Though one of the Four Great Noble Clans, the Shiba Family was by no means luxurious. It could even be said that it was no different from an ordinary person's home.
Shiba Kaien usually lived in the division barracks as well. Since he handled the affairs of the entire Thirteenth Division, he did not return home very often.
"Kūkaku, Iwashiro, I'm back!"
A burst of hurried footsteps immediately came from the inner rooms.
"Big Brother!"
A black-haired boy who looked fairly young but was solidly built ran out first, his face full of delight.
"Big Brother, why are you back?"
This was Shiba Kaien's younger brother, Shiba Ganju.
Xin looked thoughtfully at the boy before him.
Shiba Ganju immediately noticed Xin as well, and his expression grew slightly more restrained. "Big Brother, who is this?"
"This is Tachikawa Shin, a friend of mine. He's visiting our home today."
Upon hearing this, Shiba Ganju was not rash at all. He politely gave Xin a slight bow. "Hello, Xin."
"Hello."
Xin returned the greeting simply.
"Where's Kūkaku?"
"She's taking a nap. Didn't Sister-in-law come with you?"
Shiba Kaien knocked Shiba Ganju on the head. "She's busy with work, and we're not married yet. Why are you always trying to get her to come to our house?"
Covering his head, Shiba Ganju muttered softly, "Aren't you living together even though you're not married?"
"What did you say?" Shiba Kaien raised his hand again.
"Nothing! I'll go get Sis!"
Shiba Ganju immediately darted back into the inner rooms.
Xin could not help but laugh.
This family was quite interesting. Their everyday atmosphere was probably very cheerful.
Shiba Kaien laughed as well. "My younger brother is just a little too impulsive."
"I think he's just like you, his big brother—straightforward and genuine. He's quite interesting."