Across the island nation, there were bound to be a few people who shared the surname Aozaki.
But in Misaki City alone, Aoko Aozaki could say for certain that only her family bore that name.
Names held considerable significance in the magical arts, all the more so for a leyline administrator recognized by the Mage's Association.
Aoko Aozaki's expression grew increasingly stiff as she fixed Roland with a piercing stare.
"What a coincidence..."
"Right?" Roland seemed quite pleased too. "If your temperaments weren't so different, I wouldn't have been so unsure about your relationship. Huh... now that I look, your styles are completely different, but you do seem a little alike..."
"Um, could you tell me her name and what she's like? It's not a particularly common surname, so I keep feeling she might be someone I know."
Aoko gave a dry laugh, feeling that even the sushi before her had lost its flavor.
"What she's like?"
Roland thought for a moment, then answered without keeping her in suspense.
"She's very beautiful, though more the mature, older-woman type. Her hair is dark red too, and there's something icy about her. As for her name, it's quite similar to yours, Aozaki. They're both based on colors."
"Touko. My partner's name is Touko Aozaki."
Bang!
Aoko Aozaki abruptly slapped the table and stood up, the shock in her eyes no less than when she had suddenly been summoned to inherit the family legacy.
His ability to give that name was proof enough that he wasn't simply someone approaching her because her looks had caught his eye.
Aoko Aozaki could hardly be blamed for still harboring such suspicions. From any angle, she deserved to be called a beautiful girl. Even with a bearing so sharp it inspired a certain awe, and even with