Akabane Clan, residence
As Rozen and the others returned in a grand procession, the entrance was filled with a crowd of people there to welcome them.
"Welcome back!"
"Welcome back!"
The clan members gathered around their respective family members, and as Rozen and Raishin stepped down from the carriage, the cheers and laughter began to subside.
"Master Nuragami, welcome back."
With one clan member's greeting, the others also gathered around Rozen.
"I heard about it, Master Nuragami."
"I heard you defeated powerful Shikigami in the forbidden area of the Izanagi Clan."
"You even set a fire in the forbidden area."
"I wish I could see the faces of the Izanagi Clan members."
The Akabane Clan members continued to praise Rozen enthusiastically, relishing the stories of his adventures during the past few days in the Izanagi Clan.
"It's a pity that Master Nuragami didn't get engaged to the Izanagi Clan princess."
"But it's not Master Nuragami's fault."
"If he had gone alone, maybe things would have turned out differently."
"Yes."
The discussions among the clan members seemed to border on exaggeration.
At least, Raishin was being ignored, as if they were oblivious to the fact that he fought alongside Rozen.
Raishin didn't seem surprised at all by this development, appearing to accept it as a matter of course.
"Who would believe me, a worthless guy? Even if I told them I helped in the battle against Enenra, they wouldn't believe it, right?"
Raishin said with self-deprecating humor.
After all, the Akabane Clan had grown accustomed to his lack of accomplishments, so it was natural for them to doubt his role in the recent events.
If it weren't for the presence of Yuge Mutsura, Kamo Subaru, and Domon Hinowa, who could vouch for Raishin's efforts in the Izanagi Clan, nobody would have believed that he had contributed.
Reality was indeed cruel.
But then...
"I believe you."
Suddenly, with these words, Raishin's eyes brightened. He turned his head to the entrance and saw Akabane Tenzen walking towards them with a confident smile, showing trust in him.
"As expected of my little brother, you did great."
Akabane Tenzen praised with a smile.
"Ten-nii!"
Raishin felt a sense of redemption.
"Nuragami, you've worked hard too." Akabane Tenzen shifted his gaze to Rozen and said, "I've heard about the events. I never expected you to defeat Enenra. I'm curious about how much your abilities have improved."
Rozen replied nonchalantly, "You'll find out during the next puppetry practice, won't you?"
"True," Akabane Tenzen smiled in agreement.
At this moment, Akabane Kuukan, who had remained silent all along, finally spoke up, "Alright, everyone, go back and reunite with your families. Don't crowd around the entrance."
He then turned to Rozen, Tenzen, and Raishin, saying, "You three brothers should have a private gathering and discuss your insights from this period."
After giving the instructions, Akabane Kuukan led the clan members into the Akabane Clan's mansion, leaving the three brothers behind, watching their departure.
"Oh, speaking of which, Ten-nii" Raishin asked, "Where's Nadeshiko?"
"She's in the training dojo," Akabane Tenzen smiled, "After hearing about your exploits in the Izanagi Clan, Nadeshiko has been diligently practicing 'Telekinesis' in the dojo, striving to master the 'Puppetry Arts' as soon as possible."
"Is that so?" Akabane Raishin pondered.
"Let's go see Nadeshiko then," Akabane Tenzen patted Akabane Raishin's shoulder and said to Rozen, "You should come too. Before you go into seclusion again, you should see Nadeshiko too."
The experience in the Izanagi Clan made Rozen realize the importance of honing his abilities. He was eager to start his training again.
"I need to further improve my proficiency in 'Summoning Arts,' even if I can't reach the level of summoning higher-ranking familiars. I should learn how to summon more intermediate-level familiars."
"My 'Puppetry Arts' need to be refined too. I haven't fully integrated the group battle techniques I found in the library."
"I need to contemplate advancing to the next stage in the eight ranks of magician techniques."
"And most importantly, I have to open up more magic circuits. After all, no matter the type of magic, it requires magical power to support it."
With all these tasks ahead of him, Rozen had much to do.
Not to mention...
"Even the tempting 'Crimson Wing Formation' has yet to be studied," Rozen excitement surged at the thought of these tasks.
Compared to fooling around outside, his greatest pursuit was to stay at home and study magic.
