Chapter 39

Book 4




"Ah, you're gonna wait a bit till your body adapts. Guess constantly coming and going between worlds takes its toll."
『Yup. I'm still not used to it even now. I'll come over the day after tomorrow, okay.』
"Got it. Call me in front of Schwein School's gate if you can't find my house."
『OK. Thank you for inviting me, Yuuki-kun. All of my friends are Grandians, so it's a bit.』
"Yeah figured... Might as well stay in the dorms over there, no?"
『Unn... That'd make me feel just as uneasy.』

　Two week since the start of summer vacation.
　Today Satomi-san is scheduled to return from Grandia. She's going to take a moment to rest in her apartment.
　The longer an earthling stays in Grandia the more their body gets altered, hence constantly crossing between two worlds has the potential of negatively affecting their health.
　Although it varies by individuals, Grandia natives take in mana daily since they day they're born, strengthening their body in the process.
　Well it's the same reason why Japanese people tend to be stronger than other nationalities; because Japan is the closest country to the Gate.
　There are also cases where people experience an explosive growth despite only being in Grandia for a short while as if they have an awakening.
　Apparently Satomi-san's awakening is on the stronger side. She now wields an extraordinary amount of mana for an earthling as well as the ability to take in mana.
　I'm so jealous. I wanna go to Grandia too.

"Yuuki, the movie is about to start."
"Oops, it's time. Shouldn't you get some rest, Satomi-san? It's midnight over there right?"
『Yup, I really should. See you again, I can't wait to check Tokyo out.』
"Likewise. Good night. Feels weird saying that smack dab in the morning though."

　I went to the living room after hanging up the call. They're airing 'Summer Break Special Western Movies Program' on TV right now, so you can watch some decently interesting films since early in the day.
　Well, they may be mostly movies aimed for children but Ixia-san is quite into them.
　Today's film is that animation where a Jinn comes out of a lamp when you rub it.
　The way her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as she watches the film is so... Could this be what they call 'moe'?

"But really, you've gotten so much better at making those accessories in just a few days."
"Have I really? Perhaps it's thanks to my interest in this sort of activities. During a time I was doing research on all kinds of things, I had some opportunities to dabble in accessory-making similar to this. I'm currently probing to see if I could create talismans or magically imbued accessories by perusing these handicraft sets."
"Ah... That reminds me, we dropped by a shop selling that stuff back then."
"Yes. I might be able to produce something with a better effect. I aim to make one that will serve as a protective charm for you, Yuuki."

　Oh, I bet it's gonna be super effective...
　This is how we're enjoying the morning on one summer day. Nearing noon, just as I was about to help Ixia-san air the laundry, a familiar ringtone played on my smart terminal.
　...It's a direct line from Chairwoman. The caller ID is 'Fake Cattle Pig' this time.

"Hello? Your caller ID is somehow getting worse with each call."
『Eh!? ...Um, what does it say now?』
"It's 'Fake Cattle Pig'. Calling a woman pig is kinda..."
『Fake Cattle is too much... I'll be sure to complain later.』

　Ah, she's fine with the pig part... but why.

"So, could it be... you're done with the disguise...?"
『No that's not why I called you this time. That spell formula is considerably complex. Neither is this about your mission... but it's something important. I would like to talk to you in person alone in Chairwoman Office if possible.』
"Okay... I'll be right there. Please wait a moment. I need to do some housekeeping first."
『Yes. I'll be waiting.』

　Alone... Does she have another trouble in store already?

"Ixia-san, I'm gonna go visit Chairwoman."
"My, you're going again? Summoning you so often just because our house is close by... I was hoping we could watch a blu-ray I rented after we're done..."

　She fetched a blu-ray with an extremely scary looking zombie on the cover.

"Why'd you borrow something that terrifying..."
"It'll be okay. Feel free to cling on me if you're scared. You won't feel scared if you hold me tight."
"...No, it's still gonna be scary."

　That's such a wonderful idea though!
　Also, Ixia-san would sometimes tighten her grip out of fear too!

"I should get going now. It sounds kinda serious judging from her tone."
"Fumu... Very well. Have a safe trip, Yuuki."





"...I'm a bit curious. Let me tag along covertly."


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


　I lost count how many times I came to this office.
　This campus actually has a pretty tight security, you need to present your chipped student ID and living body data if you want to enter the campus buildings be it the main or the sub ones.
　Only select instructors and students can even get on the floor where the chairwoman office is located. Heck apparently I'm the only student who can freely come in permit-free.
　Meaning, not a lot of people are capable of infiltrating this place.

"But man... I was just done with my mission the other day... Wonder what's up."

　I knocked four times while bracing myself for yet another trouble.

『You may come in.』
"Excuse me."

