Chapter 10

As Fumio, the father of Miharu, he decided to sit across from his father in the hospital's consultation room, preparing for a confrontation. Fumio thought of it as a confrontation.

This was because his father, Kaze, was even more dictatorial and tyrannical than his older brother, Arashi. Kaze believed that what he said was absolute, and he ruled the Takano family like an emperor, allowing no room for doubt.

Fumio was surprised inside when he suddenly received a call after being exiled and cut off from the family at the age of 12, with no contact since then. He hadn't expected that news about Miharu would reach them so quickly.

"Father, or rather, Mr. Kaze, why did you get the information about Miharu so quickly?"

He should have had no interest at all. Those who didn't manifest 'Mana' by the age of 12 were considered to have no magical power and were deemed unnecessary. Fumio remembered the contemptuous eyes. Those who didn't awaken to 'Mana' were unnecessary for the prestigious Takano family, and he was called trash and discarded. To avoid bad rumors, he was raised in a branch family, but even there, he was bullied, and that's how he spent his childhood.

Fumio's personality didn't become twisted because he met a merchant's daughter named Ura. She was lively, bright, and kind. Her family had never awakened to 'Mana' and had always been commoners. Out of sympathy for Fumio's situation and because she was the eldest daughter, Ura taught him many things.

Fumio was capable, and with the money he had received as a severance payment, he thought about the investment opportunities recommended by the merchant and made accurate investments, earning a large sum of money.

Now, he had passed the civil service exam and worked at the Magic Ministry, which offered a danger allowance due to the high risk of being targeted by terrorists or attacked by monsters during dungeon inspections.

He lived a wealthy life as a commoner, had a kind wife, and a cute daughter, enjoying a happy family life.

He believed he would continue to live a peaceful and happy life, as long as Miharu didn't awaken to the Holy attribute. He didn't blame Miharu. It wasn't her fault, and he was proud of her for trying to save her friend. Honestly, he didn't want her to take such risks.

He had thought the news would eventually reach the Takano family, but he found it too early.

"If you had contacted me, it would have been better, but there are Takano family members working in this hospital. They heard about Miharu and thoughtfully informed me."

I was bitter, thinking that hospitals had a duty to keep personal information confidential, but I understood. They must have been eager to earn points by contacting his father.

"I thought we had cut ties, Mr. Kaze. Weren't those your words in the past?"

I glared at my father, but despite my intense gaze, he responded with a cold laugh, as if it didn't matter to him.

"Don't be so stubborn. I know you've had a hard time. I'll entrust one of my companies to you. I've heard you have quite a talent."

I felt frustrated by my father's hypocrisy. He had called me incompetent and now praised my talent. How could he say such things? He had shouted that the Takano family didn't need those without magical power, and I had etched that memory into my mind with tears.

"Father! Are you really going to entrust a company to this guy?!"

My brother raised his voice in surprise at my father's unexpected words.

"Shut up! The company you're running has been in the red recently! I think it's better to entrust it to the capable Fumio."

My father scolded my brother, who looked away awkwardly. It seemed he was doing a terrible job.

"Mr. Kaze, I'm sorry, but I just followed the investment advice of my father-in-law. I work at the Magic Ministry now. I can't run a company."

"Even if you do better than this fool, it's fine. Don't worry, I'll help you."

My father said this cheerfully. If I had heard such kind words in my childhood, I might have been deceived. But I had grown up and been exposed to malice throughout my life.

This man's goal was Miharu. That's why I wouldn't give in.

"I refuse."

My firm refusal surprised my father, who narrowed his eyes and emitted a terrifying aura, as if the air around him was moving.

"Don't be stubborn, Fumio. You know the value of the Holy attribute, don't you?"

"...I know. There are 36 families of magicians in Japan, each with about 100 attribute users, but only 30 have the Holy attribute."

I said this, trying to hide the fact that I was affected by the pressure.

But my father laughed after hearing my words.

"Good point, Fumio. It sounds like it's not that rare. But in the Japanese Magic Empire, with a population of 200 million, only 200,000 people awaken to 'Mana,' and only 20,000 have the power to fight monsters. Most of them belong to the 36 families."

My head was pressed down by my father, and the pressure increased, making it hard to breathe.

