Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan

Chapter 91: Bolder is better

Neither Julis nor Tamazuki knew Amirigi had a wonderful dream. Even if they knew, they would only say that it was good for him.

As they were on their way to the central district, they discussed various places which they should visit as they looked out the air window of his mobile device. Then, as it was their first time, they decided to do this together. Fortunately, he was decisive and was able to learn fast; then, soon, everything had been decided.

"Then, let's go there."

"Un."

"By the way, let's get you a cap."

"Huh? Why?"

"...are you also a light novel protagonist, Princess?"

"...I don't know what you mean, but I can tell that you are mocking me." Julis stared at him unkindly while wondering why he told her that she was a light novel protagonist.

"It's okay. You don't need to think too much, but if you don't mind attracting everyone's attention, then I am okay, though."

It meant that she was clueless, but he kindly did not mention that meaning.

"Attracting everyone's attention...?" Julis was in silence for a moment before she understood everything and blushed, but then, she snorted. "I don't care, or do you have a problem with being known to go on a date with me?" While she wasn't sure about the details of his relationship with Claudia, Kirin, or there were other girls that she didn't know, his intention to make their date a secret made her quite unhappy.

What do you mean?

Are you just playing with me?

Is she just playing in his mind?

She took this date seriously, waking up early to do her make-up and everything. She even called her home, asking for some advice since it was her first time going out with an opposite gender (indiscreetly), yet this guy told her that it was better to keep everything a secret.

Their original intention for this date might not be because of liking or something, but even so, she couldn't help but think so, okay?

Or was she the only one who thought so?

If so, she was sad.

"....."

He thought that this girl was a light novel protagonist, but as expected of a heroine, it was impossible for them to be oblivious.

"No, I am fine. Let everyone know that I, Inugamigyoubu Tamazuki, can go on a date with a Princess."

"...you are exgratting." She felt embarrassed in return by his proud expression.

"I'm not exaggerating. I am happy that you can go out with me, Riessfeld-san."

"...Julis."

"What?"

"Don't call me Riessfeld. It feels so distant."

"Then, Julis."

"...."

"Embarrassed?"

"Shut up!"

"By the way, call me Tamazuki too."

"Oh-oh.."

"Why don't you call me now?"

"...do you love to tease me that much?"

It was just the beginning, but it seemed they were doing well on their date.

---

The city of Asterisk was divided into the central district and the outer residential district. A monorail-loop line ran through the outer district, connecting the harbor block, the residential area, and the six schools. The main mode of transportation in a certain district was a separate subway system. The setup was reportedly intended to prevent duels between students from interfering with public transportation.

The moment they arrived, he didn't hesitate to have fun. As a tanuki, he was the personification of fun. He was a party animal, and he knew how to have fun the best. Enjoying life was his best ability.

Even Julis was affected by the moods and showed a smile which was usually hidden by her frown. While she might not realize it, this might be her first time smiling after she arrived at the Asterisk.

Before she was a girl, she was also a human. She was strong, but even so, she had been a loner for a year. She didn't have anyone to discuss, and she also couldn't tell her hardships to all the people in her country. She buried all of the problems inside her heart and bore everything by herself, yet right now, she forgot all of that, smiling brightly like a girl of her age.

"It's crowded here. Let's hold hands, so we won't get separated."

"Oh-oh..."

Julis was passive, and she didn't reject him, letting his big and strong hand hold her hand tightly, which made her flush red.

When the afternoon came, they felt hungry and decided to have lunch.

Tamazuki chose a random restaurant with a good review in the nearby area. Still, since it wasn't located in a commercial area; instead, it was located near the neighborhood area, it wasn't that crowded, and they chose to sit on the 2nd floor near the window where they could overlook the scenery of the sea.

The restaurant had an amiable atmosphere and interior design that described the personality of the owner.

"Have you been here before?" Julis asked curiously as if it was her first time to come to this kind of place.

"No, it's my first time, but I can tell that this is your first time, right?"

"..." Julis pursued her lips and knew that in teasing, she really couldn't defeat him. Still, she changed her gear and quickly chose the foods which made her interested. The nervousness on her body had disappeared, and what was left was the excitement that came from their date. It was her first time going on a date, yet, she had to say it was more interesting than she had thought.

Was it because he was her partner?

"What's wrong?" Tamazuki asked as he ate his bruschetta.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Why did you get nervous so suddenly? The toilet is over there."

