Chapter 04: To the People I once hated so much
It could be that Machina was always trying to make memories.
I figured that she wanted to treasure the remaining time with us and stay with us as much as possible, so she became strangely kind, stopped being angry and resorted to physical contact. The reason she pretended to be under hypnosis surely was so that she could act spoiled with us at long last.
I didn’t notice that. I couldn’t notice what was troubling Machina. I had faith that Machina was stronger than me and thus tried hard to become like her mother to be able to live in the human world. I believed that…
However, it seems like Machina will go back to the demon realm by her own will, like the Old Man Bram said.
Ever since I came to know about that the other day after school, I couldn’t properly help her in creating memories anymore.
Once the election ends… Machina will leave.
With only that thought in my head, I couldn’t put my back into the election campaign in the last few days. When I talked with Machina, my smile became stiff. No matter how hard I suppressed it, my chest wouldn’t stop hurting and I couldn’t even crack my usual jokes, yet alone pet her head.
Soon Machina will return to the demon realm.
The others probably hadn’t heard about it from Machina yet.
Dinner time in our house. I couldn’t see Elni today, but Luna, Nazuna, my mother and Machina’s smiling faces filled the dining kitchen like always.
While eating, Machina showed a gentle smile and enjoyed a chit-chat with the others, calling out soft to Nazuna.
“Hey Nazuna, shall I give you a bit of my side dish?”
“Eh? I’m happy about it, but you don’t really need to, Machina-oneechan.”
“You like the fried ones, right? Here, open up wide~”
When Machina put the fried side-dish into Nazuna’s mouth, my mother interjected playful.
“Lately Machina-chan sure has lost the ‘Tsun’ of her Tsundere.”
“T- Tomoe-san, I’m not a Tsundere. I’m, well, Nazuna’s older sister, right? That’s why, ehm… this much is natural.”
Machina flushed her cheeks a bit. Seeing that, Luna giggled, whereas only I bit down on my lips. Noticing me, Machina smiled a little bit sad, then suddenly shifted her gaze to the empty seat at the table.
“Anyway, I wonder where Elni went…”
“Mhm~ I am not sure about that.”
On Machina’s words, Luna lightly tilted her head.
“Just in case she called me that she does not need dinner, but she did not tell me where she was. Besides, Elni-chan often goes out in the morning lately.”
“Really? She didn’t stay at home like always?”
Machina asked puzzled, whereas Luna softly shook her head and replied.
“She would be back before you two came home. But while she usually ate dinner here, she now is away until dinner and will not say a word about what she is doing.”
“That’s unusual. I really wonder what she’s doing.”
Giving Luna such an agreeable response
“Somehow, the dinner feels a bit weird without Elni.”
and staring at Elni’s empty seat,
“…With only one less, it already becomes like this…”
Machina said isolated while flickering her eyes a bit, yet keeping her smile.
In time my own lips started to tremble by watching her. I slugged down my dinner and returned to my room.
Machina likely didn’t tell the others about it, because she wanted to keep seeing their smiles until the separation.
But she told me about it. Told me before anyone else. She conveyed her feelings to me. Told the weak me “You’re fine as you are” and “I love you”.
I could do nothing but give her an awkward smile.
…Was that all I could do?
I wanted to protected her, I told her that I would protect her, but could I only watch over her, unable to wipe away her unrest?
I wouldn’t mind stopping Machina, even if it shoul make the exorcists my enemy. But it was different for Machina. She was afraid of dragging her family into conflicts because of her. As long as that fear remained, she might not be able to live in the human world.
Before I noticed it, I had sat down on my bed and kept staring at the talisman in my hand.
If I become an exorcist in the future and struggle my way up to the top of the organisation, then I could make them acknowledge Luna and Machina.
Machina was wishing for that too. And in turn I promised it.
But how many years would it take to fulfil that promise?
Previously when Hijiri watched over my training, she told me I had a talent for it.
True enough I might have been born with a talent for an exorcist’s power, even though I had none for martial arts. I could already simply move around the talisman, which was said to take a lot of time to master. Probably I was even able to use it during a fight.
Still, even so it wasn’t an easy feast to climb up within the organisation.
In fact, Hijiri couldn’t make them acknowledge Luna and Machina yet. Even if I were to cooperate with her, it probably would take a couple of decades until we persuaded the organisation.
During that time, what would happen to Machina? She finally got closer to the classmates, yet she’ll have to let go of that, just keep the memories of her family with her and continue to wait in the demon realm without us the whole time while trusting in the promise with me?
I wouldn’t be able to bear that. I didn’t want to give up. Didn’t want to let go of Machina.
Therefore I kept thinking about a way to let Machina stay in the human world, but regretfully time only passed by without me coming up with anything and since I wanted to know more about the exorcist organisation now, I called Hijiri after a moment of pondering.
Shoving the talisman I was holding into my pocket, I then took out my cell phone, but Hijiri just wouldn’t pick up her phone and when I thought about trying again later, I could hear Hijiri’s voice with “Sorry that it took so long” through the phone.
“You need something, Shinobu-kun?”
“…Yeah, I want to talk about something. You got time right now? I can call again later if you’re busy. You were occupied, right?”
“It’s okay. I only carried Kaoru-san to her bed together with Shuu-kun.”
Shuu-kun was the name of Hijiri’s little brother. But why did she carry Kaorun to her bed together with him?
“Is Kaorun sick?”
“Not quite. You know, she worked really enthusiastic for Machina-san’s election campaign. I think she’s tired from that coupled with her house chores. Until just now we were working on the support speech, but she fell asleep midway.”
“…You’re not tired, Hijiri? You also have your hands full with the exorcist job, right?”
“I’m fine. Sometimes I certainly feel tired, but it’s not worth mentioning. Same for Kaoru-san. No matter how tired she was from the campaign, she didn’t complain even once. Normally she would joke about her dissatisfaction, but for a change she didn’t even do that.”
With a peaceful tone, Hijiri continued softly.
“I’m sure Kaoru-san likes Machina-san as much as I do. Machina-san has to return to the demon realm when she doesn’t get elected, right?”
Neither Hijiri, nor Kaorun didn’t know yet that Machina would return on to the demon realm out of her own will.
“Machina-san is a precious friend to both Kaoru-san and me. So we’ll do anything possible to us. Tiredness is immaterial.”
“…Thanks. Machina’ll be happy to hear that too.”
Hijiri ignorant to the actual situation. Her warm-hearted words tightly corded up my chest, but suppressing the trembling in my voice, I calmly started talking.
“Hijiri, I called you today because I wanted to ask something.”
“Ask something? What is it?”
“It’s about the exorcist organisation. Something has been on my mind. Well…”
After a small pause, I continued my words.
“They’re still cautious of Luna and Machina, right? Of course I know that you’re doing your best, but I guess it’ll still take some time to make them acknowledge these two?”
“…Where does that come from? Why are you asking that?”
“Sorry, but I can’t tell you. Still, please tell me.”
“I have no reason to turn down a request from you.”
An instant answer with a dignified voice. After a short pause, Hijiri made her tone somewhat serious.
“To be honest, it won’t take so much time if it’s just Luna-san. I told you already some time ago that Luna-san is a bit of a strange devil.”
Reminded me, it was around the time when Luna and Nazuna started to have a fight? At that time Hijiri talked to me.
Devils influenced humans for better or worse. From Hijiri’s point of view, there apparently was the possibility that Luna’s influence altered my constitution so that it easily attracted devils.
While I remembered about that, I could hear Hijiri’s voice through the phone.
“There are various means to deal with Luna-san. Even her devil’s influence won’t be a problem as long as you have a talisman. Moreover, Luna-san can live on without sucking people’s blood or life energy. I believe that when you become an exorcist in the future, the organisation will leave Luna-san in your hands. But for Machina-san… it should take some more time.”
“…Because she’s a hybrid devil?”
“That’s right. Machina-san’s power as a devil is high. Kaoru-san is a hybrid devil like Machina-san too, but the organisation treats them like tools.”
While replying to my question, Hijiri gradually dropped her voice.
“I’m trying my best to change that way of the organisation. But I still couldn’t get them to acknowledge Kaoru-san as my family, so…”
“You mean it’s pretty likely the organisation will act?”
“…I’m afraid so. But if comes to that, I’ll definitely protect Machina-san. You’ll do the same then, right? So I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
I appreciated Hijiri’s feelings. However, it couldn’t wipe away Machina’s unrest. Hearing Hijiri’s answer, I opened my mouth, albeit hesitant.
“Hey Hijiri, can’t Sougo-san make them acknowledge Machina either?”
“My dad? Mhm… He certainly might be able to do that. But he quite pushed his claim to let Kaoru-san attend university already. I think his standing in the organisation would be at risk if he were to act for Machina-san now.”
“…I see. Sorry for asking weird questions.”
“I don’t really mind, but… seriously, what’s up, Shinobu-kun?”
Hijiri’s voice had an anxious ring.
“Lately, you look a bit down, Shinobu-kun. Did something happen?”
“…No, nothing.”
“Okay then, but I’ll lend you an ear for anything, grumbling or worries. We’re in a, well, supporting relationship, right? Whatever it is, I won’t consider it annoying when it’s for you. So if something’s the matter, please talk to me any time.”
My heart was inadvertently swayed by that earnest voice. Sure, I might not be able to do handle it on my own. But I got the feeling that it was possible together with Hijiri. It seemed like I had found what I could do for Machina. Therefore, after a short hesitation,
“Hijiri, actually—”
“Ah, sorry, Shinobu-kun. Wait a sec. Looks like my dad came home. I’ll go back to my own roo— Mh? It’s Elni…”
I tried to discuss the matter with her, whereupon Hijiri’s surprised voice spilled through the phone.
I knew that she went out, but why was Elni at Hijiri’s place?
While I was doubtful, Hijiri’s voice became a bit distant, as she was talking with Elni.
“Wh- Why are you with my dad, Elni? Eh? Ah, yeah. I’m on the phone with Shinobu-kun. Ehm, give me a moment.”
Apparently the conversation with Elni ended. Her voice returned to the normal volume.
“Shinobu-kun, Elni wants to speak with you. I’ll pass the phone over to her.”
“Yeah, sure…”
What did she want? Still doubtful, I tilted my head, whereupon Elni’s bright voice reached my ear through the phone right away.
“Yahoo, Shinobu. It’s me.”
“…Why are you over there? What were you doing until now?”
“Actually, Sougo treated me to dinner. I’m dropping by here for a bit on the way home.”
Sougo-san treated you?”
Speaking of, I remembered that previously Sougo-san mentioned that he would like to have dinner with Elni.
But even if she didn’t know about Machina’s circumstances, I wanted Elni to be home at a time like this. I made a small sigh and called out to Elni.
“Hey Elni, you can have dinner with Sougo-san anytime. Right now it’s an important period for Machina. At least have dinner with her at home.”
“…I’m meeting with Sougo specially because it’s an important time for her.”
A complete turn-around from her bright voice. Elni changed her tone into a serious one.
“I was just thinking of calling you, Shinobu. I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me? What is it?”
“It’s important. Sorry, but come to the nearby Midorikawa park. Let’s talk there.”
It might be something she couldn’t tell me over the phone. Elni’s voice was unusually serious. It really must be important. For now I put the discussion with Hijiri on hold. I replied to Elni with “Okay” and hung up, leaving the house right away with my coat on.
Maybe because it was already a bit late?
On my way to the park, I didn’t meet anyone under the moonlight and when I reached the meeting point Midorikawa park, a deathly silence filled the park.
…It was awfully silent. I couldn’t even hear car noises from the neighbourhood and while feeling a bit doubtful, I proceeded deeper in by giving side-glances to the various playground equipments, whereupon Elni’s voice faintly reached my ears.
“…Yeah… I’m fine… I definitely won’t cry… I won’t stop either… It’s for… So, please…”
I couldn’t catch her words well, but when I headed towards the voice, the peacefully flowing small river and the benches around it caught my attention. Elni was sitting on the bench, but… she was talking with someone over the phone for a while now?
Elni held her cell phone in her hands and as soon as she recognized me, she waved her hand a bit and stood up, but as whatever happened to talking with me, she started talking into the cell phone while giving me a side-glance.
“—Fufufu, Machina, I got your beloved Shinobu. If you want him back… Ah, you could tell it was a joke? I see. Actually, I’m at the nearby park together with him.”
Contrary to her joking tone, Elni’s expression was somewhat stiff.
“I think you know it, Machina, the Midorikawa park. If you want, join us on a stroll? There’s something I want to show you. Yeah. Okay, we’ll wait.”
Elni ended the call with a still stiff expression. In regards, I approached her with my head tilted.
“Hey Elni, if you planned to call over Machina from the beginning, why didn’t you tell me about it? Actually, wasn’t it important?”
“I’ll finish that before Machina shows up.”
Replying quietly, Elni looked into my eyes after a short pause and brought up a matter.
“….Seems like Machina will return to the demon realm.”
“You knew?”
I inadvertently widened my eyes.
“I share a room with her, you know?”
Elni continued her words quietly.
“She must have thought I was sleeping. One night before the election even started, Machina was crying alone by muffling her voice. So I vaguely noticed it. I heard it directly from her just the other day.”
