Seraphim is a Bystander

Turns Out My Family’s Too Influential
 
 

The first day’s schedule at the venue had concluded, and the group was now heading toward the hotel where they would be staying. According to the materials Aoi received from his master beforehand, a banquet would be held in the hotel’s hall later that evening. For that event, Aoi, his master, Mr. Fukayama, and Ms. Katagiri were to accompany the Ichijou family.
After safely escorting the Ichijou family to their hotel room, the group stood by nearby, patrolling the corridor until it was time for the banquet.
“How’s it going, Aoi? We’re about halfway through the first day.”

“Honestly, I’m tired. Nothing’s happened, but staying alert the whole time is exhausting.”
“Yeah, that’s normal for your first time. Take a breather while you can… Here.”
“Whoa—”

While chatting, his master tossed him a drink from the vending machine—Aoi’s usual favorite juice.
“Thanks… whew.”
As he took a sip and relaxed, Aoi spotted a familiar face walking toward them from across the corridor.

“Mamoruya, Aoi. It’s been a while. Do you have a moment?”
“Futaba-san! It’s been a long time. Of course.”
Aoi’s grandfather, speaking in a slightly reserved tone, was met with a surprisingly polite response from his master—very different from the way he treated Aoi’s father. Watching this, Aoi opened [N O V E L I G H T] his mouth to speak, a mix of emotions swirling within.

“Grandpa, what are you doing here?”
“Well, I’ve still got a lot of connections and obligations to deal with… But Aoi, why are you working as a guard for the Ichijou family?”
“That’s, uh…”

Realizing he hadn’t told his grandfather about becoming his master’s disciple, Aoi glanced over at his master for help—and his master began explaining.
“Aoi is my disciple. I thought it’d be good for him to learn on the job, so I brought him along this time.”
“Oh? Is that so? Damn that Kouta… If Aoi had become your disciple, he could’ve at least said something to me.”
“Sorry, I probably should’ve reported it myself.”

“No worries. Just take care of my grandson, will you?”
“Of course. Aoi’s got potential.”
As his master and grandfather exchanged friendly words, Aoi was left more confused than ever. Why had his grandfather been sitting in the VIP section at the ceremony? Why was his master treating him with such respect?

“Um, what’s the relationship between you and my master?”
“Hm? Oh, Mamoruya was my subordinate back when I was in Anti-Phantom. She was actually the last one I mentored before I retired.”
“You taught me so much back then...”

“She was such a wild, reckless little girl when she first joined, you wouldn’t believe—”
“Futaba-san! Please, not in front of my disciple…”
Aoi stood stunned at the rare sight of his master being flustered, but a more pressing question returned to his mind.

“Oh yeah—so Grandpa, the reason you were in the VIP section… is it because you were involved in the Dragon Disaster back in your Anti-Phantom days?”
“Well… that’s part of it.”
“Wait, Aoi—you don’t know about your own family background?”

His master cut in, surprised. When it came to “background,” Aoi only knew that his parents and grandparents had been fairly capable fighters within Anti-Phantom. That was it. So the question caught him completely off-guard.
“My background...? I mean, maybe I’m not from a totally normal family, but I thought we were just middle-class.”
“…Futaba-san, you’ve been keeping it from him? If you don’t want to say anything, I won’t either.”

Looking slightly guilty, his grandfather paused for a moment before nodding.
“Well, since we’ve come this far, I suppose it’s time. No need to hide it anymore.”
“Huh? Wait—so something really was being kept secret from me?”

Ignoring Aoi’s bewildered expression, his grandfather gave a silent nod to the master, who returned a look that said, “Guess I can talk now,” and began to explain.
“Aoi, your family—the Futaba family—is the second most prominent household in all of Akatsuki, right after the Ichijou family. It’s only natural your grandfather, a national hero of the Dragon Disaster and the current head of the family, was seated in the VIP section.”
“…Excuse me?”

A prestigious family? His grandfather is the head? A national hero? Aoi’s thoughts came to a complete halt as his mind struggled to keep up.
“That’s right. Your dad, Kouta, didn’t want you to get caught up in the politics and pressure of the household. He wanted you to live a normal life. But now that you’re older, maybe it’s time you learned what kind of lineage you come from. You should come visit the Futaba estate sometime.”
“It’s every bit as grand as the Ichijou residence,” his master added. “Honestly, Futaba-san, I’m amazed you managed to keep it hidden this long.”

“Well, it’s easier than you’d think, if you go about it right.”
“…Huh?”
Aoi stared blankly, stunned to discover that his father’s family was one of the most powerful in the country. Sure, there had been hints—like how their household always seemed comfortably well-off—but he’d assumed it was just because his parents had good jobs.

Now that he thought about it, the ridiculously extravagant gifts his grandfather once tried to buy for his birthday weren’t just over-the-top affection. They were things someone with real financial power could easily afford.
“So… I’m from a family almost on par with the Ichijou…?”
“Exactly. That said, we don’t intend to bind your future with your lineage. You may become the head someday, but for now, just follow your heart and do what you love.”

“…Really?”
“Even Kouta was free to do what he liked. Your mother may not be from a noble family, but we never opposed their marriage. The life they chose is their own.”
“I didn’t know that...”

Still dazed and unable to fully absorb everything, Aoi barely heard the rest. His grandfather noticed it was too much for now and decided not to get in the way of his guard duty any further, taking his leave early.
“Seriously? You didn’t notice any of this, Aoi?”
“???”

“…Aoi? …Yeah, he’s out of it.”
Aoi remained mentally frozen until it was time for the banquet—when his master had to slap him in the head to snap him back to reality.