"...I don't have an urge to go to the toilet. I just want to ask something personal now." Julis had something that she had always wanted to ask, but because she had too much fun, she was only able to ask this question now.

"Oh? Then, ask. I am curious what you want to ask."

"Then, let me ask you a question." Julis looked at Tamazuki with curiosity and asked, "What's your wish?"

"My wish?"

"Yes, you have said that you want to have a Grand Slam, right? Is there something that you want to ask the IEFs?"

"No."

"...no."

"Unlike you, I don't have such a wish. I enter the Festa because I want to show everyone that I am the strongest."

"...." Julis.

"You must be thinking that I am stupid, right?"

Her expression was awkward, but he didn't care and continued. "When everyone is working hard since they have something to achieve, like how you want to save the orphanage in your country, or other people with their own problems, they wish to solve all of them by winning the Festa. However, I don't have something like that. I just want to become strong and show that I am the strongest. Festa is the best venue for me to show all of that."

Was his wish stupid? Probably.

However, Julis didn't make fun of him since everyone had their own wishes. No matter how stupid it was, it didn't matter since on this island, no matter what your wish was, it didn't matter since what was important was your strength.

She only had a wish, but she didn't have strength, so she felt a bit jealous of Tamazuki.

"This is why I look you up, Julis."

"Eh?" Julis was startled, then asked in confusion. "You look me up? Why?"

"Because unlike me, who is selfish and only thinks about myself. You care about your people and country. You come to this island and work hard to help all of them, which is why I respect you for that."

"....."

It was her first time hearing something like that from someone since no one believed in her, yet he was different.

Her wish for her while many thought that it was a waste of time, he respected her for it.

Julis stared at Tamazuki and felt like, "If it is him, I can entrust my everything."

---

"I can pay for this myself."

"No, as a man, let me be cool, okay? I have invited you on a date, so let me pay for this."

When they were about to leave, Julis made a fuss since they should pay each other by themselves.

"It's not like I disrespect you, but let's say that this is a man's etiquette. Maybe next time we go on a date once again, you will be the one who is paying. Also, isn't it better for you to save your money at the orphanage?"

"Then... thanks." Julis could only give up, but she smiled at him.

"Come on. The day is still long. I don't want to go back yet."

"Okay, but where are we going again?"

"How about this place?"

"Sure."

As they walked out of the restaurant, they walked next to each other, but what she didn't realize was the distance between them had become so close that it was almost zero.

While she blushed and glanced at him secretly, he was calm, which made her dissatisfied, so she linked her arm against his. However, his expression didn't change as if he was a piece of ice, cool and cold.

"...."

Julis realized that she might have a long way to go to make him flustered, but she didn't let him go.

---

Before long, the sky had turned dark, but Julis was suddenly attracted by something.

"What's wrong?"

"Have you eaten there?

"Of course I have. Do you want to try it?"

"Can we?"

"Sure, but we might be late to go back, so let's just pack it up and eat it in the dorm."

"Eh? Can we bring it home?"

"...you think that we can't?"

"....."

"Anyway, let's buy a lot. You can enjoy it later when you go back."

"Um."

Still holding hands, they entered the burger franchise and ordered several menu items, including burgers, fries, and various others to take home. It might be because it was cheap, or maybe because they would bring those foods back, so she ordered a lot. She was no longer reserved, and this time she was bold.

"This time, let me treat you."

However, when they were about to pay, she stopped him and told him that she was going to pay.

"Thank you, then."

Hearing his answer, she smiled satisfyingly and paid for the food before they were on their way back. Still, was it because his hand was comfortable, or she might have forgotten that she kept holding hands? They might not talk anymore once again, but even so, just walking together like this made her relaxed, as if all the burden on her shoulders were taken off.

Still, as they were about to arrive at the school, she knew that it was time for them to part, and she also forgot to ask him about his answer, yet could she ask him at the entrance of the school like this?

When she was thinking, he said, "Then, Julis, it's time for us to part. I am enjoying our date. Thank you." Hearing those words, she panicked and also felt quite dissatisfied. "Wait! Are you going to leave just like this?"

"...do you want to continue with the date?"

"Why not?"

"But we have arrived at the school."

"Is there a rule that we can't have a date at school?"

"...you beat me, so why not? But where do you want to go? My room?"

Once again, he teased her, and it made her dissatisfied since she was blushing and shy. "The-Then, how about my room? Let's continue our date in my room!"

"Sure."

Yet, after hearing his answer, she knew she might be too bold.

---

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