After giving it some thought, Kichi-san decided to order a cake. "Yummy! Let's forget everything just for this moment! Regrets can wait until tomorrow!" Ah, yeah. Sorry about that. "So, what did you want to talk about today?" "Ah, right. I can't forget about this." Well yeah. Please don't randomly forget things. Otherwise, I'll just be the guy who treated you to cake. Not that I mind, though. "I thought it was some emergency because it's so rare for you to call." "Well, if you think about it, it might be an emergency? Actually, there's something I need to consult with you or perhaps report." "I can't really help you with test prep, you know?" I don't remember that stuff. "No, that's not it... but it is something pretty serious." Kichi-san seems quite disheartened. It looks like her grades aren't too great. "So what is it?" "Well, I've been sensing some magical power at our school. I'm guessing it might be a demon." "At school?" "Yes, I've had this feeling since morning, and I discussed it with Yuusei-kun during lunch. That's when we decided to talk to you, Yamada-san..." I see. "What about the association?" "I've already made a report. They told me to conduct an investigation..." Well, it is a school matter, so having someone from there deal with it would be ideal. "Did you give it a try?" "I looked around during my break times... but I'm restricted by where I can go and there wasn't much time." Classes do get in the way... And the school is so large, with so many people. "I'm okay with helping to investigate, but it's impossible for me, you know? I can't just enter the school." "Right. That's why we're thinking that you could help at night or on a weekend. We'll probably need to get permission from the school for the investigation." "But the school would be empty?" "You will cover for the case that the demon is not a possesion type. Yuusei-kun and I will keep at it during the day." Ah, got it. So that's a possibility too, huh? "Will the association take care of the school's permission?" "Yes. We'll pose as police or contractors for the investigation." "Makes sense." "So what will you do? Are you going to accept the job? You have the option to refuse, of course."

Can I really though...? "What do you guys want to do?" They were probably discussing it earlier today. "We'd like to take it if possible since it's about our school... But our leader is Yamada-san, so we'll follow your decision." Somehow I get the feeling they'd still go ahead alone if i were to refuse... "What is the magical power rating?" "The danger level seems to be E or D, from what Yuusei-kun and I have gathered." Hmm... it's a bit of a gray area. It hasn't been officially rated by an investigator. Well, Miriam is with us, so if anything happens, we should be able to handle it... "I'm fine with accepting the job. What exactly should we do?" "Yamada-san, are you available tonight?" "Eh? Tonight?" "The earlier the better..." Really now. I wish you'd mentioned it sooner... Then again, having a demon at the school seems a bit problematic. There are many children around. "Just a second. I'll give Ruri a call." "Understood." As I stood up, Kichi-san went back to eating her cake, so I stepped outside the store for a moment. "Miriam, you'll come, won't you?" Exiting the store, I quietly asked Miriam as I pulled out my smartphone. "... Of course, meow." After Miriam nodded, I phoned home. The call was picked up almost immediately. "Hello?" It's Ruri's voice. "It's me, me. You recognize me?" "Is it Tadashi-san?" Oh! She's remembering what I taught her! What a smart kid. "No, it's his grandson Tatsuya." "Yeah. By the way, I think I'd recognize your voice..." "These days, things like that can be done by machines or AI. That's the danger." "Do you really think so?" Maybe I should buy Ruri a smartphone... I've got the money for it. "Well, anyway. Listen, I might be late coming home from work today."

"What time do you think?" What time will it be... "I'm not quite sure. I'm sorry, but please go ahead and have dinner, take a bath, and if you feel sleepy, go ahead and sleep." "Understood. I will put the dinner in the refrigerator. If you don't eat it, we can have it for lunch tomorrow." I'm not sure when I'll be back, and that might be for the best. "Please do that for me. Oh, and you can have some snacks, but remember to brush your teeth before bed, okay?" "Understood." "Then, I'll leave everything else in your hands. Don't forget to lock up, alright?" "Yes. Um... Should I call you 'papa'?" Why would she ask that? "Just as usual is fine." "Is that so... Well then, please be careful." "Will do." That was the exchange before the call ended. "Phew... Do I seem like a father?" "You're exactly like one, meow. A reliable daughter and a worrywart dad, meow." Really... Well, considering my age, it wouldn't be strange to have a kid that age. With that on my mind, I went back inside the store and sat down. "What happened? Was there a problem?" Kichi-san, who had already finished her cake, asked. "No, it's okay. She's a smart kid, after all." "She certainly looks smart, even though I've only seen a photo." I guess so. "Does Kichi-san have a younger brother or sister?" "I have an uncute younger brother." Uncute? "How old?" "He's in the second year of middle school." Is he in the rebellious phase? Well, that might explain why he's not cute. "I see." "What's the matter?" "Well, I'm taking care of a relative's child, but I was an only child. So, I wonder what's the correct way to interact with them." "You don't need to worry, just be yourself. If it's a child like this, they will do as they please." Kichi-san said while looking at their own smartphone. They are probably looking at the photo I sent before. "Is that so?" "Exactly like that. Well, I understand how you feel. This child is cute, so it's natural to feel anxious. I wish I had a sister like this instead of my brother who walks around in his underwear after taking a bath..., and could you pair her up together with Miriam-chan as a set?" I will never give her away. I'll give you calories though, you will have to make due with that.