"So, what exactly does Miss Katsura want to know?"
"As far as I understand, I want to know whether Nagi-chan and the others are currently in any danger."
"Well… I'd say the situation would be far more dangerous if the Sanzenin heir position were still unstable. Miss Katsura should also understand that there are plenty of people out there eyeing the Sanzenin fortune."
"…Yeah, I do."
When Hinagiku thought about the many kidnapping incidents Nagi had experienced in the past, her expression twitched.
Wealth often attracts desire, especially when it reaches a certain scale.
Hinagiku understood why Nagi didn't want to attend school. Naturally, she was also aware that Nagi had long been targeted by those with eyes on the Sanzenin estate.
"So, Nagi-chan and Isumi aren't actually in danger now?"
"Not only are they not in danger, they're actually capable of protecting themselves now. You could say they're safer than before."
That made sense.
Thinking back to how Nagi had been growing stronger day by day recently, Hinagiku now felt that it was a good thing she had the power to defend herself.
"So Nagi-chan's improved health is also because of this?"
Ren nodded slightly.
As their elemental strength grows, both Nagi and Maria, who possess a Vision, will naturally become stronger physically until they eventually reach a bottleneck.
After hearing that, Hinagiku felt her worries settle somewhat.
"That's good."
Nagi's health had always been a headache for her.
Now, for some reason, Nagi's condition had improved, which should give her more reason to work harder.
"May I ask why Nagi-chan is so motivated?"
Ren paused for a moment, then shook his head slightly.
"I know why she's pushing herself, but it's a matter of personal privacy. If you want to know, you'll have to ask her directly. I can't be the one to tell you."
"You don't have to give me the details. That reason must be very important to her, right?"
"Yeah."
After receiving confirmation, Hinagiku didn't press further.
Just like Ren said, if she wanted to know the specifics, she should hear it from Nagi herself. It would be inappropriate to get such personal answers from someone else.
Now she finally understood the two elements Ren had mentioned before.
Clear goals and visible progress.
Obviously, it was these two factors that had pushed Nagi to consider changing.
Ren observed her expression and asked, "Is that enough for you?"
"Yeah, that's enough about Nagi-chan."
Hinagiku nodded slightly. Now that her worries were resolved, she no longer felt the need to keep questioning Nagi or Isumi's safety.
"She has a goal and the conditions to work for it. I believe she'll grow up fast. Just knowing that is enough."
"As for what that goal is, that's her business."
Of course, the topic of Nagi ended there.
But Hinagiku's curiosity still wasn't satisfied, and she had more questions to ask.
"So then, what's your relationship? How did all of you end up together under such special circumstances?"
"Well… I'd like to answer that, but there are a lot of complications involved, so I can't really give a clear explanation."
"So the way you came together is the key issue?"
Hinagiku nodded slightly.
Although Ren didn't provide details, the fact that he didn't answer clearly already told her something. Sometimes a non-answer was a clue in itself.
She turned her gaze toward the group Nagi was in.
There were quite a few people in that circle, and some familiar faces too.
Finally, Hinagiku focused on Aizawa Sakuya.
Not for any special reason. It was just because of Aika.
"So Aika and Sakuya are part of that group too?"
"No. Miss Aika and Miss Sakuya are only familiar with the group. They haven't officially joined yet."
After thinking for a moment, Ren gave a straightforward explanation.
"Everyone who officially joins the group shares one specific trait. That's what connects us."
"Right now, neither Aika nor Sakuya meet that condition."
"However, our group does recruit certain believers."
"Believers?"
The word "believer" left the usually non-religious Hinagiku a little confused.
"There are religious people in your group?"
"It's not about religion in the traditional sense. What we need are people with belief. Believers are a necessary kind of talent."
Ren's explanation was somewhat vague, making Hinagiku feel like she understood but not entirely.
She honestly didn't know much about religion, and it wasn't like she particularly minded belief systems either.
"So what's the name of this group or religion, and what do you believe in?"
"'Tarot' is the name of the faith. The belief is in the Fool."
"Tarot… sounds more like the name of your organization than a religion. As for the Fool, is that the code name of a person?"
Hinagiku quickly picked up on that and asked without hesitation.
"That's right."
Ren nodded slightly. Of course, being a believer came with its benefits.
"Of course, there are a few things you need to understand if you're going to become a believer."
"Because belief also comes with risks. To put it simply, believers can gain certain benefits, but they must pay a price in return."
"An equal exchange?"
Hinagiku didn't find that strange, but just to be sure, she wanted to know both the rewards and the costs.
"What kind of benefits? And what kind of price?"
"The benefit is gaining special powers. As for the cost, it comes from belief itself. Over time, you'll begin to change in the direction of the person you believe in. That includes your personality and thoughts."
"Isn't that dangerous?"
Personality and thoughts gradually shifting toward one's object of faith. That sounded disturbingly close to brainwashing.
Hinagiku's expression shifted dramatically.
(To be continued.)
***
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