-466- A shut-in idiot?

After successfully forming the Shikigami contract, Rozen and Natsume started packing.

Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi had mentioned that their train tickets were booked for the next day. It wasn't an urgent situation, but they couldn't afford to waste time. They needed to pack today, so they could depart for Tokyo tomorrow.

Fortunately, Rozen didn't have much to carry. Aside from a few clothes and his self-made talismans, he didn't need anything else.

As for living expenses, Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi simply handed Rozen a card and told him to use it as he pleased. Rozen didn't have to worry about money. It took only a few minutes to finish packing.

On the other hand, being a girl, Natsume had quite a bit to pack. One night might not be enough.

Considering this, Rozen went to the Tsuchimikado branch family with Natsume to help a bit.

"You really don't have to. There's a Shikigami to help," Natsume kept saying, but Rozen had nothing much to do, so he decided to go along.

When they arrived at the Tsuchimikado branch family, it was almost evening.

At the doorstep, someone was coming out, and seeing Rozen and Natsume, they looked surprised.

"Akikan? Natsume?" The person spoke in surprise.

It was Harutora.

After many years, Harutora had grown quite a bit in height. Although he still had that goofy look, he seemed very healthy. The energetic and mischievous look he used to have had changed somewhat, appearing more composed.

"Hey, Harutora," Rozen said casually. "Long time no see."

Indeed, it had been a long time.

If you counted carefully, Rozen hadn't seen Harutora since the New Year.

The reason is quite simple—besides the customary New Year visits, Harutora stopped coming to the Tsuchimikado main residence for no reason.

The present Harutora looked like an ordinary high school student, blending into the crowd seamlessly.

This surprised interaction was a consequence of them not meeting for a long time.

In essence, the two were quite similar, and not meeting for so long wasn't surprising for either of them.

So, with a wry smile from Harutora and a shrug from Rozen, they didn't dwell on the matter.

"Um..." Natsume seemed cautious and asked Harutora carefully, "What are you doing going out at this time, big brother?"

"Nothing much," Harutora replied truthfully, "just going to the convenience store."

"Is that so?" Natsume glanced at Harutora, then at Rozen, and seemed to have an idea. She said, "I'll head in first. You two catch up."

It seemed Natsume wanted to give Rozen and Harutora, who hadn't seen each other in a long time, a chance to chat alone.

After all, they were leaving for Tokyo tomorrow, and they might not have a chance to meet again for a long time. They might even become complete strangers. It was good to have a chat.

With this in mind, as if apologizing, Natsume bowed and went into the house.

Leaving Rozen and Harutora facing each other, they both smiled one after another.

"Going to the convenience store?" Rozen said like that, "I'll go with you."

"Going is not a problem," Harutora hesitated, "but do you know where the convenience store is? Do you know how to buy things? Ah... and you need money to buy things..."

Before he could finish, a talisman was pressed against Harutora's chest.

Rozen held the talisman like he was holding a gun and pressed it against Harutora.

"You think I'm a shut-in idiot who never leaves the house?" Rozen said, half joking.

"N-No... Not at all..."

Harutora stammered, sweat forming on his forehead, his face stiffening.

It had been a long time, but Harutora was still the same, in need of some discipline.

They bantered a bit more before leaving the house and heading to the convenience store.

On the way, they discussed their childhood memories, gradually easing the sense of unfamiliarity between them.

Originally, Rozen and Harutora didn't have conflicts, but their different paths led to a growing distance. Being both stoic, they quickly rekindled their old friendship with just a few words.

When they exited the convenience store after buying their items, it felt like the old times had returned.

In this situation...

"I heard from Mom and Dad that you're going to Tokyo with Natsume tomorrow to attend the Onmyo Academy, is that right?"

Harutora asked, carrying two plastic bags on their way home.

"Yeah."

Rozen carried one plastic bag and answered nonchalantly.

However...

"You really plan to attend a regular high school?"

Rozen mentioned this casually.

It made Harutora pause momentarily, but then he continued as usual.

"I have no choice," Harutora said nonchalantly, "I can't see spirits, and even if I want to become an Onmyoji, it's not possible. So, I have to go to a regular high school."

This remark earned him a wry smile from Rozen.

"Who are you trying to fool?" Rozen said, "If you really want to be an Onmyoji, there's a way, isn't there?"

Indeed, being a natural Spirit Seer was extremely rare, and having a strong ability as a Spirit Sight was even more like finding a needle in a haystack. If one didn't possess it naturally, they couldn't become an Onmyoji.

But if one wasn't aiming for great power and simply wanted to see spirits, there were still options.

"There are spells that can make ordinary people see spirits, although they have their limitations and last for a limited time. But for a skilled Onmyoji, sustaining the ability to see spirits for a few years should be possible. You could ask your dad for help, right?"

Rozen revealed this secret.

This was also why people from the Tsuchimikado family felt uneasy whenever Harutora was mentioned.

Ultimately, it was Harutora's unwillingness to become an Onmyoji that led to the present situation.

In other words, he had given up a long time ago.

"Even if I use spells to see spirits, there are so many limitations. Plus, I have no natural talent. I'd definitely be the most hopeless kind and wouldn't be able to become a professional Onmyoji. Can't you understand that?"

Harutora sighed.

"So, I've given up on this matter. I'll let Natsume inherit the family, and as for me, I'll just be an ordinary person."

That was Harutora's decision.

"I don't dislike this kind of life, I actually quite like it. I've also made some strange new friends recently, and we get along well."

Harutora extended his fist toward Rozen.

"Natsume became your Shikigami, right? So you'll take care of her? Akikan!"

Harutora stared at Rozen intently.

Facing Harutora's gaze, Rozen fell silent.

Then, he sighed and extended his hand, giving Harutora's fist a light bump.

"Count on me."

Rozen made this promise.

Harutora smiled at that.