Completely breaking her usual smile, Elni bit down on her lips.
“I already knew that she’ll return, yet I couldn’t stop my tears when she told me it. But, I can’t stop her.”
Tightly clenching her fist,
“I knew it… I can’t become her older sister. I just can’t. Even so Machina embraced me and told me happily.”
Elni squeezed out the words with a sad expression.
“That she would always wait until you call her back to the human world. That she promised you and would see us all again. But I don’t need… such a promise. After all, that promise will just become pointless.”
“Don’t say that. To Machina and me, it’s an important promise.”
I interjected softly, whereas Elni shook her head and denied.
“It’s impossible for you to fulfil that promise, Shinobu. Even if you manage to fulfil it, it’ll only pain Machina. That’s why I actually don’t want to do this…”
Slowly breaking off her words,
“—Sorry, Shinobu.”
Elni smiled sadly.
It happened at the same time. Suddenly I heard a sharp wind noise, only to feel a strong impact on my body next. I instantly guarded myself with my arms, but while I rolled over the ground, I saw the Old Man Bram in the sky with his pitch-black wings spread, not knowing how long he had been there.
He slowly descended onto the ground and Elni took her distance from us with her still warped smile.
…What was going on? I didn’t comprehend the situation at all. When I threw him a confused glance, the Old Man raised the corners of his mouth to respond to my doubt.
“I heard most of it from Elni. Seems Machina is quite fixated on you and made some stupid promise with you.”
Heard from Elni? Why did Elni talk to the Old Man? While my doubt grew even greater, I raised my tone a bit to disagree.
“Old Man, I don’t know what you heard from Elni, but stop deciding things on your own. The promise with Machina isn’t stupid.”
“No, it’s beyond stupid. There’s no way a hybrid devil can live in the human world. No matter how much kindness she tries to give them, humans will just betray and hurt her.”
Lightly shaking his head, the Old man continued his words.
“Just like with Satya, she’ll lose something precious again. If that were to happen, Machina wouldn’t be able to recover from it this time. She’s a really weak girl. Before that happens, I’ll take her back to the demon realm right away.”
“…Weren’t you going to wait during the election?”
“Waiting got me this. She made stupid promise with you. Machina can only live in the demon realm. I thought she was aware of it, but seems I was wrong. It’s necessary to remind Machina again what will happen to humans around her.”
“…You want to waste me?”
“I won’t take your life. But be prepared to lose a limb or two. Machina should stop having stupid ideas once she sees you all crippled.”
Stupid ideas…? Anger gradually dwelled up inside me and I shifted my gaze towards Elni.
“Don’t tell me you agree with the Old Man?”
“…Cell phones sure a convenient.”
Holding out the cell phone in her hand, Elni stifled her expression.
“With one of this, I can talk with Bram. I can even arrange a meeting. I told Bram about Machina. This is the best for her. She should just live happily in the demon realm.”
“You want to hurt Machina as well?”
“I just don’t want to hurt her any more than this. I asked Sougo to clear the area. Soon Machina will come here alone. That’ll lead her to see you injured because of her. Then it’s farewell. I don’t think she’ll ever come back to the human world.”
“Don’t screw around, Elni.”
During dinner, Luna had said that Elni often went out somewhere lately, didn’t eat dinner with us for a change either and wouldn’t tell what she was doing.
…Of course she didn’t tell Luna. Because she talked to Bram behind our backs and met with Sougo-san to clear the area, thus plotting to hurt Machina. Before I noticed, my tightly clenched fists started to tremble and I called out to Elni with a cracked voice.
“Why Elni? Why do you—”
“Enough talking. I’ll finish this before Machina shows up.”
Cutting into my words, the Old Man unleashed numerous wind bullets. They came flying at me with a sough.
Unlike the previous time I fought with him, they had an incredible power. Was it the effect from his familiar that mimicked his left arm? The bullets were fast, heavy and endless.
A storm of never-ending bullets hailed down on me. Kept in check and unable to move properly or ward them off, my body was bombed with bullets and I started to feel a sharp pain and heat. But even when I closed the distance while getting hit by the bullets regardless of that, the Old Man spread the wings on his back and played a cat-and-mouse game with me.
…I didn’t see a chance to win. With no time to come up with a tactic, I eventually fell down forward without my fist reaching the Old Man even once, just repeating my rough breath.
The Old Man looked down on me and like torturing me, he slowly attacked my arms, legs and back with bullets. Receiving these continuous attacks, I became unable to bear it and raised a short groan.
“……What’re you doing, Father.”
Machina’s small voice that resembled a shriek reached my ears.
She surely trusted Elni’s call and came because she wanted to treasure the time she had left with us. That was why I didn’t want Machina to see me like this.
Me crawling unsightly on the ground. Even if I tried to somehow get up, I couldn’t muster any strength and while I wanted to crack an usual joke, only a small cough and red drops spilled from my lips instead.
Even so I just formed a smile, whereupon Machina’s expression warped so much that she might start crying any moment.
“Why are you hurting Shinobu? Is this what you wanted to show me, Elni?”
“…Now you should understand, Machina.”
Still stifling her expression, Elni replied quietly.
“Shinobu is weak. He isn’t strong enough to keep the promise with you. You won’t be able to return to the human world. Just think about living happily in the demon realm.”
“Why are you saying that, Elni? Shinobu isn’t weak. He’ll properly keep the promise with me. Shinobu is really strong—”
“Shinobu isn’t strong! If he’s, why’s he crawling on the ground right now! It’s because he’s weak! He doesn’t stand a chance against Bram! There are plenty of exorcists stronger than Shinobu! He can’t protect you as well! He isn’t strong enough to protect everyone!”
Elni’s screaming sounded somewhat like a crying voice.
“Shinobu is actually weak! Even you hurt him before, Machina! He’s just pushing himself to appear strong! Luna and Hijiri try to support him, since he’s like that! But you’re different, Machina!”
Looking into Machina’s eyes, Elni trembled her voices.
“You’re just trying to run away without supporting him! You’re just depending on him by pushing an impossible promise on him! You have no right to stay by his side! Don’t force everything on Shinobu! Don’t make him suffer any more!”
Still trembling her voice, Elni faced her damp eyes towards me.
“Same goes for you, Shinobu! Don’t make a promise you can’t keep! You won’t be able to keep it anyway! Even if you convince the exorcist organisation! Do you know how much time it takes until she comes back to the human world? What will happened to Machina while she keeps waiting all alone?”
Letting tears spill out of her blurred eyes,
“She keeps waiting without seeing the others grow up! When she gets back, everyone will have changed! They will have aged! Once she leaves, there’s no longer a place for her! That’s why such a promise is unnecessary! It’s not needed!”
With a hoarse voice, Elni raised a bitter scream.
“If you can’t do anything about it at the moment! Then don’t disguise it with such a promise! Don’t sadden Machina by tying her down to that promise! You can’t make her happy with it! It’ll just leave a lingering affection! Machina should just live happily in the demon realm! Don’t push yourself when you’re actually so weak!”
…Just like Elni had said, I was weak beyond help. My body was covered with scars in all sizes. It got them from training my body, from not living up to the expectations of my grandfather and father and from matches with other schools.
When we played at the river near the summer house of my grandfather or at the seaside school, Elni had seen the scars on my body. Seeing them, she must have realized too.
That I got scarred because I was weak.
As a matter of fact, my grandfather and father barely had any scars on their bodies, despite having fought many matches with other schools. That made me realize the difference between a genius and an average person. But even as weak as I was, I wanted to protect my precious people and tried to become stronger.
Yet, still weak, I lay on the ground and couldn’t get up. While Elni closed her mouth, the Old Man looked at me.
“Seems Elni is done. Sorry, Nanjou. It’s for Machina’s sake. I’ll crush you like planned. Machina, watch closely. As long as you remain in the human world, the same thing will repeat.”
Along with his words, the Old Man launched wind bullets again. In regards, I just clenched my back teeth without being able to say anything back to him, glaring at the bullets coming at me, whereupon
“Elni, Father, stop saying whatever you want.”
The bullets, coming as far as in front of my eyes, suddenly disappeared with a shrill noise.
Shockwaves had clashed with each other. The wind bullets Machina released cancelled out Bram’s, whirling up a light wind in the perimeter. I widened my eyes a bit and shifted my gaze like that, whereupon Machina looked straight at the Old Man while small tears dwelled up in her amber eyes.
“I love both you and Elni. I know that you’re worried about me. But that’s not a reason to hurt Shinobu! And Shinobu isn’t as weak as Elni makes him out to be!”
Raising a loud voice, Machina shifted her gaze to Elni.
“Sure, Shinobu might have been weak at first. I know that he was called a ‘failure’ like me. But he didn’t give in. He always tried hard to become like his grandfather and father. Specially because he tried so hard while knowing his own weakness, he’s plenty strong and kind now.”
Still facing Elni, Machina filled her tone with affection.
“Shinobu didn’t care that I’m a hybrid devil. He told me that he would protect me. Both Nazuna and he called me family. Because of that I made a promise with him.”
“…Didn’t you just push your own selfish wish onto him?”
Elni objected with trembling lips, whereas Machina replied quietly.
“Might be. But when I return to the human world, I plan to offer my everything to Shinobu. I’ll do anything for him.”
“You plan to keep waiting in a world without Shinobu and the others? You don’t even know how long it’ll take for him to keep the promise.”
“Even so, I don’t mind. Even if my time together with them is short, I just have to do everything I can during it. Even if I should only be able to say good-bye at their dying bed, I’ll give my all for their kids, a new family.”
“…What if something happens to Shinobu while you’re gone?”
“I’m his family. I can rush over from the demon realm any time.”
“What about supporting him like Luna and Hijiri?”
“If it’s within my power, I definitely won’t hesitate to help.”
At some point, the tears disappeared from Machina’s eyes. Replying to Elni with a strong determination in her eyes, she then directed these eyes at the Old Man and decisively said “Therefore,”.
“if you plan to hurt Shinobu any further, I won’t even forgive you, my father.”
“…What can you do?”
Eluding Machina’s eyes, the Old Man declared coldly.
“When Saty was killed by the humans, you couldn’t do anything. You were only shaking. How can you do anything like that?”
“I can. If it’s for Shinobu, I can do anything. Don’t assume I’m the same as in the past. I’m not spoiled anymore.”
“…Why don’t you get it? The promise with Nanjou itself shows that you’re spoiled. You haven’t changed at all from your childhood. Unable to protect what’s precious to you, I only act spoiled.”
“Even I want to protect everyone! But someone might get hurt because of me! That’s why I‘ll return to the demon realm! It’s the only way how I can protect everyone!”
“—Wrong!”
Along with a sharp voice of anger, the Old Man merciless released bullets towards Machina.
“Like Elni said, you’re only running away. Only acting spoiled. As long as you’re like that, you can’t protect anyone.”
Machina was hit by a bullet on her delicate shoulder and was blown off a bit. Glaring down on her, the Old Man declared like spitting out.
“Right now you can’t protect anyone again. Just like in the past. See, nothing has changed. All you can is watch, isn’t it?”
“…No… That’s not true.”
Even while grimacing from the pain, Machina stood up firmly.
And the same time, a wind whirled and numerous wind bullets formed around her. Their count was slightly greater than the ones created by the Old Man. However, the Old Man’s expression still showed composure and he responded by launching his own bullets towards Machina.
…Handicapped from being in the human world, the Old Man might be inferior to Machina in terms of pure power. But there was a difference in experience. The Old Man exceeded Machina by far in handling the power.
Unshrinking firing the bullets into the ground and blocking Machina’s view with a cloud of dust, he used that chance to fly into the sky and release multiple shockwaves. Moreover he gave Machina the run-around by skilfully mixing in feints into his attacks and freely controlled the bullets like they were a part of his body.
…Just what was I doing?
As the battle unfolded, Machina was hit on her shoulders, legs and arms by bullets and each time she was sent flying onto the ground. Even while seeing that, Elni only trembled her clenched fists and didn’t say anything.
Meanwhile, Machina stood up numerous times and didn’t give up, not flickering her amber eyes that still had her strong determination once.
…Why did Machina go so far? Even with her elbows and knees bleeding, she kept getting up staggering… Why? For whom?
The answer was obvious.
“I’ll, protect Shinobu…!”
Triggered by Machina’s words, my whole body filled with strength.
The dark ground I was crawling on was enlightened by the radiant moonlight.
Even now I felt a creaking pain in my body, but my chest was so hot that it didn’t bother me.
Responding to my will, the talisman in my pocket started to glow.
—I had no doubts.
Since my childhood, I had admired my grandfather and father. No matter what scorn I received from others, I kept working hard to be like them. I decided to only fight with the Nanjou school like they had done, no matter what opponent I faced.
That was my obstinacy. Carrying an inferior complex and envying others, I was cheered up and always strengthened by… my precious pride.
But I no longer needed it.
Neither the feeling that had dwelled up within me so far, neither my admiration for my grandfather and father, nor myself that treasured that. I could throw away all of that. I had something more important than that.
My burning hot chest. That was my everything.
—You’re fine as you are, Shinobu.
Suddenly the words Machina told me floated in my head. The heat in my chest increased. This heat instantly spread all over my body. If I didn’t protect Machina now, then when?
