Chapter 9

Kano Ayano was visibly in a bad mood.

The cause of her irritation was the girl sitting across from her at the table.

(What is this? I was finally going to have sushi with Mayu alone.)

Kusano Nagisa. Even if Nagisa was unknown to Ayano, Ayano knew about the Kusano family.

Among the six families, they were a historic clan with the largest faction, known for their many excellent practitioners and strong connections in the political and financial worlds.

"Sorry for making you treat me to a place like this."

"No, you saved me from a dangerous situation. Please don't worry about it; it's my way of saying thank you."

Mayu, sitting next to Ayano, thanked Nagisa.

The two had just met again after yesterday, but neither had expected to encounter each other so unexpectedly in the middle of the city, which left them both quite surprised.

Especially Nagisa, who had tried to trace Mayu's spiritual energy the previous day but failed, was disheartened. She never thought she would meet him again so easily.

(What a coincidence. I didn't expect him to be here. But the person next to him...)

Nagisa noticed who was sitting next to Mayu. The sight of them looking somewhat close made her chest ache slightly, but she never showed it on her face.

When Mayu said they were going to have dinner, Nagisa invited herself along, and now they were at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.

"Do you often come to places like this?"

"No, this is my first time. But now, with the internet, you can look up information, and there are places where students can go if they have the money. And, of course, the Kusano name helps, though I'd rather not use it. This time is an exception."

"It feels like being a celebrity."

Mayu, who had never been to such an expensive sushi place, thought deeply. In a place like this, the sushi would surely be delicious.

However, one person was not satisfied with the situation.

(What is this? What is this! I'm here, and you're having a pleasant conversation with that girl! I was going to treat Mayu today!)

With jealousy in her heart, Ayano glared slightly at Mayu.

"So, what happened yesterday?"

While drinking hot tea, Ayano glared and demanded an explanation. Nagisa was asking Mayu with her eyes if it was okay to speak.

"Ah, yesterday, something happened. I'll skip the details, but it was similar to what we did today. Of course, I asked her to keep it a secret."

"Today too? That's quite a job well done."

Nagisa, a bit surprised, offered words of encouragement to Mayu.

"I handled the situation as you asked. But that's a separate matter. I still want to properly thank you for saving me. That's why I set up this dinner. Of course, I don't intend to end it here, so please don't worry."

"You're so formal."

"It's only right as a person. Besides, you've given me the credit."

"Hey, if you say that..."

"Hmm, a Kusano giving credit to Mayu, huh?"

Ayano, with a smirk, interrupted Mayu's words, speaking to Nagisa in a somewhat mocking tone.

"Yes, that's the truth. But it was at her request, and I'm keeping everything about her confidential. From our conversation, I can tell that you were also helped by him, right?"

"...Yes, that's right. I was helped and given all the credit, so I can't say anything about you."

Ayano, a bit sulking, took another sip of tea.

"Then we're the same. So, please don't talk about this to anyone, Kano Ayano."

"What? You know me?"

"Of course. I know the faces and names of the six families. As a Kusano, I can't be rude to the others. I've seen you at the meetings of the six families, but I haven't had many opportunities to talk to others, so it's understandable that you don't know me."

"See? This is the normal way to handle things. At least remember the names of people your age."

"Ugh..."

Unlike Ayano, Nagisa seemed to remember the faces and names of everyone who attended the meetings.

Ayano remembered the faces and names of those she was close to or talked to often, but she couldn't match all the children of the other families with their names. That's why she had a similar reaction to Rikujyu.

"No, I can't say anything about others. I didn't know you either."

"I have a somewhat special position in the Kusano family. I'm allowed to use the Kusano name, but I don't often appear in public, and I usually work behind the scenes at meetings."

That's why she said it wasn't strange that Mayu didn't know her.

"I was surprised to see you, a Kano, working with a Guardian like him."

"What do you mean? Are you insulting Mayu?"

"No, I'm not insulting him. He's also my benefactor. But objectively, the six families don't have a high opinion of him. I just found it strange that you, from the Kano family, would be with him."

Nagisa answered Ayano's question with a voice tinged with anger.

"Hmph. I know Mayu is very capable. We often work together on exorcism jobs, despite appearances."

"Mostly, you drag him along, don't you?"

