The Korezutos

Three Houses

Mrs. Korezuto came the next day, she had done Nori the favor of finding suitable homes for her cousins. But she wanted Nori to decide who would go to each home, seeing as each of them had vastly different adult influences.

"Where am I going?" Hiro asked.

"Nowhere yet. I would rather get our cousin out of the castle. You get to stay here until everyone else leaves."

"That's good. Someone has to keep an eye on you," Hiro said.

"I think you're forgetting who the adult is here."

Mrs. Korezuto laughed,"it's good to watch out for one another."

"What's that stack?" Fukiya saw all the papers his mother had brought,"more things to file?"

"The tall stack can get thrown out," Nori said,"I already know it won't for any of my cousins. It's too different from the castle."

"So?"

"These kids are used to being told how to breathe. A little structure can provide comfort when things have to change."

"You're quick," Mrs. Korezuto said,"let's set up a meeting with the remaining houses."

"I'll go with you," Yato said.

"Now that business is over, let's play some chess!" Mrs. Korezuto celebrated.

"Oh mother," Yato said,"come on Nori we have patrol."

"I'm busy," Fukiya half-heartedly lied.

"I don't know how to play, but I'll learn," Hiro said.

"I like this boy," Mrs. Korezuto said.

The first house was at the edge of the capital. It was down a dark alley and in a rather crowded corner. While hesitant Nori knocked on the door.

"We have guests!" a young woman called ,"they're here about those kids!"

"What about us?" a young boy asked.

"Not you, other kids. They might stay with us for a while."

"That would be fun!"

After speaking for a while, Nori got to know this family. They were from another country but loved their home. They also were very used to having kids in and out of the house because they had fostered others before.

"Two of the kids are siblings," Nori told the couple,"if I chose our family would you be willing to take both of them?"

"We have space, but we can only afford to host one of them," the father said.

"The Mongolia family funds will support both of the children for both educational and living expenses," Nori promised.

"In that case...we would be willing to."

"Thank you. I will be in touch and let you know when the kids are placed."

"We'll look forward to hearing from you.

"This is a mansion!" Yao exclaimed as they reached the second house.

"The couple has done pretty well for themselves. They've made thousands through scientific discovery but aren't able to have their own children," Nori explained.

"Who do you want to be placed here?"

"I was thinking about Natsu. She's too old to have a second set of parents, but I think she might enjoy having mentors."

"Smart, do they know she's older?"

"They don't even know her name yet."

Yato thought the house was too quiet. But Nori knew her cousin would like it. The silence was similar to the library. Which was the only place Natsu ever seemed to spend her free time.