NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18
Half-drunk and half-sober, Aden muttered, “Ah, Yeh Island only has junior colleges and vocational schools. What’s the use of working hard? I envy Airi. She can take a distance education course at Kokugakuin University or Kougakkan University and get qualified as a shrine priest, right?”
[Note: Japan’s junior colleges offer majors in literature, foreign languages, education, home economics, health, etc., with a usual duration of 2 years (3 years for medical technology and nursing), similar to community colleges in China. Vocational schools in Japan focus on technical learning and qualifying exams, akin to technical schools.
Kokugakuin University and Kougakkan University are the only two universities in Japan offering Shinto courses, which can provide shrine priest qualifications certified by the Association of Shinto Shrines. Shrine maidens usually retire around the age of 25-30, and can then become shrine staff if they wish to continue serving.]
“There’s nothing to envy. I can’t choose my own path either. Just eat and stop talking so pessimistically,” Airi replied coolly, treating Aden as an immature child.
Nagareta patted Aden’s shoulder, comforting her, “The Pak Clinic needs someone to take over, and the rescue station needs medical staff. For the sake of Cicada Hiding Town, little Aden needs to study hard!”
“Alright, alright, I get it!” Aden poured herself another drink and said, “Speaking of which, there used to be a medical student named Minakawa Shingo who helped my dad, often doing free clinics in the countryside. He hasn’t been around much lately.”
“Minakawa… senpai?”
Hearing the familiar name, Genji was taken aback. His voice seemed distant and unreal, as if not his own.
“Ah, that’s right!” Aden suddenly realized and clapped her hands, “You’re studying at the institute too, right, Susa-kun? Do you know anything about him?”
Rin’s expression darkened slightly, giving Aden a look that told her not to ask too much. It seemed he had kept the secret of Minakawa-senpai’s disappearance from everyone, even Aden.
However, there was no longer a need to hide this matter. Genji had come here specifically to investigate his senpai’s whereabouts. He quickly sorted his thoughts and shared the unusual circumstances surrounding Minakawa-senpai’s disappearance with his new friends.
“What? Disappeared!?” Aden sobered up considerably, exchanging shocked glances with Nagareta.
“Yeah, people at the institute are discussing whether he got taken by ‘Onikakushi’ or ‘divine punishment’, but I think there’s no such thing as spirits causing mischief.”
After speaking, Genji glanced at Airi, who was quietly drinking her tea.
Rin looked hesitant, as if questioning, “How can you talk about such things in front of Miss Somezaki?”
Ah, what’s there not to say? Doesn’t Miss Somezaki also suspect that someone is committing evil under the guise of spirits?
A few seconds later, Airi set down her tea cup.
“Please don’t talk about this outside. Not all places are as safe as here. In addition to jammers, Soshie Town uses full-band receivers, detectors, field strength meters to search for unknown radio waves daily, and even checks power lines for abnormal electromagnetic signals, making all wireless and wired listening devices useless. To block laser eavesdropping, we’ve added blinds outside the windows. However, these protective measures are far from sufficient.”
Her voice turned cold again, even more so than when Genji first heard her speak.
The awkward atmosphere was even noticeable to Aden, who held her drink in suspension. Nagareta hurriedly invited her and Rin to take a walk in the courtyard.
Oops, I said the wrong thing again. Is Miss Somezaki unhappy?
Just as Genji was about to get up and apologize, Airi continued:
“I’m sorry, it’s not the right time yet. When the time comes, I’ll share everything I should with Susa-kun. We can talk in detail in the shielding room then.”
She tried to soften her wording, but the polite tone still carried a sense of detachment.
Ah, it seems the investigation has hit a snag. Maybe I’m now being guarded against by Miss Somezaki, just like the institute and the town council. When will I truly earn her trust? Genji inwardly groaned.
“So you mean, when I’ve decided where I stand, the time will be right? But I’m still a bit unclear, what does ‘standing’ mean? If one of the options is not to be an enemy of Miss Somezaki, what should I do?”
“There’s no need to rush into a decision. What will come, will come.”
Airi picked up her tea cup again and took a gentle sip.
Another riddle. When will that day come? What if something happens to Minakawa-senpai in the meantime? Human life is of utmost importance, why is Miss Somezaki so calm?
“But, I’m worried that if we wait any longer…”
“Minakawa-san is an important friend to Susa-kun, isn’t he?”
Yes, he’s like a brother to me. Genji kept his thoughts to himself.
“If I tell you that the shrine hasn’t done anything to him, would you believe me? You came here for this answer, right?”
Indeed, Genji had suspected the deity’s descendant was the mastermind, but since learning that he had no power over the town council, his suspicion had somewhat diminished. Moreover, the shrine’s power even necessitated so many anti-surveillance measures in Soshie Town, and they were as cautious as the townspeople, undoubtedly guarding against a more formidable foe.
For some reason, Genji truly believed Miss Somezaki would not lie. Her eyes, like a clear, unfathomable lake, were also crystal clear. If she were to lie, those eyes, untainted by any impurity, would probably betray her.
Perhaps she wasn’t intentionally maintaining an emotionless face; she had just erected an invisible barrier between herself and others.
If only I could get a bit closer to her, even if not as carefree as Aden in joking around…
Ah, what am I thinking? Miss Somezaki is so reserved; inviting a recent acquaintance to her home for a meal is already a big step. Being too eager to extract information might backfire.
After some thought, Genji nodded: “Yes, I believe Miss Somezaki.”
“I’ve said it before, be wary of everyone around you. Have you forgotten, Susa-kun?” Airi shook her head, “What if I betray your trust? It’s better not to have any illusions, or you’ll be disappointed.”
Genji was speechless. He looked at Airi, feeling like a bug about to be encased in amber, overwhelmed by a thick sense of helplessness.
“Susa-kun is smart, but sometimes too impulsive. There’s no need to rush; wait a bit longer.”
“Perhaps you’re right…”
Why does Miss Somezaki want me to be a reliable partner, yet pushes me away after I show sincerity?
Genji could only sigh. He looked up but met the girl’s meaningful gaze.
Feeling his face heat up, he excused himself to the restroom, stealthily pulling out a stress relief spray.