Before I noticed it, the pain was gone from my body. Grabbing the talisman, I stood up and kicking the ground I leaped at the Old Man with a roar. As he had already judged me to be unable to move, the Old Man widened his eyes in surprise when he noticed me. But only for a moment.
“Don’t get in the way!”
Without interrupting his battle, the Old Man launched several bullets at me and I immediately erased them by putting strength into the talisman.
Right away the Old Man widened his eyes again, but his attacking hand didn’t falter. The count of the bullets was too great after all. Several bullets suddenly changed their trajectory and came at me from the back. I couldn’t dodge them. While I felt a shiver,
“…Don’t make me repeat myself, Father. I told you that if you hurt Shinobu any further, I wouldn’t forgive you, my father.”
Machina released several shockwaves. They sharply roared and smashed up the bullets that had closed into me without a trace left. …How reliable. Despite this situation, my mouth naturally formed a faint smile. I casually called out to Machina while still smiling.
“Machina, sorry, but can I leave the defence to you?”
“Yeah, sure, Shinobu.”
“Okay, thanks… BadMachicat.”
“SO BAD— wait, what’re you making me do! Don’t joke around at a time like this! Take it serious!”
“My bad. I’m a man that has to joke at all times. Quite cool, isn’t it?”
“…When you take the jokes too far, you’ll lose the affection of my sister.”
“S- Somehow I get the feeling that the Old Man told me something similar before.”
After lightly shrugging my shoulders, I corrected my tone with “Let’s go, Machina” and confronted the Old Man again.
The talisman would probably only last for a couple more times. But when I was with Machina, the Old Man’s bullets were nothing to be afraid of. I broke into a heavy run and closed in to the Old Man.
However the Old Man didn’t allow that and showered me with wind bullets. Shockwaves grazed my body and pierced my left shoulder. But I disregarding my defence without hesitation. The Old Man’s bullet never hit a vital spot. Machina protected me.
The damage was kept to a minimum. I wouldn’t collapse from a trivial bullet. My body, having surpassed his limits once, was filled with heat and wouldn’t stop either.
I closed the distance to the Old Man in less than a few minutes. The Old Man showed impatience in his expression, as he disliked that, and tried to take his distance from me by spreading the wings on his back, but
“—Guh.”
Machina’s launched bullets seized his body and sealed his movements. Not wasting that opening, I stepped in fiercely.
“ROOAAR!”
Driving in the carpus of my right palm with all my might, I thrusted the carpus of my left palm right afterwards, wrecking the insides of his body. Receiving that, the Old Man spitted out blood from his mouth along with a short groan, but this much wouldn’t stop him.
Not to forget his familiar that mimicked his left arm. I considered to pursue him at once, but he was Luna and Machina’s father. When I opened my fist that had grown hesitant,
“—That’s enough! Stop it, Shinobu!”
Elni had watched in silence until now. She raised a screaming-like voice.
Upon that, the Old Man smiled faintly and showed a wry smile while staggering, looking at me with somewhat warm-hearted eyes.
“Geez… What are you stealing the spotlight from Machina for? I thought I had crushed you completely, but just how tough are you? Why did you stood up again?”
“To crush you, of course.”
“Haha, are you really human? You stood up after eating my attacks and even used a talisman in the end. Truly a man that goes against my expectations.”
Showing a smile for a change, the Old Man slowly shifted his gaze towards Machina.
“…This time you managed to protect it, Machina.”
The Old Man showed a soft smile. When I saw him like that, it seemed like he wished for this outcome and while I was doubtful, Elni interjected softly.
“From the beginning, Bram had no intentions to take Machina back to the demon realm either. He was just waiting for Machina to rebel against him. That’s all.”
“Me, rebel? What do you mean, Father? You hurt Shinobu for such a reason?”
Unable to comprehend the situation like me coupled with some anger, Machina made her tone rigid, whereupon the Old Man made a small sigh and explained.
“Remember how I was against it when you tried to chase after Luna to the human world? I thought you would come back right away anyway. However, while I read the letters you sent me, I came to reconsider my opinion before noticing it. Your letters were… filled with a lot of sentiments.”
Narrowing his eyes somewhat gentle, the Old Man continued softly.
“A strange human that said he would protect me, a hybrid devil. My beloved sister is by my side. I came to think of the stupid girl I hated at first as an older sister too. There’s an existence like an adorable and lovely little sister. Likewise a mother figure that supports everyone. All of them treat me like a family. I even managed to get friends…”
Indifferent to the lightly blushing Machina, the Old Man slowly quoted the contents of the letters.
Like the Old Man had said, the letters overflowed with feelings towards Luna, Elni, Nazuna, my mother, Hijiri Kaorun and me. While Machina turned more and more red, the Old Man declared quietly after stopping his words once.
“Machina, you’re indeed a devil. But you have humans staying by your side that don’t mind that fact just like Satya. While you’re surrounding by such people, just what are you doing? As soon as you got to know that the exorcist organisation doesn’t acknowledge you, you sent me a stupid letter asking if it were better to return to the demon realm. Have you forgotten what Satya taught you?”
“…I have not, forgotten it. Treat everyone kindly. Become strong enough to protect everyone. Then everyone will return the kindness— See?”
When Machina spoke out her mother’s words, the Old Man nodded satisfied.
“They returned the kindness to you, didn’t they? You have changed. As you are right now, you can live on in the human world. Just as Satya had predicted.”
“…Mother did?”
“Yeah, when you were still a baby, she often said: Machina is a hybrid devil, neither devil or human. But depending on herself, she can become either devil or human. I believe one day there will be people that accept Machina as their family.”
“But I still…”
“I won’t allow you to return to the demon realm, Machina. Protect your own place by yourself. In the human world, you have powers on par with mine. Nanjou shouldn’t have been able to defeat me on his own. But you were there. You protected him. This time you were able to pull it off, right?”
Machina hesitated to speak, whereas the Old Man spun his words softly.
“From now on, you just have to keep protecting everyone like that. Even if something happens, you just have to be strong enough to protect your home. Don’t let Nanjou push himself on his own. Don’t run away resigned. What’s the use of only getting protect when you actually have the power? Are you fine with that?”
“That’s…”
“…Well, in the past I was just like you. I once bid my farewell to Satya. Then she scolded me with ‘Life without you has no meaning’, ‘I will protect you’ and ‘So please protect me as well’.”
The Old Man smiled dearly, yet somewhat sad.
“In the end I couldn’t protect her, but I don’t regret staying with her. A human life is short. If you leave them now, you’ll regret it.”
“…You think I can protect them?”
“You won’t end up like me. You’re blessed with good friends and a wonderful family. Nanjou is with you. It quite irritates me, but as long as you have him, there won’t be a problem.”
Hearing the Old Man’s feeling, Machina faltered a bit and looked at me.
I had already decided what to tell her.
“Machina, stay here. I don’t want to lose you. One day I’ll be strong enough to protect you, protect everyone. So stay here until then. Can you protect everyone together with me?”
When I firmly strained my voice to convey my feelings, tears dwelled up in Machina’s eyes and during that, Elni, who had watched over us, softly opened her mouth.
“Machina, you don’t need to worry about the exorcist organisation. I asked a favour of Sougo. He should be working on making them acknowledge you. I’m sure he can pull it off. So you can rest assured.”
“…Sougo-san is going to such length?”
Certainly a bit surprised, I shifted my gaze to Elni.
“If Sougo-san acts now, his position will…”
“I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Sougo apparently considers to retire soon. He plans to leave all family matters to Hijiri.”
“…Is that so?”
“I think he’s lying out of consideration to me. Sougo is an important friend. Even when he’s avoiding me, he listens to any request of me. I feel bad about it, but it’s for Machina’s sake. I had no time to waste.”
While saying so, Elni knitted her eyebrows and showed an expression close to tears.
“Sorry, Shinbou, Machina. I said all these cruel things to you two. But I didn’t think I could change Machina’s mind otherwise. I’m really sorry.”
Blurring her big eyes with tears, Elni spilled numerous apologies.
In regards, Machina and I looked at each other, then each replied to Elni with a smile.
“Elni, there’s no need to apologize. If anything, I’m grateful to you.”
“Exactly. Thanks to you and my father, I was able to notice my mistake. I couldn’t have noticed it on my own, but… I was indeed running away.”
With a clear and soft expression,
“But I won’t falter anymore. I’ll stay with everyone. I’ll protect them too. That includes you of course, Elni.”
Machina filled her tone with warmth and smiled at Elni.
“Thanks for taking up this hard role for my sake, as I was lost. Also thanks for even handling the exorcist organisation. Thank you for always staying with me and supporting me. I really… love you, Elni.”
“…These words alone… are enough for me.”
Even while trembling her body, Elni held back her tears and smiled.
Amidst that, the Old Man, watching us, made a deep sigh and opened his mouth.
“Still, I didn’t expect it to take so much time. Originally the plan was to urge Machina to return to the demon realm, which would make Nanjou flare up at me. Then I would crush him, which would make Machina challenge me. Lastly I tell Machina if she had forgotten Satya’s teaching. Yet…”
Making another sigh and throwing a glance at me, the Old Man continued his grumbling.
“Your sister unexpectedly flared up at me, Machina got a chocker from you while I waited and in the end you even exchanged an annoying promise. Good grief… Who knows what would happened without Elni.”
…The Old Man had worried a lot about Machina as well.
Now I felt bad for hitting him. Embracing that guilt, I suddenly felt a doubt and called out to Elni.
“Still, I’m surprised you could tell what the Old Man was thinking.”
“Remember how I said quite while ago that Bram had a guardian spirit? That guardian spirit is his wife. When Bram came over, I heard most of the circumstances from her. But Bram’s plan wasn’t proceeding as he wanted…”
“So you helped him out, huh.”
…Speaking of, Elni had said that she needed to talk to Satya when Bram came over to our house. Since then, Elni knew of the Old Man’s feelings.
But Machina had strengthened her resolve to return to the demon realm, so Elni had to do something and while she felt bad about it, she had asked Sougo-san for help and even played the scapegoat to make Machina notice something important.
“…Thanks, Elni.”
Naturally relaxing my cheeks, I gently petted Elni’s head, then looked at the Old Man.
“All that earlier was an act by you and Elni, right? For that you were rather serious. Hold back a bit, seriously.”
As I relaxed from the relief, my body suddenly started to hurt. I got all dizzy. I must have long crossed my limit. Impressive that I could endure it for so long. I had given him somewhat barbed words, but
“I went easy, but just on Machina. For you it’s different.”
The Old Man smoked the cigarette he had taken out and replied grumpy for some reason.
“I’m giving both my daughters to you, so bear with it.”
“…Both daughters? What do you mean?”
“Looks like you don’t know it. I’ll use this opportunity to enlighten the idiot. The chokers Luna and Machina wear around their neck has a special meaning for female devils.”
“Aren’t they just an accessory?”
“No. To say it in human terms, it’s… like an engagement ring. Machina put it on and said she would wait forever for you calling her back to the human world. Even with maggots in your brain, you should know what that means.”
“…From the shock, I stopped thinking…”
“Don’t! Keep thinking! Why are you closing your eyes! Hey! Are you listen… Mh? Did he, faint?”
“Sh- Shinobu! What’s up? Are you okay? Hang in there… Yeah, he isn’t responding at all. Wh- Wha- What do we do, Elni!”
“C- Ca- Calm down, Machina! Panicking won’t solve anything! I’m sure he’s just tired from using the unfamiliar talisman! For now, an ambulance! We have to call an ambulance!”
“…Nanjou won’t kick the bucket so easily. Settle down, you two. It doesn’t look like his life is in danger. Okay, I’ll carry him back— Guh! H- He just hit me! He’s actually awake, isn’t he!”
No, I was already done for. My consciousness was hazy. My body was as heavy as lead. While hearing everyone’s panicked and bright voices, I relieved let go off my consciousness…
* * *
Brilliant silver twintails in the corner of my vision. Whatever she was making, Elni was busily working on something on the table in my room. After giving her glance while I lie on my bed, I looked at the bandages around my arms and legs and sighed.
Scratches, lacerations, sprains and bruises. I didn’t break any bones, but my body still hurt all over.
That probably was the reason for the others, with Luna at the centre, to forbid me to go out as soon as they saw my wounds after the fight with the Old Man Bram.
By the way, afterwards the Old Man left with the words that he would stay in the human world until the selection ended, but that aside now.
An early afternoon, where I originally was supposed to attend class at school. Because of my house arrest, I couldn’t help with the election campaign and spent my time completely bored on my bed.
Of course I understood that they worried about me.
The past few days, Luna nursed me non-stop, but she couldn’t take off from her part-time job forever. Today Luna left the role of watching over me to Elni and went to her part-time job earlier. Fortunately my mother was out of the house too.
…Now was the only chance to slip out. Lazing around like this for days would make my body dull. Elni was still busy. I called out to her with a casual tone.
“Hey Elni, wanna go play for a bit now? If you want, I’ll treat you to something. It’s cold, so how about some Taiyaki?”
“Muh, I’ll never react to bribes!”
Stopping her work, Elni frowned a bit.
“You’re gravely injured, Shinobu. You properly have to rest. I mean, once you’re outside, you’ll just train your body again behind my back anyway.”
