Chapter 271: Visit My Family on Earth (8)
Now, Envi, Runa, my mother, Nana, Kai-senpai, and I were walking back to our apartment.
Originally, Kai-senpai only intended to escort Nana home, but my mother invited him to join us for dinner, and he happily accepted.
We had already stopped by the store earlier to buy ingredients for Nabe and Sukiyaki, planning to celebrate this special day together.
Mother looked so happy, as if the heavy weight on her shoulders had finally been lifted. She and Nana were clearly excited to cook.
Envi and Runa were equally thrilled, though in their case it was probably because they were already getting hungry again.
When we arrived at the apartment, however, we were surprised to see the door slightly open.
As soon as we looked inside, we were shocked to find my older brother, Naki, lying sprawled on the floor.
"Naki!" I called out in alarm, hurrying over to check on him.
My mother, Nana, and Kai-senpai all looked panicked.
For a moment, I feared he might have been attacked by an envoy of the Outer God.
But when I turned him over, I realized he was simply asleep from exhaustion. His clothes were damp with sweat — he must have just finished an intense boxing workout at the gym I had told him to join.
"This big guy… you're something else," I muttered under my breath, relieved. "But don't scare us like that."
Once we realized he was only sleeping, everyone burst into laughter, the tension melting away from my mother and Nana's faces.
Naki woke up, looking embarrassed. He explained that he had been working out to lose weight.
We praised his efforts, and Mother immediately told him to take a shower while she and Nana prepared the Sukiyaki and Nabe.
Naki's face lit up, and he rushed to the bathroom without hesitation — he was clearly starving.
Mother then told me, Kai-senpai, Envi, and Runa to wait in the living room while they cooked.
During that time, Envi just wouldn't stop talking. He cracked countless lame jokes, managing to irritate me and amuse Runa at the same time.
Before long, the delicious aroma of food filled the air. Mother and Nana brought the dishes over, setting them on the low table since our dining table wasn't big enough.
It truly felt like a celebration. We all sat cross-legged on the floor, sharing the meal together.
Naki kept glancing curiously at Envi and Runa. When I explained my relationship with them, his jaw nearly hit the floor in shock.
Then he asked what exactly we were celebrating. Mother told him it was to mark the day our family's debts were fully paid off, and also to celebrate Nana and Kai-senpai taking over a café in the city center — a new business they would run with my investment.
Hearing all this good news at once nearly made Naki faint.
"I… I'm so grateful… Uncle, thank you so much. I'll… I'll work hard to be someone as dependable as you… I— huaaa…" His voice broke as tears streamed down his cheeks.
He looked absolutely ridiculous trying to eat while crying, and that made everyone laugh.
After a while, I asked Nana and Kai-senpai about their wedding plans. That instantly turned both of them into blushing messes.
"Um… we've been planning it for a few months now. We'll be getting married in four months, in December. As for the date…" Nana's voice grew softer.
"December 18," Kai-senpai said firmly. "We chose that date because we want to celebrate Mother's birthday as well."
He now called my mother "Mother" naturally, like a true son-in-law.
"I see. Well, Nana, Kai… I wish you both the best for your wedding plans. Naoko, Runa, and I will definitely be there," I promised.
They looked genuinely happy, making me swear I would keep that promise. I nodded, and they smiled with relief.
On the side, my mother seemed moved, realizing this was the first time she was hearing their wedding date. Apparently, Nana and Kai had planned to tell her today.
She embraced them warmly, saying it would be the greatest gift of her life.
The three of them cried together — tears of pure joy.
Envi, Runa, and I simply sat back, smiling at the sight.
Tonight was truly a beautiful night.
After the meal, Envi, Runa, and I prepared to leave.
Mother, Nana, and Naki offered to let us stay overnight, but I gently declined, saying I had other matters to attend to.
They understood.
Before going, I handed them the gifts I had prepared — protective charms made by Edwin.
"Oh, I almost forgot… these are for you," I said, giving one to Mother, Nana, Naki, and Kai-senpai.
"What are these, Natsuki-san?" my mother asked curiously, and the others looked puzzled as well.
"They're protective charms. You know… I want to protect you all because you're my beloved family. But since I can't always be here, I hope these charms can take my place and keep you safe whenever I'm away."
I smiled as I spoke.
Naki, Nana, and Kai-senpai immediately rushed over to hug me, looking like they were about to cry again. I told them to save their tears.
Mother took my hand gently. "You're such a good person, Natsuki-san… thank you for always helping and protecting us. Please also promise to take care of yourself, and of Naoko and Runa as well."
Her worried tone hit me hard.
I wanted so badly to embrace her and call her "Mom," but I couldn't. Doing so would break the goddess's rules.
So I simply said, "I promise."
We parted ways after that.
"See you again, everyone! This beautiful Naoko will drop by another time," Envi said, clearly enjoying his disguise.
"Goodbye, Uncle Naki the chubby, Uncle Kai the cool, Aunt Nana the pretty, and Grandma Ayase the kind!" Runa waved cheerfully. I had no idea when she started calling my mother "Grandma," but it actually suited her better than "Aunt."
Mother seemed pleased by it too — as if she had gained a cute, adorable granddaughter.
After that, Runa, Envi, and I headed to a quiet spot. I dismissed them, sending Runa back into the Grimoire of the Darkness and Envi into the system's realm inside me.
I then opened the teleportation gate to return to Aetheria.
[Activating: Back to Aetheria]
My body slowly entered the portal, and I was once again on my way back to Aetheria.
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