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Classmate wa Isekai de Yuusha ni Natta kedo, Ore dake Gendai Nihon ni Okizari ni Narimashita - Chapter 75

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 Chapter 75 – A Formal Invitation to the Mansion (Part 3)

“This corridor is known as the ‘Water’s Surface Walkway.’ It leads to the grand hall.”

The hallway the shikigami brought me to cut straight through an elegantly designed Japanese garden. Both sides were glass-paneled, giving a clear view of the dry landscape garden below. Because it was built right over the raked stones, it felt oddly like I was walking across water.

(So that’s why they call it that... makes sense.)

I was admiring the place when the shikigami suddenly bowed deeply toward the far end of the hallway.

Startled, I looked ahead—and only then noticed a pair approaching from the opposite direction.

One was a tall, lean man—probably a decade older than me—dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans. The other was a girl, maybe younger than me, her hair styled in twin buns and wearing a brilliant red kimono.

“—”

As they passed, the man twisted his face like he’d stepped in something nasty.

(...Do I know that guy?)

Confused by the hostility, I was still trying to place him when the girl stopped and gave me a gentle smile.

“Are you Osamu Iori-sama?”

“Yeah, that’s me. And you are...?”

“Pardon me. I’m Ibara, an advisor to the Kuon family. It’s an honor to meet you.”

She bowed politely.

An advisor? That’s a big title. Could she actually be older than she looks?

“So, did you need something from me?”

“Not at all. I’d heard you were visiting, so I thought I should at least come greet you.”

“Ah... I see. Wait, so you already knew about me?”

“Naturally. Iori-sama, your name is already well known within the supernatural world.”

“...Seriously?”

I’d heard that from Alicia, but hearing it firsthand made it more real. If my name’s really spreading that far, then maybe the rumors were true—about the branch family backing me, and the main family resenting it.

(Ugh. My stomach hurts.)

While I stood there awkwardly accepting her praise, the guy from earlier barked out, clearly annoyed.

“Ibara! Stop wasting time with pointless chatter!”

“My apologies. I’m coming. …Well then, Iori-sama, I’ll take my leave now.”

With a slight bow, Ibara turned and walked off toward the man.

(God, that was exhausting...)

As soon as they were out of sight, I let out a deep sigh.

Getting complimented isn’t always great, especially when you know it’s tied to politics. Plus, that guy stared daggers at me the whole time. Talk about uncomfortable.

“Thank you for waiting. I’ll resume your escort.”

“Whoa—!”

The shikigami, which had been completely still like a statue, suddenly moved. I let out a weird noise before I could stop myself.

The shikigami didn’t react, just turned and began walking toward the mansion’s inner section—specifically toward Kuon Sōgen’s chambers.

I followed, and before long, we arrived at a massive sliding door. Honestly, it was almost as big as the limo I’d come in.

“Beyond this point is the grand hall, where Master Kuon Sōgen awaits. I have not been permitted to enter, so please proceed alone from here.”

The shikigami delivered this flatly, then stopped moving entirely—back to being a statue.

Alone, huh? I guess that’s safer if something goes wrong. Still, being in a room one-on-one with some old man I don’t know? Not really my thing.

(...No point hesitating. Let’s get this over with.)

I told myself that, kept my Skills primed just in case, and slowly slid open the door.

Inside was a traditional tatami room—more grounded compared to the twisted, dungeon-like layout of the rest of the estate.

The side panels were open, letting me see a beautifully maintained dry garden. A breeze flowed in, keeping the room cool and pleasant without needing air conditioning.

But what really caught my attention was the figure seated in the center.

It was... off.

There sat an old man in a dull kimono, slumped forward on a cushion. His eyes stared blankly into space, drool trailing from the corner of his mouth. Beside him stood a male-type shikigami, motionless.

No way... This couldn’t be the head of the Kuon family, could it?

Hesitantly, I stepped closer. The shikigami, as if triggered by my presence, moved to gently shake the old man awake.

“Sōgen-sama... Please wake up. Your guest has arrived.”

“Hrn... Aah...? Aaahh...”

The man gave a groan—not even forming words—and went back to staring into nothing.

My gut clenched.

I activated Appraise, targeting the old man.

Kuon Sōgen – Human – Age 76
Status: Severe poisoning, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction... etc.
Note: Has been slowly poisoned over an extended period, leading to system-wide failure of bodily functions.

...Figures. That sinking feeling I had? Dead on.

The man I thought was the final boss—Kuon Sōgen—was already off the board.

◇◇◇

“Genji-sama… You seem upset. May I ask why?”

On one of the covered walkways of the Kuon estate, Ibara’s soft voice reached out to the man beside her.

“Upset? Of course I’m upset! That bastard...! Just thinking about him being under the same roof as me makes my blood boil!”

Genji—the man in jeans and a T-shirt—growled, fists clenched so tight they drew blood.

“Yes, I understand. But surely you also realize—there’s no way we can match a true supernatural like him.”

“Tch…!”

Genji grimaced.

Supernaturals were, by definition, nearly godlike. That man… for some reason he restrained his own power. Even so, the gap between them and people like Genji—those relying on techniques handed down from the ancients—was still enormous.

Worse, because he used his abilities in moderation, that man showed none of the mental breakdown or corruption that usually came for others of his kind.

To challenge someone like that—a rational, composed supernatural whose limits were unknown—was asking to lose.

(I know all that... but still—!)

Genji came to a halt, fists still trembling.

He knew the truth. But that didn’t mean he could accept it.

If that man didn’t exist, the position of heir would’ve been his for sure.

And now…

“Don’t worry. Your victory, Genji-sama, is something I personally guarantee.”

Ibara wrapped her arms around him from behind, whispering into his ear with a calm smile.

“Y-Yeah... You’re right. You’re here with me...”

“Exactly. So just sit back... and leave the rest to me.”

Genji’s tension melted away instantly, and he stumbled forward, muttering under his breath.

(Now then… let’s see what you’re really made of.)

With a shadowed grin, Ibara looked back toward the mansion’s core—then followed after Genji with a carefree step.


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