At the end of the path stood a figure clad in a vibrant red kimono, set against the backdrop of blooming flowers on either side. Though young, she possessed a unique charm, and within that charm was a strength that drew one's attention.
Ryougi Shiki turned her head to look at the figure approaching her. She knew she wouldn't see this person for a long time.
"Brother..." Her tone was gentle, yet it carried a strength uncommon for her age. "Be careful on your journey..."
No extra words were needed—just a sister's blessing for her brother.
He quickly walked up to Shiki.
"From now on, I won't be able to drink tea brewed like this," he said with a tone of reluctance, as if this were the only thing that truly dissatisfied Ryougi Raku.
"...There will be chances when brother returns."
"Shiki must study the tea ceremony well. I don't want to come back and find that your skills have declined."
"Impossible!" she said firmly.
As if suddenly remembering something, Ryougi Raku extended his right pinky finger and said, "Then, pinky promise."
Facing the outstretched right hand, Ryougi Shiki recalled the games they played as children. She tilted her head slightly, a smile in her eyes.
"Yeah, pinky promise!"
Their little fingers intertwined, sealing a vow.
He withdrew his right hand and moved again. Before Ryougi Shiki could react, a blooming flower was tucked diagonally into her hair.
"Beautiful!" Ryougi Raku admired her youthful and heroic appearance. The bright, intricate kimono and her young yet beautiful figure were indeed very appealing to Raku, who had something of a fondness for young girls.
Ryougi Shiki was delighted by her brother's praise but showed no expression. Instead, she took out a teacup.
"You forgot your cup."
Ryougi Raku looked surprised. He had indeed forgotten the teacup he often used. This cup was a precious antique with a long history. For Ryougi Raku, suddenly changing cups would have been very uncomfortable.
"Shiki is so thoughtful, even remembering to bring my teacup." He giggled, took the cup, and then quickly kissed Shiki on the forehead.
Taking advantage of her stunned moment, he swiftly walked past her.
"That's a loving kiss from a husband to his wife before a long journey, hahahaha!"
"Brother..." Without looking back or paying attention to her reaction, Ryougi Raku crossed the road at the end of the path. Casually waving his right hand, his faint voice carried back: "Goodbye, Satsujin!"
It turned out that after Ryougi Raku's sneak attack, the shy Ryougi Shiki had subconsciously switched personalities, and in the end, it was Ryougi Satsujin who watched him leave.
On the plane to Kyoto...
"Little brother, are you traveling alone? Where are your parents?"
"They're waiting for me at the airport, big sister. You're so beautiful." Sitting in the first-class cabin, Ryougi Raku put on an innocent expression and answered cutely, though his mind was filled with dirty thoughts from the stewardess-themed adult films he'd watched in his previous life.
"Little brother, you're so sweet. Would you like something to drink?" Unaware of the pseudo-loli's lewd thoughts, the stewardess was delighted by the cute boy's praise and asked with a smile. She didn't even question how a child could board the plane alone...
Such a small matter was nothing to the Ryougi family...
"Sister, I'd like a glass of juice, please." The fake loli continued to sweet-talk and act cute, determined to play the part fully.
"Okay, wait a moment, sister..." She turned to prepare the juice, forgetting there were other passengers in first class. She didn't even ask about their needs—who knew if she'd receive complaints later...
Ignoring the stewardess, Ryougi Raku maintained his innocent smile while recalling the conversation with his father and grandfather a few days ago.
…
"Raku, do you know why I called you here?"
"I don't know." Kneeling before his father and grandfather, with his rarely seen mother also present, Ryougi Raku answered honestly.
"You need to live on your own now. I've arranged a house and school for you. Most importantly, you cannot return to this home for the next few years!" Without further explanation, the head of the Ryougi family spoke coldly.
"Why?" Frowning, Ryougi Raku looked at his cold father with a hint of panic and asked. It wasn't that he disagreed with the decision, but leaving this home meant leaving Shiki. His plan to nurture Ryougi Shiki wasn't complete yet!
