Chapter 87

When Chiharu said those words, Yugen nodded in understanding on his own.

Aya, Chiharu, and Tenka are Arisa's friends. Here, the term "friends" includes not only the actual relationship but also how they are perceived by others.

Since the study session, the four of them (though not very frequently due to being in different classes) have been eating lunch together and enjoying conversations. This has been witnessed by others.

So, it's not unusual for Aya and Chiharu to invite Arisa to eat with them.

Furthermore, it's not unusual for Aya and Chiharu to invite Yugen, either, since it's a well-known fact that Yugen and Aya are close.

Yugen and Arisa don't have any direct connections in terms of school relationships, but they do have strong connections through Aya and the others.

Aya acted as a mediator, and they became close and attracted to each other. It's a natural progression.

"…Sure, that's fine."

Yugen, emerging from his thoughts, said this to Aya. Then he turned his gaze to Arisa behind him.

"What about you, Yuki?"

It was a nostalgic way to address her. Yugen indulged in a bit of nostalgia as he asked Arisa.

On the other hand, when called by Yugen, Arisa initially had a bewildered look on her face, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled.

"I don't mind either, Takasegawa-san."

The sound of it was a little nostalgic.

So, the chosen place for lunch was the cafeteria. The group consisted of Aya, Chiharu, Yugen, Arisa, Soichiro, Sei, and Tenka.

However…

"…This is the first time these seven have gathered at school."

Sei muttered this. They had gathered for a study session before, but this was the first time they had all met at school simultaneously.

"That's right. We've finally become friends in a public sense, haven't we?"

Tenka said this with a meaningful tone. Sei, who was quick to pick up on such things, responded.

"You sly woman…"

"Well, it's only natural to want to get closer to Aya, Takasegawa, and Satake, isn't it?"

She said this boldly. It was as if Tenka was openly admitting that her intentions were to target their family backgrounds.

…However, the three of them weren't shocked by this. They had known Tenka's intentions from the start.

It was only natural for the Nagi family to want to maintain connections with the Takasegawa and Tachibana families, even if they couldn't receive their protection. They had expected her to make a move eventually, and when she did, they weren't surprised.

So, what was important to Yugen and Aya was that Tenka had openly admitted her intentions. This meant…

"Please continue to favor us, everyone."

Tenka smiled mischievously and stuck out her tongue slightly.

A demoness.

That word flashed through Yugen's mind.

I've become close enough with everyone to openly admit that I'm targeting your family backgrounds. Please continue to be friends, and business partners, with me.

That's how Yugen interpreted Tenka's words. He couldn't help but chuckle.

It was a clever way to say it, ensuring she wouldn't leave a bad impression. She was indeed the daughter of a religious leader, skilled in her words.

Up to this point, Yugen wasn't particularly surprised, but…

"Please, if there's an opportunity, let me do you a favor?"

She winked and smiled, and Yugen felt his heart skip a beat. Tenka's gaze was on Yugen and Arisa's bento boxes.

Yes… the contents of their bento boxes were exactly the same.

Of course, it was already common knowledge among the group that Yugen received bento from Arisa. So, the intentional and exaggerated gaze at their bento boxes…

It meant…

I'm here to give you advice on love. I'm here to support you.

That's how it should be interpreted.

(Ah… a coordinated effort with Sei.)

Yugen realized that the flow of the conversation had been orchestrated by Tenka and Sei.

…It was nice to have their support, but he felt a bit teased. No, there was definitely an element of teasing in it.

He couldn't back down from this, both for the sake of the Takasegawa family and himself.

"Sure, I'll take you up on that… and you can rely on me too, Nagi. The ally of Nishizato is the ally of Takasegawa."

On the surface, it seemed like he was emphasizing the connection between the families, but considering the good relationship between Sei and Tenka, it could also be seen as a playful jab at their relationship.

His intention was clearly understood by Sei and Tenka, who both had subtle expressions.

"By the way, when did you and Tenka become acquainted?"

Arisa, who is not stupid but rather quite intelligent, asked this as a follow-up.

Yugen and Arisa were about to press further on their relationship, but Sei deliberately changed the subject.

"The improvement in the relationship between Takasegawa and Kita is parallel to this."

"That's right. Since Takasegawa and Nishizato have a deep relationship, and Kita and Nagi have a deep relationship… the improvement in the relationship between Takasegawa and Kita led to the closeness between Nishizato and Nagi."

The relationship between Takasegawa and Nishizato dates back to the post-war period. Takasegawa provided political and financial support to a figure who was Sei's great-grandfather, which led to the rise of Nishizato. At the time, Nishizato was like a subordinate organization to Takasegawa.

Now, although Nishizato is "independent" from Takasegawa, they still remember the favor and Takasegawa remains a major client. Takasegawa, being "massive" in both good and bad ways, finds the "jack-of-all-trades" services of Nishizato quite convenient.

