Even if Aoko doesn't want the Magic Crest of the Fifth Magic, does that solve the problem?
Aoko has already come into contact with the mysterious. If she suddenly loses the Magic Crest, it's uncertain whether the strength she gained through it would decrease. Even if it doesn't decrease, Aoko, who can only perform destructive magic, would absolutely not survive all the unknown magical calamities.
According to records, magical calamities appear in myriad forms: some are inexplicably drawn into dangerous magical rituals; some are hit by unknown offensive magic flying from nowhere; some are directly devoured by nightmares in their dreams; others are attacked by Dead Apostles... and so on. The number of Maguss who survive magical calamities is very small. Only Maguss with a comprehensive understanding and mastery of magic, capable of dealing with any dangerous situation at any time, can possibly survive magical calamities. Aoko, absolutely cannot.
Therefore, even if Aoko were to proactively give up the Fifth Magic Crest to Touko, Touko would not accept it. Instead, she would go to great lengths to provoke Aoko's hatred, forcing her into a fight to the death. Aoko must become the Fifth Magus! This is her only way to survive.
"So what am I supposed to do?!" Bang! Rin racked her brain but couldn't come up with a solution. Finally, with a headache, she slammed her head onto the Tohno Family's study desk. Rin's head was fine, but the desk had a dent.
With her head stuck in the dent, Rin regretfully turned to look out the window. At this moment, the world outside was a blanket of silver-white. Heavy snow drifted down, covering the entire Misaki Town. All things were silent, awaiting a new beginning in the coming year.
Rin was in no mood to appreciate the beauty of the snow now. Once this heavy snow melted, it would be the moment Touko was about to return.
"Damn it! Am I really at a dead end?!" The sturdy mahogany handle was gripped by Rin, leaving five slender finger marks. Rin picked up the three-month-old documents related to the Aozaki Family from the desk and flipped through them again. She couldn't remember how many times she had gone through this stack of papers. The paper documents, freshly printed three months ago, were now tattered from Rin's constant handling.
Two months ago, Shinomiya Kojiro led the Shinos team back to the main store in France. Japan was, after all, just a branch. After arranging everything, he was to return to his position. Since then, Rin had settled directly into the Tohno Family. For those who had selflessly helped her, Rin could do nothing but wish them a safe journey.
She picked up the teacup beside her and drained it in one gulp. The plain, slightly fragrant taste made Rin feel a bit more awake.
Compared to the strong, aromatic black tea popular among Western aristocrats, Rin still preferred the light, refreshing fragrance of Chinese tea. Although there were only five hundred catties of Genuine Longjing Tea in the entire world this year, she couldn't really appreciate its quality when she drank it.
Kohaku silently held the teapot, quietly refilling Rin's teacup. Rin put the Aozaki Family documents aside and picked up the Tohno Family's business reports on the other side to review them. Taking over all of the Tohno Family's enterprises naturally meant worrying about these issues. Fortunately, Rin had no shortage of talent in this area under her command; she only needed to provide direction on major matters.
Rin casually tossed the reviewed report aside and rubbed her temples with a bitter smile. She really wasn't good at handling these things. No matter how much profit, how much personal wealth, or how many people's jobs were tied to these papers, she found it hard to get motivated.
It seems I need to train Akiba to take over this aspect as soon as possible. I really can't handle it.
Just then, the study door quietly opened, as if afraid of being discovered by Rin. Only a small crack appeared, and a small head carefully peeked in halfway, ignoring Kohaku who was silently waving her hands anxiously beside Rin. A pair of large eyes carefully watched Rin.
Rin leaned back in her chair, resting with her eyes closed. Without opening her eyes, she knew who it was. "Akiba, come in. What are you doing at the door?"
Little loli Akiba giggled and squeezed through the doorway, her short legs bouncing as she ran to Rin's side. With Rin's helping hand, she jumped onto Rin's lap.
"Good morning, Onee-chan."
Akiba cheerfully greeted Rin. Seeing Akiba, who had returned to her lively and innocent self, Rin's chaotic and agitated mood finally felt a touch of joy. She smiled and stroked Akiba's hair, "Good morning, Akiba."
Akiba's timidity and weakness in her childhood were all caused by Tohno Shinkyu's closed-door education and management. For a child who had just begun to remember things, to be forced to learn various things every day with only half an hour of rest, let alone a child, even an adult might not be able to endure it. If it weren't for the series of accidents and sudden changes in the Tohno Family in the original story, Akiba, raised like that, would most likely have been taught into a dullard who couldn't communicate with people.
That's not how you raise an heir. Even if the world is dark, at least a normal worldview and psychological mindset are needed. That old scoundrel Tohno Shinkyu deserved to die early.
Whenever Rin saw Akiba, it was as if she saw Sakura at that moment. The initial utilitarian intention she had when they first met shattered with Akiba's first "Onee-chan." At that moment, Rin seemed to hear Sakura's call. The same black hair, the same small and delicate appearance—whether it was genuine or a projection of emotion, Rin treated Akiba like her own little sister.
"Onee-chan, are you tired?" Akiba's childish face was filled with worry as she looked at Rin's weary expression.
"Yes, dealing with these things every day really makes me miserable. When will Akiba grow up and stand on her own, so I don't have to sit here for you?" Rin smiled, rubbing Akiba's little head, but the fatigue on her face couldn't be hidden.
"Don't worry, Onee-chan! Akiba is working hard every day and will soon be able to manage the Tohno Family herself and become a qualified head of the family. Then, Big Sister can just lie in bed and sleep all day!"
"Ahaha, I look forward to it."
In Akiba's eyes, the older sister who replaced her father was just as busy, just as high and mighty, and just as dignified as her father used to be. But what was different was that she wasn't cold and strict towards Akiba; she showed more care and affection. She no longer relentlessly forced Akiba to learn various things every day but instead placed a hope in her—a hope that she would mature quickly.
Childhood is beautiful, but only by maturing and becoming strong can one truly live well. No one can protect anyone forever.
Rin gazed out at the swirling snow, lost in thought. Akiba, understanding, nestled motionless in Rin's arms, feeling the belated warmth, and playfully rubbed against Rin's chest.
Big Sister's chest has gotten bigger again, so soft and bouncy, it's getting more and more comfortable.
Fortunately, Akiba didn't say it out loud, otherwise Rin would have thrown her cup in a fit of pique!
Just then, Rin's phone rang.
"Ding-a-ling-ling-ling..."
"Beep, Moshi Moshi… What?! Touko, you're coming back?!"
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