person is a college student? Isn’t the age difference between the two of you just a little bit too wide? Besides, I heard that both his parents are working in the city hall? Taking the social standing into consideration too, there should be a more suitable partner for Hinata-sa──」
Perhaps there was just a little bit of elitism within young Eito here. No matter how much he strived to act gentlemanly, as expected he was still an elementary school student, so it was also common for his emotion and ideology to get ahead of himself and he blundered with his word choosing.
Yes, even if that mistake was a fatal one from Hinata’s viewpoint.
「……」
「For Hinata-san……umm, I mean……」
A smile. Hinata-chan was smiling. But, why was it? He couldn’t stop shaking when looking at that smile!! Even the surrounding students and also the drivers looked mystified 「Eh, I’m getting goosebumps……why?」 from the sensation they were feeling.
Meanwhile, Hinata spoke courteously, but with a tone that contained no inflection.
「It is the second time with this. There will not be a next time. ──Resolve yourself.」
「Ah, yes-. I’m sorry-」
Young Eito obediently apologized like he had gotten scolded by an adult. It was a reflexive action. His instinct commanded him, Don’t defy her!!
He properly apologized──maybe it could also be said as him being made to apologize but, anyway Hinata had received an apology so her aura returned to the usual gentleness.
「Ueshiro-sama. I have mentioned this several times but……there is a gentleman my heart is yearning for so, I hope that you can refrain from offering this kind of invitation from here on.」
Hinata courteously bowed, however, her will was distinctly conveyed.
It was exactly such attitude that made young Eito enamored with her, so as expected he was still unable to easily back off.
He would enter the middle school starting next year. Although they were in the same school, he would be unable to easily come meet her if their school buildings were in different location within this huge school ground. The difference of two grade years was big.
Not to mention that this year Hinata had become often in taking official absent from school. The reason was because of her family’s work situation, so it would surely still continue in the future. In that case, the chance to meet would decrease even more.
That was exactly why, he wanted to decrease the distance even just for a little in this summer vacation!
The boy in love opened his mouth trying to somehow stop the girl who bowed in front of him and moving to leave, but a voice beat him to the punch and called out.
「Please wait, Hinata-san. Do you perhaps have a bit of time to spare? No, this me is inviting you personally. So you must have timecorrect?」
The mouth of Hinata who had mostly almost turned around twisted munyo unevenly. It was like she was desperately holding back her lips from convulsing.
「Himekouji-sama, nice to see you. Also, my apologies. Today I really do not have any time to spare……」
She knitted her eyebrows with a troubled look while turning her gaze toward the new person who entered the stage──the young lady whose involvement with her had increased in proportion of young Eito’s involvement with her.
The young lady’s black hair had some splendid rolls. She had almond-shaped eyes and face that looked very strong willed.
Himekouji Rika. A sixth year who was also a member of student council like young Eito. She was a young lady of an old family that saw Fujiwara family as rival though it was one-sided.
「What did you say?」
Kii- The corner of her eyes rose. She gave off an amazing pressure even though she was still twelve years old.
「Rika-san, my bad but Hinata-san is talking with me right now. Can you postpone this for later?」
「My, Eito-san. I thought I just saw you receiving a clear rejection just now. A persistent man will only get disliked you know?」
「Wha-, I’m not persistent or anything……isn’t it you Rika-san who actually keep hassling Hinata-san when a chance present itself? Even now you’re glaring like that……it’s not admirable to scare your junior like that.」
「Myy! Are you saying that this girl will falter just from this much? Eito-san, it looks like your eyes are completely clouded. How about you wipe clean your glasses at least?」
「S-stop! Don’t touch my glasses! Really, why are you always acting mean like this since the past!」
「What did you say! Calling me mean is simply uncalled for! I demand you retract your words back!!」
Hinata thought, Can I leave already…….
Hinata unusually didn’t even consider to mediate between the two quarreling duo was because this argument between the two of them was commonplace.
And so, after watching the two continued to quarrel while ignoring Hinata for a second.
