"..."
Stiyl and Kanzaki Kaori stared in disbelief at Arata after hearing those words. Was he serious? The person he was speaking to was the Archbishop of the Anglican Church, a figure on the same level as the Board Chairman of Academy City, Aleister Crowley.
"..." The other side of the tarot card fell silent for a moment, then a playful and charming voice rang out.
"My, how rude. Do not assume I am some elderly woman just because of my position. From your voice, I can tell I am speaking to a young and handsome man. What is your name, esper from Academy City?"
"Oh?" Arata narrowed his eyes slightly. "My name is Arata. Greetings, Archbishop. From Stiyl's earlier conversation, I assumed you were a woman in your seventies or eighties."
As he spoke, he glanced at Stiyl, whose expression instantly froze. Stiyl bared his teeth at him with killing intent, cold sweat forming on his forehead, as if he wanted to strike him on the spot.
"Stiyl was merely joking. Please do not take his rude remarks seriously. I will personally instruct him in proper British etiquette when he returns." The sweet voice carried a subtle yet unmistakable hint of malice.
"You bastard!" Stiyl growled like a cornered beast.
"So then, what is it you wish to discuss with me, Mr. Arata?" Laura Stuart asked with a faint, amused tone.
"Chairman Aleister Crowley has instructed me to take responsibility for Index. You can rest assured on that matter." Arata spoke directly, without hesitation.
Within Academy City, Aleister was constantly observing everything. Through his own means, Arata was equally aware of the arrangement between Aleister and Laura Stuart.
He clearly understood that the Archbishop of the Anglican Church was someone who excelled at manipulating language, emotions, and moral principles to maximize her own advantage.
If he had approached her without this knowledge, he would have undoubtedly been manipulated into paying a heavy price just to keep Index, and might even have felt grateful for it.
"I see. Then I shall entrust her to you. However, do take good care of her. She is the Anglican Church's most valuable asset. If she were to be harmed or even neglected, it could easily escalate into a diplomatic incident." The gentle voice sounded considerate, yet the underlying warning was unmistakable.
"I appreciate your concern. It is difficult for me to leave Academy City for the time being. In the future, I will personally deliver a gift to you. I hope you will not find it disagreeable when the time comes, my lady."
Arata smiled faintly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "It will certainly be a surprise."
"My, how charming. You are far more refined than that ill-mannered Mr. Stiyl." The voice carried a teasing note.
"That is enough. Goodbye." Arata returned the tarot card to Stiyl.
"What? The Archbishop actually agreed to let Index stay with you?" Stiyl's expression changed dramatically as he glared at Arata. "Aleister told you to take care of Index? What exactly is going on? Explain it."
"What is happening here?" Kanzaki Kaori asked with a serious expression.
"You will have to ask your Archbishop about that. I cannot explain it to you. I am simply carrying out my orders." Arata shrugged slightly, shifting the responsibility onto Laura while holding Index in his arms.
"Damn it. So you deliberately approached Index that day, did you? It was never a coincidence." Stiyl bared his teeth at Arata like a mad dog.
"That is correct. But it is also true that I wanted to save her. If I had not realized something was wrong, and you ended up hurting her again, you would have no right to question me." Arata replied calmly, his expression completely indifferent.
"..." Stiyl fell silent, his face darkening. In that case, he truly had no grounds to argue.
"No matter what, thank you." Kanzaki Kaori stepped forward, her expression calm but her tone sincere. "Please take good care of her. So far, you are the only one who has truly been kind to this child. Please do not let her suffer again."
"Do not worry. As long as I am here, no one will harm her. You do not need to maintain such a stern expression either. You are actually very gentle. I can see that much." Arata smiled softly as he looked at Kanzaki Kaori.
"Ah..." Kanzaki Kaori's face flushed slightly, clearly at a loss for how to respond. Since childhood, she had been raised under strict discipline, learning both the ideals of a Yamato Nadeshiko and the responsibilities of a Saint.
She had always been respected and revered, but had rarely been treated simply as a young woman.
"I... understand. We should prepare to return to England." Kanzaki Kaori averted her gaze slightly.
He is truly a unique individual. If he were a magician, his magic name would likely resemble mine, something that symbolizes salvation or protection.
"I will also be returning to Academy City." Arata nodded.
Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl gradually disappeared into the distance along the beach.
"Let us go." Arata looked down at Index, who rested quietly against his shoulder, and smiled. "Without realizing it, I may have grown a little."
I hope this moment can last a bit longer...
After leaving the beach, they arrived at a nearby taxi stand. After sitting on a bench for only a few minutes, Index's eyelashes trembled slightly.
"Hmm..."
She slowly opened her eyes, her expression filled with exhaustion. The strain from earlier magic had clearly taken a toll on her body.
Even though the large-scale spell had been controlled by the "Automatic Writing System," Index herself was still the medium, so such fatigue was unavoidable.
"Arata..." Index looked at him weakly. "Where are we...?"
"Oh right... I think I lost control earlier... I attacked you and the others." Her voice trembled slightly with fear.
"Do you remember what happened?" Arata asked gently, brushing her hair.
"Yes... it felt like I became someone else. I was scared... scared that I would really hurt everyone." Index shrank slightly, her breathing uneven.
Despite being held in his arms, she showed no embarrassment in this moment.
"Do not be afraid. From now on, I will protect you. You will live with me, and you will not have to worry about being chased by magicians anymore. I will make delicious food for you every day."
Arata held her a little tighter, speaking in a calm and reassuring tone.
"Really?"
"Really." Arata nodded.
"Thank you, Arata... for doing so much for someone you only just met." Index smiled softly, her emotions overflowing.
"You are too naive. Who told you to be so adorable? For a cute girl, I would even risk my life." Arata said lightly with a smile.
"I want to eat your burgers again."
"I will make them for you."
"I also want fried rice."
"Of course."
"I want to eat lots and lots of delicious food."
"I will make anything you want."
At last, the bus arrived at the station and came to a stop before them.
...
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