-2180- That one girl

In the following days, Rozen submitted his withdrawal from the Night Party and resignation from the academy while bidding farewell to Charl, Loki, Frey, Henri, and others, explaining that urgent matters required his departure. 

This decision sent shockwaves through the academy. 

Rozen had become a prominent figure, and his abrupt departure inevitably sparked heated discussions. 

However, many students were secretly relieved. 

With the "Wiseman" gone, the Night Party finally seemed winnable again. 

Had Rozen stayed, the other glove-holders would have been driven to despair, seeing no chance of victory. 

But now, the path to the title of Wiseman was open—including for Charl, Loki, and Frey. 

Of course, Charl, Loki, and Frey couldn't accept this. 

Frey aside, Charl and Loki had been eager to settle their rivalry with Rozen. His sudden departure was unacceptable to them. 

Thus, both confronted Rozen, even challenging him to duels. 

Rozen accepted. 

The outcome, naturally, was Rozen soundly defeating them all. 

Left with no choice, Charl and Loki reluctantly acknowledged his decision. 

Still... 

"Even if you're leaving the academy and abandoning the Night Party, I won't give up on defeating you." 

Charl declared this firmly. 

"Someday, I'll surpass you." 

Loki's vow was characteristically succinct. 

Rozen accepted their resolve with a smile, welcoming their challenges anytime. 

With that settled, Rozen's withdrawal from the Night Party and departure from the academy were finalized. 

Soon after, the Akabane clan sought him out for a proper reunion. 

They informed him of their plans to return to Japan and rebuild their family. 

Rozen accompanied them, first assisting in reconstructing their home, then meeting with the Izanagi to finalize arrangements. 

Meanwhile, the Setsugetsuka sisters—after forming Absolute Contracts with Rozen—left with Shouko. 

One notable incident occurred when Rozen summoned Mash, Serenity, Jeanne [Alter], and Artoria [Alter] to introduce them to the sisters. 

The trio was visibly shaken. 

"So... Rozen-sama already has so many attendants..." 

Irori's expression was complicated. 

"No wonder he doesn't need us anymore." 

Komurasaki pouted unhappily. 

As for Yaya? 

"Homewrecker homewrecker homewrecker homewrecker homewrecker homewrecker homewrecker—!" 

Her endless muttering, dripping with venom, even made Rozen shudder. 

The ensuing chaos left Rozen scrambling to pacify them. By the time he finally saw them off, he exhaled in sheer relief. 

His Servants, however, had plenty to say. 

"While heroes are seldom without beautiful maidens at their side, you've brought this upon yourself." 

—Artoria [Alter]'s dry remark. 

"Watch your step at night, lest you get dragged off for a witch burning." 

—Jeanne [Alter]'s sarcastic warning. 

"It's natural for Rozen-sama to be popular, but I do wish you'd exercise some restraint." 

—Serenity's gentle chiding. 

"...Senpai really does meet a lot of cute girls in other worlds, doesn't he?" 

Even Mash shot him an uncharacteristically sharp glare. 

Rozen felt utterly wronged. 

"Why does everyone make it sound like I go around collecting women?" 

He wanted to defend himself—but then he remembered Asuna and Edelweiss, still waiting in other worlds, and his protest died in his throat. 

Regardless, everything was falling into place, allowing Rozen to prepare for his departure with peace of mind. 

When he bid farewell to the Akabane clan, they understood. 

His ability to resurrect their entire family had already shown them that Rozen was no longer just "Akabane Nuragami." 

His path was his own, and they wouldn't stand in his way. 

"Nadeshiko is preparing to become the next family head. The Izanagi were shocked by our return, but more than anything, they seemed relieved—no longer burdened by the guilt of our annihilation." 

—Tenzen's quiet explanation. 

"Do what you need to do. With Nadeshiko, me, and Tenzen here, we'll handle things." 

—Raishin's supportive clap on his shoulder. 

Rozen could leave this world unburdened. 

Or so he thought. 

There was still one girl weighing on his mind. 

Yet he no longer had any right to interfere in her life. Perhaps leaving quietly was for the best. 

With that resolution, he made his decision. 

"I'll leave today." 

On the seventh day of the Akabane clan's return, Rozen prepared to depart. 

But just as he was about to go, the very girl he couldn't forget came to him. 

That day, a bird shikigami delivered a letter to him. 

"Please meet me at the forbidden grounds." 

Rozen stared at those words for a long time. 

Finally, he vanished from the Akabane estate, heading for the appointed place. 

... 

The Izanagi's forbidden area—the same place where Rozen and Raishin had once undergone their trial. 

A spatial ripple announced Rozen's arrival. 

Two figures stood waiting. 

"Rozen..." 

Mutsura's voice was thick with emotion. 

"Tch." 

Subaru turned away, though whether in disdain or to hide his expression was unclear. 

Rozen regarded his former friends with quiet nostalgia but showed none of it outwardly. 

"Where is she?" 

His tone was neutral. 

Mutsura answered. 

"Waiting for you at the shrine." 

With a sigh, he gestured toward the forest. 

Rozen nodded and stepped forward. 

Just as he passed them, Subaru suddenly exploded. 

"Don't you dare make the young miss cry again! You hear me?!" 

His shout echoed through the trees. 

Rozen paused, then chuckled wryly and raised a hand in acknowledgment before continuing into the forest. 

Mutsura and Subaru watched him go, standing in silence long after he disappeared. 

And Rozen walked on—toward that fateful shrine, where bonds had once been forged.