The moment the golden-haired priestess of the Kamiarizuki family introduced me, Itsuki Kisaragi, the atmosphere tensed immediately.
The previously relaxed air turned frigid in an instant. It was akin to the feeling of elementary school kids noisily playing in the classroom, only to freeze up when their strict teacher walked in.
At the very least, I felt the stares of the burly men, who looked too tough to be ordinary citizens, all focus on me at once.
I deserved praise for not bursting into tears.
"What's wrong? Won't you introduce yourself?" the priestess urged.
"Ah, um…"
The greeting my parents had taught me vanished from my mind due to the nerves.
Sure, I had expected a bit of attention. After all, as a rare 'Seventh Rank' exorcist with the 'True Eye' ability to see other's Silveits, it was only natural to attract some notice during my introduction.
But I hadn't anticipated being stared down by men whose mere gazes seemed capable of killing someone.
"My name is Itsuki Kisaragi. Pleased to meet you," I managed, bowing my head.
Just then, one of the men spoke up.
"Is it true that you exorcised a 'Third Rank' demon?"
"Ah, um, well…"
I had only encountered monsters twice and had exorcised one today on the highway.
Though I was clueless about the 'Third Rank' demons, the priestess confirmed, "The one you exorcised on the highway was such a demon."
"Yes, the one on the highway?" I turned to the burly man and replied timidly, "I only exorcised it once."
Why does the priestess know about this? Did the driver tell her?
Despite exorcists' often outdated views, they probably had smartphones. It wasn't unreasonable to think she could have been informed about my feat through them.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed thoughts of the priestess aside and asked the man a question.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Do monsters have ranks like exorcists do?"
"Ah, I forgot you're still young… My apologies. A demon's rank is determined by whether an exorcist of the same rank can exorcise it. So a 'Third Rank' demon can only be exorcised by a 'Third Rank' exorcist or higher."
"I see, thank you."
A 'Third Rank' is considered extraordinarily talented, right? The demon on the highway was that strong?
Thinking back, it had broken the soundproof wall and kept pace with a car going nearly 100 km/h. It must have been that powerful.
What about demons ranked 'Fourth Rank' or higher? How strong are they?
Sensing a glimpse of the high mortality rate among exorcists, I felt an urgent need to become stronger.
While silently firming my resolve, the man shifted his questioning from me to my father.
"Souichirou, did he truly exorcise a demon?"
"Yes, he did. And not just any demon, a 'Third Rank' demon. He also protected civilians from the debris caused by the demon's destruction. All at the age of five."
"That's hard to believe."
You don't have to believe it. My father is just a doting parent, I thought but managed to swallow the words. Well done.
I like and respect my father. But his tendency to exaggerate when he talks about me is embarrassing, especially now that I'm five.
As I stood there embarrassed by my father's words, another man addressed me.
"Itsuki-kun, could you show us some magic?"
"Here? Right now?"
"Yes, I'd like to see it with my own eyes."
"But what should I use it on?" I asked, glancing around the room.
There was nothing suitable for target practice. If I used magic on the building, I'd probably damage it. That wouldn't be good.
"Itsuki, use this," the priestess said, handing me a straw doll.
Just as I was about to take it, Silveits from the priestess wrapped around the doll, causing it to grow.
"Wow!"
Such magic exists? It's so versatile!
Impressed by the magic, I prepared to demonstrate my abilities.
"Itsuki, show them your full power. Use as much magic as you want."
"Yes!"
I stretched out three Silveits towards the now human-sized straw doll, entangling it and lifting it into the air.
Turning the Silveits into blades to slice the doll was the simplest method. But it lacked flair.
Since I had the chance, I decided to try a magic I hadn't used publicly before. Combining the flame magic my father had shown me with an air compression magic I developed myself, I wove the Silveits.
Explode.
BOOM!!!
The resulting explosion obliterated the straw doll, sending shockwaves across the room.
Despite the powerful blast, the building remained intact. I trusted my father and the other exorcists to protect it.
"Itsuki! Watch out!"
My father shielded me, creating a magical barrier to protect us from the explosion's shockwave and debris.
"How did you learn that magic, Itsuki?" he asked.
"By watching you and Renji-san."
"...I never taught you."
"I only watched…"
As the flames subsided, the exorcists murmured among themselves.
"A five-year-old using magic?"
"His control over elemental change is impressive."
"A compound element spell? Unbelievable…"
"With 'Seventh Rank' magical power... His future is terrifying."
Just as the room was about to descend into chaos, a sharp clap rang out.
Silence fell as everyone turned to the source—the golden-haired priestess.
"Impressed by such young talent? Touching, isn't it?"
After amusing herself by watching the silent men, she turned to me.
"You still have the talisman?"
"Yes, I have it."
The talisman given to me during the 'Shichi-Go-San' ceremony. I never parted with it.
"Good. Keep it close."
Satisfied, she smiled and turned away.
"You all must have many questions for Itsuki, but he is not our only guest tonight. Ignoring others would be rude."
With that, she moved to another girl.
"Now, Rin, you too are a 'Fourth Rank' genius. Introduce yourself."
"Yes!"
Rin, from the Satsuki family, stood up. I remembered her from two years ago during the 'Shichi-Go-San' ceremony.
She was the girl being carried by her father. It had been two years since I last saw her.
I doubted she remembered me, but she introduced herself confidently.
"I am Rin from the Satsuki family. I am 'Fourth Rank.' Pleased to meet you!"
She spoke clearly and energetically, unlike me.
So, some people are just natural extroverts from childhood.
As I observed Rin, she looked at me and greeted me enthusiastically.
"My father said I'm to be betrothed to you! Nice to meet you, Itsuki!"
…What?
Stunned, I failed to process her words. Before the priestess could introduce her, Ayachan stood up.
"Hello, Rin-chan. I am Aya Shimotsuki."
Her polite speech was a stark contrast to a year ago.
Children grow quickly. I felt a bit sentimental watching her.
As I marveled at Ayachan's growth, she stepped forward and declared.
"Rin-chan is mistaken. I am to be betrothed to Itsuki-kun!"
Betrothed? As in… future marriage partner?
Understanding dawned on me slowly. Betrothed meant arranged marriage from childhood.
…Marriage partner?
As I realize what it means, I almost jumped in shock.
What are these kids talking about!?