"Mayu! Don't say unnecessary things!"

After a victorious smile, Ayano couldn't help but comment on Mayu's words.

"Anyway, it's none of your business whether I'm with him or work with him as an exorcist."

"That's true. I don't think I have the right to criticize you. Showing gratitude and sincerity is only natural, considering the favor you've done."

Mayu sighed at the two, who seemed to be sparking with tension.

"Stop it, here."

"...Yes, I'm sorry."

"...I'm sorry too."

At Mayu's words, the two reluctantly apologized.

"Then, including this apology, I'll treat you, Kano."

"I'm fine, really."

"You don't have money, do you? You were going to get by with tea and cucumber rolls, weren't you?"

"I can eat a little. This place is reasonably priced, right?"

"But the prices are at least several times higher than a regular conveyor belt sushi place."

"It's not reasonable at all!"

Her eyes were teary. It was painful to just look at the delicious sushi, especially for Ayano, who was quite hungry.

"Are you sure it's okay for both of you to join me?"

"Yes, please order without hesitation. I earn a decent living as an exorcist, so paying for both of you won't hurt my wallet much."

"But, Ayano..."

"...Alright, I'll let you treat me."

After some thought, Ayano decided to accept the offer, thinking it would be rude to keep pushing.

"But I can't accept this one-sided treatment. I'll treat you next time."

"Yes, I look forward to it."

Nagisa, understanding Ayano's pride, didn't say anything more.

"Still, it's quite a coincidence to meet like this."

"I feel the same. I forgot to get your contact information yesterday and was wondering how to find you."

"Yeah, I didn't really want to give it to you."

"Why not?"

"Because it's troublesome. If a Kusano exorcist is seen communicating with a fallen Guardian like me, it could affect your position."

"But you work together on exorcism jobs with Kano."

"That's fine for me. I have my father's permission."

"Yeah, I remember you saying that. Your father is quite understanding. I haven't told my father anything."

"Yeah, he has his reasons, I guess."

Ayano recalled their conversation at the time.

"Are you going to work with Mayu, so you don't need a bodyguard or partner anymore?"

"Yes. He's called a fallen Guardian, but he's competent in support and won't be a hindrance."

"Hmm, won't it be a burden for you?"

"It's fine. It's part of my training, right, Father?"

"Indeed. The people you assign to her are quite skilled. It's fine, do as you please. But you must take on more responsibility and report thoroughly. Is that clear?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Then it's fine. Having someone to protect helps a person grow. It will be a good experience for you."

She wanted to introduce Mayu to her father, but meeting him could cause unnecessary speculation and trouble for the Kano family, the Guardians, and the other five families, so she asked him to be cautious.

(Actually, my father allowed me to work with Mayu, but it felt more like using him for my growth. He didn't seem to have a good impression of Mayu.)

As both an exorcist and a father, he had his thoughts about Mayu, who was known as a fallen Guardian.

But now, he might have a different evaluation.

If he saw Mayu's power, even her father and the Kano family wouldn't have any complaints. A significantly stronger exorcist would be recognized.

Even if he was once called a fallen Guardian and couldn't use the Guardian's secret techniques, his strength alone was enough.

(The current Mayu would be recognized by my father.)

Nodding in satisfaction, she took a bite of the sushi. It was indeed delicious, far superior to conveyor belt sushi in terms of the quality of the ingredients and the harmony of the sushi and rice. Despite her frustration, it was delicious.

"Delicious. Yeah, so delicious I could cry."

Mayu, who hadn't had sushi in four years, was moved. He rarely had the chance to eat such high-quality sushi, so he was grateful to Nagisa for treating him.

"I'm glad you like it. And about the earlier conversation, not exchanging contact information with her but with me seems a bit unfair. As a Kusano, I want to establish a friendly relationship with you."

"Are you just using Mayu?"

Ayano, eating a fatty sea bream, looked at Nagisa with suspicion.

"Are you not doing the same? No, you're the one using him, aren't you?"

"What do you mean?"

Ayano couldn't ignore those words. Objectively, it might look that way, but she couldn't let those words pass.

"Don't be ridiculous. I have no such intention."

"Then why are you using him? He said you drag him along."

"That's..."

"Think about yourself before you say anything. Aren't you just taking advantage of his kindness?"