“I want to challenge my limits. I’m at an age where I prefer danger over boredom.”
“If you want danger so bad, kiss Kaorun in front of Luna.”
“Wh- What a dreadful thing to suggest…”
While I was inadvertently overwhelmed, Elni suddenly made a face close to tears and said.
“…You got injured because of me. Even if it was for Machina’s sake, I made you go over your limits. I’m really sorry. I know it must be hard not being able to help Machina with her election. But please, don’t overdo it… any more with that body.”
“O- Okay. I definitely won’t go outside. I’ll rest at home. I can even promise you that. So from my side as well, please, don’t make such a face.”
Elni looked like she would cry any moment. She must have felt responsible. Elni’s tears were as powerful as Luna’s smile. I gave up and laid down on the bed, whereupon Elni made a sigh of relief and immersed herself in her work again. While watching her absent-minded, I asked nonchalant.
“Elni, what are you doing there?”
“This? It’s a bracelet made from beads. It’s my power and feelings in it, so won’t just be an accessory, but a good charm.”
“You have really skilled fingers. By the way, what kind of effect has that charm?”
“Well, if you put it on, you will no longer be under a devil’s influence. It’s way more powerful than a talisman.”
Her tone was bright, but I got the feeling that her expression looked somewhat clouded.
“Luna seems to a slightly unusual devil. By staying with her for long, her devil’s influence can affect people’s constitutions. But with this charm, there shouldn’t arise any problems. I’ll make a lot of it and give them to Luna and you.”
“…I see. Thanks, Elni. I’m sure Luna’ll appreciate it too.”
“After all that’s all I can do.”
Indeed dropping a shadow over her expression, Elni resumed her work. For a while I watched her, but since I was bored, I took out my textbooks and killed time with studying. Before long the evening sun shone in through the window.
…Already this late, huh. I was still bored to no end, whereupon there was suddenly a knock on the door and Machina showed up in her school uniform, as she had just returned from school.
Upon that, Elni stopped her work and stood up.
“Machina, my anime starts now, so look after Shinobu in my stead in the meantime.”
“Yeah, okay, Elni. Take your time. I have to talk to Shinobu for a bit.”
Nodding and replying to the leaving Elni, Machina faced me. In regards, I lightly scratched my head and called out to her.
“Sorry, Machina. It’s an important period, but I can’t help out with the campaign…”
“You don’t have to worry about that. You helped me plenty already. Rest assured, I’ll definitely get elected.”
Her amber eyes were filled with a confidence that fascinated me. Still looking at me with these eyes, Machina came over to the bed and sat down besides me. And after she showed a hesitating behaviour, she timidly started talking.
“Hey Shinobu, on a different note, there’s actually something I wanted to tell you for a while.”
“Tell me? I believe my zipper is properly closed.”
“Th- That’s not it. Listen seriously. It’s really important…”
Sort of flushing her cheeks, Machina brought her face closer to me.
“I felt bad for my sister, so I always worried about it. I kept it vague the whole time. But I can’t hold it in anymore, so I’ll tell you properly.”
Flushing her smooth cheeks even more, Machina looked at me with somewhat damp eyes and slowly mixed her tone with affection.
“I love you, Shinobu. Not as a family, but I love you as a man.”
“…I- Is, Is that so?”
“Yes. I have a strong desire to monopolize, but with you I can endure it. The demon realm has polygamy anyway. If it’s not too much trouble for you, give me a lot of affection too, like with my sister.”
…The chokers I gave Luna and Machina. To female devils they were like an engagement ring. Since I heard that from the Old Man, I had pictured it to myself to some extent.
But being told directly again was indeed a great shock and unable to say anything, I opened and closed my mouth like a goldfish gasping for air, whereupon
“I love you, Shinobu.”
While forming a faint smile with her red cheeks, Machina brought her pink well-formed lips closer.
“Unless you’re against it, I’ll stay with you forever.”
With a really charming smile that captivated me, she slowly stole my lips gently… but this development was bad.
I would never chase Machina away from now on. Plus, the demon realm had polygamy. I got the feeling that as long Machina kept that value, she would never back down. That was what I thought from seeing her bright smile.
…But what was I supposed to do? Still unable to respond to Machina, I was greatly perplexed internal and made a big sigh in my heart…
* * *
The last day of the student council election. The election campaign with the concentrated effort of the whole class would come to an end today at last, but… would Machina really be fine?
All students assembled in the gym to hear the speeches of the candidates. Inside the gym were the support speeches and speeches from the candidates themselves held. As for Machina,
“I, I just have to read from the script. I’ll work out. It’ll be fine…”
For a while now, Machina was restlessly mumbling to herself with the script for her speech in one hand at the back of the wing of the stage. But that might be understandable.
Machina’s speech was the last. Furthermore, right after the current Vice-President, Himuro-san. She must have felt all kinds of pressure from going out after her biggest rival.
I exchanged a look with Hijiri, who stood besides Machina, then we both softly called out to her to reduce her nervousness even a bit.
“Ehm, Machina-san, for starters, take a deep breath.”
“Right. You better calm… Mh?”
Somehow I got the feeling that I saw Kaorun and Elni in the corner of my vision. I thought I was mistaken, but it really were them. Both of them fairly wore our school uniform and approached in my direction like it goes without saying.
“Wh- Why are you here, Elni, Kaoru?”
“You need to ask? We’re here to cheer for you.”
“I agree with Elni-san. After all it is your gala occasion.”
Elni and Kaorun each replied with a smile, whereupon
“”E- Elni-chan, Kaoru-san, please do not leave me behind.”
The familiar beautiful voice reached my ears, then Luna showed up in the wing of the stage this time. Like the other two, she was dressed in the school uniform and as soon as she noticed me, she came rushing over with a smile, but tripped midway with a “Kyaa”.
“Y- You sure trip on even grounds sometimes…”
When I reached out my hand to her with “Are you okay?” and a wry smile, Luna blushed.
“S- Somehow, even I got nervous. Uhm, sorry…”
She took my hand and stood up, shifting her gaze to Machina with still red cheeks.
“Machina, please be careful that you do not trip like I did.”
S- Surely Machina wouldn’t trip as well… When I thought that, Kaorun and Elni clapped her hands for whatever reason after hearing Luna’s words.
“I have hit on an idea. What do you say about going for a gag by tripping in front of the audience? I believe it will be well received.”
“I agree with Kaorun. Listen Machina, it shouldn’t look played. Like you Luna, you have to pretend to trip naturally.”
“Ehm, I was not pretending to trip, you know? I do no really know how, but sometimes I just trip. I wonder why?”
Luna aside, who tilted her head sadly, Kaorun and Elni were most likely joking like always to ease Machina’s nervousness. The two shifted their gaze to Hijiri and cracked another joke with a smile.
“Therefore, Hijiri-chan, please trip before your speech as well.”
“Yeah, a so called repetitive gag. That’ll be perfect.”
“Ehm, that’s embarrassing, so I would like to do it normally…”
The troubled Hijiri showed a wry smile, whereupon Machina giggled.
“Thanks for coming to cheer me on, Sister, Elni, Kaoaru. I’m fine now.”
Apparently the jokes did the trick. Machina regained her usual composure and a bit later Hijiri got on the stage and held her support stage. While we all watched over her, Machina suddenly faced me and handed me the script for the speech she was holding.
“Shinobu, hold on it for me.”
“Mh? You don’t need it? I’m sure you have memorized it, but wouldn’t it be better to take it with you just in case? Won’t you be in trouble if you get stuck?”
“I feel bad for everyone that helped me on it, but I don’t need that script anymore. It’s full of promises and official stances, but none of my feelings.”
Showing a gentle smile,
“I properly want to convey my feelings to everyone. I think that’s more important than any promises. Though it’s certainly embarrassing…”
She slowly reached out her hand towards me.
“I’ll give it my all, so take a good look at me, Shinobu.”
Dearly touching my cheeks with her soft palm, Machina slowly and confident got onto the stage after Hijiri’s speech ended while Luna, Elni and Kaorun cheered her on with “Good luck”.
Upon that, the looks from all students were concentrated on Machina, but she didn’t show any nervousness and after a short pause, she calmly started talking through the prepared microphone.
“To begin with, I have to apologize to all of you. When I transferred into this school, I hated everyone, be it my classmates, other students or the teachers.”
…Wh- What a thing to say first. On this unexpected utterance, the students started to make a ruckus at once too. I inadvertently panicked, but Machina’s expression didn’t sway. While her amber eyes were filled with a strong will, she continued her speech by raising her voice a bit.
“In my childhood I was betrayed by my friends and lost a precious person. That’s why I came to hate people, refused to trust them ever again and was called a ’failure’ at my new place, but I told myself that I would never return to that previous place.”
Surely the new place meant the demon realm.
“So when I transferred here, I thought I would get betrayed again and kept hating everyone. But over time I met various people and made friends and a new family. They all reminded me of something important.”
Filling her calm tone with warmth,
“—Treat everyone kindly. Become strong enough to protect everyone. Then everyone will return the kindness.”
Proudly throwing out her chest,
“That’s what my mother taught me. Just like my mother had said, everyone, not just my family, return the kindness to me. They worked hard for my sake. Thank you so much, Shinobu, Sister, Elni, Nazuna, Tomoe-san, Hijiri, Kaoru, Minami, Asada, Katagiri…”
Speaking out not just our names, but from all classmates, Machina dyed her cheeks in a rose-colour and smiled.
“I think I could change a bit by spending time with everyone. Before I noticed it, I had fallen in love with this school. I loved it so much that I was embarrassed about myself for hating everyone before.”
The ruckus of the students completely died out at some point and drawn in my Machina’s smile, they all closed their mouths, just looking at her fascinated.
“I want to get along with everyone even better. I want to be strong enough to protect everyone. This time I properly want to live at this place that I once fled before. I want to improve this school that has all these people dear to me, so I’ll devote my everything to it.”
After speaking out her strong feelings, Machina took a small breath and showed a wry smile.
“I’m sorry. I can’t express it well and might not have gotten my point across, but thank your for listening until the end despite that.”
When Machina finished her speech along with a deep bow, a small applause sounded from here and there and very fast that applause grew louder, echoing through the whole gym. Seeing that, Machina flustered turned bright red.
“Orangelo-san! I love you too!” “I love you tooo!” “I’ll definitely vote for you!” “If it’s you, Orangelo-san, I can count you unworried!” “Liven up the school!” “If you ever have any troubles, I’ll help out!”
Even though the voting wasn’t over yet, other students besides our classmates raised loud voices too, evoking an heartfelt cheering. Watching everyone with her eyes wide open, Machina started to show tears in her eyes before long.
On the other hand, Luna, Hijiri and Kaorun watched over Machina from the wing of the stage. All of them were smiling faintly, but
“…Machina is fine now… With that I too can…”
Unlike everyone else, only Elni filled her smile with sadness.
I was a bit concerned, but Elni showed smiling face right afterwards and rushed over to Machina, who came down from the stage, so in the end I couldn’t say anything…
The speeches were over and I was on my way back from the toilet. I walked down the passage all alone, whereupon I was suddenly called out with “Nanjou”. When I shifted my vision to the familiar sharp voice, there stood the Old Man dressed in a black suit.
…He probably came to hear Machina’s speech too.
While I was a bit surprised about his sudden appearance though, the Old Man beckoned me with his index finger, still looking at me. When I set out in response, the Old Man moved to the back of the school building with me, as wanted to avoid the public eye. On the way, the Old Man smiled somewhat satisfied and hooked on by that, I also smiled faintly and opened my mouth.
“Hey Old Man, what do you say about Machina’s speech?”
“…It was quite good.”
Replying with a firm nod, the Old Man brightened his smile and looked at me.
“Nanjou, it’s about time I head back to the demon realm, but I’m indebted to you. Before I leave, I want to thank you and make up for it.”
“Amends alone will suffice. For starters, put your love in it and call me ‘Shinobu-sama’.”
“…I’m not gonna play along with your jokes.”
Replying wearily, the Old Man dropped his voice a bit.
“This time I wasn’t just indebted to you, but to Elni for various things as well. So I have to listen to a request of hers now. I’ll make it up to you after that.”
“A request from Elni?”
“I can’t tell you any more. Elni forbid me to. But in time, you’ll understand.”
Filling his expression somewhat with sadness,
“I’m entrusting Luna and Machina to you. I have no concerns when it’s you. Just, be nice to Elni too. She’s a really… lonely girl.”
Leaving behind some profound words, the Old Man turned his back to me like that.
“Hey Old Man, what do you mean by that? Is something up with Elni?”
“…I said I can’t tell you.”
“I get it. Nothing I can do then. Anyway, don’t you need to speak with Luna and Machina? You’re leaving now, right?”
On my question, the Old Man took out his cell phone with his back still to me and replied.
“With this, I can talk to them anytime. No problems at all. Besides, I can’t forget the exorcists. I’ll leave at once, but”
Slowly interrupting his words,
“Don’t make my girls cry… Shinobu.”
The Old Man showed a somewhat peaceful expression and softly called my name.
After I gave my farewell to the Old Man by lightly waving my hand, I remained at the spot for a while and kept thinking by myself. Just what did Elni ask of the Old Man…?