On the other hand, the relationship between Kita and Nagi is simpler. Kita is essentially the "boss" in the Kinki region. As fellow religious leaders, it's natural for Nagi to consult with Kita on various matters.

Therefore, when the relationship between Takasegawa and Kita was poor, Nishizato and Nagi had to be cautious. Conversely, when the relationship improved, it became easier for Nishizato and Nagi to get closer.

(Actually, it's the other way around.)

If Yugen's memory serves, the closeness between Nishizato and Nagi began a bit earlier, before Yugen was born. The natural and appropriate order was that Nishizato and Nagi got closer, and through their mediation, Takasegawa and Kita improved their relationship.

…Just like how Aya and Chiharu acted as mediators for Yugen and Arisa.

"…Improvement? Wasn't your family and Chiharu's family not on good terms?"

Arisa tilted her head, remembering that Yugen hadn't told her about the relationship between Takasegawa and Kita.

"Hmm, you don't know? I thought the poor relationship between Kita and Takasegawa was well-known."

"I'm not very knowledgeable about such things…"

Arisa shrank back in response to Soichiro's words. Unlike Yugen, who had received education in these matters as the next head, Arisa seemed to lack this knowledge. It seemed that Tachibana Naoki hadn't taught her about these things, though he himself might be equally uninformed.

"Is it like the relationship between your family and Aya's family?"

"Ahaha, indeed, Tachibana and Takasegawa have a poor relationship… but they're also relatives, so it's more like professional wrestling. It's not as bad as the old days between Takasegawa and Kita."

Aya answered Arisa's question, and Sei and Tenka leaned in.

"I've heard that the relationship between Takasegawa and Kita was at its worst, but I don't know the details."

"Since we have the parties involved here, I'd love to hear the details."

Sei and Tenka's words were genuine, but more out of concern for Arisa and to prompt Yugen and Chiharu to explain.

"To put it simply, they had conflicts during the Meiji Restoration over land acquisition and old privileges."

"Politically, it was about the abolition of Buddhism and the establishment of State Shinto…"

"Our shrine practices syncretism, and we belong to a different faith lineage from Ise Shrine. It's problematic when such things are imposed."

"Takasegawa was originally part of the anti-shogunate faction and a vanguard of the new government. In contrast…"

"We were neutral, leaning towards the shogunate. That's why we were targeted."

"Thus, there were minor conflicts…"

"Since then, they've been in a state of estrangement."

"However, the relationship has improved significantly, so it's not something to worry about now."

That's how Yugen explained it to Arisa. In reality, the relationship had improved to the point where marriage talks were on the table, but Yugen didn't mention this to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

"I see. What does it mean to belong to a different faith lineage?"

Arisa's interest shifted to Chiharu's shrine. Whether it was to avoid the "poor relationship" topic or out of genuine curiosity, it was probably both.

"Our shrine is quite old. According to tradition, it has existed for over two thousand years…"

Chiharu answered with a cheerful tone. Her family was the oldest among the group, but this was based on tradition and shouldn't be taken at face value. The family tree goes back a thousand years, but there's no guarantee it's a direct lineage. It's best to take such claims with a grain of salt, and Chiharu probably doesn't believe it herself. Still, it's the oldest by far.

"Wow… that's amazing! Are there any other unique features?"

"Well, the most distinctive feature is… the matrilineal inheritance. Researchers often visit, saying it's a remnant of the ancient matrilineal society and that we have valuable materials."

Matrilineal inheritance means that property and rituals are passed down from mother to daughter. Therefore, Chiharu's son's children, whether male or female, cannot inherit the Kita family name.

"That's interesting… so, Chiharu, will you eventually take a husband?"

Arisa glanced at Soichiro for a moment. Chiharu shook her head.

"No, I won't take a husband. To inherit the Kita family name, I can't marry. I'm dedicating myself to the gods."

Chiharu said this confidently, placing her hand on her chest. Her words were proud, and she showed no hint of doubt or dissatisfaction about her future.

Arisa, on the other hand, looked a bit confused. "Not being able to marry" didn't sound very happy, and she couldn't understand how to maintain matrilineal inheritance without marriage.

"Um… so, how do you… I mean, how do you have children or successors? Do you adopt?"

"Of course not. I will give birth."

"…?"

Arisa tilted her head in confusion. Chiharu had a mischievous smile and gave Yugen a look, as if to say, "Don't spoil it."

Yugen, Soichiro, Aya, and Tenka knew the punchline, but Sei, who leaned in slightly, seemed unfamiliar with the Kita family's beliefs.

"But, you can't… marry, right? With who?"

Chiharu answered Arisa's question as if she had been waiting for it.

"Well, of course. My father."

"…!?"

Arisa's eyes widened, and Sei dropped his chopsticks.

Well, probably Chiharu's signature joke.

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