Kays Translations

Chapter 3-18: Escalation

After that, without encountering any monsters in the forest, we reached the goal.

By the time we arrived, several apprentice exorcists were already at the goal before us.

They looked at me and Aya-chan with curious eyes, as if saying, "There are some unfamiliar people."

As we headed towards my father while being exposed to their curious gazes, I returned the map to him.

"How was it? Did you enjoy it?"

"Yeah. It was a bit long, though."

I glanced at Aya-chan for a moment.

Although she had a smile of enjoyment on her face, I could see a hint of fatigue.

That's only natural. Unlike me, who regularly trains with my father in various techniques, Aya-chan doesn't engage in such intense activities.

That's why she couldn't walk anymore and we took a break along the way.

She cooled her feet with "Guiding Thread Silvate" and drank water transformed with "Trait Alteration: Water." We might have been a little too early for a course designed for middle school students, considering we were still in elementary school.

However, it's a known fact that if you can use magic, you can take a proper rest anywhere, even without carrying any supplies. It's really convenient.

Despite feeling tired, Aya-chan didn't show any signs of it and directed a smile towards my father.

"I had fun talking with Itsuki-kun!"

"Good. That's what matters."

My father crossed his arms and nodded with a satisfied expression. I tugged at his clothes lightly.

"Hey, Papa. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Hm? What's up?"

"I want to go somewhere without anyone around..."

"Hmm..."

Upon hearing that, my father looked around and then muttered, "I see."

I told Aya-chan to wait for a moment and moved a little away from the group.

The moment we were alone, my father switched to inward mode and started talking.

"How did it go, Itsuki? Did Papa's plan work out?"

"Yeah. I think Aya-chan and I got along... or at least I hope so."

"I see. Papa and Renji becoming friends was also part of this training camp."

Oh, I see. Well, I'll put that story aside for now.

"Actually, I resonated a little with Aya-chan."

"...Hm?"

My father's expression changed at my words.

So I continued explaining in chronological order, making it as clear as possible.

I talked about the village that resembled the Edo period that we were transported to when we touched Aya-chan.

I mentioned the girl who looked exactly like Aya-chan that I met there.

And I told him about the story of the "Ice Snow Princess."

My father listened silently until the end of my explanation and then let out a deep breath, gently placing his hand on my head.

"You did well to come back safely, Itsuki."

"...Yeah. I didn't fight or anything."

For a moment, I was caught off guard by his genuine concern, and my words stumbled.

"But... I see. So it's the 'Ice Snow Princess'."

"Do you know about her?"

"...No, not at all."

My father raised his gaze slightly and looked at the apprentice exorcists gathering at the goal. Then he shifted his gaze back to me.

"But indeed, did that 'demon' introduce herself as such?"

"Yeah. That's what she said."

"...Troublesome."

My father's face showed a rare expression of annoyance, and I couldn't help but tighten my grip on his hand.

"Listen, Itsuki. In this case, there are two possibilities to consider."

"Two?"

"Yes. One possibility is that the 'demon' introduced herself voluntarily. A 'demon' who becomes conceited and revels in their own power would name themselves in order to be feared by others. The problem lies in the fact that they possess enough power to become conceited."

"I see."

I gave a slight nod in response to my father's words.

I understand what he's trying to say.

Those who become arrogant have gained enough strength to justify their arrogance.

And the moment a monster becomes arrogant is the moment they have become accustomed to killing exorcists.

Even if it's not something as extraordinary as a "Sixth Rank Named," even a "Fifth Rank" or "Fourth Rank" can pose a genuine threat to ordinary exorcists.

There is a possibility that the "Ice Snow Princess" is such a monster.

"And the other possibility is that she is indeed a 'Sixth Rank.'"

"But Papa, you said you've never heard of her name before, right?"

"Ah, yes. Of course, Papa doesn't know the records of every single 'demon' that was exorcised or sealed before Papa was born."

"So..."

What should we do, I was about to ask, but before I could, my father spoke up.

"Don't worry. We'll have it investigated. There is a branch of the 'Kamiarizuki' family that collects, compiles, and manages documents related to 'demons.' It's called 'Tsukishima.'"

There's a family like that?

"So we should have them investigate?"

"Yes, that's right. I'll send a request now. We should receive a response by tomorrow."

Tomorrow? Does that mean they'll start investigating right away?

As I looked at the intensifying afternoon sun, a thought crossed my mind.

...Overtime confirmed?

No, surely they must have digitized the information and sent it as a PDF or something. They must have, right?

Why am I even thinking about this? Well, it was one of the tasks I had at the printing company where I worked in my past life. Digitizing documents.

Maybe not all major printing companies do it, but the one I worked for was a small to medium-sized enterprise.

Those kinds of companies tend to handle various tasks.

If they don't, they won't survive.

"Let's head back now. We can't stay away any longer."

As I was lost in my thoughts, my father turned his gaze towards the apprentice exorcists and started walking in their direction.

Thinking it's best to return as well, I turned on my heel, and I saw Shirayuki-sensei approaching through the gaps between the apprentice exorcists.

"Huh? Shirayuki-sensei?"

"Yes. Um, I've come to pick you up. Ahaha..."

Sensei smiled awkwardly, seeming unsure how she ended up here.

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