Yosh, let’s leave! She thought while turning around completely this time. She quii~ietly walked away……
「Wait right there-, Hinata-san!!」
Gyuinn Young lady Rika’s face snapped toward her. Even her prided rolls went Gyuinn from the centrifugal force until their tips pointed at Hinata. Hinata reflexively twisted away her body even knowing that they wouldn’t reach her.
「Just so you know, I am suspicious of you. Do you really have someone in your heart? And even if that person truly exist, does he really as wonderful as in your story?」
「Of course, I have not told any lies you know?」
「In that case please, allow me the chance to meet with him!」
It was an argument that was really unbelievable taking place between two elementary school students, followed by an unreasonable request that was quite befitting of an elementary school student.
Naturally, it made Hinata looked really troubled. But, Oh? She’s looking troubled but……why is it? For some reason she seems to be very distracted by something behind her.
「I believe I have asked this request several times even before this. And yet you, you always stubbornly try to hide this person……」
「No, there’s no such thing. Two times already──」
「It’s because of this vagueness of yours that people are suspicious and needless rumors also spread! So bring him right before us, in order to make this dumb boy know his place too!!」
「Who are you calling a dumb boy. Rika-san, as expected what you are asking is just too unreasonable. Hinata-san, please pay her no mind alright?」
Young lady Rika pointed her finger accusingly, while young Eito showed his consideration.
Hinata took a deep breath before such two. Then she told them of the sad truth.
「Even if you ask to meet him…………isn’t he, right in front of you right now?」
「「………………Hee?」」
The two unconsciously let out stupid sounding voice from the unexpected reply.
Hinata looked up over her shoulder to behind her. Drawn by her gaze, they also looked toward the same direction.
Eh? What is this? There is some kind of hazy black shadow……
They squinted their eyes and focused even more. Suddenly they began to see clearly. A man in black suit. It was though he oozed out from empty air to stand there.
「Ah, hello. I’m Endou Kousuke. It has been two months since last time we met I think, you two.」
The one who lifted up a hand in greeting cheerfully, but also a bit of teary eyes from guessing something was of course, our Endou Kousuke aka Abyss Lord──a mistake, our Abyss Lord aka Endou Kousuke.
The two’s mouths were hanging open with dumbfounded looks (The people around them were also similarly looking befuddled when they noticed the person standing right behind Hinata. Even though he simply walked closer when he noticed the trouble Hinata was in……). A beat passed and they yelled.
「「Whooo!?」」
「Yep, I know it. You two also forgot me last time. But, for the memories to not remain even after greeting two times……hehe」
「Aa, Endou-sama! Don’t cry! Look, the time before this and the time before that Zhu-san and others were also with us so the impression you left was just a bit thin, that was all-」
「……I’m sorry. I made you console me each time.」
A single tear fell down lonelily. Hinata desperately tried to console but, it just made him even sadder instead……
「Well, this is something common so don’t worry about it. Introducing myself at least two or three times to someone I meet for the first time is normal……」
「It is painful that I understand what you are saying even though what you are saying should be incomprehensible……」
At the very least such case only happened when he was introducing himself as a part of a group of multiple people.
In fact, in the past two times when he exchanged greeting with young Eito and young lady Rika, he was accompanying Hinata’s usual driver with Zhu, Liu, and Hidzuki also present due to work situation.
Although, he had properly introduced himself those times. Young Eito too should be burning with rivalry 「This guy is my rival……」 those times.
And yet, they once more reacted like this was their first time meeting……
Perhaps this too was the harmful effect, no, the after-effect of Abyss Lord Mode Depth VI. He had completely graduated from life dependent on drug, and the Aby inside his heart had stopped popping out of nowhere but……
Well, it couldn’t be helped even if he felt shock and fear I, I’m scared of the Abyss Lord inside me…… of his Chuuni tic.