Chapter 04: To the People I once hated so much
It could be that Machina was always trying to make memories.
I figured that she wanted to treasure the remaining time with us and stay with us as much as possible, so she became strangely kind, stopped being angry and resorted to physical contact. The reason she pretended to be under hypnosis surely was so that she could act spoiled with us at long last.
I didn’t notice that. I couldn’t notice what was troubling Machina. I had faith that Machina was stronger than me and thus tried hard to become like her mother to be able to live in the human world. I believed that…
However, it seems like Machina will go back to the demon realm by her own will, like the Old Man Bram said.
Ever since I came to know about that the other day after school, I couldn’t properly help her in creating memories anymore.
Once the election ends… Machina will leave.
With only that thought in my head, I couldn’t put my back into the election campaign in the last few days. When I talked with Machina, my smile became stiff. No matter how hard I suppressed it, my chest wouldn’t stop hurting and I couldn’t even crack my usual jokes, yet alone pet her head.
Soon Machina will return to the demon realm.
The others probably hadn’t heard about it from Machina yet.
Dinner time in our house. I couldn’t see Elni today, but Luna, Nazuna, my mother and Machina’s smiling faces filled the dining kitchen like always.
While eating, Machina showed a gentle smile and enjoyed a chit-chat with the others, calling out soft to Nazuna.
“Hey Nazuna, shall I give you a bit of my side dish?”
“Eh? I’m happy about it, but you don’t really need to, Machina-oneechan.”
“You like the fried ones, right? Here, open up wide~”
When Machina put the fried side-dish into Nazuna’s mouth, my mother interjected playful.
“Lately Machina-chan sure has lost the ‘Tsun’ of her Tsundere.”
“T- Tomoe-san, I’m not a Tsundere. I’m, well, Nazuna’s older sister, right? That’s why, ehm… this much is natural.”
Machina flushed her cheeks a bit. Seeing that, Luna giggled, whereas only I bit down on my lips. Noticing me, Machina smiled a little bit sad, then suddenly shifted her gaze to the empty seat at the table.
“Anyway, I wonder where Elni went…”
“Mhm~ I am not sure about that.”
On Machina’s words, Luna lightly tilted her head.
“Just in case she called me that she does not need dinner, but she did not tell me where she was. Besides, Elni-chan often goes out in the morning lately.”
“Really? She didn’t stay at home like always?”
Machina asked puzzled, whereas Luna softly shook her head and replied.
“She would be back before you two came home. But while she usually ate dinner here, she now is away until dinner and will not say a word about what she is doing.”
“That’s unusual. I really wonder what she’s doing.”
Giving Luna such an agreeable response
“Somehow, the dinner feels a bit weird without Elni.”
and staring at Elni’s empty seat,
“…With only one less, it already becomes like this…”
Machina said isolated while flickering her eyes a bit, yet keeping her smile.
In time my own lips started to tremble by watching her. I slugged down my dinner and returned to my room.
Machina likely didn’t tell the others about it, because she wanted to keep seeing their smiles until the separation.
But she told me about it. Told me before anyone else. She conveyed her feelings to me. Told the weak me “You’re fine as you are” and “I love you”.
I could do nothing but give her an awkward smile.
…Was that all I could do?
I wanted to protected her, I told her that I would protect her, but could I only watch over her, unable to wipe away her unrest?
I wouldn’t mind stopping Machina, even if it shoul make the exorcists my enemy. But it was different for Machina. She was afraid of dragging her family into conflicts because of her. As long as that fear remained, she might not be able to live in the human world.
Before I noticed it, I had sat down on my bed and kept staring at the talisman in my hand.
If I become an exorcist in the future and struggle my way up to the top of the organisation, then I could make them acknowledge Luna and Machina.
Machina was wishing for that too. And in turn I promised it.
But how many years would it take to fulfil that promise?
Previously when Hijiri watched over my training, she told me I had a talent for it.
True enough I might have been born with a talent for an exorcist’s power, even though I had none for martial arts. I could already simply move around the talisman, which was said to take a lot of time to master. Probably I was even able to use it during a fight.
Still, even so it wasn’t an easy feast to climb up within the organisation.
In fact, Hijiri couldn’t make them acknowledge Luna and Machina yet. Even if I were to cooperate with her, it probably would take a couple of decades until we persuaded the organisation.
During that time, what would happen to Machina? She finally got closer to the classmates, yet she’ll have to let go of that, just keep the memories of her family with her and continue to wait in the demon realm without us the whole time while trusting in the promise with me?
I wouldn’t be able to bear that. I didn’t want to give up. Didn’t want to let go of Machina.
Therefore I kept thinking about a way to let Machina stay in the human world, but regretfully time only passed by without me coming up with anything and since I wanted to know more about the exorcist organisation now, I called Hijiri after a moment of pondering.
Shoving the talisman I was holding into my pocket, I then took out my cell phone, but Hijiri just wouldn’t pick up her phone and when I thought about trying again later, I could hear Hijiri’s voice with “Sorry that it took so long” through the phone.
“You need something, Shinobu-kun?”
“…Yeah, I want to talk about something. You got time right now? I can call again later if you’re busy. You were occupied, right?”
“It’s okay. I only carried Kaoru-san to her bed together with Shuu-kun.”
Shuu-kun was the name of Hijiri’s little brother. But why did she carry Kaorun to her bed together with him?
“Is Kaorun sick?”
“Not quite. You know, she worked really enthusiastic for Machina-san’s election campaign. I think she’s tired from that coupled with her house chores. Until just now we were working on the support speech, but she fell asleep midway.”
“…You’re not tired, Hijiri? You also have your hands full with the exorcist job, right?”
“I’m fine. Sometimes I certainly feel tired, but it’s not worth mentioning. Same for Kaoru-san. No matter how tired she was from the campaign, she didn’t complain even once. Normally she would joke about her dissatisfaction, but for a change she didn’t even do that.”
With a peaceful tone, Hijiri continued softly.
“I’m sure Kaoru-san likes Machina-san as much as I do. Machina-san has to return to the demon realm when she doesn’t get elected, right?”
Neither Hijiri, nor Kaorun didn’t know yet that Machina would return on to the demon realm out of her own will.
“Machina-san is a precious friend to both Kaoru-san and me. So we’ll do anything possible to us. Tiredness is immaterial.”
“…Thanks. Machina’ll be happy to hear that too.”
Hijiri ignorant to the actual situation. Her warm-hearted words tightly corded up my chest, but suppressing the trembling in my voice, I calmly started talking.
“Hijiri, I called you today because I wanted to ask something.”
“Ask something? What is it?”
“It’s about the exorcist organisation. Something has been on my mind. Well…”
After a small pause, I continued my words.
“They’re still cautious of Luna and Machina, right? Of course I know that you’re doing your best, but I guess it’ll still take some time to make them acknowledge these two?”
“…Where does that come from? Why are you asking that?”
“Sorry, but I can’t tell you. Still, please tell me.”
“I have no reason to turn down a request from you.”
An instant answer with a dignified voice. After a short pause, Hijiri made her tone somewhat serious.
“To be honest, it won’t take so much time if it’s just Luna-san. I told you already some time ago that Luna-san is a bit of a strange devil.”
Reminded me, it was around the time when Luna and Nazuna started to have a fight? At that time Hijiri talked to me.
Devils influenced humans for better or worse. From Hijiri’s point of view, there apparently was the possibility that Luna’s influence altered my constitution so that it easily attracted devils.
While I remembered about that, I could hear Hijiri’s voice through the phone.
“There are various means to deal with Luna-san. Even her devil’s influence won’t be a problem as long as you have a talisman. Moreover, Luna-san can live on without sucking people’s blood or life energy. I believe that when you become an exorcist in the future, the organisation will leave Luna-san in your hands. But for Machina-san… it should take some more time.”
“…Because she’s a hybrid devil?”
“That’s right. Machina-san’s power as a devil is high. Kaoru-san is a hybrid devil like Machina-san too, but the organisation treats them like tools.”
While replying to my question, Hijiri gradually dropped her voice.
“I’m trying my best to change that way of the organisation. But I still couldn’t get them to acknowledge Kaoru-san as my family, so…”
“You mean it’s pretty likely the organisation will act?”
“…I’m afraid so. But if comes to that, I’ll definitely protect Machina-san. You’ll do the same then, right? So I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
I appreciated Hijiri’s feelings. However, it couldn’t wipe away Machina’s unrest. Hearing Hijiri’s answer, I opened my mouth, albeit hesitant.
“Hey Hijiri, can’t Sougo-san make them acknowledge Machina either?”
“My dad? Mhm… He certainly might be able to do that. But he quite pushed his claim to let Kaoru-san attend university already. I think his standing in the organisation would be at risk if he were to act for Machina-san now.”
“…I see. Sorry for asking weird questions.”
“I don’t really mind, but… seriously, what’s up, Shinobu-kun?”
Hijiri’s voice had an anxious ring.
“Lately, you look a bit down, Shinobu-kun. Did something happen?”
“…No, nothing.”
“Okay then, but I’ll lend you an ear for anything, grumbling or worries. We’re in a, well, supporting relationship, right? Whatever it is, I won’t consider it annoying when it’s for you. So if something’s the matter, please talk to me any time.”
My heart was inadvertently swayed by that earnest voice. Sure, I might not be able to do handle it on my own. But I got the feeling that it was possible together with Hijiri. It seemed like I had found what I could do for Machina. Therefore, after a short hesitation,
“Hijiri, actually—”
“Ah, sorry, Shinobu-kun. Wait a sec. Looks like my dad came home. I’ll go back to my own roo— Mh? It’s Elni…”
I tried to discuss the matter with her, whereupon Hijiri’s surprised voice spilled through the phone.
I knew that she went out, but why was Elni at Hijiri’s place?
While I was doubtful, Hijiri’s voice became a bit distant, as she was talking with Elni.
“Wh- Why are you with my dad, Elni? Eh? Ah, yeah. I’m on the phone with Shinobu-kun. Ehm, give me a moment.”
Apparently the conversation with Elni ended. Her voice returned to the normal volume.
“Shinobu-kun, Elni wants to speak with you. I’ll pass the phone over to her.”
“Yeah, sure…”
What did she want? Still doubtful, I tilted my head, whereupon Elni’s bright voice reached my ear through the phone right away.
“Yahoo, Shinobu. It’s me.”
“…Why are you over there? What were you doing until now?”
“Actually, Sougo treated me to dinner. I’m dropping by here for a bit on the way home.”
Sougo-san treated you?”
Speaking of, I remembered that previously Sougo-san mentioned that he would like to have dinner with Elni.
But even if she didn’t know about Machina’s circumstances, I wanted Elni to be home at a time like this. I made a small sigh and called out to Elni.
“Hey Elni, you can have dinner with Sougo-san anytime. Right now it’s an important period for Machina. At least have dinner with her at home.”
“…I’m meeting with Sougo specially because it’s an important time for her.”
A complete turn-around from her bright voice. Elni changed her tone into a serious one.
“I was just thinking of calling you, Shinobu. I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me? What is it?”
“It’s important. Sorry, but come to the nearby Midorikawa park. Let’s talk there.”
It might be something she couldn’t tell me over the phone. Elni’s voice was unusually serious. It really must be important. For now I put the discussion with Hijiri on hold. I replied to Elni with “Okay” and hung up, leaving the house right away with my coat on.
Maybe because it was already a bit late?
On my way to the park, I didn’t meet anyone under the moonlight and when I reached the meeting point Midorikawa park, a deathly silence filled the park.
…It was awfully silent. I couldn’t even hear car noises from the neighbourhood and while feeling a bit doubtful, I proceeded deeper in by giving side-glances to the various playground equipments, whereupon Elni’s voice faintly reached my ears.
“…Yeah… I’m fine… I definitely won’t cry… I won’t stop either… It’s for… So, please…”
I couldn’t catch her words well, but when I headed towards the voice, the peacefully flowing small river and the benches around it caught my attention. Elni was sitting on the bench, but… she was talking with someone over the phone for a while now?
Elni held her cell phone in her hands and as soon as she recognized me, she waved her hand a bit and stood up, but as whatever happened to talking with me, she started talking into the cell phone while giving me a side-glance.
“—Fufufu, Machina, I got your beloved Shinobu. If you want him back… Ah, you could tell it was a joke? I see. Actually, I’m at the nearby park together with him.”
Contrary to her joking tone, Elni’s expression was somewhat stiff.
“I think you know it, Machina, the Midorikawa park. If you want, join us on a stroll? There’s something I want to show you. Yeah. Okay, we’ll wait.”
Elni ended the call with a still stiff expression. In regards, I approached her with my head tilted.
“Hey Elni, if you planned to call over Machina from the beginning, why didn’t you tell me about it? Actually, wasn’t it important?”
“I’ll finish that before Machina shows up.”
Replying quietly, Elni looked into my eyes after a short pause and brought up a matter.
“….Seems like Machina will return to the demon realm.”
“You knew?”
I inadvertently widened my eyes.
“I share a room with her, you know?”
Elni continued her words quietly.
“She must have thought I was sleeping. One night before the election even started, Machina was crying alone by muffling her voice. So I vaguely noticed it. I heard it directly from her just the other day.”
