HP: Spirit Talker

This job calmed me down, and I was hungry, so Momo and I went into the kitchen — the housewife to prepare breakfast, and I to wait for him. The girl didn't even try to chase me away, on the contrary — she started talking a lot about what she would like more. Soon the monologue of wishes turned into a full-fledged discussion of options.

About fifteen minutes later, a sleepy Kiriko arrived. The girl sat down on the chair next to me, munched on a sandwich, sipped from my glass of juice, leaned against my side and dozed off. Momo just shook her head, but didn't touch her friend.

By chance, I noticed that our auras subtly resonated, and Kiriko's energy began to breathe with my magic. I had seen the same effect with the Greengrasses and Malfoys when their offspring were at home. It was an interesting effect, as if the girl's natural gift didn't have anything else on my list of gifts. But I see no threat to Kiriko, so let it be. When everything was almost ready and Momo was finishing the salad, Nanao showed up in the kitchen, ears and tail out, wearing short shorts and a tank top.

Lizzy came in the same way, the others dressed normally, occasionally rewarding the girls with "disapproving" looks or embarrassment, like Maya. The old tanuki was obviously having a good time, though, and her granddaughter looked a lot like Luna in her gaze and expression, that curious-confused-uncomprehending look. When it was time for tea and Lizzie had already left for work, Junko said in a serious tone that we needed to talk. I shrugged and went ahead.

— It's a delicate subject, so I think it's best to discuss it behind closed doors. Without any ears.

— I've always been fascinated by the Japanese penchant for looking for problems where there aren't any... ..... — I sigh heavily, feeling anxious, and turn to see Kiriko's frozen, impassive face; I smile at the girl, stroking her silky hair, and return my gaze to her mother.

— You say that as if you weren't. — The mother hums, obviously keeping her emotions under control.

— I grew up alone: I was educated, but not raised. — I finish my tea and put the cup down, which Momo immediately takes away; I rest my elbow on the table and rest my cheek on the palm of my hand. — This is how I see the situation. You really did run away from Lisa, and with you went Maya, Nanao and Kurumi, who have been in your entourage for some time now. Se-dono and Kokoro-san have decided to keep you company for the time being, and as far as I understand, we'll be discussing a topic that affects the interests of the Taitamonoku family. Is that correct? — I received a nod, and the old tanuki grinned with satisfaction. — So what's there to hide from? From whom? — It was frankly lazy to do anything with your face, or even just to keep the "mask" on. — The girls will serve you, we will talk about the joint case of Hoshino and Taitamonoku, Miss Travers has signed a contract as a servant of the family, Afiri will become my wife, so from whom should I hide?

The last question made Junko frown, and the old woman giggled as well. And yes, I had thought a lot about the girl, but after I learned about her talent, I put my doubts aside. Afiri is no less a treasure than Manami and Marika and I don't want to let her go.

By the way, it turns out that the girl speaks Parseltongue fluently. I found out about it by accident, when Afiri, while I was twisting my brain trying to expand my perception and understanding of this language with the help of spiritual practices, picked it up and hissed like a snake.

As she explained, it's not a gift per se, but rather a trait that manifests itself in magicians whose families have worked with snakes for generations, or who have a strong connection to nature.

— You're right, — Junko said thoughtfully and looked at Afiri as if she saw her for the first time. — But the question of your marriage should be discussed with older and wiser people. You are the future head of the family and the choice of a wife is too important to be made hastily. — I just gave a lazy hum. — Okay, — my mother continued. — I agree with you about the rest. But I don't understand who Kiriko is.

— A girl, don't you understand? — He shrugged without changing his face, Junko's eye twitched and Se-dono continued to grin.

— That's not what I meant. — The woman waved her hand irritably: She was too emotional today, is this topic so important? — What is her status in this house? — A frown, a demanding look, broke into a fit of blissful laziness.

— Kiriko is my daughter, and in MY house, her status is appropriate. — The girl carefully grabbed the edge of my shirt so that she wouldn't be seen at the table, and joy was evident in her emotions. — So, what did you want to talk about? I, you know, haven't gone to bed yet and I'd like to rest. — I wasn't going to let you drag this interrogation out, my house — my rules, I'm the boss here.

— All right, but we'll come back to this. — Junko replied sternly and I just hummed happily. — This is about the return of the shards from the Hoshino Family Altar....

— We've already talked about it, haven't we? — A tired sigh escaped, followed by a yawn.

— It's VERY important! — Junko pressed, looking me straight in the eye. — Even if we get back just one shard, we can rebuild the altar. The Spirit Alliance has the ability to help us in this endeavor, but they have their own conditions... .... — I yawned and covered my mouth with my hand, causing Junko's eye to twitch again and my emotions to flare with irritation.

— Sora-kun, — the older tanuki said, giving Junko a warning look that stopped her impulse. — Junko-san was referring to the fact that the Hoshino family no longer needed to commit to the entire Union as Hinako-no-miko had originally suggested. The Taitamonoku tanuki family has enough influence and means to do it on their own. In fact, my granddaughter and I are here to discuss our cooperation. — At this, the good-natured Kokoro raised her dark orange eyebrows and nodded gravely, making me smile.

