When Shichen returned ho, it was already noon. He was sowhat surprised to find Natsuki Minamiya at ho as well.
Natsuki not only worked as a teacher but also as an Attack Mage. Typically, she wouldn't be at ho on the weekends.
The previous weekend, for two consecutive days, she'd been absent, leaving Shichen alone at ho.
"Na~tsuki-chan, I'm back." Standing at the entryway, changing his shoes, Shichen called out to her.
"Mm." Natsuki's calm voice responded.
After changing into house slippers, Shichen walked over to her. Sitting down on the sofa opposite, he picked up the teapot and discovered it was already empty.
"Have you been at ho all morning?"
"Any problem with that?" Natsuki replied without expression.
"Could it be…you were waiting for to co back?" Shichen raised an eyebrow.
"Hah." Natsuki let out a cold laugh. "Why would I wait for you?"
"Aww, hearing you say that makes sad."
"Then go be sad." Natsuki crossed one leg over the other and changed the subject. "So? How did it go? Did you manage to heal her?"
"Aha—so Natsuki-chan was waiting for after all."
"Talk." She glared at him.
"Yes, everything's settled perfectly, and now that family of three is happily together."
"I see," Natsuki murmured, barely visible relief flitting across her lips.
"Natsuki-chan, want so black tea now?"
"No. It's ti for lunch."
"True…then I'll make lunch today?"
"What else? Let do it? I can't cook." Natsuki rolled her eyes.
"You could use spatial magic to go pick up takeout, you know. You've done that before."
"No need. There're ingredients at ho. You go cook."
"Alright then."
"But first, go wash your feet."
"They're not slly…"
"Go wash them!"
"Alright, alright…"
That afternoon, Natsuki headed out for work, leaving Shichen alone at ho again, reminding him not to go out.
Shichen had no objections, but he wondered why Natsuki had only gone to work in the afternoon.
He could guess the reason: apparently, she'd waited at ho in the morning, presumably out of consideration. Indeed, she was quite gentle inside, treating him like family.
He just needed to keep working on it; in ti, feelings would surely blossom.
After lazing around at ho all Sunday, a new week began. But Shichen didn't need to go to the school yet; his classes were on Wednesday.
Natsuki told him to stay at ho again since she didn't feel secure letting him out on his own. With that, he spent yet another quiet day at ho. He also tried to figure out sothing about his true ancestor body but made no progress at all—so far, it was useless.
He couldn't control or activate it, so the so-called "true ancestor form" made no difference for now. He guessed it was related to magic power, but he had none. Without magic power, the true ancestor's body was basically a super-strong recovery constitution.
Still, one day he'd find a way to acquire magic power. The voice in his mind—her—had ntioned taking him to a world where he could gain strength. Since she'd brought him here, there must be a thod. He'd just have to figure it out on his own.
When school let out that day, Natsuki hadn't co ho yet, but, to his surprise, Aiba Asagi dropped by for a visit.
At the sound of the doorbell, Shichen was just wondering why Natsuki didn't teleport ho as usual. Opening the door, he was t with Asagi standing quietly in her school uniform.
"Asagi? What brings you here?" asked Shichen, slightly puzzled.
"Shichen-sensei." Asagi bowed politely. "Forgive for dropping by unannounced."
"It's no problem. But how'd you know where I live?"
"Minamiya-sensei's residence is quite well-known," Asagi answered with a little smile.
"I see. Well, co in."
"May I?"
"Of course."
She stepped into the entryway. "I don't have any guest slippers… You can wear mine, alright?"
"Sure, that's fine." Asagi nodded.
"Here you go." Shichen removed his own slippers and handed them over, then slipped his feet into Natsuki's slippers. All part of living under the sa roof.
After Asagi changed into Shichen's slippers, she followed him inside, sitting primly on the sofa, looking a bit nervous.
"Are you in a hurry? Should I make you so black tea?"
"I'll trouble you, then."
"No need to be so polite. I was going to have so myself."
Shichen headed to the kitchen to prepare tea, while Asagi glanced around. The living room didn't have much to see; her attention drifted to the rooms beyond. She wondered which one belonged to the teacher.
He soon returned with black tea and, after pouring a cup, sat in Natsuki's special armchair.
"Asagi, did you need sothing?"
"Yes… My mother wants to see you again to express her gratitude."
"Your mom's all good now?"
"She's fine—spirits are high. But she'll need so ti to recover physically after so long in that condition." Asagi's face lit with relief.
"That's wonderful. As for thanks, there's really no need—I've already told your family it's not necessary."
"It's not a formal thanks yet."
"Better wait till she's totally recovered, right?"
"That's true…" Asagi hesitated.
"There's plenty of ti in the future, no need to rush," Shichen added with a smile.
"In the future… Alright." Asagi nodded, returning a smile.
With that, both fell quiet, sipping their tea in silence.
"Shichen-sensei, I'll be heading back now," Asagi said after finishing her cup.
"Alright. Be careful on your way. Should I walk you out?"
"No, I ca by car—I'll be visiting my mom right after this."
"Alright then… give my regards to your mom."
"I will."
Shichen walked her to the door. Asagi swapped shoes again, standing there with one final wave:
"Then, Shichen-sensei, I'll be going."
"Co by anyti."
"Sure!"
He watched the elevator doors close behind her, then turned to go back inside.
"Huh—so happy, aren't you?"
A sudden voice rang out. Looking in that direction, he found Natsuki had already returned.
"Natsuki-chan, you're back," Shichen greeted, returning inside. He didn't seem guilty at all as he shut the door and approached her.
"That little girl was here?" Natsuki glanced at the tea set.
"Yep."
"Hmph." Natsuki gave a cold snort. "You didn't do anything to her, right?"
"Hey, I haven't done anything even to you—why would I do anything to her?" Shichen rebutted with exasperation.
"Heh, you think you could do sothing to ?"
"Ehm… well, your magic is useless on ."
"And I could just leave."
"... Guess so."
"Looks like you never even considered it—otherwise, you'd be a fool."
"…Am I supposed to be happy about that?"
"Anyway, you've gotten more shaless lately," Natsuki sighed.
"Does it bother you? If so, I can try to change."
"Never mind—do as you like." She shook her head. "Hurry and make dinner. I'm hungry."
"Huh? You can actually feel hunger?"
"I choose to eat! Are you going to cook or not?"
"Yes, ma'am—right away." Shichen, with exaggerated formality, hurried to the kitchen.
From the couch, Natsuki watched him with an absent look, lost in thought.
~~~
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