Completely breaking her usual smile, Elni bit down on her lips.
“I already knew that she’ll return, yet I couldn’t stop my tears when she told me it. But, I can’t stop her.”
Tightly clenching her fist,
“I knew it… I can’t become her older sister. I just can’t. Even so Machina embraced me and told me happily.”
Elni squeezed out the words with a sad expression.
“That she would always wait until you call her back to the human world. That she promised you and would see us all again. But I don’t need… such a promise. After all, that promise will just become pointless.”
“Don’t say that. To Machina and me, it’s an important promise.”
I interjected softly, whereas Elni shook her head and denied.
“It’s impossible for you to fulfil that promise, Shinobu. Even if you manage to fulfil it, it’ll only pain Machina. That’s why I actually don’t want to do this…”
Slowly breaking off her words,
“—Sorry, Shinobu.”
Elni smiled sadly.
It happened at the same time. Suddenly I heard a sharp wind noise, only to feel a strong impact on my body next. I instantly guarded myself with my arms, but while I rolled over the ground, I saw the Old Man Bram in the sky with his pitch-black wings spread, not knowing how long he had been there.
He slowly descended onto the ground and Elni took her distance from us with her still warped smile.
…What was going on? I didn’t comprehend the situation at all. When I threw him a confused glance, the Old Man raised the corners of his mouth to respond to my doubt.
“I heard most of it from Elni. Seems Machina is quite fixated on you and made some stupid promise with you.”
Heard from Elni? Why did Elni talk to the Old Man? While my doubt grew even greater, I raised my tone a bit to disagree.
“Old Man, I don’t know what you heard from Elni, but stop deciding things on your own. The promise with Machina isn’t stupid.”
“No, it’s beyond stupid. There’s no way a hybrid devil can live in the human world. No matter how much kindness she tries to give them, humans will just betray and hurt her.”
Lightly shaking his head, the Old man continued his words.
“Just like with Satya, she’ll lose something precious again. If that were to happen, Machina wouldn’t be able to recover from it this time. She’s a really weak girl. Before that happens, I’ll take her back to the demon realm right away.”
“…Weren’t you going to wait during the election?”
“Waiting got me this. She made stupid promise with you. Machina can only live in the demon realm. I thought she was aware of it, but seems I was wrong. It’s necessary to remind Machina again what will happen to humans around her.”
“…You want to waste me?”
“I won’t take your life. But be prepared to lose a limb or two. Machina should stop having stupid ideas once she sees you all crippled.”
Stupid ideas…? Anger gradually dwelled up inside me and I shifted my gaze towards Elni.
“Don’t tell me you agree with the Old Man?”
“…Cell phones sure a convenient.”
Holding out the cell phone in her hand, Elni stifled her expression.
“With one of this, I can talk with Bram. I can even arrange a meeting. I told Bram about Machina. This is the best for her. She should just live happily in the demon realm.”
“You want to hurt Machina as well?”
“I just don’t want to hurt her any more than this. I asked Sougo to clear the area. Soon Machina will come here alone. That’ll lead her to see you injured because of her. Then it’s farewell. I don’t think she’ll ever come back to the human world.”
“Don’t screw around, Elni.”
During dinner, Luna had said that Elni often went out somewhere lately, didn’t eat dinner with us for a change either and wouldn’t tell what she was doing.
…Of course she didn’t tell Luna. Because she talked to Bram behind our backs and met with Sougo-san to clear the area, thus plotting to hurt Machina. Before I noticed, my tightly clenched fists started to tremble and I called out to Elni with a cracked voice.
“Why Elni? Why do you—”
“Enough talking. I’ll finish this before Machina shows up.”
Cutting into my words, the Old Man unleashed numerous wind bullets. They came flying at me with a sough.
Unlike the previous time I fought with him, they had an incredible power. Was it the effect from his familiar that mimicked his left arm? The bullets were fast, heavy and endless.
A storm of never-ending bullets hailed down on me. Kept in check and unable to move properly or ward them off, my body was bombed with bullets and I started to feel a sharp pain and heat. But even when I closed the distance while getting hit by the bullets regardless of that, the Old Man spread the wings on his back and played a cat-and-mouse game with me.
…I didn’t see a chance to win. With no time to come up with a tactic, I eventually fell down forward without my fist reaching the Old Man even once, just repeating my rough breath.
The Old Man looked down on me and like torturing me, he slowly attacked my arms, legs and back with bullets. Receiving these continuous attacks, I became unable to bear it and raised a short groan.
“……What’re you doing, Father.”
Machina’s small voice that resembled a shriek reached my ears.
She surely trusted Elni’s call and came because she wanted to treasure the time she had left with us. That was why I didn’t want Machina to see me like this.
Me crawling unsightly on the ground. Even if I tried to somehow get up, I couldn’t muster any strength and while I wanted to crack an usual joke, only a small cough and red drops spilled from my lips instead.
Even so I just formed a smile, whereupon Machina’s expression warped so much that she might start crying any moment.
“Why are you hurting Shinobu? Is this what you wanted to show me, Elni?”
“…Now you should understand, Machina.”
Still stifling her expression, Elni replied quietly.
“Shinobu is weak. He isn’t strong enough to keep the promise with you. You won’t be able to return to the human world. Just think about living happily in the demon realm.”
“Why are you saying that, Elni? Shinobu isn’t weak. He’ll properly keep the promise with me. Shinobu is really strong—”
“Shinobu isn’t strong! If he’s, why’s he crawling on the ground right now! It’s because he’s weak! He doesn’t stand a chance against Bram! There are plenty of exorcists stronger than Shinobu! He can’t protect you as well! He isn’t strong enough to protect everyone!”
Elni’s screaming sounded somewhat like a crying voice.
“Shinobu is actually weak! Even you hurt him before, Machina! He’s just pushing himself to appear strong! Luna and Hijiri try to support him, since he’s like that! But you’re different, Machina!”
Looking into Machina’s eyes, Elni trembled her voices.
“You’re just trying to run away without supporting him! You’re just depending on him by pushing an impossible promise on him! You have no right to stay by his side! Don’t force everything on Shinobu! Don’t make him suffer any more!”
Still trembling her voice, Elni faced her damp eyes towards me.
“Same goes for you, Shinobu! Don’t make a promise you can’t keep! You won’t be able to keep it anyway! Even if you convince the exorcist organisation! Do you know how much time it takes until she comes back to the human world? What will happened to Machina while she keeps waiting all alone?”
Letting tears spill out of her blurred eyes,
“She keeps waiting without seeing the others grow up! When she gets back, everyone will have changed! They will have aged! Once she leaves, there’s no longer a place for her! That’s why such a promise is unnecessary! It’s not needed!”
With a hoarse voice, Elni raised a bitter scream.
“If you can’t do anything about it at the moment! Then don’t disguise it with such a promise! Don’t sadden Machina by tying her down to that promise! You can’t make her happy with it! It’ll just leave a lingering affection! Machina should just live happily in the demon realm! Don’t push yourself when you’re actually so weak!”
…Just like Elni had said, I was weak beyond help. My body was covered with scars in all sizes. It got them from training my body, from not living up to the expectations of my grandfather and father and from matches with other schools.
When we played at the river near the summer house of my grandfather or at the seaside school, Elni had seen the scars on my body. Seeing them, she must have realized too.
That I got scarred because I was weak.
As a matter of fact, my grandfather and father barely had any scars on their bodies, despite having fought many matches with other schools. That made me realize the difference between a genius and an average person. But even as weak as I was, I wanted to protect my precious people and tried to become stronger.
Yet, still weak, I lay on the ground and couldn’t get up. While Elni closed her mouth, the Old Man looked at me.
“Seems Elni is done. Sorry, Nanjou. It’s for Machina’s sake. I’ll crush you like planned. Machina, watch closely. As long as you remain in the human world, the same thing will repeat.”
Along with his words, the Old Man launched wind bullets again. In regards, I just clenched my back teeth without being able to say anything back to him, glaring at the bullets coming at me, whereupon
“Elni, Father, stop saying whatever you want.”
The bullets, coming as far as in front of my eyes, suddenly disappeared with a shrill noise.
Shockwaves had clashed with each other. The wind bullets Machina released cancelled out Bram’s, whirling up a light wind in the perimeter. I widened my eyes a bit and shifted my gaze like that, whereupon Machina looked straight at the Old Man while small tears dwelled up in her amber eyes.
“I love both you and Elni. I know that you’re worried about me. But that’s not a reason to hurt Shinobu! And Shinobu isn’t as weak as Elni makes him out to be!”
Raising a loud voice, Machina shifted her gaze to Elni.
“Sure, Shinobu might have been weak at first. I know that he was called a ‘failure’ like me. But he didn’t give in. He always tried hard to become like his grandfather and father. Specially because he tried so hard while knowing his own weakness, he’s plenty strong and kind now.”
Still facing Elni, Machina filled her tone with affection.
“Shinobu didn’t care that I’m a hybrid devil. He told me that he would protect me. Both Nazuna and he called me family. Because of that I made a promise with him.”
“…Didn’t you just push your own selfish wish onto him?”
Elni objected with trembling lips, whereas Machina replied quietly.
“Might be. But when I return to the human world, I plan to offer my everything to Shinobu. I’ll do anything for him.”
“You plan to keep waiting in a world without Shinobu and the others? You don’t even know how long it’ll take for him to keep the promise.”
“Even so, I don’t mind. Even if my time together with them is short, I just have to do everything I can during it. Even if I should only be able to say good-bye at their dying bed, I’ll give my all for their kids, a new family.”
“…What if something happens to Shinobu while you’re gone?”
“I’m his family. I can rush over from the demon realm any time.”
“What about supporting him like Luna and Hijiri?”
“If it’s within my power, I definitely won’t hesitate to help.”
At some point, the tears disappeared from Machina’s eyes. Replying to Elni with a strong determination in her eyes, she then directed these eyes at the Old Man and decisively said “Therefore,”.
“if you plan to hurt Shinobu any further, I won’t even forgive you, my father.”
“…What can you do?”
Eluding Machina’s eyes, the Old Man declared coldly.
“When Saty was killed by the humans, you couldn’t do anything. You were only shaking. How can you do anything like that?”
“I can. If it’s for Shinobu, I can do anything. Don’t assume I’m the same as in the past. I’m not spoiled anymore.”
“…Why don’t you get it? The promise with Nanjou itself shows that you’re spoiled. You haven’t changed at all from your childhood. Unable to protect what’s precious to you, I only act spoiled.”
“Even I want to protect everyone! But someone might get hurt because of me! That’s why I‘ll return to the demon realm! It’s the only way how I can protect everyone!”
“—Wrong!”
Along with a sharp voice of anger, the Old Man merciless released bullets towards Machina.
“Like Elni said, you’re only running away. Only acting spoiled. As long as you’re like that, you can’t protect anyone.”
Machina was hit by a bullet on her delicate shoulder and was blown off a bit. Glaring down on her, the Old Man declared like spitting out.
“Right now you can’t protect anyone again. Just like in the past. See, nothing has changed. All you can is watch, isn’t it?”
“…No… That’s not true.”
Even while grimacing from the pain, Machina stood up firmly.
And the same time, a wind whirled and numerous wind bullets formed around her. Their count was slightly greater than the ones created by the Old Man. However, the Old Man’s expression still showed composure and he responded by launching his own bullets towards Machina.
…Handicapped from being in the human world, the Old Man might be inferior to Machina in terms of pure power. But there was a difference in experience. The Old Man exceeded Machina by far in handling the power.
Unshrinking firing the bullets into the ground and blocking Machina’s view with a cloud of dust, he used that chance to fly into the sky and release multiple shockwaves. Moreover he gave Machina the run-around by skilfully mixing in feints into his attacks and freely controlled the bullets like they were a part of his body.
…Just what was I doing?
As the battle unfolded, Machina was hit on her shoulders, legs and arms by bullets and each time she was sent flying onto the ground. Even while seeing that, Elni only trembled her clenched fists and didn’t say anything.
Meanwhile, Machina stood up numerous times and didn’t give up, not flickering her amber eyes that still had her strong determination once.
…Why did Machina go so far? Even with her elbows and knees bleeding, she kept getting up staggering… Why? For whom?
The answer was obvious.
“I’ll, protect Shinobu…!”
Triggered by Machina’s words, my whole body filled with strength.
The dark ground I was crawling on was enlightened by the radiant moonlight.
Even now I felt a creaking pain in my body, but my chest was so hot that it didn’t bother me.
Responding to my will, the talisman in my pocket started to glow.
—I had no doubts.
Since my childhood, I had admired my grandfather and father. No matter what scorn I received from others, I kept working hard to be like them. I decided to only fight with the Nanjou school like they had done, no matter what opponent I faced.
That was my obstinacy. Carrying an inferior complex and envying others, I was cheered up and always strengthened by… my precious pride.
But I no longer needed it.
Neither the feeling that had dwelled up within me so far, neither my admiration for my grandfather and father, nor myself that treasured that. I could throw away all of that. I had something more important than that.
My burning hot chest. That was my everything.
—You’re fine as you are, Shinobu.
Suddenly the words Machina told me floated in my head. The heat in my chest increased. This heat instantly spread all over my body. If I didn’t protect Machina now, then when?