　Doesn't look like she's got a guest. Her... face looks a bit gloom.
　She never showed a hint of anxiety on her face until this point. Now I'm getting curious.

"You don't look too well, Chairwoman... Is it a huge trouble?"
"...It's not exactly a trouble... Err... It's something pertaining you, Yuuki-kun."
"Me...?"

　Eh, then what's with that gloomy look... Is she gonna tell me I have a limited time left!? I mean I get my growth rate is abnormal and all, but really!?

"...A few days ago, we received a report from the agent tasked to keep watch of your parent's house."
"Ah, Fujiwara-san, wasn't it? He's been taking care of my house."

　I met him once before. He came from a farmer family so not only did he care for the home garden, he said he's even going along well with the neighbors.
　I can't thank Fujiwara-san enough, really. Apparently it's a fake name though.
　But report... Was there an incident in my house!?

"...A few days ago, someone visited your house... Someone who claimed to be your mother."
"...Wha?"

　I had no idea what she was talking about for a moment.
　My mother? Who? Biological one?
　My brain was short circuiting when an alarm sound suddenly went buzzing in the room.

"It's a false alarm. A crow of some sort might have tripped the sensor."
"Okay. So what did your men tell her?"
"We informed her that you're not living in that house right now and that we can't disclose your contact info. However, the other day our campus received a call by an individual who named herself your mother."
"...Is that so. Is that all? Did she cause any trouble at my home?"
"She did not nor will we allow her to. My subordinates are keeping watch of your house 24/7."
"Really. Then I believe that's the end of this topic."
"Eh, err... It could be your biological mother, you know? What is your response to her call. She wouldn't stop until you give her one. I'm sure you have many things you'd like to tell her--"

　Nope, there's nothing. Why would I? We might be mother and son biologically speaking but that doesn't matter.

"Please tell her this the next time she calls, 'Keep sniffing around and I'll crush you personally with everything I got'. My only family are my late father, my late grandparents and my mother... Ixia-san. I don't know anyone else."
"Is, that right. Very well, I shall make the arrangement."
"Is that all you need to tell me? You sounded so serious I thought I was dying or my parent's house collapsed or something. Or maybe Ixia-san's health turned for the worse."

　No seriously, my mind veered on the possibility of her summoned soul not adapting well to her body or something.

"Rest easy. Ixia-san is the very picture of health in every check-up we had her take once every three months. In fact... The body we created for her demonstrated strength and latent ability far surpassing its specs, likely due to her soul's influence. That's an ancient elf for you."
"I'm relieved to hear that. This month... let's see, next week we'll be homecoming, please notify Fujiwara-san about it."
"I will. I'll let Fujiwara-san knows on the date. Don't worry, he won't disturb your family time."
"I feel bad about it..."
"Don't be. It's part of his job description. Well then... The matter earlier will be dealt with per our discussion."
"Yes. I'm sorry for making you do all the work."

　Chairwoman doesn't seem too adept in this kind of topic. I can tell she's being considerate.
　Maybe she's not used to these subjects.
　At any rate, I feel a bit closer to her after seeing her humane-like front for once.





"I'm back."

　I came back home around noon. The lack of stores between my campus and my home is felt in times like this.
　I love buying snacks and eat them together with my family.
　I cherished those times I dropped by snack stores on my way back from primary and middle schools so my grandpa, grandma, and I could eat them together.
　...I guess that matter earlier bothered me in reality. Even made me reminisce.

"Ah... Welcome home, Yuuki."
"I'm home, Ixia-san."
"...Err umm, would you like to have pancakes for lunch?"
"Oh, sure would. By pancakes, you mean hotcakes right."
"I think so. I-I'll bake them right away. I have experience making the dough already."

　Hmu, Ixia-san is acting kinda weird.
　Did she watch that movie? Was it that scary?
　Anyway, I gotta wash my hands before I get to the hotcakes.
　This time, we're baking them on a hotplate together as we eat.

"Oh... Don't you think mine comes out nicely here?"
"Fufu, it is. As for mine... my, it's turned into a weird shape."
"Make you wonder why'd the shape change anyway... Ah, right, Ixia-san, can we talk?"

　Just as I was about to discuss about coming home next week.
　She jolted and looked like she was trembling for some reason.

"Ah! It's burning Yuuki. Let's eat them."
"Whoops. Guess we gotta take care of this first."

　Umuumu... it's so good. I think it tastes better when it's burned a bit.
　After finishing the hotcake, I was about to resume. But then--

"Ah! Almost forgot I had the bath heated. Would you like to go in first, Yuuki?"
"Eh? No, I'm still good. Feel free to go first, Ixia-san."
"Can I? Then."

　She briskly walked to the bathroom. Yup, something's not right.
　She keeps stopping me from talking. Is she in a bad mood maybe?



