Chapter 9: As Expected, My Foolish Little Sister Has Been Corrupted!
They say buying a house in Japan is ridiculously expensive.
Still, Hikigaya had never seen neighborhoods filled with mansions in Chiba.
Most of the houses here were fairly ordinary.
Looking at the modest villa before him, Hikigaya nodded.
There even seemed to be security guards nearby — that confirmed it.
Time to go in. Knocking? Forget it. What if some moron answers the door? Would he have to waste time talking? It's not like he's visiting relatives...
His body became blurry and then completely transformed into a gust of wind, blowing toward the house.
Where the wind passed, plants withered, the cement road turned to fine sand, and iron railings twisted with heat.
Seeing this, Hikigaya restrained his power a little.
Since awakening the Ten-Sun Authority in Italy, it seemed like the effects of his other abilities had also become stronger.
With his power suppressed, the surrounding environment finally stopped deteriorating.
Then he slipped through the door crack as a breeze.
Once inside, the wind reformed into his human shape.
Hikigaya straightened his clothes and followed the trail of human aura.
As the spirit of all earthly beings, human auras were quite distinct from other creatures.
In simpler terms, humans possessed more "spiritual essence" — they were the most balanced species in terms of mind and body.
There weren't many people in the house. In fact, compared to the Yukinoshita estate, this place was much smaller and not particularly luxurious.
But the decoration was quite refined. Although everything looked ordinary, it was arranged tastefully.
Hikigaya hadn't walked far before encountering someone.
It was a well-dressed young man who was clearly surprised by his appearance, but quickly recovered.
"May I ask which honored guest you are?" the man asked politely.
"My name is Hikigaya Hachiman, just a student. I came to see the mother of a classmate."
"Ah, I see... what an honor. The councilman has long hoped for a chance to meet you. Please, allow us to treat you properly," the young man said with a courteous smile and gestured for him to enter.
"Oh? And how should I address you?" Hikigaya, not wanting to be rude in the face of such politeness, nodded and let the man lead him inside.
"I'm just a small figure running errands for the councilman — not worthy of dirtying your ears with my name. You may call me Shidou," the man said with a wide grin.
This guy… not very solid. Clearly gave his name without hesitation!
Soon, Hikigaya followed the man to the living room.
The villa had three stories.
As everyone knows, fewer floors usually meant more prestige in villas, so this councilman didn't seem particularly rich — definitely not compared to the Yukinoshitas.
But that was just surface-level.
Hikigaya had already learned from his shadowy underlings that this man actually held a lot of assets, particularly in public industries.
Hikigaya sat on the sofa, and the young man quickly left, returning shortly with tea and standing respectfully to the side.
In less than ten seconds, a middle-aged man entered from the other side of the living room. Behind him followed a woman in a kimono.
The woman was well-maintained, appearing only in her twenties.
Before entering, the man looked like he was trying to project authority, but upon seeing Hikigaya, he immediately changed, adopting a friendly demeanor.
He quickened his pace, while the woman behind him bowed at the doorway before walking in.
She must be Yukino's mother — the resemblance was strong.
She felt like an enlarged version of Yukino, especially in terms of aura.
Definitely one of those cold beauties, though clearly reined in right now.
Hikigaya stood up. Honestly, he had no interest in getting to know this councilman, so he planned to leave.
But the other party didn't seem to agree.
"Oh my, Mr. Hikigaya, what an unexpected honor to have you visit our humble home," the middle-aged man said cheerfully, moving quickly toward Hikigaya and giving him a deep, respectful bow. "Please, let us host you properly!"
Host me? Uncle, what is this, small talk? If you really want to host me, take me to a health club...
Even if that's not possible, at least bring out some cat-eared maids or something.
"No need. I'm just here to pick someone up. Thanks for looking after her."
"No, no, not at all — it was my duty. After all, that worrying daughter of mine is classmates with your little sister. With the Yukinoshitas in trouble, how could I not lend a helping hand?"
Uncle... that's enough... This story strongly opposes schemers like you!
Wait, classmates with Komachi?
Hikigaya's face twisted like he had a stomachache as he sat back down.
The councilman's expression grew even more warm and enthusiastic.
"Shidou, where's Ayase?" the councilman asked the young man beside him.
"Miss went to a classmate's house. She hasn't returned yet," Shidou replied.
"That girl... well, anyway. Mr. Hikigaya, regarding the Yukinoshita situation — I was really left with no choice.
But those who acted improperly have already been dealt with. Please rest assured, no one will trouble Madam Yukinoshita or the young ladies again."
The councilman continued to ramble.
Hikigaya, however, didn't hear a word.
Ayase?
Aragaki?
Damn it, I've watched Oreimo too — your daughter is Aragaki Ayase?!
Then Komachi's friend named Kirino must be that eroge-loving little sister?!
Holy crap, she really has been corrupted!
I knew something was off about Komachi — all her friends are either perverts or have split personalities!
Hikigaya's face kept twitching, leaving the other three in the room confused.
And the councilman wasn't just confused — he was nervous.
As a politician, he knew quite a bit.
About Yomi, the Historical Compilation Committee, the Four Great Houses…
And the God-Slayers.
Unlike the foolish Yukinoshita, who believed science ruled today's world and that magicians only bullied civilians, and God-Slayers were just powerful mages — he knew better.
It was precisely this awareness that had allowed him to seize the opportunity and rise in place of the Yukinoshita family.
He also opposed Japan paying political protection money to Yomi.
But unlike Yukinoshita, who thought the Seishuin charged too much and went shopping for cheaper alternatives — a surefire way to get himself killed — this man had never even considered such suicidal actions.
As for the man in front of him — Hikigaya Hachiman — he wasn't sure what exactly the "King of Magicians" was capable of, but the Seishuin's attitude toward him already said enough.
"Um..." the councilman was sweating. "Am I talking too much?"
"No, it's fine. Your daughter's name is Ayase?" Hikigaya finally came back to himself. "Does she have a friend named Kirino Kosaka?"
"Ah, yes, that's correct."
"I see... then that's all. Sorry to bother you today. I'll be taking Madam Yukinoshita with me."
Looks like hiding during that home visit won't be possible anymore...
As expected of my foolish little sister... None of her friends are normal!