170 – Charge Admission

“So, you finally arrive!”

The unidentified figure had burst from the Ichinose household. Their tone suggested they’d been waiting, and their eyes, so familiar, held the predatory gleam of a wildcat.

Rohan’s mind raced, instantly recognizing the woman. Anyone could see the strong resemblance to Noah.

‘Not just Ichinose’s mother… but Noah’s mother too, what is going on…?’

Like Momo, she could easily pass for a twin sister of her daughter, were it not for the information Ichinose provided beforehand.

He chose to begin with introductions. “Good afternoon. I’m Rohan, a classmate of Noah’s.”

“What a dull fellow! Takes all the fun out of it.”

It seemed having her identity deciphered so quickly deflated her somewhat.

Jane pouted, her thick tail swishing back and forth.

“I apologize for not meeting your expectations. Truthfully… had Noah not mentioned having only an older brother, I might have committed the faux pas of mistaking you for sisters.”

“Wahahaha!!! You’re too kind, but it *is* true I look a bit younger!”

Jane retracted her pout, bursting into hearty laughter. She then slapped Rohan on the back, a forceful, resounding thwack.

The situation seemed to be resolving well enough, but Rohan couldn’t bring himself to smile.

‘What strength…!’

There was no malice in Jane’s actions. No magic was used, not even a focused concentration of brute strength.

Yet, it was extraordinary.

Each time Jane struck his back, Rohan felt he would be sent tumbling head over heels if he didn’t brace his lower body and core with all his might.

Desperate to protect the gifts he was carrying, Rohan hastily channeled his magic, finding his center.

Jane’s laughter subsided, her gaze softening, drifting to the silent Sion and Clara. She smirked.

“And these pretty girls, are they Noah’s friends as well?”

Thanks to Rohan’s preceding bow and mention of Noah, Sion and Clara recalled the discussions they had on the way, immediately grasping the newcomer’s identity.

“I-I’m Clara…!”

“Sion Testarossa.”

Jane seemed particularly intrigued by Sion’s name. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise.

She’d heard Noah was close to her and that she resided in the academy city.

Still, she never anticipated meeting her face-to-face like this.

“The Testarossa? No wonder she’s impossibly beautiful. The fairest elf I’ve ever laid eyes on, by far.”

“Thank… you. With the support of Tigrova, we should have visited you first to pay our respects, but our meeting has occurred in this way instead. I offer my apologies.”

Sion’s politeness prompted Jane to adjust the subtle hues of her smile.

Now, it wasn’t mere curiosity. An element of deep pity was woven into the corners of her mouth and the set of her eyes.

Jane strode forward, stopping before Sion, her arms extended, clearly signaling an embrace.

She slowly encircled Sion, drawing her close in a hug. Sion didn’t resist, and Rohan and Clara could only watch the scene unfold in silence.

“Child. It’s backward. We Frozenheart should have sought out the Testarossa long ago.”

“…”

“Do you resent Frozenheart?”

Shion exhaled a long breath in Jane’s arms.

He shook his head, recalling the image of Great Emperor Seolho respecting his father as a friend.

“I won’t. I was just resentful of my own foolishness and the villains who deceived me….”

“Yes. Resentful, but?”

Shion moved his head, looking at Rohan and Clara.

He could once again feel that the thorn lodged in his heart was gone.

“…Now I can move forward.”

“Excellent. Such a bright child. Be good friends with Noah.”

Jane gently stroked Shion’s back as she praised him.

After which, Jane, who had cut off the solemnity like a blade,

Sensed Clara hiding behind Rohan, suppressing her presence, and mischief returned to her eyes.

“Clara, was it?”

“Ah, um, y-yes…!”

“Oh my! What a darling! Just looking at you makes me want to have another daughter.”

“Ahhh…”

Clara wriggled, chewing on her lips as Jane stroked her hair.

Jane toyed with Clara’s hand, but her gaze returned to Rohan.

There was no chance to continue speaking. She just smacked her lips, glancing back with a hint of regret.

“My daughters are quick-witted, you see.”

The moment Jane finished speaking, Ichinose arrived, rushing over as quickly as possible,

Followed by Noah, who skipped into view.

Far in the distance, Momo could be seen strolling along leisurely.

“Yahoo! You came sooner than I thought!”

“Ah, welcome! Thank you for coming so far…”

Ichinose said, minutely reading their demeanors.

It seemed nothing had happened yet.

He swallowed a sigh of relief.

“It’s good to see you both looking healthy.”

“Hmm, there’s definitely nothing better than that.”

“Ah, hello, everyone…”

As they exchanged casual greetings, Momo arrived silently, having walked from afar,

And Rohan presented the gift he was holding with a bow.

“Mother. Good day. It’s nothing much, but…”

“Oh, thank you. I hope inviting you to the house didn’t burden Rohan-student?”

“Not at all. I simply wished to express my gratitude as I saw fit.”

