Chapter 63: Going Back?

Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, May had arrived.

Just as Shichen had said, nothing major had happened lately. There wasn't any news related to the Fourth Primogenitor at all.

Natsuki Minamiya, on the other hand, had been somewhat busy. Quite a few demons had been stirring up trouble, and as an Attack Mage Officer, she naturally had to apprehend those demons.

Previously, there hadn't been so many demons causing issues, which felt like the calm before the storm.

But actually, there was no need to "sense" anything—Shichen knew exactly what was going to happen.

At the start of May came Golden Week. Saikai Academy got five days off, and being a teacher there—especially a PE teacher—Shichen likewise got five days off.

Teachers these days indeed enjoyed plenty of perks. Perhaps grading papers and preparing lesson plans could be tiring, but that was mainly for newcomers in the profession.

Teachers who had worked a few years became quite adept and didn't need to spend as much time on those things—just relying on experience to teach.

So teachers generally had it relatively easy, and PE teachers were even more relaxed.

On the first day of Golden Week, Shichen was at home with nothing to do, bored out of his mind.

The weather on Itogami Island was unbearably hot; even in winter it was around thirty degrees Celsius, let alone May.

Shichen had no resistance to heat, so naturally he had no desire to go outside.

Natsuki Minamiya was not at home; she'd gone out for work. With the reputation of the "Witch of the Void," her workload had increased these days.

At least she didn't fear the heat.

Shichen wasn't worried she'd run into any difficulties, only that people might use it as a chance to ask her about him.

He didn't like causing Natsuki extra trouble.

Still, he couldn't say he felt too guilty—causing trouble for family was only normal. The question was whether Natsuki considered him family yet.

"...Nina."

Bored out of his mind in the living room, Shichen called Nina out to keep him company.

"Yes, Master? Is something the matter?"

The door to Nina's room opened, and the tiny figure flew out.

Today, Nina was wearing a black swimsuit-like outfit against her dark skin, which didn't really match. Shichen remained calm inside as he looked at her.

"Nothing in particular. Just talk with me a bit." Shichen lay on the sofa, speaking lazily.

"...Master, if you're bored, why not go out?" Nina replied, exasperated, and settled herself on his chest.

Shichen didn't feel her weight at all. With his eyes closed, he answered casually:

"It's too hot outside."

"Master's afraid of heat?" Nina asked.

"Everyone's afraid of heat."

Shichen sighed. "If I have nothing to do, I might as well sleep. Don't bother me with your—uh... never mind. Actually, come keep me company until I fall asleep, then you can go back to your... whatever you're doing."

"Master, what are you suggesting I do?" Nina feigned innocence.

Shichen didn't even open his eyes. "Just keep me company for a bit until I doze off. Then you can go back and surf your net as you like."

"Surf...the net? Heh heh—Master, I don't know what you're talking about." Nina's gaze darted, pretending to be clueless.

Shichen was not fooled, but he didn't pursue the subject. "Anyway, keep me company for now. Once I fall asleep, you can go. It shouldn't take too long."

"Mmm... Understood." Nina nodded, then stood on his chest. "Well then, let me help you sleep quickly!"

"How so?" Shichen cracked an eye open.

"Hee-hee~ I'll give Master a massage."

"You call that a massage? You're just walking around stepping on me?"

"I'm very clean, okay?"

"That's not the issue. Who massages someone's chest anyway? And your strength is so small."

"I guess you're right. Master, roll over then." Nina floated into the air.

"All right." Shichen rolled onto his front, lying face-down on the sofa.

He was bored anyway, so letting Nina give him a massage was fine.

Nina landed on his back and asked, "Master, do you want a light massage or a heavy one?"

"Make it firm."

"Got it." Nina started energetically stamping on him.

"Mmm..." The pressure was just right, and Shichen closed his eyes comfortably.

He realized earlier he'd had no particular notion, but indeed this might be the best use of Nina—small enough to give a neat little massage.

However, after about ten minutes, Nina was out of motivation.

Originally, she thought Shichen would fall asleep quickly, but after working so hard for so long, he wasn't sleeping at all, which cut into her surfing time.

"Master, aren't you sleepy yet?"

"Huh... I'm getting there," Shichen mumbled.

"Lies! You said the same thing a few minutes ago!"

"But it's true, I'm almost there..."

"Hmph, your words can't be trusted. I'll use a different method to make you drowsy."

"What method?" Shichen opened his eyes, turning his head toward her.

"See? You're not sleepy at all!" Nina pouted, then flew up. "Master, turn over."

"What are you trying to—" As soon as Shichen flipped onto his back, Nina giggled slyly. She landed near his shorts' waistband, carefully moving toward the opening.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Sensing movement, Shichen quickly pressed his hand against Nina, who was already ducking inside his waistband.

"Mmph! Master, don't squeeze so hard—you'll crush me!"

"You—what are you doing!" Startled, Shichen pulled her out of there.

"Phew..." Nina exhaled in relief, now perched in his palm. "I was just trying to give Master some 'pleasure,' that's all."

"Where'd you learn that?" Shichen grimaced.

"Obviously from the int— I mean, I'm not a child. Of course I know these things." Nina crossed her arms, sounding proud.

"..." Shichen stared at her expressionlessly.

"Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?" Nina felt uneasy.

"Ugh, I'm too lazy to call you out on it." Shichen gave up. "Anyway, I'm not interested in that."

"Huh? Why not? Master doesn't like that kind of thing?"

"It's not that I'm not interested—I'm just not interested in you."

"Master, you're so mean!" Nina protested, puffing her cheeks.

"It's the truth. You're just too small."

"That's only because Master absorbed all the Wiseman's Blood—"

"Hmm?" Shichen shot her a glance.

"Er, never mind. You did the right thing absorbing it. Master's strength is more important!" Nina promptly backed down.

"Sweet-talking me, huh... Enough. Go back to your room and do your net surfing."

"Really?" Nina asked, hardly believing it.

"Or do you not want to?"

"N-no, of course I do!" Nina worried he would change his mind, so she hurriedly flew to her room, even locking the door behind her.

Shichen shook his head and lay back down on the couch, arms behind his head, staring at the familiar ceiling—still bored.

He'd been a bit sleepy, but Nina's antics had reminded him of the "cloud top experience" with Tohru before, stirring up restlessness.

Though Tohru had been a bit much, leaving him drained, he recovered fast. How could he not think fondly of it now?

Truthfully, with so much time to spare, since the "Blazing Banquet" wouldn't happen until at least a year or more, maybe he should head back for a visit?

~~~

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