The city lights were coming on.
Full and satisfied, they paid the bill.
Rhode loosened his belt and led the two older sisters out of the izakaya.
All good things must come to an end, and it was time to say goodbye.
Leaving Morgan to wait at the entrance of the izakaya, Aozaki Aoko led Rhode to a nearby alley with few people around.
She said she had a few private words she wanted to tell him.
“Although you probably won’t listen, please be careful. The battle between Magicians and Familiars is not as simple as you imagine. If you die so easily, Alice will be sad. That girl will definitely blame me for encouraging you to participate in the Holy Grail War, and so on.”
The suddenly serious Aoko, adopting a teacher-like demeanor, touched Rhode a little.
Just a little.
Rhode asked, “What about Aoko?”
“Me? What about me?”
“If I die, will Aoko be sad?”
“Of course I’ll be sad.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Aoko blurted out.
The touch in Rhode’s heart increased a little, and then, with just one sentence, the girl made that touch crumble.
“After all, handsome young patrons are hard to find. I’m cultivating you as a long-term meal ticket! Don’t you dare die.”
Rhode said with a wry smile, “Hmm. Thank you for your concern, Aoko.”
“You, did you really listen? If you encounter any difficulties, contact me…”
Aoko suddenly lowered her head and kicked a small stone at her feet, letting out a small sigh.
“Haaah… Now that you have a more excellent Caster Young Miss than me, you probably don’t need me anymore.”
“That’s not true. Just chatting and drinking with you can nourish my parched heart. Aoko, today was truly enjoyable.”
Looking up at Aoko, Rhode said with a sincere expression.
“This must be something only a girl like you, who can liven up the atmosphere, can do. I’m truly happy when I’m with you.”
“—You, you, what are you saying?”
Faced with his sudden straightforward confession, Aoko’s eyes widened in surprise.
She stood there stunned, forgetting to breathe.
The noisy advertisements drifting from the electronics district also vanished for an instant.
Then, a large blush spread across her refined face.
“…Wuwuwu~~~!”
To cover it up, Aoko went around Rhode and vigorously slapped his shoulder.
“…Wh-why are you suddenly saying such things! Don’t say weird things, idiot!”
“Hahaha, Aoko has a pure side too… Ouch, stop hitting me, it really hurts!”
“You’re still talking! I’ll beat you to death!”
Her pale little fists rained down on Rhode like a fierce storm.
They chased and played like elementary school students, leaving the dim alley.
Waving one hand with his back to Aoko, Rhode walked towards Morgan.
“Hmm, bye-bye. Be extra careful.”
…That night, at the Sajyou residence.
Rhode, humming a tune as he stood at the entrance, didn’t yet know that the greatest crisis since his birth awaited him in the familiar mansion.
After leading Morgan inside, he realized that Sajyou Hiroki and Ayaka seemed to be out tonight.
The fluorescent lights weren’t on; only a few scattered accent lights illuminated the room.
Manaka sat gracefully by the dining table in a beautiful light blue dress, her eyes closed, emitting a steady breathing sound.
The dim yellow light shone on her exquisitely flawless and serene face, making her appear even more captivating.
Rhode raised his hand, just about to greet her, when his smiling expression froze.
On the table, a lavish and varied array of dishes, like a banquet, was spread out.
Tonkatsu, beef and potato stew, tuna salad, corn chowder, sweet and sour pork, shredded pork with green peppers, spicy chicken.
Japanese, Western, and Chinese styles, all complete, and still steaming.
In the very center was the squirrel fish that Rhode had specifically requested two days prior.
“…Ah. I knew I forgot something before going to the izakaya.”
Memories from his previous life were stirred, and Rhode’s mouth was half-open: I was a Chinese high school student before my Transmigration…
Wrong.
I promised her when I left Tokyo that I would eat the squirrel fish Manaka made when I got home!
…I had clearly made a promise to her!
This entire table of dishes was clearly prepared by Manaka, taking her a whole day.
That’s why she fell asleep in the chair; she must have been looking forward to it so much.
Rhode’s mind conjured an image of the Fairy Consort in an apron, busily working in the kitchen, a happy smile on her face.
Wuwuwu…
Mom!
Your son is unfilial!
‘Great Fairy Consort Caster Young Miss, Britain’s Chosen King Caster Adult.’
‘…Just say what you want to say, don’t be so Yin and Yang about it.’
‘Do you have a Magic that can eliminate the smell of alcohol and hotpot from my body in an instant!?’
Rhode said in a nearly desperate tone.
Having spent an entire afternoon at the izakaya, it was impossible for him not to smell of it; even if he tried to lie to Manaka that he hadn’t eaten dinner, he would be exposed in a second.
Morgan glanced at Manaka, who was sleeping in the chair, and nodded slightly.
‘Yes.’
Rhode clasped his hands together, his bright eyes looking up at her with an expectant gaze: Good sister, hurry, hurry!
‘…’
Morgan raised her delicate hand and waved it gently, beautiful, faintly glowing brilliance spilling from her fingertips.
The next moment, the scent on Rhode and her disappeared without a trace.
‘I’m saved!
Thank you, Morgan A-meng.’
‘Mo-Morgan A-meng…
Hmm, never mind, who is this child again?’
Morgan was, of course, referring to Manaka.
Earlier that day, she had met the successor to the Fifth Magic.
However, what Morgan saw in her eyes now was’something’ even more dangerous and dazzling than a Magician.
“…I see.”
If there was anything more noble than a Magician, then the answer was obvious.
The young girl was the connector to the Root, and Morgan understood Manaka’s identity.
Since her Master was a Beast, Morgan wouldn’t be surprised by anyone who appeared beside him.
But what made Morgan curious was why the young girl could make Rod so afraid and panicked.
In terms of power and authority, the Beast should be far superior to her.
“She’s my mom.”
After Rod replied, Morgan was stunned.
The witch possessed a rational mind capable of discerning all phenomena in the world, yet the only thing she couldn’t comprehend was emotion.
Rod came to Manaka’s side and placed his hand on the young girl’s shoulder.
“Good evening, Manaka.”
“…Mm-mm.”
Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and Manaka opened her eyes.
Then, the sleepy young girl, like a kitten, pressed her cheek against Rod’s hand, revealing a faint smile.
“Rod, welcome home. Are you hungry?”
“Yes, I’m starving.”
Rod pulled out a chair and sat beside her.
“Wow, tonight’s dinner is so plentiful.”
“Right? Hehe.”
Manaka’s eyes shifted uneasily, and her two slender index fingers poked together.
“I think I got a bit carried away; I made a lot today. Sorry, Rod… I hope I didn’t trouble you?”
Rod shook his head, picked up his chopsticks, and replied with natural composure.
“Not at all? Manaka’s cooking is always delicious, so I’ll eat it all.”