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The next day, with the Shimotsuki family festivities finished, we were sent off to our next destination. In the end, the party continued right until before the date changed. Things got tedious by the end, since everyone was clearly exhausted at that point.

“Yesterday’s exhaustion still hasn’t worn off.”
“It went so long people even fell asleep from exhaustion, after all. Didn’t you also practically collapse on the bed?”
“Obviously. That’s what singing for a whole day does to you. I’m actually surprised that my throat is fine.”

I can’t even remember how many songs they made me sing. A few even had me play bass with them after they learned that I could use the bass. It wasn’t only my voice that reached peak exhaustion, so it’s only normal that I immediately fell asleep. Thanks to that, I didn’t have to go overtime.

“It would’ve been such a killjoy if people tapped out so early in the night.”
“Aya, where do you even get your energy from?”
“I’m her little sister, and I don’t know either. As the one who has to keep her company, it’s really tough.”

Rin’s fatigue can be clearly seen. But the biggest question here is why these two came along with us. They gave a send-off earlier, which was meaningless since they stepped into the car with us. I can already see it, they’ll definitely follow us until the end of the day.

“Why are you coming along?”
“Because it seems fun, obviously. I already heard about the next destination.”
“You’ll be greeting my classmate Minadzuki, so it was just convenient.”

Rin definitely made up that reason. I told them our next destination after we entered the car. It isn’t because I don’t trust the Shimotsuki family people, it was so that some weirdos don’t tag along, but they entered the car before they even knew the destination.

“Greet Minadzuki and then head to Kotori’s home. That’s the plan for today.”
“That’s pretty haphazard considering that you’ve got pursuers. Don’t you have a more thoroughly detailed plan?”
“It’s hard to bounce back from unexpected happenings if the plan is too thorough. Especially with my schedule drastically changed since yesterday.”

Originally, I should’ve been at Kotori’s house by last night. But thanks to the Shimotsukis, my schedule is all ruined. Recalling this, I glare at Aya, but she just smiles it off. Absolutely no signs of regret here.

“By the way, Minadzuki told me to absolutely not come.”
“Well why are we going there, then?”

For some reason, he adamantly refused when I told him I was going to visit for the new year’s greetings. He wouldn’t tell me why. Minadzuki must have something he doesn’t want me to see, but new year greetings can be done just at the front door. So now I’m curious why.

“You think he was acting when he kept telling me not to go?”
“Like some kind of skit? Still, I’d honestly do the same and visit.”
“Holding back these two’s curiosity seems impossible. I feel sorry for Minadzuki, but I’m curious as well.”

The Shimotsuki family is, in a sense, a big blob of curiosity. They proactively go after things they like. Moreover, they even sometimes stir up the surroundings and cause troublesome situations. That’s why the other twelve families try their best not to provoke the Shimotsukis too much.

“It’s quite rare for an eldest daughter among the twelve families to go around greeting the other families. Generally because they’d be too busy greeting people at home.”
“I just have spare time. And honestly I don’t want to show my face at home.”
“As usual, your family relationship seems complicated. It would be a lot easier if it was like ours, where we can talk to each other about anything.”
“Our family has its own peculiarities, though.”

Approximately none of the twelve families are not peculiar. They’ll either be acting stupid or doing stupid things. Not that I’m any better. Still, with that in mind, what exactly is Minadzuki hiding?

“What do you think Minadzuki’s secret is?”
“His family’s conversations are hellish?”
“I’d honestly rather not be there.”

It’s that sharp-tongued Minadzuki, after all. Whether a conversation can be established if the whole family is like that is a mystery. And their words are going to be all from the heart, so it won’t be surprising if someone gets pissed. Agreed, that doesn’t sound like something I’d want to join. Still, I don’t think he doesn’t want me to see it out of consideration.

“We’ll know once we’re there, but I can’t help being curious about it.”
“It just gets you more curious the more you think about it.”
“We’re stuck in a negative loop.”

We continued along the road agonizing and arguing about it, but in the end, we couldn’t come up with a convincing reason. In the first place, the twelve families are a gathering of unpredictability. I guess there’s no way to figure it out so easily. And so, we reached the Minadzuki family residence.

“The problem is, are they going to let us in?”
“If that happens, why don’t we sneak inside?”
“Going home isn’t an option.”

