Aozaki residence, after dinner.
Touko Aozaki and Aoko Aozaki entered the backyard under Fumihiko Nagashi's guidance.
The Aozaki couple stood at the entrance, watching their two daughters disappear into the distance. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with worry.
For the continuation of the Aozaki Family's magical legacy, they had given up one daughter over a decade ago.
But now, it seemed that even their other daughter had been dragged into it.
However, because they lacked the aptitude of magi, and because of the old man's domineering nature, they were practically forbidden from involving themselves in anything related to the mysterious.
Helpless, the couple could only change into their work clothes and tactfully leave early for work.
Meanwhile, in the elegant, exquisite tea room, several evocative ukiyo-e paintings and freehand ink calligraphy hung on the walls. A bamboo vase sat on the table, holding a bouquet suited to the season. The three people present sat formally on the tatami, each occupying one side of the table.
Seated in the place of honor was an elderly man dressed in a dark blue-black kimono. Though his eyes were slightly sunken, age had not dulled their sharpness. He possessed an imposing air even without anger.
White steam drifted from the kettle under the heat of the brazier, and the low murmur of boiling water was clearly audible. Yet the atmosphere in the tea room was somewhat oppressive and stifling.
After the standard tea ceremony of boiling water and preparing tea, everyone took a sip, set down their tea bowls, and waited for the authority seated at the head to speak.
The old man swept his gaze around the room before settling on his eldest disciple, Fumihiko Nagashi. He spoke casually.
"I've decided to transplant the Aozaki Family's Magic Crest into Aoko."
Yet