-102- A heartrending smile

"Are you okay, big brother?"

On the floor of the training ground, Akabane Nadeshiko, with an apologetic tone, helped Akabane Raishin up and handed him an ice pack.

"I'm fine..."

Akabane Raishin replied in confusion, sporting a clear red mark on his face.

Seeing Akabane Raishin like this, Rozen felt no sympathy.

"You said you wanted to learn martial arts, right? How come you can't even dodge such a simple attack?" Rozen remarked with indifference, leaving Akabane Raishin momentarily speechless.

"Nadeshiko, when you use 'Puppetry Art,' you still need to be cautious. Even if you're focused, don't let your guard down against your surroundings," Akabane Tenzen, in his elder brother manner, offered guidance.

"Yes, I understand, elder brother."

Akabane Nadeshiko earnestly accepted Akabane Tenzen's advice.

However...

"Why did big brother suddenly startle me like that?" When she turned to Akabane Raishin, Akabane Nadeshiko's tone became somewhat impolite.

At home, Akabane Nadeshiko addressed Akabane Tenzen as "elder brother" to show respect and Akabane Raishin as "big brother" to convey familiarity. Thus, her tone towards Akabane Raishin was generally more affable, while it was more respectful towards Akabane Tenzen.

As for Rozen, Akabane Nadeshiko called him "Nuragami-Nii-san," a term that represented a balance between respect and closeness. Her level of fondness was evident from this. Overall, Akabane Nadeshiko had good relations with her three older brothers, with no disputes or conflicts. At most, her attitude and tone varied.

Now, when addressing Akabane Raishin, Akabane Nadeshiko's attitude had naturally become less polite.

"I heard that big brother defeated a very strong Shikigami at the Izanagi clan and I thought you would've grown but you're still not as dependable as I thought, big brother," Akabane Nadeshiko bluntly commented.

Akabane Raishin wasn't particularly bothered by this.

"I've always been like this." Akabane Raishin replied nonchalantly. "Even in the forbidden area of Izanagi, I was just running around; it was Nuragami who did the real work."

"Just as I imagined," Akabane Nadeshiko nodded as if she understood, then her tone softened, "But big brother, you must have worked hard too, right?"

"Well... sort of," Akabane Raishin scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.

"That's right then, you truly are my big brother." Akabane Nadeshiko playfully stated with a smile.

Observing this scene, Akabane Tenzen couldn't help but smile, and Rozen simply shrugged.

Among the four siblings, a warm feeling that could only exist among family members pervaded. There was no doubt that the bond between these four was incredibly deep.

"Oh, by the way, Nuragami-Nii-san," Akabane Nadeshiko turned to Rozen and asked, "I heard the engagement between you and the princess of Izanagi wasn't completed. Is that true?"

"Yeah," Rozen replied casually, "After all, with the way the trial in the forbidden area turned out, it'd be quite unreasonable to discuss marriage now, wouldn't it?"

"Is that so?" Akabane Nadeshiko mumbled, "I guess that's true..."

Her mumbled words seemed normal to Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Raishin, as if nothing was amiss. However, Rozen began to feel suspicious.

(Why does her tone sound a bit off?)

Rozen wondered about this.

Then, Akabane Nadeshiko's next statement intensified that feeling of something being off.

"Please don't be disheartened, big brothers."

Akabane Nadeshiko, as if rallying herself and offering reassurance, said to Rozen and Akabane Raishin.

"The alliance between our family and Izanagi is already a fact. Both of you big brothers will surely have the chance to be connected with the princess of the Izanagi in the future."

Akabane Nadeshiko said this with a smile.

At first glance, there seemed to be nothing strange about this.

However, Rozen sensed a complexity in the emotions carried by Akabane Nadeshiko's words.

(What's going on?)

Rozen thought to himself.

(Could it be that Nadeshiko knows something about the situation between the Akabane and Izanagi that we don't?)

Rozen considered this possibility.

While Rozen was lost in thought, Akabane Raishin had already started conversing with Akabane Nadeshiko.

"Maybe," Akabane Raishin straightforwardly said, "But even if it turns out like that, the princess would ultimately choose Nuragami, not me."

"Seriously, big brother, why do you keep saying things like that?" Akabane Nadeshiko said indignantly, "Can't you have a bit more confidence in yourself?"

"Nadeshiko is right, Raishin." Akabane Tenzen also reprimanded, "Even if your aspiration is martial arts, you should still have confidence in yourself. If you lose self-confidence, whether it's magic or martial arts, it won't favor you."

This was already a stern rebuke.

Losing confidence in magic would force Akabane Raishin to rely solely on martial arts. If even martial arts proved futile, then Akabane Raishin would truly be in despair.

However, what Akabane Tenzen said was also correct.

If Akabane Raishin maintained this attitude toward himself, his future accomplishments would be greatly limited.

However, this time, both Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Nadeshiko were indeed mistaken about Akabane Raishin.

"I'm not lacking confidence in myself, you know," Akabane Raishin glanced at Rozen with a mischievous grin.

"Ten-nii, Nadeshiko, you might not be aware, but the princess of the Izanagi clan has taken an interest in Nuragami."

As this statement came out, both Akabane Tenzen and Akabane Nadeshiko were left dumbfounded.

Soon after, they both grew greatly intrigued.

"Is that true, Nuragami-Nii-san?" Akabane Nadeshiko curiously moved closer.

"This..."

Rozen couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

"You've really outdone yourself. So, that's what's going on."

Seeing Rozen's reaction, Akabane Tenzen confirmed Akabane Raishin's words were not false and couldn't help but laugh.

"You're amazing, Nuragami-Nii-san. Truly deserving of the title of 'Divine Child' in our clan. You've even captivated the princess."

Akabane Nadeshiko also laughed, genuinely happy for Rozen.

However, Rozen didn't miss the expression in Akabane Nadeshiko's eyes at that moment.

It was a mixture of sadness, relief, and blessing—a look of profound understanding.

"By accomplishing something like this, I have no more regrets."

Akabane Nadeshiko mumbled softly again.

Regrettably, this time, Rozen didn't catch that murmur.

Rozen only knew one thing.

Today, Akabane Nadeshiko's smile was quite heartrending.

That feeling of heartrending lasted but a moment.

Afterward, Akabane Nadeshiko resumed her usual self, chatting away with her older brothers.

Rozen observed the scene, watching Akabane Nadeshiko's cheerful behavior, successfully suppressing that unusual feelings in his heart.

"Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive?"

Thus, Rozen joined in as well.

The four siblings chatted about various interesting things.

Until it grew dark outside.