Seraphim is a Bystander

Professional Faces

 
 
As the car drove along the wall surrounding the mansion, they eventually reached the security checkpoint where guards were stationed. Following the guards' instructions, Master Renka brought the vehicle to a stop. A knock came on the window.

"Good day. For security reasons, we’ll need to verify your identity."
"Sure, go right ahead."
After scanning Renka’s face and checking it against a display, the guards gave clearance to pass. Once they explained their business, they were directed toward the security station.

"I can’t believe there’s an actual road inside the estate… This place is amazing."
"Says the guy who… never mind."
Aoi marveled at the vast grounds as they drove through. Renka began to say something in response but stopped himself. Aoi looked at him curiously, but his master just kept driving like nothing happened, so Aoi turned his gaze back to the mansion.

"…Huh?"
As he looked out, Aoi caught sight of a young girl gazing out of one of the windows. She seemed to be looking right at their car. The vehicle moved on quickly, so the moment passed, but Aoi was fairly sure that was the daughter of the Ichijou family, the one he'd seen in the materials.
"What’s up, Aoi?"

"…Nothing, really."
Renka glanced at Aoi through the rearview mirror, but Aoi just shook his head. Soon, they arrived at the security station. Standing in front of it was a man dressed similarly to Renka and Aoi—clearly another bodyguard.
"Morimiya-sama, thank you for coming. We’re in your care once again."

"Hey, Fukayama! I’ll be counting on you."
The two shook hands like old colleagues. The man called Fukayama turned toward Aoi and Katagiri.
"Katagiri-san, good to see you. And this must be the one I heard about?"

"Yup! This here’s my disciple, Aoi. He’s pretty capable, so I brought him along to get some real experience."
"If Morimiya-sama says so, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Aoi-kun, I’m Fukayama, the head of the security team for this assignment. Nice to meet you."
"I’m Aoi Futaba. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Fukayama."
As they shook hands, Fukayama gave Aoi a puzzled look. Aoi returned the expression, just as confused—until Renka grinned and chimed in.

"Fukayama? Just a reminder, like in the documents I sent you—Aoi’s a boy, alright?"
"Ah—no, it’s not that, I just… Sorry, Aoi-kun."
"Haha, no worries. It happens all the time."

An awkward pause passed as they let go of the handshake. While unloading the luggage from Renka’s car, Fukayama noticed something else.
"I don’t see any weapons on you, Aoi-kun. Are you a hand-to-hand specialist?"
"Oh, no—I use a scythe, just {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} like my master."

"I see. If you don’t have your own weapon, we can provide one—"
"No need. I’ve got this."
Aoi held up his hand to show the ring he was wearing, then summoned a scythe from it. Fukayama's eyes widened.

"That’s…!"
"Oh? You know it?"
"Yes, I’ve had the chance to handle a sample before. In that case, there’s no problem at all."

Aoi wondered if Fukayama’s knowledge of the ring meant he had some connection to Ichijou-sensei, and continued his preparations. After finishing up their chat and getting ready, they boarded a luxurious car.
"Alright, we’ll now head to greet the family heads. Everyone will introduce themselves upon arrival."
"Got it."

They split into several vehicles and headed for the main building. Once parked at the entrance, they stood by outside. Soon, the front doors opened, and the three people from the documents appeared.
"Oh? Morimiya-san, are you in charge of security this time?"
"It’s been a while. I’ll be handling the protection during the ceremony."

"…!?"
The presumed head of the Ichijou family spoke casually to Renka, but Renka replied with a face as serious as when she was training Aoi—completely different from her usual demeanor. Aoi had never seen her act like this around anyone before, and although he managed to stay quiet, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes in shock.