Yotsuya Miko: Shirakawa-kun, I've confirmed it. It's very likely... the grudge was caused by a powerful evil spirit.
Yotsuya Miko: [Image.jpg].
Yotsuya Miko: According to Hanako, she passed by an abandoned house two days ago and heard someone calling out from inside. Curious, she went to take a look.
Yotsuya Miko: She didn't see anyone, but she picked something up there.
Yotsuya Miko shared a location.
Having quickly grasped the situation, Shirakawa found himself at a loss for words.
A mysterious call from inside an abandoned house—that was already suspicious. And going in to take a look out of curiosity, fine, that part was understandable. But picking up a random object? That was a bit reckless.
Though, to be fair, he was thinking from the perspective of an exorcist.
"I'll go check it out."
After replying to Miko, Shirakawa opened the shared location. It was less than two kilometers from the apartment—not far at all.
A quick investigation wouldn't hurt.
If it was just an ordinary earthbound spirit, his Holy Sword class could take care of it through physical means. But if it turned out to be one of those urban legend-type spirits...
He'd have to take a more thorough, conversational approach.
Carrying the dishes over to the table, Shirakawa saw Izumi Mio return with Sagiri in tow. Since there were no indoor slippers prepared, the two were barefoot on the wooden flooring.
Sagiri's feet were small and fair. Though she hadn't experienced her canonical character arc yet, her pervy illustrator trait was starting to surface—along with her shut-in tendencies.
Upon arriving at Shirakawa's luxurious penthouse, she was visibly nervous. But as her mother instructed, she offered her prepared gift with both hands.
With a soft voice and lowered head, she said, "Shirakawa-oniichan, I brought you some sweets."
"Thank you, Sagiri."
Patting her head, Shirakawa smiled warmly. "Auntie's already made lunch. Come eat before it gets cold."
"Okay!"
Sagiri had no objection to this affectionate gesture. On the contrary, after looking up, she smiled back at him and gave a small nod.
The food was delicious—especially the eel rice and shrimp tempura. Far superior to store-bought bento or fast food from the "Big Three" chains.
From single mother...
To future ideal housewife—the transition was happening before his eyes. Mio's enchanting eyes would occasionally glance up at him, as if seeking his approval.
Shirakawa, naturally, didn't hold back.
"Auntie, your cooking is amazing. The grilled eel was especially tasty, and the tempura—so crispy!"
"..."
Hearing such praise from her employer, Mio's eyes sparkled with delight.
"I was worried the flavors wouldn't suit you, Shirakawa-kun. I'm relieved to hear otherwise."
"To make things easier, I'll give Auntie a debit card later. It'll cover the daily grocery expenses. If the house needs anything, feel free to use it."
Shirakawa genuinely trusted her.
During the meal, he even joked, "Honestly, I can't imagine what it'll be like if I get used to Auntie's cooking... and then suddenly can't have it anymore."
"Ah..."
W-Was that a confession?!
Mio's heartbeat quickened inexplicably. Glancing at the handsome face across the table, she panicked slightly and blurted out,
"As long as you don't get tired of me—"
Realizing the implication of her words, the young widow quickly added, "I-I mean... my cooking, of course!"
It was too obvious.
Of course Shirakawa wasn't going to point it out. He smiled gently at her and said in earnest, "Never. I really love Auntie's cooking."
After lunch, Mio busied herself with cleanup in the kitchen. Shirakawa, now idle, played video games in the living room with Sagiri.
Time passed quickly.
Later that afternoon, Mio and Sagiri left, citing work.
With the house quiet again, Shirakawa didn't rush to visit the address. After all, he had an urban legend living right in his home. And based on the source material, the spirits of these urban legends were all interconnected.
"I should ask Mary first."
Heading to his bedroom, he found the doll girl no longer in her inanimate form. As soon as she sensed his presence, she transformed into a middle-school-aged beauty at visible speed.
She stretched with a lazy yawn—
Then quickly corrected herself, speaking politely, "Master, is it time for exorcism training? If you'd prefer to use... other methods, I can assist with that as well."
"I have a question for you."
When it came to urban legends and evil spirits, a just exorcist like Shirakawa only needed to consider how to purify them.
And the urban spirits? They only needed to enjoy the process.
Shirakawa shook his head, serious now. "A friend of mine is being haunted by a powerful grudge spirit. I wanted to ask if you know anything about it."
Mary blinked in confusion, then nodded.
He showed her the live location info, including a picture of the abandoned house.
"I want to know if you recognize the spirit haunting this place."
"..."
Mary leaned in, brows slightly furrowed as she studied it. Then, without hesitation, she answered:
"Master, my friend Hanako lives there!"
"...I see."
With a nod, Shirakawa put away his phone.
As a just exorcist, he had a moral obligation to help a beautiful classmate like Yuragawa Hana.
Most importantly, his conviction remained unchanged—any evil shall be brought to justice!!