Chapter 67: Hugs

As the deadline approached, Shichen had long expected it. Yet, a certain question came to his mind.

He had been in this world for nearly three months, whereas the mission's special privileges were clearly stated to last only two and a half months. He still hadn't acquired the Divine Fragment from Natsuki Minamiya, and logically, the time should've expired already.

However, just yesterday he could still use the True Ancestor abilities and likewise remained immune to magic. It appeared his special privileges were still in effect.

Could it be because he had first obtained the Divine Fragment from Asagi Aiba?

If within the same world, it made no difference whose shard he acquired—would that still count for the mission's special privileges to become permanent?

That was the only explanation he could think of.

Early in the morning, Shichen got up, washed briefly, then brewed some black tea for Natsuki Minamiya.

They weren't at home; they were currently in a hotel on Gozo Island outside Itogami Island—together with Natsuki.

The Black Death Emperor Front had been especially active here, as this was the place where the Fourth Primogenitor was excavated.

The three known Primogenitors checked and balanced each other, leading to the current stable peace. But the Fourth Primogenitor's emergence would break that equilibrium.

The Black Death Emperor Front wanted to stir up chaos, so of course they set their sights on the Fourth Primogenitor.

Shichen and Natsuki had nearly driven them into a corner by now. They'd arrived late, and most of them had been caught.

Shichen poured the tea, the fragrance wafting through the air. Natsuki, who caught the scent, came out from her room.

"Why so diligent today?" Natsuki asked as she sat at the table, reaching for the teacup.

Shichen reached out a hand and tapped hers.

"?" Natsuki frowned, puzzling over his action.

"You're drinking black tea the moment you get up? At least go brush your teeth first," he scolded.

"…You know I don't need to brush my teeth."

"Still, I do the same even though I don't need to, either. Go on!"

"You dare give me orders?" Natsuki glared at him.

"Quit talking and no dawdling!" Shichen took advantage of her inattention to tap her on the head.

"?" Natsuki froze in place, unable to react for a moment. Quickly, her displeasure kicked in.

"You dare raise a hand to me? I'm your sister!"

"What sister? There's no one else here. We both know the truth. Go brush your teeth." Shichen waved his hand as though dismissing her.

"…" Natsuki narrowed her eyes. Ultimately, she took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to chase him around the room again, and went to the bathroom to wash up.

No choice. Over the past few days, scenes like this weren't unusual.

When Natsuki finished and came out, she found Shichen already sitting on the sofa, leisurely sipping black tea with a very content expression.

"You…," she began in annoyance, walking over to sit on the chair opposite him and picking up her own cup of tea. She took a sip.

The tea's rich aroma and flavor cheered her mood a bit.

Shichen watched her with a smile. "Heading back today?"

"Mm. We're done with the job, so let's go back." Natsuki nodded while sipping the tea.

"Great. I'll probably be leaving as well," Shichen said calmly.

"…." Natsuki's hand paused in midair, staring blankly at him.

"Don't be upset~ Didn't we already talk about this?" Shichen smiled gently.

"Mm…" Natsuki nodded. The lively mood from earlier that morning suddenly quieted.

After they finished the tea, Shichen and Natsuki did a quick check around and left Gozo Island, returning to Itogami Island.

Previously, they had left using spatial magic, so obviously they hadn't registered anywhere. Coming back required no check-in, either—straight home again.

Of course, certain interested parties knew they had returned.

Shichen didn't simply leave from Gozo Island because he wanted certain people to gather the evidence they needed. Lately, his name has become fairly well-known. As Natsuki Minamiya's "otouto" and the second user of spatial-control magic, he was known by every criminal demon. Even one Natsuki was enough to make them tremble, but now a second one had appeared.

Some folks who were interested in him had always been following him around, hoping to see him in action. Unfortunately, he hadn't displayed anything they wanted—just not what they wanted to see.

Back at home, Natsuki seemed quieter than usual, merely sitting in her usual spot, silently watching Shichen.

Shichen, meanwhile, prepared more black tea for her. After all, he wouldn't be able to make it for her much longer.

Once the tea was ready, Shichen poured it out.

Natsuki took the cup but didn't drink. Still holding it, she asked, "When are you leaving?"

"Any time." Shichen smiled.

"Mm?"

Shichen's gaze turned gentle. "You reluctant to let me go, Natsuki-chan?"

"I've got nothing to be reluctant about, right?" She tossed her head, though her expression seemed more conflicted. "There's always Nina to keep me company."

"Natsuki-chan again—can't you be direct for once?" Shichen sighed.

"I'm just stating facts." Natsuki's face remained impassive. "You said you'd be back soon, anyway."

"Oh yeah… Then should I just go now?"

"…" Natsuki's brows furrowed.

"Heh." He teased, then asked softly, "Could I hug you this time?"

"…What's the point?" Natsuki didn't meet his eyes, staring into the teacup.

"Think of it as an Onee-chan's hug to her otouto upon parting?" Shichen suggested with a smile.

"That's what you're calling it… Fine." Natsuki set down her teacup and stood. She faced Shichen.

"All right, remember, I'm the elder—mmph!"

Shichen didn't give her a chance to open her arms. He pulled her into an embrace right away. She was so small, with that faint aroma of black tea, giving him a sense he couldn't quite hold on to all at once.

"You—this is too sudden!" Natsuki found herself pressed to him, her face resting against his chest, arms stuck at her sides. All she could do was speak up.

But she didn't struggle and instead let him hold her that way, letting him have his small wish.

Head rubs, now a hug… What a strange guy. A normal person wouldn't just be into these simple gestures.

Still, it wasn't bad, so she didn't resist.

After a moment, Natsuki felt him holding her without letting go, so she asked, "How long do you plan on hugging me?"

"A little longer."

"And how long is that?"

"One minute."

"One minute's already passed!"

"Mm…"

All at once, Natsuki felt weightless. She stumbled forward a step.

Steadying herself, she turned around. Where Shichen had just been, there was now empty air. The teacup on the table was still steaming.

Shichen had gone without warning, the same way he'd appeared in her life.

She hadn't felt any spatial waves, as if he had simply vanished into nothing.

Looking at the quiet, empty living room, she stepped back to her usual seat, lifted her teacup, and sipped gently.

It was still hot, and she liked the flavor. But she wouldn't be able to drink tea like this for a while.

He'd come so suddenly, and then left just as unexpectedly, bringing her a life she'd never had before. How was she supposed to go back to solitude?

If he took too long to return, she'd definitely make him pay!

~~~

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