The Beginning of the Fourth Heir

Harada's Changing Heart

Chapter 22

Hitotsume was drinking tea at the guest room when Harada showed up. His expression was unreadable. However, his eyes gave him away. Hitotsume smiled at his nephew.

"You know nephew, I can't help but think that you're starting to fall in love with her." Hitotsume said.

"What makes you think of that notion, Uncle? There's nothing romantic going on between us. We're just friends, nothing more." he answered.

"Ah, but your eyes tell a different story. They seem to sparkle whenever she's around. And that's not all. I saw you two in the garden practicing some skit. You support her in every step of the way. Tell me that's not love."

Harada sighed and excused himself with a bow before leaving the room. Hitotsume smirked before lighting a pipe. 

When he got out of the room, scorn filled his features. His uncle was keen to become the leader of the Nura Clan no matter what methods he use. Since the day he met Riyui, his view of the world changed. And now, Hitotsume wants to use her as a scapegoat to achieve his goal. It makes him sick. He got mad and punched the post next to him. Through gritted teeth, he tried to calm down but his newfound hatred and disgust towards his uncle makes it difficult. Just then, a female voice interrupted his thoughts. 

"Ishikawa-kun?" Riyui called. Harada was a bit surprised to see her. He noticed that she is in her human form even though it's night. 

"Why aren't you in your yokai form?" he asked out of the blue.

"Well, I sealed her away for awhile. She can say something that will embarrass me. By the way, thanks for helping me in my audition. It really means a lot to me." she replied and blushed at the mention of the audition. Harada did too and scratched the back of his head.

"Y-You're welcome." he replied. There's a bit of tension between them so Riyui spoke first.

"A-Annou... I'm currently writing a romantic story. Would you mind giving me your opinion about it? I really need someone who can criticize my work and give me some helpful tips on how to make it better." 

"Oh. You mean, now?"

"Uhm...we can do it tomorrow. I hope you don't mind. I mean, if you're busy, I-"

"I don't mind. I've got nothing else to do tomorrow anyway."

"Really? I hate to impose..."

"No, it's okay. For real." Harada said and smiled. Riyui was in a happy trance after that. The inugami was beginning to get worried as our heroine was smiling with sparkling eyes. 

"You don't know how happy I am right now!" she exclaimed and went straight to her room. But before she left, she flashed him the most radiant smile he has ever seen. The anger he's harboring against his uncle suddenly vanished.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Meet me at Kokehime's shrine at 2 pm, okay?" Riyui said and went skipping to her room. Harada couldn't help but smile. He agrees and turned around the corner. He didn't expect to see Rikuo hiding in the shadows. His yokai form looks at him in a way that intimidates almost anyone. Only Riyui can stare back at him with the same intensity as her brother is doing right now.

"Is there something you want to say to me, Sandaime?" Harada asked. Rikuo smirked. 

"I didn't know you and my sister are close friends." he replies. "Would you mind telling me why are you being friendly to her?" 

"I have nothing to say to you about that, Sandaime. And besides, why do you even care?" Harada asked.

"I care because she's my sister. And I also happened to notice Hitotsume's opinion against me. I'm not foolish enough to let your uncle use my sister in his latest schemes. I'd rather have you stay away from Riyui-chan from now on." Rikuo spoke.

"We're on the same page then. I care about Riyui, not because she's your sister, but because she's a friend of mine. I don't turn my back on my friends. Especially if it's Riyui. I'd rather face my uncle's wrath than betray her." Harada replied. Rikuo was surprised by his answer. He smiled inwardly.

"Very well then. Just please don't break my sister's heart, Harada. She will never forgive you." Rikuo said and left Harada in his own thoughts.

The next day...

Harada was walking in the shrine grounds when he spotted Riyui sitting on the ground. Instantly curious, he approached her and found her looking at a little black kitten with white paws and crystal blue eyes. It was purring and rubbing itself on her while she giggled. For some reason, his dog self is not liking it. When the kitten saw him, it hissed and ran away. Riyui stood up and turned around to see him.

"Oh. Ishikawa-kun, why did you chase away that cute little neko (cat)? I was going to take her home." Riyui whined. But she saw the murderous look in his eyes and it caused an alarm. Then she thought the kitten provoked him. Suddenly, it dawned on her. 

"Oh. I forgot you're a dog spirit. You really hate cats, don't you?" 

"Sorry. That kitten got on my nerves for some reason." Harada replied. Riyui was skeptical about his answer but she didn't push it. She reached for her notebook and started flipping the pages. Harada was just watching her.

"Ishikawa-kun, I want your honest opinion about this story. I'm a bit nervous though. I've never let anyone read my work. You're the first one actually." she said and blushed. He was surprised to hear it. 

"Oh? I guess I'm lucky then." he spoke. Riyui gave him the draft and he started to read it. While reading the draft, Harada couldn't help but grin. Riyui thought he was making fun of her work so she snatched it away. He frowned.

"Hey, I was reading that!" Harada spoke. Riyui turned her back on him while trying so hard not to sock him.

"Oh really? Then why are you making fun of my work?"

"Riyui, I'm not making fun of your work. It's just...the way you write it...it looks like that of a professional."

"You're kidding, right? Lucy-nee is a better writer than I am. You should've seen her manuscripts. She's really awesome. I couldn't surpass her at my current level." Riyui explained. Harada stared at her. He couldn't believe that a girl like her can be intimidated by another.

"Wait, who's Lucy?" he asked.

"She's a celestial wizard back in Magnolia. I met her when I was still a member of Fairy Tail." she answered.

"Interesting. Did she teach you magic?"

"No. Natsu-nii, Juvia-nee, and Wendy-chan taught me magic. They discovered I have an aptitude for elemental magic. I mastered the four elements because of them." Riyui answered. But she became suspicious of him when he started asking about her magic.

"You're reporting this to your master, aren't you?" she speculated. Harada was surprised.

"With what my master's plan, I don't think so." Harada said, remembering his uncle's plan to use Riyui as a scapegoat. It really ticked him off.

"I can smell betrayal half a mile, Harada. If you try to betray me, you'll make an enemy out of me. Trust me, you don't want that." Riyui spoke in a serious tone. She glared at him. Harada became serious too.

"I will never betray a friend."

"Swear upon the River Styx." Riyui said.

"Huh?"

"In Greek mythology, the gods swore upon the River Styx and when you swear upon that river, you have to take it seriously. And I mean, really seriously."

"All right, fine. I swear upon the River Styx that I won't betray you."

"Good." Riyui was smiling at him. He couldn't stop smiling back.

"Maybe we should go back. I've got homework to do." Harada replied.

"Yeah, maybe we should." Riyui agreed. The two of them went home. They didn't know Hitotsume sent a spy to watch their every move. When the spy reported to him, he laughed.

"So, you're going against me, Harada? Let me see you try." he said as he stared at the distance.