Chapter 07: The Taste of Gum

On the Saturday that Irena didn’t come back, I was called to the Kamizaruki house after a long time. There, Akane-san proposed to me, “Why don’t you start acting as a full-fledged exorcist?”

The reason this sudden proposal came about was that my father had been holding me back. He had been trying to prevent it, but it seems that the recent increase in monster activity has led to a severe shortage of manpower. A shortage of exorcists, a rare situation indeed.

However, it couldn’t be helped… I thought to myself as I asked Akane-san.

“…Are you suggesting that I work like my dad?”

“Well, in simple terms, yes. Of course, we’ll make some arrangements.”

“Arrangements…?”

“An exorcist working alone for the first time usually has backup. Like a rescue team or a healer, for example.”

Akane-san said as she sat cross-legged, sipping her tea. Her manners were a bit lacking, but somehow, it suited her well.

By the way, her hair, which was initially blond, changed to pink when I entered elementary school and now it’s shining silver hair. If she enjoys it, that’s fine, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s appropriate to play with hair colors when she dresses like a shrine maiden.

“Normally, one would start full-fledged exorcism at the age of 15. However, with Itsuki’s abilities, it wouldn’t be strange for him to go on exorcisms even now.”

“Wait a minute.”

Interrupting her, my mother, who was sitting next to me, spoke up. By the way, Hina and Nina-chan also came to the Kamizaruki house.

Nina-chan is taking care of Hina-chan in another room.

“Itsuki is still a child. It’s too early for him to work. Besides, you haven’t even consulted Soichiro-san…”

“That may be true, Kaede. But starting early will also be for Itsuki’s future. Soichiro himself started ‘working’ when he was ten. Besides, there’s only a three-year difference.”

“B-But… The circumstances are different from his time.”

My mother objected.

Come to think of it, was my father working since he was ten?

No wonder he’s so skilled.

“Indeed, the circumstances are different from Soichiro’s time. However, Itsuki’s rank and experience are different from Soichiro’s at that age.”

“…That’s true.”

My mother faltered at Akane-san’s words. When she mentioned experience, even I felt weak.

I’ve exorcised the “Raikou Douji” and “Adashi Harunaga,” both of which “Sixth Rank.” 

“He has already exorcised two monsters of the sixth rank, suppressed Silk Techniques and Circulating Techniques. He can use “Resonance” and “Fairy Magic” to some extent, right?”

“…”

“Kaede, I understand that you’re worried about your child, but what else do you want to teach him? What would make you feel at ease? Would you be at ease if he can use Engraving Techniques’? Inherited magic? Or would you feel at ease if he learns secret techniques or forbidden techniques?” 

“………………”

“Itsuki will someday stand on his own. Isn’t it the duty of elders to let him gain the experience he needs to do that?”

“…But, Itsuki is only seven years old.”

“I know that. That’s why I said we would provide support. However, the final decision lies with Itsuki.”

With that, Akane-san turned to me.

Since she was in the middle of a heated argument with my mother, I thought she’d continue talking with her until the end, so I was surprised when she suddenly addressed me.

“…I should decide?”

“Well, yes. If you still think it’s too early to take on the job, you can decline. But if you want to try it, gaining experience could be a good thing.”

“U-Um.”

When asked that, I fell silent.

Honestly speaking, working alone scares me.

What scares me is the possibility of being killed by a monster.

It’s the fear of death, but it’s also the fear of the unknown.

I’ll be doing something for the first time, and that’s what’s scary. Rather than scary, it’s more like anxiety.

Yes, I’m anxious.

Until now, I’ve observed my father’s work.

I worked with Renji-san.

I went to the countryside with Irena-san.

All of it was with experienced individuals.

I had never worked alone.

That’s why I’m anxious.

“That expression, you seem lost. Are you worried about work?” 

With those words from Akane-san, I nodded in agreement. 

In response, Akane-san chuckled.

“That’s how it is. No one is free from anxiety when it comes to their first job. However, everything starts with gaining experience.”

“Um…”

“What is it?”

“If I were to take the job… what kind of monster would it be?”

“Ah, that’s right. For the most recent one, it’s this.”

As she spoke, Akane-san took out her tablet. Once again, a tablet, I thought, as she showed me a PDF.

There, it showed an address and the exterior of a building.

“It’s a monster nesting in an abandoned factory. It’s been sucking some kind of blood and sending it indiscriminately. Recently, the president of a food company contacted the police, saying ‘strange products are being delivered using the company’s name.’ Upon investigating, this is what we found.”

Ah, that story…

I recognized it immediately. It was about the incident involving the president who spoke to Nina-chan and me on our way home this week.

“The rank is ‘Second Rank.’ However, this monster is not only sucking blood but also distributing products. Those distributing them are another rank, ‘Third Rank.’ If you take the job, we will, of course, pay you for it. So, what do you think?”

“…If I were to decline, what would happen? Would another exorcist take the job?”

“Hmm? Someone else would handle it, of course.”

I see.

So, it wouldn’t be a problem even if I didn’t take this job.

Then, maybe not now…

Just as I was about to refuse, the sound of heavy footsteps, completely disregarding etiquette, echoed from the other side of the sliding door.

Soon, Hina’s and Nina-chan’s voices followed.

“Ah! Wait, Hina. You shouldn’t open it there!”

“Nii-chan, are you here?”

“Itsuki is in an important conversation, so it’s not good to open it.”

Hearing those voices, the footsteps faded away again. It seemed like Hina-chan had escaped from the other room, and Nina-chan chased after her.

I’m grateful for having someone to look after Hina-chan, but I wondered if Nina-chan would take this job if it was offered to her.

Nina-chan still wanted to become an exorcist to earn Irena’s approval, and that dream hasn’t changed. In fact, she even seems to want to work together with Irena after reconciling with her.

So, I’m sure Nina-chan would definitely take this job.

But, then again…

If I keep saying, “Not now,” and postponing everything, wouldn’t I just end up leading a life like my past life?

A life without flavor, full of frustration, and a decadent attitude of being fine with anything as long as it’s okay in the present.

I was born into the Kisaragi family.

I always thought that someday I would become an exorcist.

Sooner or later, I knew I would have to make a living by exterminating monsters.

That’s why I wanted to become strong.

And now, the opportunity was right in front of me.

It’s true that I could refuse. Akane-san said so, and my mother is not enthusiastic about it either.

But then, how long will I continue to decline job offers?

When I turn 10 years old? 15 years old?

No, that’s not right.

If I run away once, I’ll just keep running away from there.

And waiting for me at the end of that escape is a life like my past life.

That’s why I need to make a decision.

To avoid living a life like that, chewing on tasteless gum.

“………………….”

After taking a deep breath, I nodded firmly.

“…I’ll give that job a try.”

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