"Say that again!"

Ayano's spiritual energy rose, and a killing intent leaked out. A lesser practitioner would have fled in terror, but Nagisa's expression didn't change as she deflected the killing intent.

In return, she tried to direct a killing intent at Ayano.

"Enough."

Mayu, with a single word, tried to calm the situation. But the two felt as if an invisible force had pressed down on their heads.

Looking at Mayu, they saw his eyes fixed.

"I've set up a barrier, but it would be a bother to the shop and other customers."

While eating a piece of fatty tuna, Mayu dissipated the oppressive atmosphere. The two felt as if they had been doused with cold water, and the tense atmosphere disappeared.

(What was that? I knew he was strong from earlier, but to do that with just his presence...)

(That's incredible. Why was he called a fallen Guardian? With that level of presence, he should be among the top exorcists.)

Ayano and Nagisa were sweating. They felt like naughty children being scolded. The two exchanged glances, silently agreeing to stop.

(I have something to say, but I can't make Mayu angry again.)

(I understand. I won't argue with you anymore.)

They nodded in agreement.

(Sigh. What are you two so worked up about...? At least let me enjoy the sushi.)

Mayu understood that he was the cause of the conflict but wondered why the two were so invested in him.

"Anyway, I'm not being used by Ayano. I said I was dragged along, but I'm not really against it. The cases she brings me are good training for me."

This was the truth. The cases before he was summoned to another world had definitely helped him gain experience. So, despite his complaints, he had been willing to work with Ayano.

"Since we've come this far, it would be rude not to exchange contact information. You've thanked me, so let's exchange numbers and messaging apps."

"Is that okay?"

"Yes, if you promise not to misuse it."

"I absolutely won't. I promise."

With a serious expression, Nagisa made the exchange, and Mayu, with a slight smile, complied. Ayano watched the scene with disinterest.

"Thank you. I'll contact you again. I want to properly thank you."

"No, it's fine. You don't need to."

"No, you saved my life and gave me the credit. I can't let it go at that. As a Kusano, it might be difficult, but as an individual, I want to do what I can."

"You really don't need to."

Nagisa's words made Mayu think, while eating the sea bream, that he might as well let her do what she wanted.

"Do you live around here? I don't see that uniform around here."

"No, I came here today for some business. I was meeting a Kusano family member, and after that, I was heading to the station when I met you two."

"Wow, what a coincidence."

"Yes, a coincidence. That's why I was so surprised."

Nagisa answered Ayano's question honestly, though she kept secret her attempt to trace Mayu's spiritual energy.

"Do you two live around here?"

"Yes. And Mayu lives next door to me."

Ayano, with a somewhat triumphant tone, made Nagisa's well-shaped eyebrows twitch.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Their gazes met quietly but intensely. They didn't want to escalate the situation further.

But the hierarchy in this situation was decided between them.

"Understood. I'll contact you when I visit Mayu's house."

"It's not necessary. I can handle it if you want. Mayu is busy, after all."

"That's not necessary. I'll make an appointment and visit."

(These two don't seem to get along.)

Mayu, sensing that he was the cause of the tension, thought about how to resolve the situation.

Just then...

"!?"

Mayu suddenly sensed a large demonic aura nearby. Nagisa noticed a moment later, followed by Ayano.

"This is..."

"A demonic aura. But it feels like a high-level demon appeared suddenly."

"No way. A demon appearing suddenly in the middle of the city? This area is spiritually stable, so it shouldn't happen."

Demons usually appear when the boundary between the other world and this world is disrupted, or due to interference from either side. However, this area was spiritually stable, and there were no spiritual distortions or unstable dragon veins.

"Having so many problems one after another, it feels like I'm cursed or something."

He could only complain. This was the third demon-related incident in less than 24 hours. Even if it wasn't Mayu, anyone would have a complaint.

"Please wait here. I'll handle it."

"I can't leave it to you alone. This is my city, and it's my job to exorcise the demon here."

"Well, if you two go, I can't stay here. I'll go with you."

Mayu, thinking that what happens twice will happen a third time, decided to go along for safety.

"Understood. Please."

Nagisa, deciding to prioritize getting to the scene and minimizing damage, agreed.

After paying, the three headed to the location.