“Whoa. This is amazing...!”
As we passed through the gate, the first things that caught my eye were a pond, a river, and a sturdily built wooden bridge.
There was a spacious lawn, a karesansui dry landscape garden, and even stone lanterns.
Furthermore, water flowed incessantly from a small cliff, creating a waterfall.
A magnificent garden... no, isn't this what they call a Japanese garden?
I've never seen a home with such a grand Japanese garden before. To think something like this was in the neighborhood.
“What incredible spaciousness-da...”
“I’m truly surprised...”
“In a place like this, I could make the boy run indefinitely-na.”
“Why would you? Don't make me run in a Japanese garden.”
“I wouldn't mind making you do rabbit hops until you collapse-zo.”
“What era is that brand of guts-theory from?”
Seriously, if she actually did that to me, I’d definitely quit the gym.
When I glared at her with that thought, she shrugged her shoulders like a foreigner. Since she’s half-Russian and a beauty, she pulls it off effortlessly. It’s kind of annoying.
Following behind Ryuguin, we cut across the Japanese garden.
Looking down from the bridge along the way, it seemed like there were carp swimming in the pond. And Nishikigoi, at that. I remember hearing they trade for high prices overseas... while I was thinking of such uncouth things, we arrived at the mansion's entrance.
It was truly a historic Japanese house. No, a mansion. I’ve only ever seen things like this in anime.
In any case, it was huge, and it was incredibly wide.
Once we reached the entrance, Ryuguin suddenly turned around.
“Leeza-san, Sanada-kun. Regarding what lies ahead, for now, could you please go along with being introduced as my friends?”
“Eh? Ah, I don't mind, but...”
“I’m also fine-da. As expected, I can't meet your family and suddenly say, ‘I’m the Fated Person-desu.’ I’d vomit from nervousness-ku.”
Isn't my master's mental strength way too weak?
“...Thank you.”
“...”
...? What is it? Both Ryuguin and Riran have somewhat complicated expressions on their faces...
We entered an entrance so wide that four people could stand side-by-side with room to spare.
There was a hanging scroll written by a famous calligrapher even I recognized, flowers arranged in an expensive-looking vase, and a large, vibrantly colored decorative plate.
The quintessential Japanese house. I feel like I'm losing my nerve just being here. What should I do? I want to go home right now.
“I have returned.”
“Excuse us.”
“E-excuse us.”
“W-w-w-we're intruding-desu...!”
Is it the uniquely tense air inside the house? For some reason, my back straightened naturally.
We took off our shoes and stepped up. Then, a woman approached from the back.
A young, beautiful woman wearing a light purple kimono.
She was characterized by gentle-looking eyes, and just like Ryuguin, she had a beauty mark under her eye.
Her glossy hair was tied to the side, and she wore light makeup that emphasized her elegance.
“Mother, I have returned.”
“Welcome back, Rion. Riran-san, it has been a long time.”
“Yes. It has been a while.”
...Mother... Mother!?
No matter how you look at them, they look like sisters... those genes are amazing...
Ryuguin’s mother seemed to notice me and Leeza-san and tilted her head.
“Oh. It seems we have some people here for the first time. My daughter is always in your care; I am Rion’s mother.”
The mother bowed gracefully.
And then, Leeza-san lowered her head in a panic.
“N-nice to meet you-te. I am Elizaveta Jissoji, Rion’s friend. Please call me Leeza-i.”
“Leeza-san, I see. It’s a pleasure. ...And...”
This time, her eyes turned toward me.
Eyes that felt as if they were appraising my worth, sizing me up.
I instinctively swallowed and lowered my head as if to avert my eyes.
“Nice to meet you. I am Sanada Akito. Regarding Rion-san—”
“Could it be, are you Rion’s Fated Person?”
...Huh? Fated Person? What is she saying?
I looked up. Then, she took my hand with a bright smile.
“I’ve been telling her for a long time. Rion is the eldest daughter of the Ryuguin family. Since she has the mission of giving birth to an heir, I told her to tell me who her Fated Person was quickly. To think it was such a fine gentleman as yourself.”
“E-er...?”
I stole a glance at Ryuguin.
She pressed her hands together apologetically.
I-in any case, I have to clear up the misunderstanding...!
“S-sorry! I'm Ryuguin... er, Rion-san’s friend, and I was just invited over for a bit today...!”
“Oh... m-my apologies. I jumped to conclusions... please forgive my rudeness.”
Phew... thank goodness. It didn't end with the misunderstanding intact.
Ryuguin’s mother looked at Ryuguin... Rion, with gentle but powerful eyes.
“Rion. When are you going to tell me?”
“I am sorry. Please wait a little longer.”
“A little longer, a little longer—isn't that all you ever say?”
“...I am sorry.”
“...Well, today is fine. Then everyone, please make yourselves at home.”
Ryuguin’s mother bowed gracefully and walked away toward the back of the hallway.
This... feels like the start of something troublesome.