"...S-so long... Did she usually take a bath this long...?"

　It's been an hour. That's too long no matter how you slice it. I feel bad for hurrying her but I'm worried if the heat gets to her head so I call her from outside the changing room.

"Ixia-san, can you hear me? Are you okay in there?"
"...Yes, it's just that the water was hotter than expected."
"That's good. Err, actually I was gonna tell you--"
"Wait! ...Please wait, I will hear you out. I'll come out and hear you..."

　She suddenly raised her voice before lowering it to a whisper. She really is in a bad mood... or is she.
　Did I do something to make her mad...
　I don't know the reason but it's kinda scary. I wait for Ixia-san while restlessly fidgeting, an emotion I haven't feel for a long time, years I believe.
　...How imprudence of me. How could I enjoy angering my family.
　But really, what have I done...?

　Ixia-san came out of the bathroom wearing proper clothes instead of the usual bathrobe and with dried hair for once. She looks prim and proper yet her face is all tensed up.
　Her eyes look red. Wonder if shampoo got to them.
　Anyhow... Ah, no doubt about it, she's angry. Gotta brace myself.

"...Forgive me, Yuuki. I have been interrupting you from speaking... I have made my resolve. Please go ahead."
"Err... It's nothing that big really. Next week--"
"Next week!? Next week is it... That's, quite close..."
"Ah, do you have a business next week? I don't mind changing the date."
"No... I must not act selfishly. I just want to have a lot more--"

　Ixia-san suddenly started sobbing--

"I have no... business... I only wish this moment, to last, forever... and ever!"

　Her tears wouldn't stop falling as she said that.

"Eh!? D-do you hate the idea of returning to my home that much!? Err, did something, happen there?"
"...Come again? Err, what is that about...?"
"Eh, I mean, next week is the period when we do grave visit, so I'm thinking about coming home to my parent's house..."

　Is it because... the countryside is harsh on outsiders!? I haven't heard anything like that there though! Or maybe she got into trouble with the neighbors while I wasn't looking!?

"...It's okay, Yuuki. I have overheard the matter. Um... It's not like we cannot ever meet anymore, right?"
"Eh, what are you talking about anyway?"
"...It's about how you... Yuuki has found your mother. I'm um, glad for you Yuuki. I understand that we cannot live together anymore but please at least, let me see you every once in a while--"
"Ah, so you were in front of Chairwoman's office back then? What are you talking about Ixia-san. I'm not going to see or have anything to do with that woman."

　That reminds me, Ixia raided my campus when she saw the news about me falling victim... She can casually break through the security there...
　But I'm kinda upset about this. Does she really believe I'd choose that wishy-washy woman? I mean I don't even know her name.

"Eh? But it's a chance to meet your mother!?"
"Ixia-san... I don't believe that someone unconditionally becomes a child's parent just because they give birth to that child. You think so too right, Ixia-san?"
"...Yes, very much so."
"I don't consider someone whose name I don't even know, who never made an attempt to see me or came even once to my family funerals, my mother. I'll always be together with you Ixia-san, we're always be family. Please don't make any more weird assumption on your own, okay?"
"...I'm sorry. I thought for sure..."
"You should've listened to the very end back then. I told Chairwoman loud and clear that 'I don't wanna see her'."

　It's a lie. It was actually way harsher. I'm sure she'll get mad at me if I told her the truth.

"D-did you really... My, head was all blank... I ran away."
"I'm guessing she got reminded of my existence after all that news about me. I mean isn't it strange? Wouldn't she have come to see me before that if she never forgot? She even came to my parent's house this time."
"Now that you mention it... It does mean that she knows your father's house at the very least..."
"Well, she can't be trusted regardless of her reason. Besides... my mother is officially Ixia-san in the family register. I can't have some random woman call herself my mother."

　I'm sure Ixia-san is spinning up this logic in her mind after I said that.
'He can't have someone else call herself his mother', 'I'm his mother in the family register', 'I can call myself his mother', 'Therefore, Yuuki has admitted to me calling myself his mom.'
　I dodged a terrifyingly quick hug nobody else could have possibly dodged.

"Why did you run, Yuuki."
"It's embarrassing."
"But I'm your mother."
"Children only agree to a hug up until early primary school ages."
"Oh you... But are you truly sure... I'm um... I'm honestly happy that you chose me. But... don't you want to listen to her side of story at least?"
"Not at all."

　It's probably definitely my bad habit showing here.
『I would reject someone who would go even a step over a line I deem absolutely no compromise on.』
　My grandparents would tell me how stubborn I am about it. I'm sure this is it.
　I don't feel the slightest need to see that woman. I have Ixia-san right now, and even though it's not exactly peaceful all the time, it's a happy life. I don't want to go out of my way to introduce a noise here.