Momo accepted Rohan’s greeting and gestured for them to come inside.

“Even if it’s just for a moment, shall we go inside and talk? I can’t leave such valued guests standing in the street, can I?”

As Momo moved, everyone followed in a rush.

Beyond the gate of the Ichinose family estate lay a wide yard.

Looking at the neatly maintained pond and buildings, Rohan and his group couldn’t hide their admiration.

And so they arrived at Ichinose’s home.

The moment they stepped inside, Jane uttered a word.

“Think of Momo and me as invisible, and have your reunion. You friends must have so much to catch up on, no?”

“…”

Ungaenose twitched her eyebrows, avoiding Jane’s amused gaze as she approached Rohan.

Surely, even after their initial greeting, they hadn’t properly connected. Surely, this wasn’t some strange act.

As Ungaenose drew closer, Rohan offered a smile, initiating the conversation.

“You’ve been well?”

“Yes…has Rohan been well too?”

“Me? Well, I’ve been training, waiting for this very day.”

“Ah…waiting for today…? I see…”

The pure expression of a girl facing the man she adores.

She tries so hard to hide it, acting coy, but to those who know, it’s crystal clear.

“That’s a new outfit you’re wearing, isn’t it? Did you buy it recently? Or was it already in your closet?”

“I bought it while shopping with Noah. D-does it suit me…?”

“It’s pretty.”

Rohan spoke his honest thoughts without hesitation.

Jane could see Ichinose clenching her pale toes.

‘To think the stiff Ichinose Yui displays such gestures and words when she’s fallen in love.’

The heat and tickle that youth bestows. It’s delightful to merely witness.

Jane stood beside Momo, biting her lower lip, fighting back a flood of laughter.

‘Oh my, oh my.’

Momo was enjoying it just as much.

A daughter showing a new side of herself grants her parents the joy of a world filled.

Though Shion and Clara were conversing with Noah in louder voices.

Momo and Jane’s senses were entirely focused on Rohan and Ichinose.

“So, are you all packed for the beach?”

“Yes… Rohan’s prepared properly too, right? Ready to get in the water, too?”

“I bought a swimsuit online. There’s nothing particularly special for a guy, you know.”

“Tch…”

“But I put some effort into choosing it, you know? I even returned one.”

“Hmph, so I can look forward to a swimsuit chosen with Rohan’s sense?”

“Does that mean I can look forward to it, too?”

“Pervert…”

Ungaenose, understanding the implication, blushed and playfully bumped Rohan with her shoulder.

At that cinematic moment, Jane couldn’t resist clapping.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Having finished her applause, Jane pulled out her wallet and extracted a stack of bills.

Then, she thrust it towards Rohan.

“Take it.”

“Huh? What’s this…?”

Rohan blinked, staring at the wad of bills.

Jane, sounding half-drunk, slurred, “Admission fee.”

“Excuse me?”

“W-what are you talking about!”

Ichinose, flustered, grabbed Jane and hustled her into a corner.

Suddenly left alone with Momo, Rohan gave an awkward smile and asked about something that had been on his mind.

“Your mother.”

“Yeeeess~”

“Um… I’d like to say hello to your father as well.”

Rohan asked, intending to send his regards.

Momo covered her mouth with her sleeve, giggling as she answered.

“My husband is at work. He wished he could take the time, but he’s just so busy.”

“Ah…! Then, I’ll come by again to say hello before we leave.”

Momo nodded, a pleased expression on her face.

Noah, his camera slung around his neck, nudged Rohan with his tail.

“When are we leaving? What if the sun sets?”

“We have to say our goodbyes. Even if it’s a little late, we can eat something delicious, and play in the water tomorrow, right?”

“Then let’s eat meat! Meat!”

“Since we’re in Samhwa Country for the first time, I’d like to see some sights too.”

Noah nodded as if understanding.

Ichinose, her face flushed from whatever they had been discussing, and Jane, grinning mischievously, returned.

“W-we should go now…”

Ichinose grabbed the suitcase she had left by the entrance.

At that signal, everyone slipped on their shoes and prepared to depart.

Ichinose fanned her face with her hand, trying to cool the heat. Then she said goodbye to Momo.

“…Mother. I’ll be going now.”

“Have a good trip. Have fun, everyone.”

“””Thank you!”””

Momo and Jane waved in response to Rohan’s group’s farewell.

Their smiles were so bright and cheerful that Rohan felt at ease.

Stepping out into the yard, Rohan grabbed Ichinose’s and Noah’s suitcases in both hands.

“I’m going to be your porter on this trip, so give me your luggage. If I don’t use my strength, my body gets all tingly.”

“Ah! It’s okay, really…”

“Hehe, I won’t refuse! Thanks!”

Ichinose and Noah, each reacting in their own way, joined the group and headed towards the vehicle.

Jane and Momo watched from afar, the scene unfolding before them more than satisfying.