Before I noticed it, the pain was gone from my body. Grabbing the talisman, I stood up and kicking the ground I leaped at the Old Man with a roar. As he had already judged me to be unable to move, the Old Man widened his eyes in surprise when he noticed me. But only for a moment.
“Don’t get in the way!”
Without interrupting his battle, the Old Man launched several bullets at me and I immediately erased them by putting strength into the talisman.
Right away the Old Man widened his eyes again, but his attacking hand didn’t falter. The count of the bullets was too great after all. Several bullets suddenly changed their trajectory and came at me from the back. I couldn’t dodge them. While I felt a shiver,
“…Don’t make me repeat myself, Father. I told you that if you hurt Shinobu any further, I wouldn’t forgive you, my father.”
Machina released several shockwaves. They sharply roared and smashed up the bullets that had closed into me without a trace left. …How reliable. Despite this situation, my mouth naturally formed a faint smile. I casually called out to Machina while still smiling.
“Machina, sorry, but can I leave the defence to you?”
“Yeah, sure, Shinobu.”
“Okay, thanks… BadMachicat.”
“SO BAD— wait, what’re you making me do! Don’t joke around at a time like this! Take it serious!”
“My bad. I’m a man that has to joke at all times. Quite cool, isn’t it?”
“…When you take the jokes too far, you’ll lose the affection of my sister.”
“S- Somehow I get the feeling that the Old Man told me something similar before.”
After lightly shrugging my shoulders, I corrected my tone with “Let’s go, Machina” and confronted the Old Man again.
The talisman would probably only last for a couple more times. But when I was with Machina, the Old Man’s bullets were nothing to be afraid of. I broke into a heavy run and closed in to the Old Man.
However the Old Man didn’t allow that and showered me with wind bullets. Shockwaves grazed my body and pierced my left shoulder. But I disregarding my defence without hesitation. The Old Man’s bullet never hit a vital spot. Machina protected me.
The damage was kept to a minimum. I wouldn’t collapse from a trivial bullet. My body, having surpassed his limits once, was filled with heat and wouldn’t stop either.
I closed the distance to the Old Man in less than a few minutes. The Old Man showed impatience in his expression, as he disliked that, and tried to take his distance from me by spreading the wings on his back, but
“—Guh.”
Machina’s launched bullets seized his body and sealed his movements. Not wasting that opening, I stepped in fiercely.
“ROOAAR!”
Driving in the carpus of my right palm with all my might, I thrusted the carpus of my left palm right afterwards, wrecking the insides of his body. Receiving that, the Old Man spitted out blood from his mouth along with a short groan, but this much wouldn’t stop him.
Not to forget his familiar that mimicked his left arm. I considered to pursue him at once, but he was Luna and Machina’s father. When I opened my fist that had grown hesitant,
“—That’s enough! Stop it, Shinobu!”
Elni had watched in silence until now. She raised a screaming-like voice.
Upon that, the Old Man smiled faintly and showed a wry smile while staggering, looking at me with somewhat warm-hearted eyes.
“Geez… What are you stealing the spotlight from Machina for? I thought I had crushed you completely, but just how tough are you? Why did you stood up again?”
“To crush you, of course.”
“Haha, are you really human? You stood up after eating my attacks and even used a talisman in the end. Truly a man that goes against my expectations.”
Showing a smile for a change, the Old Man slowly shifted his gaze towards Machina.
“…This time you managed to protect it, Machina.”
The Old Man showed a soft smile. When I saw him like that, it seemed like he wished for this outcome and while I was doubtful, Elni interjected softly.
“From the beginning, Bram had no intentions to take Machina back to the demon realm either. He was just waiting for Machina to rebel against him. That’s all.”
“Me, rebel? What do you mean, Father? You hurt Shinobu for such a reason?”
Unable to comprehend the situation like me coupled with some anger, Machina made her tone rigid, whereupon the Old Man made a small sigh and explained.
“Remember how I was against it when you tried to chase after Luna to the human world? I thought you would come back right away anyway. However, while I read the letters you sent me, I came to reconsider my opinion before noticing it. Your letters were… filled with a lot of sentiments.”
Narrowing his eyes somewhat gentle, the Old Man continued softly.
“A strange human that said he would protect me, a hybrid devil. My beloved sister is by my side. I came to think of the stupid girl I hated at first as an older sister too. There’s an existence like an adorable and lovely little sister. Likewise a mother figure that supports everyone. All of them treat me like a family. I even managed to get friends…”
Indifferent to the lightly blushing Machina, the Old Man slowly quoted the contents of the letters.
Like the Old Man had said, the letters overflowed with feelings towards Luna, Elni, Nazuna, my mother, Hijiri Kaorun and me. While Machina turned more and more red, the Old Man declared quietly after stopping his words once.
“Machina, you’re indeed a devil. But you have humans staying by your side that don’t mind that fact just like Satya. While you’re surrounding by such people, just what are you doing? As soon as you got to know that the exorcist organisation doesn’t acknowledge you, you sent me a stupid letter asking if it were better to return to the demon realm. Have you forgotten what Satya taught you?”
“…I have not, forgotten it. Treat everyone kindly. Become strong enough to protect everyone. Then everyone will return the kindness— See?”
When Machina spoke out her mother’s words, the Old Man nodded satisfied.
“They returned the kindness to you, didn’t they? You have changed. As you are right now, you can live on in the human world. Just as Satya had predicted.”
“…Mother did?”
“Yeah, when you were still a baby, she often said: Machina is a hybrid devil, neither devil or human. But depending on herself, she can become either devil or human. I believe one day there will be people that accept Machina as their family.”
“But I still…”
“I won’t allow you to return to the demon realm, Machina. Protect your own place by yourself. In the human world, you have powers on par with mine. Nanjou shouldn’t have been able to defeat me on his own. But you were there. You protected him. This time you were able to pull it off, right?”
Machina hesitated to speak, whereas the Old Man spun his words softly.
“From now on, you just have to keep protecting everyone like that. Even if something happens, you just have to be strong enough to protect your home. Don’t let Nanjou push himself on his own. Don’t run away resigned. What’s the use of only getting protect when you actually have the power? Are you fine with that?”
“That’s…”
“…Well, in the past I was just like you. I once bid my farewell to Satya. Then she scolded me with ‘Life without you has no meaning’, ‘I will protect you’ and ‘So please protect me as well’.”
The Old Man smiled dearly, yet somewhat sad.
“In the end I couldn’t protect her, but I don’t regret staying with her. A human life is short. If you leave them now, you’ll regret it.”
“…You think I can protect them?”
“You won’t end up like me. You’re blessed with good friends and a wonderful family. Nanjou is with you. It quite irritates me, but as long as you have him, there won’t be a problem.”
Hearing the Old Man’s feeling, Machina faltered a bit and looked at me.
I had already decided what to tell her.
“Machina, stay here. I don’t want to lose you. One day I’ll be strong enough to protect you, protect everyone. So stay here until then. Can you protect everyone together with me?”
When I firmly strained my voice to convey my feelings, tears dwelled up in Machina’s eyes and during that, Elni, who had watched over us, softly opened her mouth.
“Machina, you don’t need to worry about the exorcist organisation. I asked a favour of Sougo. He should be working on making them acknowledge you. I’m sure he can pull it off. So you can rest assured.”
“…Sougo-san is going to such length?”
Certainly a bit surprised, I shifted my gaze to Elni.
“If Sougo-san acts now, his position will…”
“I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Sougo apparently considers to retire soon. He plans to leave all family matters to Hijiri.”
“…Is that so?”
“I think he’s lying out of consideration to me. Sougo is an important friend. Even when he’s avoiding me, he listens to any request of me. I feel bad about it, but it’s for Machina’s sake. I had no time to waste.”
While saying so, Elni knitted her eyebrows and showed an expression close to tears.
“Sorry, Shinbou, Machina. I said all these cruel things to you two. But I didn’t think I could change Machina’s mind otherwise. I’m really sorry.”
Blurring her big eyes with tears, Elni spilled numerous apologies.
In regards, Machina and I looked at each other, then each replied to Elni with a smile.
“Elni, there’s no need to apologize. If anything, I’m grateful to you.”
“Exactly. Thanks to you and my father, I was able to notice my mistake. I couldn’t have noticed it on my own, but… I was indeed running away.”
With a clear and soft expression,
“But I won’t falter anymore. I’ll stay with everyone. I’ll protect them too. That includes you of course, Elni.”
Machina filled her tone with warmth and smiled at Elni.
“Thanks for taking up this hard role for my sake, as I was lost. Also thanks for even handling the exorcist organisation. Thank you for always staying with me and supporting me. I really… love you, Elni.”
“…These words alone… are enough for me.”
Even while trembling her body, Elni held back her tears and smiled.
Amidst that, the Old Man, watching us, made a deep sigh and opened his mouth.
“Still, I didn’t expect it to take so much time. Originally the plan was to urge Machina to return to the demon realm, which would make Nanjou flare up at me. Then I would crush him, which would make Machina challenge me. Lastly I tell Machina if she had forgotten Satya’s teaching. Yet…”
Making another sigh and throwing a glance at me, the Old Man continued his grumbling.
“Your sister unexpectedly flared up at me, Machina got a chocker from you while I waited and in the end you even exchanged an annoying promise. Good grief… Who knows what would happened without Elni.”
…The Old Man had worried a lot about Machina as well.
Now I felt bad for hitting him. Embracing that guilt, I suddenly felt a doubt and called out to Elni.
“Still, I’m surprised you could tell what the Old Man was thinking.”
“Remember how I said quite while ago that Bram had a guardian spirit? That guardian spirit is his wife. When Bram came over, I heard most of the circumstances from her. But Bram’s plan wasn’t proceeding as he wanted…”
“So you helped him out, huh.”
…Speaking of, Elni had said that she needed to talk to Satya when Bram came over to our house. Since then, Elni knew of the Old Man’s feelings.
But Machina had strengthened her resolve to return to the demon realm, so Elni had to do something and while she felt bad about it, she had asked Sougo-san for help and even played the scapegoat to make Machina notice something important.
“…Thanks, Elni.”
Naturally relaxing my cheeks, I gently petted Elni’s head, then looked at the Old Man.
“All that earlier was an act by you and Elni, right? For that you were rather serious. Hold back a bit, seriously.”
As I relaxed from the relief, my body suddenly started to hurt. I got all dizzy. I must have long crossed my limit. Impressive that I could endure it for so long. I had given him somewhat barbed words, but
“I went easy, but just on Machina. For you it’s different.”
The Old Man smoked the cigarette he had taken out and replied grumpy for some reason.
“I’m giving both my daughters to you, so bear with it.”
“…Both daughters? What do you mean?”
“Looks like you don’t know it. I’ll use this opportunity to enlighten the idiot. The chokers Luna and Machina wear around their neck has a special meaning for female devils.”
“Aren’t they just an accessory?”
“No. To say it in human terms, it’s… like an engagement ring. Machina put it on and said she would wait forever for you calling her back to the human world. Even with maggots in your brain, you should know what that means.”
“…From the shock, I stopped thinking…”
“Don’t! Keep thinking! Why are you closing your eyes! Hey! Are you listen… Mh? Did he, faint?”
“Sh- Shinobu! What’s up? Are you okay? Hang in there… Yeah, he isn’t responding at all. Wh- Wha- What do we do, Elni!”
“C- Ca- Calm down, Machina! Panicking won’t solve anything! I’m sure he’s just tired from using the unfamiliar talisman! For now, an ambulance! We have to call an ambulance!”
“…Nanjou won’t kick the bucket so easily. Settle down, you two. It doesn’t look like his life is in danger. Okay, I’ll carry him back— Guh! H- He just hit me! He’s actually awake, isn’t he!”
No, I was already done for. My consciousness was hazy. My body was as heavy as lead. While hearing everyone’s panicked and bright voices, I relieved let go off my consciousness…
* * *
Brilliant silver twintails in the corner of my vision. Whatever she was making, Elni was busily working on something on the table in my room. After giving her glance while I lie on my bed, I looked at the bandages around my arms and legs and sighed.
Scratches, lacerations, sprains and bruises. I didn’t break any bones, but my body still hurt all over.
That probably was the reason for the others, with Luna at the centre, to forbid me to go out as soon as they saw my wounds after the fight with the Old Man Bram.
By the way, afterwards the Old Man left with the words that he would stay in the human world until the selection ended, but that aside now.
An early afternoon, where I originally was supposed to attend class at school. Because of my house arrest, I couldn’t help with the election campaign and spent my time completely bored on my bed.
Of course I understood that they worried about me.
The past few days, Luna nursed me non-stop, but she couldn’t take off from her part-time job forever. Today Luna left the role of watching over me to Elni and went to her part-time job earlier. Fortunately my mother was out of the house too.
…Now was the only chance to slip out. Lazing around like this for days would make my body dull. Elni was still busy. I called out to her with a casual tone.
“Hey Elni, wanna go play for a bit now? If you want, I’ll treat you to something. It’s cold, so how about some Taiyaki?”
“Muh, I’ll never react to bribes!”
Stopping her work, Elni frowned a bit.
“You’re gravely injured, Shinobu. You properly have to rest. I mean, once you’re outside, you’ll just train your body again behind my back anyway.”