「No, please wait! ……I vaguely remember now.」
「Reaally?」
「Aa, me too! Hinata-san certainly had introduced him to us! Why did we forget him until now!? Scary-」
「Ain’t that right! I’m scared too!」
「What did you do to our memory!!」
「Suspicious……this is suspicious! I cannot imagine that you are a decent human at all!!」
「Stop that okay. My tear ducts can’t possibly win if you guys get serious.」
The sight of a college student got made to cry by elementary school students could be found there.
Hinata-chan was covering her face with her hands. She wasn’t embarrassed, but simply sad. Also, she unconsciously coughed by young lady Rika who hit the bull’s eye in a sense.
「F-forget about that. Thank you very much for coming here to pick me up, Endou-sama! Now, everyone else must be waiting for us, so we should depart already!」
「O-ou? No, if possible I want to make another try greeting them here so they can remember me properly──」
「Don’t ask for something so excessive!」
「Excessive!?」
Hinata was insistently tugging his hand toward the car. Kousuke followed her along without resisting despite also feeling confused.
Seeing that, young Eito and young lady Rika said 「「Ah」」 together and moved to give chase but,
「Ueshiro-sama! How about giving a thought to someone closer to you a bit more! Surely your flower of happiness is blooming right beside you!」
「Eh?」
「And you Himekouji-sama, please be a bit more honest! After all you are someone adorable and lovely who will not lose to anyone else!」
「Wha-!?」
Their legs subconsciously stopped by the line that Hinata threw at them over her shoulder.
They could do nothing but watching the two got into the car and quickly leaving.
In the end, that became the last time Hinata and Kousuke could meet in this summer.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Kousuke drove the black sedan of Fujiwara family (He had properly gotten his driving license) while glancing at the passenger seat.
「Yes, there is no problem. Or rather, I too do not want to get kicked by horse.」
「Eh? Horse? ……Ah, you mean that kind of thing?」
「……You only noticed just now even though you have seen those two’s interactions twice?」
Hinata made a wry smile not knowing what else to say.
「No, but, you know, Eito-kun is……」
「It is just a temporary hallucination that he has.」
「Oo, so ruthless」
「It is the fact. Have not you noticed? That person stop using polite language only when talking to Himekouji-sama you know?」
「……Ah, now that you mention it」
「Yes. Himekouji-sama too never take such harsh attitude other than when it comes to Ueshiro-sama. In the first place, it seems that their relation has started even before entering the school.」
「Hahaa~, so they’re childhood friends. You’re saying that Eito-kun is just a bit dense while Rika-chan can’t be honest.」
「Indeed. If anything, I might become the villain who tear apart the two’s relationship if I do not conduct myself skillfully. Yes, just like the villainess in the manga that Manami-oneesama(sister-in-law) recommended to me.」
Apparently Kousuke’s little sister was already convinced. That Hinata-chan would become her sister-in-law. To the degree that she already had Hinata called her that now. Then of course, that trueborn otaku girl would try to drag Hinata into the bog of otakudom.
「……That girl isn’t teaching you about any strange book or anything right?」
Kousuke whispered. The big brother didn’t trust his little sister at all when it came to field of the subculture. It was even more so now that she had a fellow conspirator called Vanessa the otaku agent.
「By the way, I have tried divining the compatibility of the two but……the result is they have exceptional affinity that you can even call them as a destined couple.」
「The fortune telling of the strongest Onmyouji huh」
So it’s almost a hundred percent assured huh, Kousuke said in acceptance. Hinata stole a glance to him. But right after that her hands that were folded gracefully on her lap started fidgeting.
「Also」
「Hm?」
「No matter what Ueshiro-sama say to me, no, no matter what anyone have to say to me, I have decided who my heart belongs to so……」
「……」
「Please do not think of anything like “Perhaps a boy your age will suit you better” under any circumstances okay? Or something like “It’s fine even if you have a change of heart”. After all I will cry my eyes out while complaining just what have you done to my tear ducts if that happens.」
「……Yessir. Got that.」
He wondered why. He felt intensely embarrassed. He definitely still hadn’t regarded as object of romantic interest but, he felt like whether he wanted it or not he had to properly accepted her feeling itself. She made him felt like that.
