True Magician

Chapter 110

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.