NOVEL NEXT Chapter 45
Chapter 45. Takamiya Family
Fully recovered and back to the field, I was quickly handed a special mission by Kongo-san. Begrudgingly, I accepted it. Recently, I’ve been seriously considering going for a purification ritual.
Two days later—
Before me stood a magnificent structure. Its exterior was awe-inspiring, leaving me wondering how much money had gone into its construction. The estate spans 450 tsubos, approximately 1,500 square meters. Honestly, it’s so vast that I joked internally about it being large enough for a soccer match. But I suppose a distinguished family has its reasons for appearances.
Yes, I was there to begin my mission: guarding Takamiya Runa.
According to the materials Kongo-san handed me, Takamiya Runa is five years old. She is said to be a very energetic girl who brightens the lives of the staff with her angelic smile.
“Almost time…”
My watch read 12:58 PM. I had already informed them I’d arrive around 1 PM, and someone was supposed to meet me at the gate.
Right on time, a young man in a butler’s uniform appeared from beyond the gate. His demeanor exuded a certain gravitas, reminiscent of a certain famous black-clad butler. While I’d seen cosplay versions of this before, the real deal felt entirely different.
“Kashiwagi-sama, I presume? Welcome. Please, come inside the estate.”
Following his lead, I entered the premises.
Incidentally, Kashiwagi is my alias for this mission. It’s one of the measures to conceal my affiliation with the Special Ability Unit. Only a select few in upper management, Kongo-san, and the head and his wife of the Takamiya family know my true identity.
“Thank you for agreeing to our sudden request.”
“Not at all; it’s my pleasure. I understand you’re a sensory-type ability user. What range can you detect?”
“Hmm… About a 300-meter radius centered on me.”
“Impressive. One can never predict what might happen. We have high expectations of your skills, Kashiwagi-sama.”
“Of course, I’ll do my utmost.”
We chatted casually as we walked down the corridor.
Naturally, I hadn’t disclosed the truth about my abilities. Officially, I was participating as a sensory-type ability user. While I can use my combat persona to survey a 300-meter radius with ease, it makes me more effective than most sensory users.
Still, the hallways were adorned with ornate furnishings and paintings that looked immensely expensive. The thought of accidentally damaging anything was nerve-wracking. Why place such valuable items within arm’s reach? I guess it’s meant to project dignity and prestige to visitors, but as someone from a more modest background, I couldn’t help but mutter inwardly, Don’t put breakable things where people can touch them!
“If I may ask you something…”
The butler suddenly stopped walking.
Turning toward me with a polite smile, his eyes, however, were icy cold.
“Why did you take on the task of guarding Miss Runa?”
His gaze seemed to silently convey, If you’re an enemy, I’ll eliminate you immediately.
Ah, of course, he’s suspicious of me for making contact at this timing. A sharp sense of hostility—impressive. It reflects his dedication to the Takamiya family. At the same time, I marveled at how this family could employ someone so capable.
Even without a physical confrontation, it was clear—this butler was formidable. He likely possessed abilities on par with those of the Special Ability Unit.
“Well, I once had financial troubles, and the Takamiya head, Masaru-sama, happened to assist me. This is my way of repaying that kindness.”
“I see. Our master often goes out of his way to help those in need. Whether it’s a good thing or not, all the butlers and maids of this house admire him deeply and take pride in protecting the Takamiya family.”
Satisfied with my explanation, the butler resumed walking.
Though what I said wasn’t exactly true, it wasn’t a complete lie either. The one with financial troubles wasn’t me, but it was close enough to the truth to avoid suspicion. If it had been an outright fabrication, I might’ve been attacked on the spot.
Smirking faintly, I followed.
It seemed this mission might be uneventful after all. Not only did I have this butler, but there were numerous other ability users on guard. Breaking through this defense would be nearly impossible.
◇
We finally arrived at our destination. The butler knocked on the door twice.
“Come in.”
A youthful, bell-like voice called out from inside.
“Excuse me, I’ve brought Kashiwagi-sama.”
“Excuse me.”
Following the butler, I entered the room, where two young girls awaited.
One was Takamiya Haruka, the 13-year-old eldest daughter of the family. Her shoulder-length blue hair complemented her graceful smile. Her poise and elegance were far beyond her years.
Beside her clung a younger girl, staring at me intently.
This must be Takamiya Runa, the mission’s subject. Her long blue hair reached her waist, adorned with a large ribbon. She wore a frilly outfit and clutched a rabbit doll tightly in her hands.
The family head and his wife were not present in the estate. Due to work, they were often away, and currently, they were staying elsewhere. I’d heard they had stormed out, exclaiming, How can we stay here when our daughters are in danger?! The staff barely managed to restrain them.
“Thank you for coming. I am Takamiya Haruka, the eldest daughter of this household. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Sinking into the sofa, I could tell it was extravagantly plush.
“U-um, I’m Runa… Are you… a good person?”
Runa hesitantly asked, her wide eyes quivering. Contrary to her cheerful description, she seemed anxious. Had something already happened?
“Of course, I’m an exceptionally good person. Don’t worry.”
What else could I say? Calling myself bad in front of a butler who embodies swift justice would’ve been a terrible idea.
Runa seemed to relax, a shy smile spreading across her face. Perhaps she just needed a reassuring word.
“Thank you. Kashiwagi-sama, you’re a sensory-type ability user, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then I’d like you to ride in the same car as us during transit. Would that be acceptable?”
This was unexpected. Being close to the subject was ideal for me, but I couldn’t help wondering why they’d make such a request.
“That’s fine, but may I ask why?”
“I’ll explain.”
“I’ll be directing operations during transit. I’d like you nearby to report any situational changes.”
This butler was leading the mission? While his skill was undeniable, he seemed quite young for such responsibility.
“It’s natural for you to question this.”
Haruka said with an amused smile.
Oops, my thoughts must’ve shown on my face.
“Rest assured. This is Takuto Igai, one of our most skilled personnel. He serves as my personal butler.”
I was impressed. At only twenty or so years old, he had achieved such mastery.
“Thank you for the kind words. However, I still have much to learn and strive for improvement daily.”
He didn’t seem arrogant either.
The mission starts tomorrow. Initially, I had my doubts, but with these capable individuals, it should proceed without issue.