"Among the magicians, some can heal themselves, but how many can heal others? Tell me, Fumio?"

His tone was angry, upset that I had defied him.

"Only 30! There are only 30 healers out of 200,000 magicians! They are surrounded by royalty and high-ranking nobles. Healers who can cure people and are essential for high-level dungeon exploration! Do you understand how rare they are? A healer has been born in our family! We must protect them!"

"Miharu is our child! Not your tool!"

"Don't be stubborn! Think about the future! Can you protect Miharu as a commoner? Without the backing of a noble family? Miharu would surely prefer a wealthy life! If she grows up as a commoner, she will surely resent her incompetent parents!"

"Don't use Miharu as a pawn! She's a good child. I believe she will understand."

"There's no way! Can you protect Miharu without the backing of a noble family? Answer me!"

"Ugh... That's..."

He hit a sore spot. Japan is a country of law, and citizens are protected by the law. But I also knew that was just a facade. I had heard of the nobles' tyranny. If it became known that Miharu was a healer, there would surely be those who would try to get her at any cost. As a commoner, I had no way to prevent it.

My father laughed at my inability to answer.

"Hmph. It seems even your idealistic mind can understand. If you understand, start preparing to move. Miharu will be cherished, Mmph!"

Suddenly, the pressure on my head disappeared. I coughed and raised my head to see my father standing on the other side of the sofa, his face stern.

"...Mr. Teisei, what do you think you're doing?"

"I had a bodyguard just in case. When I heard the report and came back, I saw the father of my daughter's benefactor being mistreated. I thought it was only natural to help."

I turned around to see Teisei Ouga, who looked like a fierce beast in his kimono, standing with a cold expression. He had done something, and his hand was surrounded by a translucent black aura.

"This is a family matter. I'm sorry, but can you please step back?"

Hiding his burning anger, my father spoke to Ouga.

"I heard you've cut ties. The Takano family has no relation to Fumio, right?"

"We've reconciled. It's a common story, isn't it?"

"Hmm... Is that true, Fumio?"

The two men faced each other, emitting a pressure that distorted the space around them. Ouga asked me without concern.

"No... The Takano family and I have cut ties. We have no relation."

Nurses and patients peeked in at the commotion but quickly retreated when they realized it was a conflict between nobles and magicians, which is dangerous.

"You! What are you saying? Complaining all the time!"

My brother, enraged by my words, turned red and lunged at me. The physical abilities of magicians far exceeded those of ordinary people. Despite the distance, he closed in on me in an instant.

By the time I realized it, his hand was at my neck, but Ouga's arm had grabbed his.

"Ugh. This guy!"

My brother, with a look of anger, wrapped his hand in a green aura and created a swirling wind. The wind blew his hair and clothes.

"Wind, gah!"

But just as he was about to cast a dangerous spell, Ouga moved his hand, and my brother's face was thrown back, his nose flattened, and he fell to the floor.

"You bastard..."

Blood dripped from his nose, and he glared at Ouga with a pained expression, but Ouga remained calm. The difference in class was evident.

"What do you think, Fumio? I, or rather, the Teisei family, will be Miharu's protector. We won't restrict her in any way. It's a thank you for helping Yami."

"Teisei! Do you intend to steal from another family?!"

My father, ignoring his fallen brother, raised his voice in anger.

"Fumio! There's no such thing as a good deal. Don't trust others! They just want a healer!"

He might be right. Even if he appeared like a heroic savior, reality wasn't that simple. Even if he protected Miharu out of kindness, how would it look to others?

A skilled negotiator who cleverly poached a healer from another family. Or a cruel person who forcibly took a healer from a lower-ranking noble. Miharu might be used for her power. Even without restrictions, if she was asked to help with dungeon exploration or monster hunting, she would likely go as a favor.

But Fumio didn't hesitate between the two choices.

"Right, can I ask you, Mr. Teisei?"

Who would entrust their precious child to a family that had exiled them?

"Leave it to me. I'll make sure no one bothers Miharu."

Ouga smiled slightly and nodded, and Miharu gained the backing of the Teisei family.

"Fumio! You'll regret this! Teisei, don't think the Takano family will remain silent!"

And the Takano family became an enemy.

The outcome of this choice was unknown, but Fumio's resolve didn't waver. He had decided to protect Miharu.