"...Yuuki, I believe you would choose your life with me as you declared. That's something I am truly overjoyed about and I wish for as well. But there's no price attached to knowing. There is no risk, is there?"
"Knowing? Knowing what?"
"Why did she part with you. It's a chance to hear from her own mouth, not just hearsay. I'm sure you won't relent regardless of what comes to light. I can confidently assert that after our life together this past year. However, don't you like to know? Don't you wish to hear from the woman herself?"
"...Frankly, I don't see the need for it. Do you think I'm better off knowing, Ixia-san?"

　I get it. I get that there are people who think I should find out.
　That hearing from the horse's mouth is better. That it's better regretting after knowing the truth than regretting in ignorance.
　Chairwoman is probably of the same opinion.

"Even if she's got a reason she was helpless about, I absolutely won't change my mind. Then, why should I go all the trouble."
"...Yuuki, do you mind if I tell you a little about myself?"
"...No."

　I get she's still trying to persuade me. I mean... I'm not exactly against it if Ixia-san is going that far.

"The ones who raised me were not my biological parents either. I was pretty much an abandoned child. But, once I reached adulthood, I set out on a journey to find out about my root."
"Your root."
"Yes. Of course I dearly respect and love mother, the person who raised me. However, I was simply curious about my own root. I did it for nobody else's sake but my own."
"Your own sake... I suppose, if the reason is to know more about oneself, regardless of the other party's circumstances... I might be willing to lend an ear."

　That's a surprise. I thought for sure Ixia-san was gonna aim for an emotional appeal... but she presented me a logical take on it instead.
　After hearing that, I do get the urge to know more about myself too.
　I don't care about the other party. I'm doing this for my own sake... I guess that does change, things.

"...Well, I guess there's no harm in knowing if you phrase it like that. I get it, I'll have a talk with her. Even if I get nothing out of it, that's that."
"Yes, I think that's for the best."
"...So did you manage to find out about your root, Ixia-san?"

　I ended up asking. Even though I had made the conclusion that her family situation must be a delicate matter since she rarely spoke about her past.

"Fufu, unfortunately they had already passed away but I did know more about them from someone connected to them. I could not say that it made a difference in the end. But having one less question weighing the mind is such a refreshing feeling, don't you think?"
"Haha, I do, you're so right. I see... One less question weighing the mind... I love that way of thinking. I actually have a lot of questions bothering me too."
"Do you now? What kind of questions."
"Like what kind of family Ixia-san had, I just wanna know more about you. Nothing wrong about being curious about your family, is there?"

　I threw that question into the mix.
　I have more questions besides that too. Like was she married. Did she have a lover? What was her family like. What's her favorite weapon and so on.

"...Fufu, I don't mind. Let me tell you. My family is it. As I previously mentioned, I was picked up by a... woman at an orphanage-like place. I was together with my biological kid sister. Afterward however, mother welcomed more and more children, and I was the oldest among the first set of children so I came to have many more kid brothers and sisters in a way."
"Hee! You've got lots of kid sisters and brothers not related to you then. I'm an only child so I'm kinda envious."
"Fufu, it made for lively days I agree. As for mother who raised me... she married someone who came to be my step-father."

　Mwu, that's kinda complicated. That kind of development is usually rife with melodrama.

"Did you get along with him?"
"Yes, we were very close. Both my mother and father were quite the erudite, he taught me many things. The knowledge handed down to me by my father played a major role in making my research results accepted."
"Hee! You must be blessed with many talents, Ixia-san! Having your research results accepted... is definitely quite the achievement."
"I am unsure... Yuuki's sense of value might have been warped because you're born on earth, a world where many research from all sorts of fields are conducted and published at an awe-inspiring pace."
"Come on don't be so modest now. Honestly, even that drink you made was incredible enough."
"Fufu, you think so? That's very nice of you... Yuuki, please come closer."

　I was sitting on a seat in front of her when she beckoned me.
　As I came closer, she put her hand on my head--or so I thought before she wrapped her arm around my neck and hugged me tight.

"Yuuki, I'm truly glad from the bottom of my heart that you choose to live with me. However... Are you sure you're fine with me? Please know that I will respect your choice regardless."
"...Then please stay with me forever. Even after I'm all grown up, stay with me forever and ever."

　I'm acting the most spoiled I've been. The most selfish thing I could tell her for now.

"Stay with me once I'm an adult, even after you think I've grown up into one."
"...Yes. I'll be with you forever. I'll stay next by your side, always."

　I'm satisfied with this. Doesn't matter even if I go see an 'unknown woman'. Whatever she tells me won't change a thing.
　I'll be together always with person. That's why--I'm gonna make it clear.
　I'll tell that woman straight. That I already have a family I love.

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