— Continue, I'm listening attentively. — I had to break the long silence.

— Originally, the Spirit Alliance had considered their help in returning the Hoshino family altar to its rightful owners as a full-fledged union between us, sealed by marriage for five centuries. — I wanted to whistle at the news, but I held myself back, sensing Afiri's growing displeasure, but the girl was well controlled, so she didn't change her appearance. — Three girls from the senior clans of the Union will take the place of your wives, Sora-kun. — My eyebrows raised, and I also remembered my stay in Kyoto. Although Junko was able to tell me some things, she left out some important details. Ouch, that's not good. — The family and the Taitamonoku family decided not to pressure you, not to be as mean as the others, especially since we can do it alone...

— When the war is over, won't you be beaten up for playing like this? Hmm? — I couldn't help asking, I was curious!

— No, — the old woman waved her hand lazily, as if swatting away a fly. — Everyone is too busy with the trophies, so their interest in your family has waned, and if you do not return to Japan right away, there will be no problems at all. — Tanuki grabbed another strawberry jam cookie that Kiriko had baked from the vase.

— I see. But the thing is, I'm planning to live here in Britain, so I'm only interested in Japan as a special market for magical goods. — The old tanuki's eyelids fluttered and that was the end of her reaction, but Junko frowned menacingly.

— This is unacceptable! — the woman said categorically. — Our place is in Japan!

— I don't want to force you. — I shrugged again. — You are free to choose your place in life, but I choose mine.

— I'm your mother and I'm older, so you have to obey me!

— No. — I managed to suppress a yawn, otherwise I'm afraid we would have torn the living room apart with this fiery woman. — I don't think you're someone I can trust with my fate...

— Yes! — The woman's face darkened, but I continued with a blazing aura.

— The best trophies, our OWN trophies, — I emphasized my voice, shaking off the laziness and drowsiness. — You gave them away without getting anything of equal value in return! You could have asked for the shards of the altar for the regalia of the Celestial Fox! — I couldn't help it. — What did you get, huh? What? — Seeing the woman's disapproving eyes, I didn't let her interrupt me. — Don't lie to me! Our ancestral swords, given to Hoshino by the masters of Ippon-datar, would be repaired for free! — After calming down a bit, I continued. — I have fulfilled my duty as a son: you have been given your freedom and the means to live a trouble-free life, and it is up to you how you will live your life. You are my mother and you can stay in my house as long as you want. But I'll decide for myself. — I said the last words calmly.

— I am stronger than you! — Junko replied stubbornly, looking straight into my eyes.

— Not everything is decided by force if you are not a Demiurge.

— According to the rules of the clan...

— The Hoshino Clan has been destroyed, — I interrupted. — along with its rules. It's about time you remembered that. — I couldn't help but add.

— But you said...

— Yes, — I nodded in agreement. — I will rebuild the clan. But it will be a new clan, with new rules and policies. — Seeing the stubborn fire in Junko's eyes, I add. — With a new clan altar. — With this line, I managed to disturb my mother's thoughts and turned to the tanuki. — That's why I can't accept your offer, Se-dono. I just don't want the shards. — The old tanuki showed no reaction at all, continuing her good-natured, cheerful, and curious demeanor. — However, I have another offer for you that is much more tempting.

— Huh? Do you think you can surprise me, Sora-kun? — The old, experienced tanuki grinned mischievously.

— I'll try. — I grin back. — Do you know about the goblin race? — I raised an eyebrow and grinned, watching the tanuki's reaction while the others remained unconcerned.

And rightly so. It's amazing to see how fast my mind works, going through the options and finding the right answer. The old woman even showed surprise by raising her eyebrows and opening her eyes wider.

— What's stopping us from implementing your idea?

— You are strangers here, and no one will work with you without the help of the locals. Besides, the goblins are firmly entrenched in the local society.

— You, Sora-kun, don't have a British face either. — The tanuki grinned.

— Thank the spirits for that! — I said sincerely, because even the most beautiful local wizards can barely reach the "average" level of the French; no, there are exceptions, of course, but... — However, I have a better chance of doing it all.

— Why don't you do it yourself? — squinted the old woman.

— I don't have enough hands for everything. — I'll just answer. — I already have a lot to do, and I hardly have enough people, smart people, for everything. I need serious specialists, otherwise nothing will work.

— You realize that you can't trust outsiders in these matters, only family, right?

— I realize that. — To be honest, that's what I was counting on. — What else?

— What are you talking about?! — Junko exploded, and I thought she could hold out a little longer.

— My lord proposes to drive the goblins out of the banking business. — Afiri suddenly spoke in a calm voice. — Take over this sector.

— Are you serious? — Junko was astonished.

— I'm serious. — I nodded. — The goblins have to be destroyed anyway, and it will be easier if you start to undermine their influence on the local society. It's not a quick solution and it's not the safest thing to do, but you have to start somewhere, right?

— Sora-kun is right, — Se-dono nodded firmly. — But we have to be very careful. We have to discuss it carefully. Just like the terms of the alliance treaty... — Tanuki glittered mischievously.