"You never cease to amaze me," Akabane Tenzen praised Rozen, seemingly understanding his passion for studying magic.
However, for Akabane Raishin, this topic was definitely not interesting.
"Alright, let's go find Nadeshiko," Akabane Raishin urged in a sullen tone.
So the group left the entrance and headed towards the training dojo.
...
At the Akabane Clan's dojo, only a slender figure was present. A young girl with black hair, dressed in a kimono, sat on the cold floor, eyes closed, with a considerable amount of magical power surging through her.
"Ha!" With a clear, spirited shout, the little girl extended her hand, converting her magical power into psychic force, and infused it into the puppet standing before her.
"Crack, crack..." The puppet immediately came to life.
Its movements were not very agile, resembling a toddler who had just learned to walk, stumbling a bit as the sound of joints echoed around.
"Keep going... keep going..."
The girl continued her training, channeling her magical power into the puppet.
The adorable little girl nervously mumbled to herself, continuously infusing magical power into the puppet, manipulating its movements.
Gradually, the puppet's actions became more agile.
"Alright!" The little girl's face lit up with joy and cuteness.
Completely unaware, three figures had already appeared behind her.
"What's alright?" Akabane Raishin deliberately raised his voice and called out.
"Yah!" The little girl screamed in shock, causing her magical power to become chaotic. The puppet sprang up like a spring and flew straight towards the three figures behind her.
"Bang!" With a dull thud, the puppet's foot heavily kicked Akabane Raishin in the face.
"Guh-oh...!?" Akabane Raishin is down.
As for Rozen and Akabane Tenzen, they calmly activated their "Magic Defense" shields, blocking the incoming puppet.
Finally, the little girl turned around and saw the three figures behind her, exclaiming in delight.
"Big brothers!"
She was none other than Akabane Kuukan's youngest daughter - Akabane Nadeshiko.
"Are you okay, big brother?"
On the floor of the training ground, Akabane Nadeshiko, with an apologetic tone, helped Akabane Raishin up and handed him an ice pack.
"I'm fine..."
Akabane Raishin replied in confusion, sporting a clear red mark on his face.
Seeing Akabane Raishin like this, Rozen felt no sympathy.
"You said you wanted to learn martial arts, right? How come you can't even dodge such a simple attack?" Rozen remarked with indifference, leaving Akabane Raishin momentarily speechless.
"Nadeshiko, when you use 'Puppetry Art,' you still need to be cautious. Even if you're focused, don't let your guard down against your surroundings," Akabane Tenzen, in his elder brother manner, offered guidance.
"Yes, I understand, elder brother."
Akabane Nadeshiko earnestly accepted Akabane Tenzen's advice.
However...
"Why did big brother suddenly startle me like that?" When she turned to Akabane Raishin, Akabane Nadeshiko's tone became somewhat impolite.
At home, Akabane Nadeshiko addressed Akabane Tenzen as "elder brother" to show respect and Akabane Raishin as "big brother" to convey familiarity. Thus, her tone towards Akabane Raishin was generally more affable, while it was more respectful towards Akabane Tenzen.
As for Rozen, Akabane Nadeshiko called him "Nuragami-Nii-san," a term that represented a balance between respect and closeness. Her level of fondness was evident from this. Overall, Akabane Nadeshiko had good relations with her three older brothers, with no disputes or conflicts. At most, her attitude and tone varied.
Now, when addressing Akabane Raishin, Akabane Nadeshiko's attitude had naturally become less polite.
"I heard that big brother defeated a very strong Shikigami at the Izanagi clan and I thought you would've grown but you're still not as dependable as I thought, big brother," Akabane Nadeshiko bluntly commented.
Akabane Raishin wasn't particularly bothered by this.
"I've always been like this." Akabane Raishin replied nonchalantly. "Even in the forbidden area of Izanagi, I was just running around; it was Nuragami who did the real work."
"Just as I imagined," Akabane Nadeshiko nodded as if she understood, then her tone softened, "But big brother, you must have worked hard too, right?"
"Well... sort of," Akabane Raishin scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.
"That's right then, you truly are my big brother." Akabane Nadeshiko playfully stated with a smile.
Observing this scene, Akabane Tenzen couldn't help but smile, and Rozen simply shrugged.
