Seraphim is a Bystander

Grandparents' visit
 

 
Several months had passed since the Malformed Phantom Explosion Incident.
Ever since then, my parents had been extra cautious, wary of the possibility that unseen phantoms might be lingering nearby. They made sure that at least one of them was always close to Aoi.
But once I modified the circuits to allow purifying malformed beings without explosions, they gradually began to relax again.

As for Aoi—he’s already learned how to crawl, zooming all over the nursery like he owns the place.
Lately, he seems to have gotten the hang of circulating energy through his body. Even when I’m not helping, he’s started activating his circuits on his own to keep them in shape.
At this rate, he’s going to be called a prodigy in no time!
So between purifying malformed phantoms and swapping in to return Aoi to bed when he crawls somewhere dangerous, our days were quite lively—
Then one day, someone other than my parents came to visit. A rare event.

They looked like a man and woman in their 50s. The man had a stern aura and bore a faint resemblance to Aoi’s father. The woman had a calm and composed demeanor.
"Kouta, how’s Aoi doing?"
"He’s growing well, Father. There were some inexplicable incidents, but overall he’s healthy."

"You mean that incident."
Looks like Aoi’s paternal grandparents had come to visit.
Apparently, Kouta (so that’s his name) had told them about the explosion I accidentally caused, and they came to check on things.
Just to be safe, I lightly scanned them with my halo:

*Grandpa’s ability is "Reinforcement"—boosting strength.
*Grandma’s is "Insight"—she can see through things.
So that’s what I’m up against…
Most likely, they came both to investigate and also to see their grandson’s face.

Grandma began inspecting the house using her ability.
While she walked around, Kouta and Aoi’s mom explained the situation to Grandpa.
About ten minutes later, Grandma returned, just as the explanation wrapped up.
"There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the environment. May I see little Aoi now?"

"Of course, Mother… Please go ahead."
With a worried look, Aoi’s mom nodded as Grandma approached and gently picked Aoi up in her arms.
Her touch was incredibly gentle, and Aoi immediately relaxed.
Grandma smiled softly at him and activated Insight.
"Mother, what do you see?"

"...I see. It appears your son has a bright future ahead of him."
"Wait… Are you saying that explosion was caused by Aoi…?"
"Yes, most likely. It seems Aoi unconsciously activated his ability."

She responded to the anxious question from Aoi’s parents with a kind smile.
—Good. Looks like she didn’t detect my presence.
They assumed Aoi had a little magical “accident,” like a kid wetting the bed. That works.
"From what I can see with Insight, Aoi possesses fire-based and enhancement-type abilities. Something probably scared him, and his powers activated, releasing energy."
"So… he’s not possessed or anything, right?"

"Not at all. There’s nothing wrong. In fact, it’s a sign of vitality."
Hearing Grandma’s words, both parents visibly relaxed, shoulders slumping in relief.
Just then, Grandpa stepped forward to see Aoi.

From Aoi’s point of view, a gruff-looking old man leaning in close was pretty intimidating, and he started to look a bit uneasy.
"Hmm. He looks healthy. That’s good."
"Auu…?"

Grandpa gently stroked Aoi’s head as if handling something fragile and let out a faint smile before stepping back.
"Alright. We shouldn’t overstay. Time ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) to head back."
"Oh my, leaving already? Even though we finally got to meet our adorable grandson?"

Grandma teased Grandpa with a mischievous smile as he tried to make a dignified exit.
He glanced back at Aoi with a reluctant expression, clearly wanting to stay longer.
In the end, Grandma, along with both parents, ganged up on him, and Grandpa gave in.

He ended up staying for dinner and even handed over an absurd amount of allowance to baby Aoi before heading home.