He even felt a bit pressured to a degree that he unconsciously altered his way of speaking.
Hinata too must have obtained reassurance from Kousuke’s reaction that he wasn’t doubting her resolve. She let out a relieved sigh.
With that, the feeling of embarrassment also filled the majority of Hinata’s mind. Her face turned crimson and she changed the topic to escape it.
「Putting that aside, Endou-sama. To think that you came to pick me up directly without even a driver coming along……and you are also wearing suits. Did something happen?」
「Aa, I’m helping Taisei-san. With Onmyou Bureau’s work.」
He looked composed but, Hinata’s instinct saw through that he was acting.
「……Did Otou-sama say something to you? No, he said something right?」
「N-not really? Well, he hammered all the things to note just a bit──no I mean, he and I had a talk of something like asking me wholeheartedly to take care of you Hinata-chan.」
It was true that there was work but, it was also a fact that the work didn’t take that long while Taisei primarily lectured him about “the appropriate way to interact with his daughter during the trip” on and on with serious face (This was already the fifteenth time ever since the trip was decided).
Rather, the work must be just something secondary while Taisei’s primary intention must be that.
「Really Otou-sama……as I thought he must also say something like taking him along or something didn’t he?」
「……」
The silence answered the question more affirmatively than anything.
「And then, Okaa-sama found out and dragged him back right? At the same time she also asked Endou-sama to pick me up.」
「Are you an esper?」
She was an onmyouji. But one who was the strongest and also intelligent with excellent intuition. Yep, that title wasn’t just for boasting.
「It’s not like I’ll mind even if Chikage-san and Taisei-san come along though……」
「Fufu, you are being considerate. Allowing only me to be accompanied by her parents. Of course, they are not lying that they also want to deepen the friendship between parents though.」
「Yeah. Kaa-san and Tou-san also super looking forward to it but……I hope they won’t get too shocked by the rich people’s vacation.」
Kousuke imagined how his parents would look a few days after this and smiled wryly.
Actually while Kousuke and co were going to a trip to the fairy world, the parents of Fujiwara family and the parents of Endou family would also go have vacation together.
It wasn’t like they weren’t interested with the fairy world, but having the first trip of both families together going to a world-shaking another world would also be disquieting. First both sides wanted to take their time knowing about each other, about both families. It seemed they had such thought.
Of course, they chose this plan must be because they had immense trust toward Kousuke.
In that regard, not only Chikage but Taisei too also felt the same but……
About that, well, as a father who had a daughter no matter what he just couldn’t……
「As for Onii-sama(brother-in-law)……is it as expected?」
「Aa, yeah. He said he won’t go.」
Kousuke’s elder brother──Sousuke. Actually his little sister Manami and Aziz-kun who was currently living with Endou family were also going together in the trip this time but, naturally, Kousuke had no intention to leave out Sousuke.
But, as expected when Sousuke-oniisan heard the trip plan, he refused coming along 「Why do I have to come along in my little brother’s harem trip? Do you want to kill Onii-chan’s heart that much?」 with a monotone voice.
He had interest with this so-called fairy world, so later on, they had talk just between siblings where he made Kousuke firmly promised that they would go together later just between them men!
「It makes me feel a bit guilty……」
「You don’t need to mind it at the slightest!」
「I-is that so……」
Kousuke said it so indifferently that Hinata’s expression twitched a little. From a glance she wondered whether the relationship of these brothers was bad but……well, if that was the case then in the first place there wouldn’t be any idea of going to a trip just between them brothers without anyone else coming along. Hinata convinced herself like that.
They were having some ordinary talks after that and time passed in the blink of eye before they arrived at the mansion of Fujiwara family.
Kousuke parked the car in the underground parking lot and then used his <gate key> to open a gate to his home.
Both Chikage and Taisei weren’t home right now, and Hinata had also finished saying farewell to them this morning. Her luggage filled with her clothing and necessary items for travel was already in Kousuke’s home so there was no need for her to go to her room.