Ryougi Raku's confusion and panic softened his father's tone. "Raku, over the years, you've probably heard about the Ryougi family's inheritance system, right?"
Ryougi Raku nodded to indicate he understood.
"Your eldest brother has no talent and will not inherit the Ryougi family. That's why I've been hands-off with him. As long as he doesn't disgrace the Ryougi name, he can do as he pleases. But Shiki and you are different. Shiki has the talent to inherit the family, and you are also exceptionally gifted. That's why I've been strict with both of you."
He paused, took a sip of tea as if organizing his thoughts, and continued, "When you were young, it was impossible for you to show any talent. Do you know why I adopted you?"
"I don't know." Ryougi Raku shook his head. He was indeed curious about this.
"It's because of your Origin!"
Ryougi Raku was shocked, and his expression showed it.
"You really know about the Origin." The family head nodded at Ryougi Raku's reaction, as if finally resolving some doubts.
However, he didn't delve into how Ryougi Raku knew about the Origin but continued, "Other forces in this world have their own 'abnormalities' and thus avoid delving into the Origin. They steer clear of it. But for us, the Ryougi family, in order to integrate into normal society, we long ago discarded most of our 'abnormalities,' which has given us a deeper understanding of the Origin."
He paused, as if giving Ryougi Raku time to absorb this.
For Ryougi Raku, it wasn't surprising that the Ryougi family knew about the Origin. As one of the four great demon-hunting families, it would be strange if the Ryougi family, with its long history and intact lineage, didn't know about it.
"When I first saw you, I knew you possessed something 'abnormal.' After observing you for a while, I discovered you had awakened your Origin. Strangely, you weren't assimilated by it. I don't know why, but it's a good thing. I have no idea what your Origin is, but I can sense that you can fill the void in Shiki's heart. This is very important for Shiki, the future family head. That's why I adopted you."
Ryougi Raku finally understood why he was adopted. It was indeed because of his Origin. As the Origin of "Transcendence," he inherently stood above all things and encompassed everything. He perfectly filled the void of the Root, the Origin of Ryougi Shiki. This was also why Shiki felt a special closeness to him—it was driven by instinct.
Ryougi Raku had already suspected this, and now it was confirmed.
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Seeing that Ryougi Raku accepted his words, the head of the Ryougi family said solemnly, "However, I didn't expect that due to our premature approach, Shiki's 'yin' personality would far surpass her 'yang' personality. We discovered this two years ago but couldn't believe it, so we observed for another two years. In these two years, the situation not only didn't improve but worsened..."
"Therefore, for the sake of the Ryougi family's future, I have no choice but to make this decision. I hope you will temporarily stay away from Shiki until her two personalities balance out and are no longer in danger. We know it's difficult for such a young child to live away from home, even with servants' care. Moreover, you and Shiki have a good relationship, so separating you like this is cruel."
"But I hope you don't blame us." He sighed sincerely with his last sentence.
Ryougi Raku slowly shook his head, facing his parents and grandfather, and said firmly, "No, how could I blame you? If you hadn't taken me in, I would have starved to death by now. If it weren't for the Ryougi family, how could I live this life and receive this education? I've long considered myself a member of the Ryougi family. For the family, this is what I should do."
After saying this, he kowtowed deeply to the elders before him.
The three of them watched Ryougi Raku with satisfaction. They stopped him just as he was about to kowtow a second time.
Feeling relieved that the difficult topic was finally addressed, the head of the Ryougi family said lightly, "Well, the servants are ready. The school is a prestigious private one. Although it's a bit far from home, it might be hard for them to take care of you. But if you need anything, just tell the family..."
"Father, I have a request." Ryougi Raku quickly interrupted his father because he didn't want his future and freedom to be decided like this.
"Speak!" As long as the child's request wasn't excessive, he would naturally agree.
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(TL : More Chapters @)[1]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/c/Gooberilla