Kyoto.
Two hours had passed quickly, and now Kunou and I were walking around the city. We didn't say a word to each other, just walked side by side. Kunou looked... pensive, but she didn't move away from me, keeping the same walking pace as me. I guess that's a good sign.
On the other hand, such an atmosphere was... uncomfortable. The silence that hung between us was diluted by the sounds of the city around us. It was lunchtime now, and the number of youkai and people out on break was enough to fill the streets and establishments by about a third.
At one point, Kunou stopped. Her gaze was fixed on the window of a small candy shop selling traditional Japanese sweets. Kunou's face expressed uncertainty as her eyes ran between me and the display case. Apparently, she was afraid to ask me to buy her a treat, even though she really wanted one, but I didn't see a problem with that.
- "Hello," I began, walking up to the vendor, "Can I have a portion of dango and mochi, please?"
- "Sure. Just a moment."
I then took a seat on a small bench near the display case while Kunou looked at me in surprise and followed me a bit hesitantly.
- "Thank you."
- "You're welcome," I said calmly, "And I'd like to apologize to you. I should have been more restrained that time."
- "I-it's okay. You saved me." Kunou waved her hands, realizing what I meant.
- "Well, I did overreact that time, though." I shrugged as we were brought our portions, one plate with two mochi and the other with two dango.
Kunou's eyes were instantly glued to the mochi, and then, after a brief moment of thought, she slowly took one and began chewing. Her face immediately lit up with joy and pleasure, a wide smile appeared, and her ears perked up. She looked so happy and charming that I could not help myself and put my hand on her head, then began to slowly and affectionately stroke her hair, because about the same urge caused Ophis.
Kunou, feeling my hand, froze for a moment, and I even thought that she would pull it away or move away, but it did not happen. She looked at me and became very embarrassed, eating more leisurely and lowering her head, and it made her even more adorable. And since my actions didn't make her disgusted or cautious, I just continued to enjoy stroking her while chewing my dango.
Actually, it's good to know that Kunou doesn't see me as a danger. I'm more like... an uncle she's never met, but she's been told about me. She's wary of me, but with a certain presumption of innocence.
I don't have children, and I don't know how to interact with them. At least I don't think I do. And since that's the case, I don't know how to talk to them. Ophis is an exception because of its special circumstances in every sense, and Le Fay and Ravel are already formed individuals who don't fall into the category of children.
I took a deep breath and nodded to myself.
Well, it's worth a try.
- "Kunou-chan," I began, causing her to pay attention to me, though not fully, as she was focused on the mochi, "How do you feel about the situation between you and Yasaka-san and me? I realize that Ama-chan's word is law, and she wouldn't harm you in any way, but still. You're basically being forced to accept me."
- "Well..." Kunou hesitated as she finished her candy and rested her hands on her knees, looking down, "Amaterasu-sama has always been kind to us. Sometimes she visits us to play with me, even though she's just as busy as mom. She's fun to spend time with, and she genuinely cares about us."
No surprise there. Given her personality, it's easy for her to find common ground with the kids. A bit arrogant, but playful and free-spirited.
- "Amaterasu-sama came by again the other day to check on me and talk about you." She continued, to which I raised an eyebrow.
- "And what did she say?"
- "She was just asking what I thought about it, just like you are right now. She was wondering how I see you and if I think you're dangerous."
Hmm? I wonder. If Kunou's words are true, then Ama-chan didn't do anything to somehow get her to favor me. No stories about my exploits, character traits, or anything like that. Just asking how the child feels about me. And to be honest, it's respectful. No manipulation or attempts to bend her to your desired outcome. Everything is as honest and fair as possible.
- "And? What is your opinion?" I asked, to which Kunou lowered her head even lower, as if trying to hide it right inside herself, "You can say everything as it is. Even if I'm still a demon to you, I won't take offense or anything. I just genuinely want your opinion."
- "Well... You're... kind..." Kunou replied in a near whisper, curling up in embarrassment.
- "Kind?" Tilting her head to the side, I didn't understand, "I wouldn't call myself that, I'm sorry."
- "But you are, I can feel it," Kunou shook her head and looked at me, "You're genuinely worried about whether I hate you. You even apologized without being afraid to admit your guilt. And you don't lie, either to me or to mom."
- "There's no point in lying. It wouldn't do you or me any good. Besides, I really did make a mistake that time, and apologizing was necessary," I shrugged, "But I still get why you think I'm 'kind'. What you just said, the signs of an honest man. Kind? Yes, to some extent, but not completely."
- "That's why you're kind," Kunou smiled, "You say what you think is right, even if you make yourself look bad. You think apologizing is necessary, even though you might not have to. And that's what mom likes about you. And so, do I."
I stared at her incredulously.
That's very strange logic. I realize that youkai can sense intentions, but still. One might even say that Kunou's judgment of me is based almost solely on that sense. And that strikes me as... reckless, if nothing else.
The sweets were finished and paid for, and now we just sat on the bench and watched the people passing by. A satisfied Kunou was shaking her tail and thinking about something before she jumped up and took my hand, which surprised me.
- "Let's go, Romani-san," she said and gave me a mischievous look, "It's an hour before the end of my break, and usually my mom doesn't let me eat a lot of sweets, but since she's not here..."
- "You're a sly young lady, huh, Kunou-chan?" I grinned.
- "Kitsune is like that, Romani-san," she giggled and looked at me with cheerful and hopeful eyes, "You'll treat a young lady like me, right?"
- "Heh. And, of course, not a word to your mom, I suppose?" I asked, to which I received a quick nod, "Alright. Let's go. I guess it's okay for tonight."
- "Yay!" She shrieked and tugged me toward somewhere. I know a good store right near us.
- "Yeah, yeah, sure." I smiled and let her lead the way.
Well, I guess you could say it went great. A little weird, but great nonetheless.
I looked at a cheerful Kunou and wondered.
How would my kids behave? Tia would definitely be fine with the idea. However, we'll see how my everyday life with Kunou goes. Maybe my views would change. Who knows?
-0-
We got back to our due date when it was already three in the afternoon on the clock. Yasaka and I were now watching Kunou leave for class with his teacher, waving and smiling at me.
- "See you tonight, mom, Romani-san! I can't wait until our walk!" She shouted one last time and disappeared out the door, leaving only her and me in Yasaka's office.
- "So, how much did she eat this time?" Yasaka asked cheerfully.
- "I promised not to say anything, so I apologize." I grinned, to which the vixen chuckled, "I understand you were expecting something like this?"
- "Of course," Yasaka replied, then looked at her watch, "Will you be waiting here or will you be back tonight? I think I won't be free until ten or ten o'clock."
- "I…" I was about to answer when I heard Morgan's voice in my head.
- "Husband, you should come back. Something interesting has happened here that you shouldn't miss."
- "Huh?"
You need to see this. Come home. Now.
I cringed.
If I ignored her, whatever it was, I had no doubt Morgan would bring it right here. And since that's the case...
- "I'll be back by tonight, Yasaka-san."
- "Okay, I'll be waiting." She nodded, and I teleported home.
I wondered what had happened that Morgan was demanding my presence. Nothing serious, right?
-0-
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