Like that, they teleported to the living room of Kousuke’s home and……
「Oh, Kou-kun! And Hinata-chan! Welcome back! You two come at a nice timing!」
Pyon A rabbit lady lightly hopped from the sofa in the living room like gravity didn’t have any hold on her and landed before them.
She gave a welcoming kiss on Kousuke’s cheek very naturally before giving Hinata a tight hug.
She was dressed very simply with a short-sleeved shirt and jeans but, it was a V-neck shirt with large opening, so Hinata’s small face got snugly buried in there. She was gasping for breath unable to even return the greeting.
And then just like that she said 「I’ll help you change Hinata-chan~」 and walked out the living room.
Maybe Rana had also been greatly looking forward to the trip. Her tension was higher than usual.
「You two come a bit earlier than expected. Did the work goes well?」
Claudia and Vanessa were sitting on the sofa. Kousuke untied his necktie while turning a smile toward them.
Claudia in her dress looked really like a young lady in summer retreat, while Vanessa was wearing a handmade outfit that was a blend of Japanese and western styles. It was perhaps a cosplay of some kind of anime. They were nodding cheerfully.
「Yes, there wasn’t any problem. With this we can go to the trip without any hesitation♪」
「Yes, it’s fine. The director insistently ordered me this and that to investigate the actual condition of the fairy world but……it was troublesome so I tossed a stun grenade and made my escape here!」
「That’s not fine at all……」
By the way, for some reason Emily was giving treatment to Claudia’s leg. She was rubbing medicine to the wound there. Perhaps, she got into human PythagoraSwitch again. It was simply problematic. (TN: PythagoraSwitch is a children’s TV program produced by NHK)
「Eh? Where is Manami, Aziz, and also Zhu-san?」
「The three of them are at second floor. Aa, there are the footsteps so it looks like they’re coming down.」
Emily was wearing a shirt and necktie for fashion, combined with miniskirt and black tights. She put away her medicine while looking up at the ceiling.
It seemed that Aziz-kun was made to accompany with his little sister’s hobby until the very last minute before they departed.
「Even Zhu-san is going along with Manami? That’s rare……」
「No, Zhu-san is……in Kousuke’s room.」
「Eh? My room?」
「Yep, she has been rummaging around there since the morning in search for some kind of weakness.」
「Then stop her!!」
Why’re you just letting her!? Emily you traitor! Kousuke implicitly reproached. Emily-chan quietly averted her gaze. Because I’m actually complicit……She couldn’t say that.
It’s Manami! Manami said we can do whatever so! It was a sudden impulse! She defended herself inside her heart.
Then, there was hurried footsteps from above perhaps from sensing Kousuke’s presence. The one who entered the living room after that was Zhu just as expected.
Her long black hair was tied in upswept hairstyle, and she was wearing wide-leg pants and no-sleeve shirt. He almost never saw her wearing anything than suits or combat outfit, so it was quite a refreshing sight seeing her in travelling outfit like this.
「Why are you staring hard at me? Disgusting.」
「Can you stop with the sharp knife as the first thing you said to me? Or rather, have you done anything strange in my room? Like planting bug or something……」
「Stupid. There’s no way I’ll do something like──」
There were footsteps from the corridor. Apparently Manami and Aziz were also coming down. Then, the first thing they said was,
「Kou-nii, welcome back~」
「Welcome back, Kousuke-san. There were bugs planted in your room so I took them off.」
A very normal welcome back greeting and a testimony against crime. Aziz-kun was staring pointedly at Zhu. Apparently he was paying attention to Zhu’s movement beyond the wall even while keeping Manami company. Good job.
Kousuke looked at Zhu stone-faced. Zhu-san wordlessly averted his eyes.
