Today's weather is perfect for a festival.
Perhaps the blessings of being in the countryside, the night sky is clear and starry, a rare sight in the city. The anticipation of numerous fireworks illuminating the sky adds to the excitement and joy.
The festival, known as Hanabi Matsuri or Fireworks Festival, is held right beside the shrine. The venue stretches along the riverbank, lined with various stalls.
"Takoyaki! Delicious takoyaki here!"
"Freshly made dango!"
"Try your luck at target shooting! Win a prize!"
"Come and try goldfish scooping here!"
Each stall owner enthusiastically calls out, creating a lively atmosphere. The lively ambiance seems to have raised the summer temperature a bit. Combined with the festival music playing in the background, children run around with joyful laughter, and adults immerse themselves in the festivities. Many young girls are dressed in yukatas, adding to the elegant and tranquil atmosphere.
"This way! Come over!"
Harutora takes the lead, waving to everyone. A reluctant Touji follows, hands in pockets, displaying a tough-guy facade. Yet, he obediently follows Harutora's call.
As for Natsume, she grabs Rozen's hand and points to a spot.
"What's that?"
"Takoyaki."
"It looks really delicious."
"What? You've never had it before?"
"N-no... I haven't..."
"In that case, let's go get some."
With Natsume's shy demeanor, they head to the takoyaki stand, where Rozen buys several servings of takoyaki, giving one to Natsume and another to Harutora and Touji.
Such scenes have been unfolding since a while ago. Natsume holds takoyaki in one hand and taiyaki in the other, quietly savoring the snacks while her eyes sparkle, watching the various stalls around.
That demeanor is just like a child experiencing a festival for the first time. This surprised Rozen.
"Hey, Natsume," Rozen couldn't help but ask, "Have you never been to a festival before?"
That should be impossible, right? Setting aside other festivals, the Hanabi Matsuri (Fireworks Festival) is held every year. How could Natsume have never attended?
Unfortunately, Rozen's suspicion was correct.
"I... I haven't been to a festival before," Natsume admitted, blushing and looking down, struggling to speak.
"What? Really?" Rozen was genuinely surprised.
Harutora chimed in, providing some context. "Natsume never really participated in festivals before. She'd either stay at home and study or go to the main family to learn jujutsu. Even when I invited her, she wouldn't come."
Harutora exposed this aspect of Natsume's past.
"Seems like a perfect student."
Touji teased.
This caused the embarrassed blush on Natsume's face to shift to one of irritation.
"Studying jujutsu is a continuous commitment, especially when you're young. If you don't lay a solid foundation from the start, your future achievements will be limited," Natsume retorted. "Since I've decided to become an onmyoji, I have to work hard. I don't really have the time for festivals."
This was Natsume's explanation.
However, besides her personality, shyness was also an important reason. Bringing a reserved person like Natsume to a lively festival would indeed put her in an uncomfortable position.
And then...
"I remember you said before that if Akikan isn't here, you don't really want to come, right?"
Harutora directed the focus towards Rozen, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Seeing this, Touji started to show interest.
"Really? So, that's the reason?" Touji began to show some interest.
"Uh..."
Rozen was left speechless.
Honestly, he never expected Natsume to become a child who hasn't even attended a festival due to his own reasons.
Is this a deep-seated sin?
Rozen reflected on this silently.
"N-No, it's not like that!" Natsume became a little flustered and hurriedly said, "I... It's just that when I think about attending the festival, I'm sure Akikan is diligently studying jujutsu. So, I have to be strict with myself too!"
That was Natsume's explanation.
Unfortunately, this explanation only brought teasing looks and expressions from Harutora and Touji, prompting Natsume to defend herself vigorously.
That being said...
"You probably haven't attended a festival either, Akikan, have you?" Harutora turned the focus on Rozen, causing a twitch at the corner of Rozen's mouth.
Seeing this, Touji grinned like he had caught something.
"I really didn't expect this. The prodigy from the main family has never really experienced the world."
Touji teased.
Unfortunately, Rozen couldn't argue back.
No way.
Even though he's lived for decades, Rozen has never attended a festival.
This is the tragedy of being a shut-in.
"... Festivals and such are too boring."
Rozen could only stay silent for a moment before offering a stiff retort.
"... That's quite an excuse a kid would come up with."
Touji couldn't help but be speechless.
Seeing Rozen's earlier display as an onmyoji, Touji had considered him someone not to be underestimated. The sudden contrast left Touji at a loss for words.
"That's true."
Even Natsume chuckled, which only made Rozen feel more irritated.
Just at that moment...
"Hahaha."
Harutora burst into laughter, and he was genuinely joyful.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Brother?"
"What's gotten into you, suddenly laughing like this?"
Rozen, Natsume, and Touji all looked at Harutora in bewilderment.
"It's nothing, really."
Harutora waved it off, but his face was still full of happiness.
Then...
"Hey, don't you think we have a nice connection?"
Harutora smiled widely and said such words.
"Harutora."
"Natsume."
"Akikan."
"Touji."
Harutora called out everyone's names one after another and grinned.
"The four of us together, just happen to represent Spring(Haru), Summer(Natsu), Autumn(Aki), and Winter."
////Touji in Japanese kanji does have meaning of winter but it's not 'Tou' but 'Fuyu'////
Saying this, there was a joy and happiness in Harutora's tone that couldn't be put into words.
This joy and happiness brought the four of them closer in this moment.
Rozen smiled slightly at this.
(This stupid tiger is just the same as before, particularly skilled in forming good relationships with people.)
Rozen thought like this.
"Alright." Harutora spoke, content. "The fireworks will start in a while. Let's go to the riverside to watch."
Everyone nodded, smiling.
Just in the next moment...
"Sorry to interrupt."
A voice suddenly came, halting the group that was about to move.