Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: “Doesn’t it irritate you when someone acts all friendly?” ①

Having a conversation with a decent girl for the first time in what felt like years, Natsuki’s spirits were lifted. Although he didn’t mention anything about another world, he stood tall without hiding his strength.

“…I guess I couldn’t tell after all. But if you are truly strong—”

Unfortunately, it seemed Mio could not comprehend Natsuki’s power.

“—Natsuki Yura-sama. We from Minazuki deeply apologize for our rudeness.”

A crow interrupted Mio as she was about to speak.

“Oh! A familiar!”

“It seems Yura-sama is quite knowledgeable about Western witches.”

“Ah, no, not really.” 

“This crow is a Shikigami, not a familiar that employs animals. Unlike those, this crow is made of paper.”

It was indeed fascinating. 

Natsuki could feel a slight spiritual power, but only if he paid attention. 

Generally, he kept his guard minimal. The world is full of beings with power: ancient trees that have lived for centuries, temples and shrines worshipped by people, even Jizo statues. Some people possess power without even realizing it. Worrying about all of them would be too exhausting.

“I am called Hiragi. I serve the Minazuki family, merely a servant. I apologize for only being able to offer my voice.”

“No, no, thank you for being so polite.”

Natsuki bowed to the circling Shikigami. 

He wasn’t bothered by not seeing her face. In modern society, it’s possible to interact without seeing the faces of strangers, so as long as someone introduces themselves and greets properly, that’s fine. 

Of course, if it were to attack him, he would respond the same as he would with Miyako.

“First, we apologize for Miyako-sama’s rudeness. We intended to welcome Natsuki Yura-sama more courteously, but… no, I will not make excuses. I will apologize in person when we meet.”

“It’s fine, really. So, you mentioned you had some business?”

At Natsuki’s inquiry, the crow cawed.

“If possible, we would like to request your presence at the Minazuki residence. We will accommodate your schedule with Miyako-sama, so please.” 

(Well, I did say they should come if they have business, but honestly, I’d be troubled if they did. I don’t want to let my mom know about this side of things. Well, I guess I’ll go!)

If the Minazuki family turned out to be hostile, he was ready to take appropriate action. 

Just in case, he planned to inform Aoyama about the situation. 

“Alright. But is tomorrow okay? I’ve had quite a day today.”

“…Understood. Then, we will pick you up after school tomorrow. Is at school alright?”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

“Then, tomorrow. Hiragi will come to pick you up.A formal apology will be offered not just by myself, but also by the head of the Minazuki family. We deeply apologize for Miyako-sama’s misconduct.” 

“About the apology, well, that’s enough. Thank you, I’ll be waiting for tomorrow.”

“Thank you very much. Then, Hiragi will take her leave.” 

With that, the shikigami ended the conversation, cawed, and flew away. 

Natsuki tried to trace the caster by following the Shikigami with his eyes, but after flying for a while, it turned to ash. 

(Oh, what a pity. If I had watched a bit longer, I might have learned how to use it.)

While he had no one to use them against, Natsuki felt that it would be somewhat cool to be able to employ Shikigami. 

It tickled the fancy of his mind, which remained at the mental age of fourteen. 

“Well, lunch break is over, so it’s about time—oh. What should I do about this pool of blood?” 

“I’ll clean it up, you can go.” 

“Is that okay?”

“Yes. I want to take Miyako back with me when she wakes up.”

“Then, please. And, if possible, could you come yourself next time? I don’t want any more trouble.” 

Natsuki shrugged, and Mio gave a smile. 

“Sorry. But I thought Miyako, being your classmate, would be better.”

(This gal, despite her flashy appearance, seems a bit lackluster when you talk to her, huh?)

“Besides, Miyako is more capable.”

“…Capable? Even after this?” 

“Well, technically, she’s the successor of the Minazuki family.”

“Ahahaha, you’re kidding, right?”

If Mio’s words were true, Natsuki couldn’t help but worry about the Minazuki family.

(Hmm, does this gal have a complex about her younger sibling? Well, it’s none of my business anyway.)

Natsuki felt a fleeting interest in Mio, but it didn’t last. 

After saying goodbye to Mio, he left the rooftop. 

The weather was so nice. If possible, he wanted to bask in the sunlight and take a nap. 

As he was descending the stairs back to the classroom, chuckling at how hectic things had been since his return,

“—Natsuki!” 

A voice he really didn’t want to hear called out his name.

“—Ah, God. I’ve had my fill of events for today.”

At the bottom of the stairs, Natsuki’s childhood friend, Yuto Miyahara, was waiting, seemingly upset for some reason.

“What’s up?” 

Although he could have chosen to ignore him, curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to engage. 

Then, clenching his fist, he struck Natsuki’s cheek. 

“It seems like you made Anzu cry! And you call yourself her brother?”

“I don’t quite get it, but I’m against violence! Hero Kick!”

Despite getting hit on purpose, an irritated Natsuki retorted by kicking Yuto in the groin. 

“—hyuuh”

As a displeasing sensation transmitted through his foot, Yuto doubled over, his face turning pale.