Chapter 65

After that, I found out that touching the sword wouldn't cause any harm, so I investigated it more thoroughly. However, the only thing I discovered was that only I and Rin could draw the sword from its sheath. Could it be that only I and Rin are recognized by the sword? In the end, I still had no idea what kind of power it held or who had made it.

By the way, the mysterious sword was decided to be displayed in the living room. Since it would be troublesome if something happened and it was stored out of sight, we decided to place it where everyone could keep an eye on it.

"Alright. Unexpected things happened, but for now, the cleaning is done."

Putting the sword aside, let's have a more important discussion.

"Emergency family meeting!"

"Mu, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Kaka-ka"

"Family meeting!"

It's been a while since the last emergency family meeting. Today, I have some serious matters to discuss.

"Emergency family meeting?"

"What is it! Is it something fun?"

Nia and Ul tilted their heads. Come to think of it, they weren't here during the last family meeting.

"An emergency family meeting is just a regular family meeting, as the name suggests. Also, it's not going to be fun. Today, we're going to have a serious discussion."

"Ah, I have something to do. I'll be out for a bit!"

"‘Toy’ activation. Capture Ul."

I activated the ‘Toy’ ability on the zabuton. The fluffy zabuton dolls I created pinned Ul down.

"Kyaa! It's not painful, but my back is warm! My wings are getting sweaty!"

"Let's get back on track. I'm going to start the emergency family meeting. The topic today is money."

Ignoring Ul's screams, I continued.

"Are we short on money?"

"To be precise, we're slightly short. It's not a critical situation yet, but if this continues, the allowance from my parents won't be enough."

I had been cutting back on my hobby expenses and trying to save as much as possible, but even then, we were barely in the red.

With all of us, including Kuro, the food expenses were a bit more than for one person, so it was almost like feeding two people.

Moreover, the gas and utility bills were definitely higher than when I lived alone, and even when I was at school, Kuro and the others used the internet and TV, which increased the electricity bill.

Additionally, the unexpected expense of buying a new school uniform for 25,000 yen and a new bag for 5,000 yen after the battle with the ability users (‘Toy’ users) was a significant cost.

"So, let's try to be as frugal as possible. If we all consciously cut back, I think we can just about break even."

"We don't need to eat. We can easily cut back on food expenses."

"“Huh!!!”"

Kuro's words made Rin and Ul turn pale. Indeed, Kuro and the others don't need to eat as they can survive on the spiritual energy in the air, but it would be sad for Rin and Ul who enjoy eating. Besides, I feel awkward eating alone in front of everyone.

"I don't want to eat alone. I don't plan to cut back on food expenses."

"Master, you're the best!"

"Master! I love you!"

Rin and Ul praised me, clearly very happy. They really love food.

"So, let's try to be frugal in areas other than food."

"Alright, understood."

"Kaa!"

"I'll work hard!"

"Please leave the management of electricity bills to me."

"I'll cut back on snacks a bit."

Everyone agreed happily, but there will be a limit eventually. I want to buy proper clothes for Rin, not just hand-me-downs, and unexpected expenses will surely arise. As winter approaches, the heating costs will be significant.

"Since I'm in good health, maybe I'll look for a part-time job..."

Muttering this, the night quietly deepened.

◇

"Is this Yuraha's family home?"

"Wow, it's huge!"

"It's so big. It looks more like a temple than a house."

On the day when Kousuke was tidying up the house, Shizuku, Akari, and Soji were invited to Yuraha's family home.

Yuraha's father, Ryu-kai, had heard from the sorcerers in Asahikawa that the three of them had been using ‘abilities’ in battle and wanted to talk to them directly. In exchange for providing information about the abilities, they would receive information about the ‘techniques’ they had been using. Shizuku and the others visited the main house of the Mizukawa family with a slight sense of caution.

"I'm sorry for calling you here so suddenly. If there's anything you don't want to talk about, you don't have to. We'll do our best to stop my father if he tries to force you to talk, so please feel at ease."

"That's right. It was originally just an information exchange among us, but my father insisted on joining. We'll do our best to protect you if anything happens."

"I'll help too. I'll do my best to protect you, seniors!"

Since the battle with Io, who had the heart of an evil god embedded in her, a sense of camaraderie had developed among the six of them.

Therefore, even if it went against Ryu-kai's wishes, Yuraha, Yurana, and Owl were determined to protect Shizuku and the others.

"Thanks for your concern, but we can handle ourselves pretty well."

"That's right! If things get tough, Soji can use ‘Attachment’ to carry us and run away, so it's okay."

"My burden!"

While expressing their gratitude to Yuraha and the others, Soji and Akari walked through the grounds with a slightly relaxed sense of caution.

In the midst of this, Shizuku casually voiced a question that had been on her mind.

"By the way, why wasn't Yuki-kun invited?"

"That's because..."

"I told Yuraha and the others not to invite him. I wanted to talk to you about him."

The three of them, Soji, Akari, and Shizuku, looked around at the voice that came from nowhere, and a blue owl landed in front of them.

"I'm sorry for startling you. I couldn't stand it and sent a familiar. It's not often that I get a chance to talk to ability users. I'll introduce myself properly later, but I'm Mizukawa Ryu-kai, the head of the Mizukawa family and Yuraha and Yurana's father."

"I'm Kusakari Soji."

"I'm Tsukino Akari."

"I'm Tsukino Shizuku."

Despite being bewildered by the fluent owl, Soji and the others exchanged greetings with the blue owl.

"You don't need to be so cautious. I didn't intend to force you to talk from the beginning, so please feel at ease. If there's anything you don't want to say, it's completely fine. Let me start by talking first."

"Dad, at least let's go inside the house..."

Realizing they were still outside, Ryu-kai invited Soji and the others into the house.