“I want to challenge my limits. I’m at an age where I prefer danger over boredom.”
“If you want danger so bad, kiss Kaorun in front of Luna.”
“Wh- What a dreadful thing to suggest…”
While I was inadvertently overwhelmed, Elni suddenly made a face close to tears and said.
“…You got injured because of me. Even if it was for Machina’s sake, I made you go over your limits. I’m really sorry. I know it must be hard not being able to help Machina with her election. But please, don’t overdo it… any more with that body.”
“O- Okay. I definitely won’t go outside. I’ll rest at home. I can even promise you that. So from my side as well, please, don’t make such a face.”
Elni looked like she would cry any moment. She must have felt responsible. Elni’s tears were as powerful as Luna’s smile. I gave up and laid down on the bed, whereupon Elni made a sigh of relief and immersed herself in her work again. While watching her absent-minded, I asked nonchalant.
“Elni, what are you doing there?”
“This? It’s a bracelet made from beads. It’s my power and feelings in it, so won’t just be an accessory, but a good charm.”
“You have really skilled fingers. By the way, what kind of effect has that charm?”
“Well, if you put it on, you will no longer be under a devil’s influence. It’s way more powerful than a talisman.”
Her tone was bright, but I got the feeling that her expression looked somewhat clouded.
“Luna seems to a slightly unusual devil. By staying with her for long, her devil’s influence can affect people’s constitutions. But with this charm, there shouldn’t arise any problems. I’ll make a lot of it and give them to Luna and you.”
“…I see. Thanks, Elni. I’m sure Luna’ll appreciate it too.”
“After all that’s all I can do.”
Indeed dropping a shadow over her expression, Elni resumed her work. For a while I watched her, but since I was bored, I took out my textbooks and killed time with studying. Before long the evening sun shone in through the window.
…Already this late, huh. I was still bored to no end, whereupon there was suddenly a knock on the door and Machina showed up in her school uniform, as she had just returned from school.
Upon that, Elni stopped her work and stood up.
“Machina, my anime starts now, so look after Shinobu in my stead in the meantime.”
“Yeah, okay, Elni. Take your time. I have to talk to Shinobu for a bit.”
Nodding and replying to the leaving Elni, Machina faced me. In regards, I lightly scratched my head and called out to her.
“Sorry, Machina. It’s an important period, but I can’t help out with the campaign…”
“You don’t have to worry about that. You helped me plenty already. Rest assured, I’ll definitely get elected.”
Her amber eyes were filled with a confidence that fascinated me. Still looking at me with these eyes, Machina came over to the bed and sat down besides me. And after she showed a hesitating behaviour, she timidly started talking.
“Hey Shinobu, on a different note, there’s actually something I wanted to tell you for a while.”
“Tell me? I believe my zipper is properly closed.”
“Th- That’s not it. Listen seriously. It’s really important…”
Sort of flushing her cheeks, Machina brought her face closer to me.
“I felt bad for my sister, so I always worried about it. I kept it vague the whole time. But I can’t hold it in anymore, so I’ll tell you properly.”
Flushing her smooth cheeks even more, Machina looked at me with somewhat damp eyes and slowly mixed her tone with affection.
“I love you, Shinobu. Not as a family, but I love you as a man.”
“…I- Is, Is that so?”
“Yes. I have a strong desire to monopolize, but with you I can endure it. The demon realm has polygamy anyway. If it’s not too much trouble for you, give me a lot of affection too, like with my sister.”
…The chokers I gave Luna and Machina. To female devils they were like an engagement ring. Since I heard that from the Old Man, I had pictured it to myself to some extent.
But being told directly again was indeed a great shock and unable to say anything, I opened and closed my mouth like a goldfish gasping for air, whereupon
“I love you, Shinobu.”
While forming a faint smile with her red cheeks, Machina brought her pink well-formed lips closer.
“Unless you’re against it, I’ll stay with you forever.”
With a really charming smile that captivated me, she slowly stole my lips gently… but this development was bad.
I would never chase Machina away from now on. Plus, the demon realm had polygamy. I got the feeling that as long Machina kept that value, she would never back down. That was what I thought from seeing her bright smile.
…But what was I supposed to do? Still unable to respond to Machina, I was greatly perplexed internal and made a big sigh in my heart…
* * *
The last day of the student council election. The election campaign with the concentrated effort of the whole class would come to an end today at last, but… would Machina really be fine?
All students assembled in the gym to hear the speeches of the candidates. Inside the gym were the support speeches and speeches from the candidates themselves held. As for Machina,
“I, I just have to read from the script. I’ll work out. It’ll be fine…”
For a while now, Machina was restlessly mumbling to herself with the script for her speech in one hand at the back of the wing of the stage. But that might be understandable.
Machina’s speech was the last. Furthermore, right after the current Vice-President, Himuro-san. She must have felt all kinds of pressure from going out after her biggest rival.
I exchanged a look with Hijiri, who stood besides Machina, then we both softly called out to her to reduce her nervousness even a bit.
“Ehm, Machina-san, for starters, take a deep breath.”
“Right. You better calm… Mh?”
Somehow I got the feeling that I saw Kaorun and Elni in the corner of my vision. I thought I was mistaken, but it really were them. Both of them fairly wore our school uniform and approached in my direction like it goes without saying.
“Wh- Why are you here, Elni, Kaoru?”
“You need to ask? We’re here to cheer for you.”
“I agree with Elni-san. After all it is your gala occasion.”
Elni and Kaorun each replied with a smile, whereupon
“”E- Elni-chan, Kaoru-san, please do not leave me behind.”
The familiar beautiful voice reached my ears, then Luna showed up in the wing of the stage this time. Like the other two, she was dressed in the school uniform and as soon as she noticed me, she came rushing over with a smile, but tripped midway with a “Kyaa”.
“Y- You sure trip on even grounds sometimes…”
When I reached out my hand to her with “Are you okay?” and a wry smile, Luna blushed.
“S- Somehow, even I got nervous. Uhm, sorry…”
She took my hand and stood up, shifting her gaze to Machina with still red cheeks.
“Machina, please be careful that you do not trip like I did.”
S- Surely Machina wouldn’t trip as well… When I thought that, Kaorun and Elni clapped her hands for whatever reason after hearing Luna’s words.
“I have hit on an idea. What do you say about going for a gag by tripping in front of the audience? I believe it will be well received.”
“I agree with Kaorun. Listen Machina, it shouldn’t look played. Like you Luna, you have to pretend to trip naturally.”
“Ehm, I was not pretending to trip, you know? I do no really know how, but sometimes I just trip. I wonder why?”
Luna aside, who tilted her head sadly, Kaorun and Elni were most likely joking like always to ease Machina’s nervousness. The two shifted their gaze to Hijiri and cracked another joke with a smile.
“Therefore, Hijiri-chan, please trip before your speech as well.”
“Yeah, a so called repetitive gag. That’ll be perfect.”
“Ehm, that’s embarrassing, so I would like to do it normally…”
The troubled Hijiri showed a wry smile, whereupon Machina giggled.
“Thanks for coming to cheer me on, Sister, Elni, Kaoaru. I’m fine now.”
Apparently the jokes did the trick. Machina regained her usual composure and a bit later Hijiri got on the stage and held her support stage. While we all watched over her, Machina suddenly faced me and handed me the script for the speech she was holding.
“Shinobu, hold on it for me.”
“Mh? You don’t need it? I’m sure you have memorized it, but wouldn’t it be better to take it with you just in case? Won’t you be in trouble if you get stuck?”
“I feel bad for everyone that helped me on it, but I don’t need that script anymore. It’s full of promises and official stances, but none of my feelings.”
Showing a gentle smile,
“I properly want to convey my feelings to everyone. I think that’s more important than any promises. Though it’s certainly embarrassing…”
She slowly reached out her hand towards me.
“I’ll give it my all, so take a good look at me, Shinobu.”
Dearly touching my cheeks with her soft palm, Machina slowly and confident got onto the stage after Hijiri’s speech ended while Luna, Elni and Kaorun cheered her on with “Good luck”.
Upon that, the looks from all students were concentrated on Machina, but she didn’t show any nervousness and after a short pause, she calmly started talking through the prepared microphone.
“To begin with, I have to apologize to all of you. When I transferred into this school, I hated everyone, be it my classmates, other students or the teachers.”
…Wh- What a thing to say first. On this unexpected utterance, the students started to make a ruckus at once too. I inadvertently panicked, but Machina’s expression didn’t sway. While her amber eyes were filled with a strong will, she continued her speech by raising her voice a bit.
“In my childhood I was betrayed by my friends and lost a precious person. That’s why I came to hate people, refused to trust them ever again and was called a ’failure’ at my new place, but I told myself that I would never return to that previous place.”
Surely the new place meant the demon realm.
“So when I transferred here, I thought I would get betrayed again and kept hating everyone. But over time I met various people and made friends and a new family. They all reminded me of something important.”
Filling her calm tone with warmth,
“—Treat everyone kindly. Become strong enough to protect everyone. Then everyone will return the kindness.”
Proudly throwing out her chest,
“That’s what my mother taught me. Just like my mother had said, everyone, not just my family, return the kindness to me. They worked hard for my sake. Thank you so much, Shinobu, Sister, Elni, Nazuna, Tomoe-san, Hijiri, Kaoru, Minami, Asada, Katagiri…”
Speaking out not just our names, but from all classmates, Machina dyed her cheeks in a rose-colour and smiled.
“I think I could change a bit by spending time with everyone. Before I noticed it, I had fallen in love with this school. I loved it so much that I was embarrassed about myself for hating everyone before.”
The ruckus of the students completely died out at some point and drawn in my Machina’s smile, they all closed their mouths, just looking at her fascinated.
“I want to get along with everyone even better. I want to be strong enough to protect everyone. This time I properly want to live at this place that I once fled before. I want to improve this school that has all these people dear to me, so I’ll devote my everything to it.”
After speaking out her strong feelings, Machina took a small breath and showed a wry smile.
“I’m sorry. I can’t express it well and might not have gotten my point across, but thank your for listening until the end despite that.”
When Machina finished her speech along with a deep bow, a small applause sounded from here and there and very fast that applause grew louder, echoing through the whole gym. Seeing that, Machina flustered turned bright red.
“Orangelo-san! I love you too!” “I love you tooo!” “I’ll definitely vote for you!” “If it’s you, Orangelo-san, I can count you unworried!” “Liven up the school!” “If you ever have any troubles, I’ll help out!”
Even though the voting wasn’t over yet, other students besides our classmates raised loud voices too, evoking an heartfelt cheering. Watching everyone with her eyes wide open, Machina started to show tears in her eyes before long.
On the other hand, Luna, Hijiri and Kaorun watched over Machina from the wing of the stage. All of them were smiling faintly, but
“…Machina is fine now… With that I too can…”
Unlike everyone else, only Elni filled her smile with sadness.
I was a bit concerned, but Elni showed smiling face right afterwards and rushed over to Machina, who came down from the stage, so in the end I couldn’t say anything…
The speeches were over and I was on my way back from the toilet. I walked down the passage all alone, whereupon I was suddenly called out with “Nanjou”. When I shifted my vision to the familiar sharp voice, there stood the Old Man dressed in a black suit.
…He probably came to hear Machina’s speech too.
While I was a bit surprised about his sudden appearance though, the Old Man beckoned me with his index finger, still looking at me. When I set out in response, the Old Man moved to the back of the school building with me, as wanted to avoid the public eye. On the way, the Old Man smiled somewhat satisfied and hooked on by that, I also smiled faintly and opened my mouth.
“Hey Old Man, what do you say about Machina’s speech?”
“…It was quite good.”
Replying with a firm nod, the Old Man brightened his smile and looked at me.
“Nanjou, it’s about time I head back to the demon realm, but I’m indebted to you. Before I leave, I want to thank you and make up for it.”
“Amends alone will suffice. For starters, put your love in it and call me ‘Shinobu-sama’.”
“…I’m not gonna play along with your jokes.”
Replying wearily, the Old Man dropped his voice a bit.
“This time I wasn’t just indebted to you, but to Elni for various things as well. So I have to listen to a request of hers now. I’ll make it up to you after that.”
“A request from Elni?”
“I can’t tell you any more. Elni forbid me to. But in time, you’ll understand.”
Filling his expression somewhat with sadness,
“I’m entrusting Luna and Machina to you. I have no concerns when it’s you. Just, be nice to Elni too. She’s a really… lonely girl.”
Leaving behind some profound words, the Old Man turned his back to me like that.
“Hey Old Man, what do you mean by that? Is something up with Elni?”
“…I said I can’t tell you.”
“I get it. Nothing I can do then. Anyway, don’t you need to speak with Luna and Machina? You’re leaving now, right?”
On my question, the Old Man took out his cell phone with his back still to me and replied.
“With this, I can talk to them anytime. No problems at all. Besides, I can’t forget the exorcists. I’ll leave at once, but”
Slowly interrupting his words,
“Don’t make my girls cry… Shinobu.”
The Old Man showed a somewhat peaceful expression and softly called my name.
After I gave my farewell to the Old Man by lightly waving my hand, I remained at the spot for a while and kept thinking by myself. Just what did Elni ask of the Old Man…?
