The rural area where the Tsuchimikado family resides isn't too far from Tokyo; a train ride only takes a few hours, which isn't short but also not excessively long.
Therefore, when Rozen and Natsume returned home by train in the afternoon, it was already evening, although the sky hadn't completely darkened yet.
In this situation, Rozen and Natsume bid each other farewell and headed to their respective homes.
Natsume went to visit her parents and family, while Rozen only had Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi as a nominal father, and their relationship wasn't particularly good, so there was no need for any visiting formalities.
That being said, since he was back, at least he should inform Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi.
Unfortunately, to Rozen's surprise, Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi was not at home.
Even...
"Uncle and aunt aren't at home either?"
Rozen, who was reporting the situation to Natsume while they were on the phone, raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes," Natsume said on the other end of the call. "My brother said they seemed to have gone to Tokyo, and they went with Uncle."
In other words, Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi, Tsuchimikado Takahiro, and Tsuchimikado Chizuru all went to Tokyo together.
Rozen, however, was completely uninformed and could only shrug.
"He's quite whimsical as a father."
Rozen pursed his lips.
Clearly, the son was in Tokyo, but the father, going to Tokyo himself, didn't even send a text, let alone have the thought to visit his own son. As a father, Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi was truly neglectful.
"Mom and dad didn't mention this to me at all. I guess it's because there was something urgent?"
Natsume said this way, which seemed to make some sense.
After all, disregarding Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi for now, Tsuchimikado Takahiro and Tsuchimikado Chizuru were diligent and very loving towards their children. Though they were strict with Harutora during his childhood, they doted on Natsume, often making young Harutora wonder a few times if he was the one adopted.
So, if it was Tsuchimikado Takahiro and Tsuchimikado Chizuru, going to Tokyo, they wouldn't fail to inform Natsume, unlike Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi. Their actions indicated that there was indeed something urgent.
"I wonder when they'll be back," Natsume said, feeling a bit disappointed.
The vacation was limited, and they would soon have to return to Onmyo Academy. If the Tsuchimikado family didn't return before then, they wouldn't meet.
In contrast, Rozen felt somewhat relieved. "Although it's embarrassing to admit, unlike with you, Natsume, I don't want to face a cold face all day."
Rozen bluntly expressed this, leaving Natsume unsure of what to say.
But...
"At least I get to see my brother."
Natsume mentioned this. "Harutora? How's that stupid tiger doing now?"
This question was met with a somewhat exasperated response.
"Brother is still the same as before, living carefree and easy-going, without a sense of being a member of the Tsuchimikado family. His grades also seem not very good, even though it's summer vacation, he seems to have to go for supplementary lessons."
Natsume complained about her brother.
"He really has his own style," Rozen couldn't help but smirk.
Unlike Rozen, who was an academic achiever, and Natsume, Harutora's brain wasn't particularly agile from a young age. Even in regular school courses, he consistently scored below passing grades, causing much concern.
If not for this, Rozen wouldn't call him a "stupid tiger" so directly.
But Harutora seemed quite content with this kind of life.
Natsume brought up one more thing.
"By the way," as if recalling something, Natsume said, "My brother mentioned that tomorrow night is the day of the fireworks festival."
"The fireworks festival?" Rozen was initially puzzled but then remembered, "Come to think of it, it's that time of the year, isn't it?"
The so-called fireworks festival referred to a nearby fireworks event held every summer. It was an annual occasion with grand fireworks displays to enjoy, along with various stalls selling snacks. For the countryside, which didn't have much entertainment, it was a rare and wonderful day.
Given Harutora's playful and lively nature, it was completely impossible for him to forget about this event.
Natsume brought this up in a straightforward manner.
"My... my brother said he wants to invite us to go together," Natsume's voice inexplicably carried a hint of nervousness, "Are you going, Akikan?"
At this moment, in addition to the nervousness in Natsume's voice, there was clear anticipation and longing.
This made Rozen chuckle, and he thought to himself.
(Come to think of it, there wasn't much entertainment at Onmyo Academy. It was all about classes and studying every day. Even going out to play was rare.)
Well, Rozen was a homebody. Instead of choosing to go out, he preferred practicing his techniques in the dorm or playing games.
As a result, Rozen naturally didn't take Natsume out to play often.
Of course, Natsume didn't feel it was a loss.
Naturally...
"A rare opportunity," Rozen replied.
"I'll go."
...
The next day.
Rozen didn't go anywhere that day. He stayed in the family's practice area, continuing to hone his skills.
During this time, Natsume came to visit Rozen and even engaged in a jujutsu battle with him. But after losing decisively to Rozen, she left the main house and went back home.
Even after Natsume left, Rozen continued to practice his skills until the evening. He played some games in his room for a while and only went out once his magical energy had completely recovered.
By then, night had fallen.
"I hope I'm not too late."
Rozen glanced at the sky and quickly headed in the direction of the festival.
Five minutes later...
"Ha...ha...ha..."
Rozen was exhausted, panting as if he'd run a marathon.
"I... should've used a Shikigami for transportation..."
The physically challenged Rozen lamented in this bitter tone.
Yet, before Rozen's strength could fully recover, laughter came from behind.
"Still the same as before, completely lacking in physical stamina."
When this voice reached Rozen's ears, he already guessed who the person was.
"Long time no see, Akikan."
Harutora, dressed casually, greeted Rozen energetically, as always, full of vigor and a sense of foolishness.
After a semester, Harutora didn't seem to have changed much.
However, by Harutora's side, there was another person.
It wasn't Natsume.
"Oh? Is this the genius onmyoji from your family you mentioned?"
Saying these words was a young boy.
A young boy of similar age to Harutora, if not slightly older.
He was tall and handsome, dressed in casual clothes. Standing next to Harutora, he didn't exude foolishness but rather a very delinquent vibe.
He had a headband wrapped around his forehead, sharp eyes, and a smile on his lips that seemed very provocative, giving off a sharp and taunting feeling, the kind of appearance you'd expect from a delinquent teenage martial artist.
"Let me introduce him."
Harutora introduced the boy. "Ato Touji, my friend, and also Dad's patient. You guys should get along well."