Even Rin got curious enough to declare that. Has there ever been people as eager to share their new year’s greetings as we are? The objective has shifted from greetings to the pursuit of mystery, but it can’t be helped. The objective was flimsy to begin with.

“Pardon the sudden visit. I am Kotone of the Kisaragi family. I have come to share my new year’s greetings.”
“Likewise, I am the Shimotsuki family’s eldest daughter Aya. Along with my sister Rin, we have come to share our greetings.”

Pushing the intercom, we introduced ourselves politely but I heard someone hurrying away from the intercom. Well, two families came to greet, so of course, they’d report to the family head. Moreover, we came without prior notice.

“Oi. I told you not to come.”
“I came, tehe~”
“Shut it. I’d be different if it was Ms. Aya, but I feel clear malice from that, Ms. Kisaragi.”
“What!? Isn’t your impression of me a bit too harsh?”

It’s probably due to my regular behavior. Doing something you don’t usually do leaves a bigger impact on people. I did a cute ‘Tehe~’ on a whim but I guess due to yesterday’s singing, it came out well. I sounded like a high school girl.

“It’s cold here, so won’t you let us in? Please?”
“You’re annoying today, Ms. Kisaragi. What’s wrong with you?”
“Sorry, Sister Kotone is still a bit hyper from the Shimotsuki Family Song Festival last night.”
“Rin. Stop her. You’re the only deterrent force here.”

“No way. I want to come in too.”

Give it up. There’s not a single one on your side here. And I’m sure that the people in the Minadzuki residence are also contemplating letting us in. It would be rude to turn us away from the entrance door. Regardless of the fact that we came unannounced.

“Leave! Please, just go home. I’m begging you here.”

Minadzuki begged us with a sincere tone. For him to humble himself this much, there must be a secret inside he absolutely doesn’t want us learning. This action only had the opposite effect on us. I’m sure he can see our large grins through the camera.

““”We’re! Here! To Play!”””
“Shut the f̲u̲c̲k̲ up!”

Minadzuki’s screech exploded from the speaker. There’s no other people around, so it didn’t attract attention, but it’ll bother the neighbors. Still, this won’t be enough to shake our will. At worst, we’ll even sit here outside until he lets us in.

“Wait! Don’t open the door! There are demons outside!”

It seems like Minadzuki’s negotiation time has ended. Loud noises can be heard from the speaker. A battle between Minadzuki, who’s trying everything to keep us out, and his family is probably unfolding. And there’s no chance of him winning.

“Please… come in…”

He sounds short of breath. Just how much did he struggle? And what exactly is it he’d go so far to keep a secret? To learn this, we went through the extravagant door and entered the building.

“You can still turn back now. I’m serious, please go home.”
“You don’t know when to give up.”

There was nothing to be seen other than Minadzuki earnestly pleading while bowing deeply with his hips at a ninety-degree angle. We were honestly disappointed. Looking at other people, for some reason they’re watching us in the shadows of the corridor. What’s with this scene?

“There’s not much time. Could you please leave before she comes? I’ll definitely make up for this, okay?”

It seems like he doesn’t want us to meet someone. However, it’s likely already too late. After all, while his family and servants were watching us from behind a corner, one kimono-clad girl was approaching us. Minadzuki doesn’t seem to notice that she’s right behind him.

“Master Yuuto. These ladies are?”
“K-Kiyose. I’ve relayed that you don’t particularly need to greet them, right?”
“Yes, I have been told as such. However, I have sensed that you have been conversing with these ladies, so I have elected to come.”
“OK, all units retreat. We’re leaving ASAP.”
“”Roger!!””
“Like you will! At this point, I’m dragging you all with me!”

Curiosity killed the cat. I completely agree with that. I felt danger. I swear I saw some kind of dark aura peeking from behind the girl. Besides, we’re just having a regular conversation but the way she’s looking at me is scary. And what the hell did she mean by ‘sense’!?

“Why the hell do you have a crazy girl at home!?”
“I can’t help it! Kiyose is my fiancée!”

Hearing that, the three of us running to the door were stunned before reaching the doorknob. “Eh? Seriously?” Turning around, I was met with a solemn nod, so it should be true. That girl obviously staring at us with eyes of jealousy is Minadzuki’s fiancée?

“Minadzuki, my condolences.”
“The three of you are also going to have a rough time from here on.”

It seems like it won’t end with a simple greeting at the Minadzukis either. Well, it’s our fault for stepping into a minefield.