「Aziz, you did well. As I thought you’re a really reliable guy.」
「That’s……it’s an honor.」
「Thanks for coming along in this trip too. It’s not like I’m feeling ashamed or anything but, as expected it’ll be fun to have guys association too.」
「Kousuke-san……yes-. I’m also happy being able to go to a trip together with Kousuke-san!」
Recently Aziz-kun became able to smile honestly as befitting his age. As a big sister, Claudia was also smiling brightly seeing that heartfelt joy from Aziz.
That was why, even though Manami and Vanessa were making sli~my smile while whispering 「Hou, guys association will be fun, he said」「Dyufuh. Things are progressing well isn’t it, Manami-shi」 to each other in small voices, he ignored them with all his power.
It seemed Hinata had also finished changing while they were doing this.
「Look look, Kou-kun! What do you think, adorable right?」
「Oo~, that looks really good on you.」
「! T-thank you very much, fufu」
This was also a slightly rare look. Hinata was wearing no-sleeve shirt with black base color and frill attached combined with short pants.
「Myuu-chan’s combat outfit looks really cool……so I tried copying her a little♪」
「Aa, I see.」
Apparently it was something like that.
「Depending on the situation, perhaps it would be necessary to teach the apparitions their place after all.」
「A-aa, I see.」
Apparently it was really in preparation for combat. What a tough girl.
「Come on, quickly go change too Kou-kun. Hidzuki is waiting at the other side after all. The oni wife will get furious if you’re slow you know?」 (TN: Oni wife is actually a Japanese term that can mean cruel wife)
The residents of fairy world were fundamentally emotional and honest with their instinct. And so Hajime had set up a “special specification Fairy Ring” beforehand so that he could maintain clone even after crossing over worlds, but just in case Hidzuki was standing guard at the place where it was set up.
「Certainly. I’ll go change quickly.」
Kousuke said that and ran up to the second floor. Then he returned after ten seconds. Fast.
Perhaps he chose his clothes with consideration for Rana. For the top he also wore a business shirt with short sleeves, but other than that he was wearing jeans and white shirt. Rana’s bunny ears went weak from seeing the light pair look.
「Errr, I haven’t forgotten anything right? Yep, most of my things are inside the treasure warehouse anyway so I guess there’s nothing to worry about.」
Kousuke said that as final confirmation just in case and then said 「Then we’re leaving okay?」 before activating the “Fairy Key”.
Rana and others had excited and bright expressions.
Like that, they yelled 「One, two, three!」 before leaping altogether into the light membrane……
「Yooo~, you’re finally here yeah. Welcome, Abyssgate-saan」
Kousuke and others froze.
Hidzuki was sitting on a luxurious chair that was being lifted up like portable shrine during festivals. Well, that was fine. But, as for the rest.
Srrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtt
Unknown number of onis were lining up in a long line like fans attending an idol’s handshake event.
The forefront of that line wasn’t Hidzuki but at the front of the gate──in other words in front of Kousuke. Their fiercely flaring gazes were also completely fixed on Kousuke.
「Now, the question of the ages of who is the man worthy for Shuten Douji. Let’s make it clear right here and now! Ain’t that right, you guyssssssssss-」
──UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
War cries that were bursting with oni spirit and ghostly spirit rose all at once. For some reason all the onis were super heated up.
「H-Hidzuki-san?」
Gi-gi-gi- Kousuke turned toward Hidzuki with a creaky movement. Hidzuki-san looked like she was really enjoying the spectacle. At the same time she was also looking at him with expectation and,
「Mine beloved. Please teach all of them their places to your heart’s content♪」
Coaxed him really adorably like that.
AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.
Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.
Just to be sure I’ll explain the chronological order. This chapter happened around the final day of Hajime and others at the star spirit world. There is disorder in the time axis, so to the end this is just in general. And so things turning Shoggoshoggo will be a bit further ahead. Sorry but, I beg you all to wait for a while until the story get connected. Best regards!
※Material introduction
– Wall Maria
From [Shingeki no Kyojin]
– Stop it okay. Seriously~
From [Gundam Seed]. Right now Quux is running. I like binge-watching a series so I’m currently holding back until the series is complete. I’m looking forward to it.
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