Feeling the vibrations of the car through the backrest, I asked my father,

“Why are we going on a hot spring trip?”

“They probably want a therapeutic retreat. Since ancient times, hot springs have been said to have a healing power for both body and mind.”

My father’s answer sounded as if he’d expected the question. We were heading to a secluded hot spring in Gifu at the request of Ireina. When I think of hot springs, I usually think of Atami in the Kanto area, but apparently, there are other options too.

Still, I had some doubts. A hot spring may be relaxing, but is it really a place to go when someone’s mental state is broken?

But since not only Ireina but also my father was coming along, there must be a good reason. He wouldn’t come otherwise.

Perhaps sensing my mixed feelings, my father continued as he drove along the mountain road.

“Well, even healing has its own principles. Hot springs are located above earth veins.”

“Earth veins?”

A term I didn’t know. I’d seen it in games, sure, but I didn’t know what it actually meant.

“It refers to the energy flowing underground. Hot springs are places where this energy erupts. You know, Itsuki, that magical energy is a form of life force. When your life force is drained, recovering in a place rich with such energy aids in restoring your magic.”

“So, a hot spring is… a place to recover magical energy?”

“Put simply, yes.”

It sounded like something out of a game.

“Since you’re aware, I assume you’ve noticed how injuries heal faster when your magical power is high. That’s because your body is using magic to enhance its healing ability.”

Though he said, “since you’re aware,” I actually wasn’t. Lately, if I got injured, I’d just use healing magic—like during the fight with the troupe’s actors.

But I understood the general idea that if you restore your life force, injuries heal faster. The concept of

toji,

or therapeutic bathing, started to make more sense.

The only thing I still didn’t get was how it helped the mind. So, I asked my father.

“Then, does that mean if Nina-chan goes to the hot spring, she’ll recover more quickly?”

“That’s uncertain. But it seems that Ireina wants to hold onto some hope. I understand that feeling.”

With that said, I couldn’t find anything to say back.

Considering all that Ireina had done for Nina-chan, her desire to cling to something made sense. She hadn’t just sealed her memories; she’d even come to Japan to try to protect Nina-chan through me.

“It’s coming up, there it is,” my father said.

I looked up to see a large inn by the river.

Apparently, Ireina had arranged everything for this hot spring reservation. She’d invited my family, the Kisaragi family, and also the Shimotsuki family—Aya-chan’s family. Originally, it was just supposed to be my family, but since I thought it might be nice for Nina to have someone her age here, I’d suggested inviting Aya-chan too.

So, the trip ended up being a gathering of three families. Whether or not it could be called a “trip” for therapeutic purposes was debatable.

As I thought about this, we arrived at the inn. Before my father headed to the parking area, my mother, Hina, and I grabbed our bags and went in ahead.

As soon as we entered, a woman came to greet us.

“We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Kisaragi. This way, please.”

With that, she led us inside, and a pleasant aroma greeted us—softer than that of a room fragrance.

“Nii-chan, it smells good!”

“I wonder what it is,” I replied as Hina, carrying her backpack, tilted her head curiously. Searching for the source of the scent, I noticed a small piece of wood burning on a golden plate.

“That’s probably incense wood,” my mother explained.

Hina, fascinated by the burning wood, ran toward it, and as I moved to stop her, someone hugged me from behind.

“Whoa…!”

As I felt myself fall forward, I summoned

Silveit

to create a cushion to support myself.

No need to ask who it was.

The scent wasn’t from the incense wood but rather from a familiar presence. And the golden hair spilling over my shoulder left no room for doubt.

“Oh, you’re already here, Nina-chan.”

As I straightened up and turned my head to look back, all I could see was the top of Nina-chan’s head.

I couldn’t see her face, so I couldn’t tell her expression. She just held me so tightly it almost hurt.

“Nina, if you hold him that tightly, Itsuki might get uncomfortable,” Ireina said, coming up behind her.

“…No,” Nina replied.

“I apologize, Itsuki. Nina has been very agitated these past two days since she couldn’t see you…”

I shook my head at Ireina, who seemed to feel bad.

“It’s okay.”

“Mom doesn’t understand. Itsuki’s always okay with me!”

As I said this, Nina chimed in, agreeing. Well, I’ve never actually said no to her.

“If you keep relying on Itsuki’s kindness too much…he might end up disliking you.”

“…He won’t dislike me. Itsuki would never hate me.”

Saying that, Nina hugged me even tighter. It hurt, but I couldn’t help feeling a little happy to be trusted so much.

Ireina gave a slightly troubled smile before saying, “Let’s move along.”

We couldn’t stay in the inn’s entryway forever, so we moved on. Nina finally let go as we walked, but she grabbed the hem of my shirt and followed closely behind.

When we reached the lobby, familiar faces greeted us.

“It’s been a while, Itsuki-kun.”

“Oh, hi! Long time no see, Renji-san!”

It was the three members of the Shimotsuki family. Aya-chan’s face lit up as she spotted me, and she ran over, glancing at Nina-chan with concern.

Aya-chan must have heard what had happened. She avoided bringing it up with Nina directly and instead asked me,

“Itsuki-kun, are you okay? I heard you got attacked by another

Sixth Rank

.”

“Yeah, I’m fine, look.”

I held up the chain around my neck with three connected jewels.

It was a charm I’d made from the relics of the Sixth Rank entities I’d exorcised. Among them was a white, red, and green gemstone.

“I managed to take care of it.”

Seeing this, Aya-chan let out a relieved sigh and then continued.

“…You really are strong, Itsuki-kun.”

I was about to say “I just got lucky,” but then I remembered Nina-chan behind me. If I were truly strong, Nina might not have ended up like this.

So, lowering my tone a little, I replied,

“I still have a long way to go.”

Before Aya-chan could respond, Renji-san cut in.

“It’s good to see you brought it, Itsuki-kun.”

“I always have it with me.”

Renji-san smiled calmly and continued,

“So, have you decided on which one?”

“Which one…?”

“Hmm? You didn’t hear from Souichirou?”

Renji-san went on, seeing my puzzled look.

“You’re here to forge it, aren’t you? Your demon blade.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep