Aozaki Aoko Case File

After weighing the pros and cons, the Fujou family eventually accepted Aoko's proposal, gladly taking the check she offered. From that day forward, the Fujou family officially became subordinate to the Aozaki family, agreeing to follow their orders.

After some polite conversation, the head of the Fujou family instructed someone to bring out Hisui and Kohaku. The Fujou sisters, shy and reserved, appeared shortly after. They looked to be about the same age as the loli Touko—both very cute—with slightly pinkish-red hair.

The woman accompanying them was their mother. She appeared worn out, her face haggard, as though life had treated her unkindly. The two girls wore simple, plain yukatas and wooden sandals, holding their similarly attired mother's hands as they were led out to meet Aoko.

Perhaps their mother had long known that her two unusually gifted daughters would one day be used as bargaining chips by the head of the Fujou family. It seemed each day had been a painful ordeal for her because of that looming reality.

"Hello," Aozaki Aoko greeted the three with a warm smile.

"I'm Aozaki Aoko, the current head of the Aozaki family."

The two girls, feeling timid, hid behind their mother. Their mother, however, understood the significance of the Aozaki name and quickly had her daughters bow respectfully with her toward Aoko.

"No need to be afraid," Aoko said gently.

"I've heard about the extraordinary talents you two possess, and I've come here to offer you education in magecraft."

The girls' mother froze momentarily at these words, her expression a mix of disbelief and relief. Then her face lit up with joy.

To become apprentices of the foremost magical family in Japan—even if not direct disciples—was a chance to escape their tragic fate! Moreover, the young and beautiful Aozaki family head didn't seem the type to exploit their ESP: Synchronization for sinister purposes. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change their destiny.

Overcome with emotion, the girls' mother dropped to her knees, embracing her daughters and sobbing uncontrollably. Sensing her emotions through their strong Synchronization abilities, Hisui and Kohaku also broke down, clinging to their mother. The room soon filled with the sound of their weeping, while the head of the Fujyou family smiled awkwardly at Aoko, unsure of what to say.

"Alright, alright," Aoko said soothingly.

"You're making it seem like I'm some kind of terrible villain."

She turned to Kohaku, who seemed the more composed of the two.

"Don't worry. I won't forbid you from seeing your mother. My home is in Misaki Town, not far from Tokyo, so you'll be able to visit her whenever you have free time."

Kohaku looked up in surprise, carefully studying the woman who was about to adopt them. The young woman before her appeared around seventeen or eighteen years old, with long, vibrant red hair flowing to her waist. The color was similar to the sisters' own, but Aoko's was brighter—like flowing flames. Her face was stunningly beautiful, and to Hisui and Kohaku, she seemed flawless. In their short lives, Aozaki Aoko was easily the most beautiful person they had ever seen.

"I want to make one thing clear," Aoko said firmly.

"I'm adopting Kohaku and Hisui, and teaching them magecraft, not out of charity but to nurture talents who can support the Aozaki family in the future."

"I understand," their mother replied.

"For the Aozaki family head to recognize their potential is a great blessing. As their mother, I'm deeply grateful for your generosity."

With that, their mother performed a full dogeza—a traditional kneeling bow—which left the free-spirited Aoko somewhat taken aback. Still, she didn't stop her, understanding that the gesture came from genuine gratitude. Interrupting it might make the woman feel unsettled.

"One more thing," Aoko added before departing with the sisters.

"If Tohno Makihisa ever comes looking for them, tell him they've been adopted by me, Aozaki Aoko, and to just give up."

The head of the Fujou family readily agreed, relieved. Aligning with the Aozaki family offered a powerful shield against the Tohno family, who had been pressuring them for the twins. While the Fujou patriarch had been willing to sell the sisters, he had preferred not to hand them over to someone like Tohno Makihisa.

Before leaving, Aoko gave her phone number—linked to Kuonji Manor—to the girls' mother, assuring her that she could visit them on weekends.

Given the Fujou family's dire financial situation and their plan to sell the sisters, Hisui and Kohaku had few personal belongings. Their life had been one of extreme frugality. Before Aoko led them away, their mother gave each girl a protective charm she had prayed over. After hugging them one last time, she let go, watching as her daughters left the old Fujou mansion.

As they walked away, Hisui and Kohaku kept looking back at their mother, their hearts filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Aoko gently squeezed their small hands and smiled reassuringly.

"Alright," Aoko said.

"It's time to take you both home. Close your eyes for a moment."

Obediently, the sisters closed their eyes. They heard Aoko speaking in a strange, melodious language they didn't recognize. Suddenly, they felt light-headed, a wave of dizziness washing over them. Instinctively, they tightened their grip on Aoko's hands.

"All done. You can open your eyes now," Aoko said.

When the sisters opened their eyes, they found themselves standing in the courtyard of a grand, beautiful Western-style mansion.

Was this what their mother meant by "magician"? Their worldview shattered. They had never imagined someone could transport them so effortlessly from the Fujou mansion to this manor.

And judging by the surroundings, they weren't even on the same mountain anymore.

"Aoko-nee, was that magic?"

Kohaku asked, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

"Of course!"

Aoko replied proudly.

"Your big sister here is a magician, after all!"