True Magician

Chapter 19

Kyoto.

After lying down for a while, I decided that I needed a change of scenery. Activating a random portal, I was thrown into Kyoto. Of all the places even theoretically possible, including Hell, Heaven, and all the other supernatural dimensions, I was thrown here.

All I had to do was sigh and take a tour of the city. As I walked through its streets, I noticed yokai masquerading as humans in addition to humans. And they lived... peacefully. Some of them were working as salesmen, some were scurrying around in a business suit and carrying a briefcase. Just looking at it, I felt... peaceful. Something about the scene calmed me.

I was thinking about things I hadn't thought about before. My memories of my past life. I... I couldn't remember my face or my mother's face. I couldn't remember how old I was, what I did, what I dreamed about. It was all a blur.

Also, why was my reaction to Akeno's embrace the way it was? Why did such closeness make me uncomfortable? I... I don't remember. Even after applying the Touch of Heaven on myself, I couldn't find any clues. It's as if the memories of my past were just... erased. Without a trace.

Did Alaya have something to do with this? I doubt it. If it was her, the 3rd magic would show something. But if she didn't do it, then who did? Or what?

Walking down another street, I came across a cute cafe with a very familiar name - Moon on the Water. So, of course, I decided to go in.

The interior looked nice. The cooking area was open and located in the corner, taking up ¼ of the room and showing the cooks at work. Its barrier was also a counter where you could sit. Along it were high chairs where customers sat. There were also booths, which were located against the walls and were bounded by traditional Japanese-style partitions.

And the most remarkable thing about the cafe was that both the customers and the employees were not human. Most of them were youkai, but some were not. I even managed to spot a dragon or two.

I quietly made my way inside and sat down at the counter and began studying the menu. And it looked colorful.

- "Did you choose something?" I heard a woman's voice on the other side of the counter thirty seconds later.

I looked up and saw a pretty girl in a kitchen apron. She had long black hair, blue eyes, and a pretty good figure. Also, she had two cat ears sticking out of her head and vertical pupils.

- "Bakeneko?"

- "Oh, you're right. My species is usually confused with the other one," she nodded and smiled, "First time in Kyoto?"

- "Uh-huh. The visit here was... spontaneous. I think I'll have the ramen. It looks quite appetizing."

- "Good choice. Please wait," she said and left to prepare my order.

While I was waiting for my ramen, I managed to feel someone sit down next to me. Turning toward him, I was greeted by the broad smile of a short, balding old man with a very familiar head shape.

'Moon on the water' and an elongated skull? That's him? Heh.

- "Wow. Few can sense my presence. And even fewer are still alive."

- "Oh? Then I'm lucky if I've managed to do both," I smiled back at him, "My name is Romani Archaman, Magician. Is this your establishment, Nurarihyon-sama?"

- "Heh. How insightful," he grinned, "Yes, it is mine. And what is such a powerful Magician doing here in Kyoto?"

- "Powerful? I wouldn't call myself powerful," I said, shrugging, "And may I ask why you think so?"