Among the four siblings, a warm feeling that could only exist among family members pervaded. There was no doubt that the bond between these four was incredibly deep.
"Oh, by the way, Nuragami-Nii-san," Akabane Nadeshiko turned to Rozen and asked, "I heard the engagement between you and the princess of Izanagi wasn't completed. Is that true?"
"Yeah," Rozen replied casually, "After all, with the way the trial in the forbidden area turned out, it'd be quite unreasonable to discuss marriage now, wouldn't it?"
"Is that so?" Akabane Nadeshiko mumbled, "I guess that's true..."
Her mumbled words seemed normal to Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Raishin, as if nothing was amiss. However, Rozen began to feel suspicious.
(Why does her tone sound a bit off?)
Rozen wondered about this.
Then, Akabane Nadeshiko's next statement intensified that feeling of something being off.
"Please don't be disheartened, big brothers."
Akabane Nadeshiko, as if rallying herself and offering reassurance, said to Rozen and Akabane Raishin.
"The alliance between our family and Izanagi is already a fact. Both of you big brothers will surely have the chance to be connected with the princess of the Izanagi in the future."
Akabane Nadeshiko said this with a smile.
At first glance, there seemed to be nothing strange about this.
However, Rozen sensed a complexity in the emotions carried by Akabane Nadeshiko's words.
(What's going on?)
Rozen thought to himself.
(Could it be that Nadeshiko knows something about the situation between the Akabane and Izanagi that we don't?)
Rozen considered this possibility.
While Rozen was lost in thought, Akabane Raishin had already started conversing with Akabane Nadeshiko.
"Maybe," Akabane Raishin straightforwardly said, "But even if it turns out like that, the princess would ultimately choose Nuragami, not me."
"Seriously, big brother, why do you keep saying things like that?" Akabane Nadeshiko said indignantly, "Can't you have a bit more confidence in yourself?"
"Nadeshiko is right, Raishin." Akabane Tenzen also reprimanded, "Even if your aspiration is martial arts, you should still have confidence in yourself. If you lose self-confidence, whether it's magic or martial arts, it won't favor you."
This was already a stern rebuke.
Losing confidence in magic would force Akabane Raishin to rely solely on martial arts. If even martial arts proved futile, then Akabane Raishin would truly be in despair.
However, what Akabane Tenzen said was also correct.
If Akabane Raishin maintained this attitude toward himself, his future accomplishments would be greatly limited.
However, this time, both Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Nadeshiko were indeed mistaken about Akabane Raishin.
"I'm not lacking confidence in myself, you know," Akabane Raishin glanced at Rozen with a mischievous grin.
"Ten-nii, Nadeshiko, you might not be aware, but the princess of the Izanagi clan has taken an interest in Nuragami."
As this statement came out, both Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Nadeshiko were left dumbfounded.
Soon after, they both grew greatly intrigued.
"Is that true, Nuragami-Nii-san?" Akabane Nadeshiko curiously moved closer.
"This..."
Rozen couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.
"You've really outdone yourself. So, that's what's going on."
Seeing Rozen's reaction, Akabane Tenzen confirmed Akabane Raishin's words were not false and couldn't help but laugh.
"You're amazing, Nuragami-Nii-san. Truly deserving of the title of 'Divine Child' in our clan. You've even captivated the princess."
Akabane Nadeshiko also laughed, genuinely happy for Rozen.
However, Rozen didn't miss the expression in Akabane Nadeshiko's eyes at that moment.
It was a mixture of sadness, relief, and blessing—a look of profound understanding.
"By accomplishing something like this, I have no more regrets."
Akabane Nadeshiko mumbled softly again.
Regrettably, this time, Rozen didn't catch that murmur.
Rozen only knew one thing.
Today, Akabane Nadeshiko's smile was quite heartrending.
That feeling of heartrending lasted but a moment.
Afterward, Akabane Nadeshiko resumed her usual self, chatting away with her older brothers.
Rozen observed the scene, watching Akabane Nadeshiko's cheerful behavior, successfully suppressing that unusual feelings in his heart.
"Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive?"
Thus, Rozen joined in as well.
The four siblings chatted about various interesting things.
Until it grew dark outside.