Mentioning Reiko to Natsume would always get his attention, picking his curiosity, although he could only listen and not question them any further. However, he's different now, at least to some degree. Natsume isn't so scared anymore of what the answer will be; he's more open to how the world works around him, and he wants to understand things better. The things that he didn't dare to ask about.
" Nurarihyon-san, you knew about my grandmother? "
" Not really, we're not acquainted. But her name often appeared from time to time around the youkai folks. Since I was close enough with this fatty cat in the past, I caught glimpses of her when I was visiting Madara's forest. I also heard she was quite the beauty among the humans and Youkai, so I just wanna check if she even came close to Yohime, hahaha! "
Nurarihyon laughed out loud after a big puff from his pipe.
Rikuo looked at his grandfather beside him with unbelievable eyes behind his round glasses.
" Gramps... you're thinking about cheating on grandma? "
"What?! Rikuo, you idiot! How come you came to that conclusion?! Don't even joke about that, alright?! You want me to hang you upside down on the tree, huh?! "
The grandfather almost choked on his smoke to object to his only grandson's accusation. It leads to a burst of simple laughter from the youkai elders and Natusme.
" Well, anyway, you heard that. It's just a simple curiosity on my side. Also, your round cat didn't let me strike up a conversation with your grandmother, not that I would have though."
Natsume's attention then goes to Nyanko-sensei, who's eating the dango that Nato Youkai offered from Nurarihyon.
" Eh? You did that, Nyanko-sensei? Why? "
" Why, you ask? Of course, so Reiko won't have any funny ideas challenging this old fart to give his name. One wrong move could end up a bloodbath with this man. And his temper also wasn't as mild as now. Reiko might be strong, but challenging a Youkai of Nurarihyon calibre would be foolish. "
" ... Huh.. I... didn't know that. You never told me, but thank you, Sensei. "
The young lad smiled at his cat genuinely.
Even now, Nurarihyon could feel that Madara's temper was also not quite like it used to be in the past. Both of them have changed significantly due to human meddling, it seems.
On the other hand, Rikuo took an interest in their talk about the past.
" Eh? I thought Natume came from an Onmyouji (Japanese Exorcist) family. I mean, Nyanko-san is your summoned Youkai, right? "
" Oh, no. We're not tied up with any contract. Umm... it's a promise. "
Natsume's gaze fell on Nyanko-sensei.
As if hearing his internal thoughts, Nyanko-sensei added a few words to sign Nurarihyon not to chase the matters further.
" As if a great being like me would submit to a wimp like him. It's just a measly promise to kill the time. That's all. "
" I see. If that's the case, it must've been an amusing promise, huh? Anyway, looks like the situation between us has changed now. How about you stay here for a while. Just treat it as an old friends reunion, yeah? "
Nurarihyon scratched his chin with a cheeky smirk plastered on his face, annoyed the old cat.
" Only if you have booze. "
Before the deal has been made, Natsume immediately strikes up a refusal kindly to the Supreme Commandres's offers.
" We're really grateful for the offering and the hospitality the Nura clan has offered, but unfortunately, the day is getting dark, and we can't stay overnight all of a sudden. How about this Saturday? I will come back to help with the renovation. "
![Transmigrated As An Adventuring Prince?![DISCONTINUED] by Kyurem_Solas](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/279898602-80-k277557.jpg)
![[It started with a Month's worth of Dango] Haganezuka Hotaru x Reader by GoKotoha](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/227694653-80-k378566.jpg)
If it's any other Youkai, Rikuo would push the offer a bit more and try to bargain with the situation to show the newly-joined Youkai the Nura clan's relationship with a human. However, being a quarter of humans himself and living among humans makes him understand how important it is to not make your family worried.
" It's alright, Natsume-san. You don't need to feel responsible for the hall room. It's not like you also wanted to crash here by your will. I certainly know how troublesome a Youkai can be, hehe. But please do come visit us sometimes. I'm sure gramps would be happy to meet his old friend."
" Thank you very much for your consideration, Rikuo-kun. I promise I'll visit here again on Saturday. "
The Supreme Commander didn't mind the waiting, but it seems that other elder Youkai are not that satisfied with the Third Head's decision. Nevertheless, they must abide by what Rikuo said.
.
.
.
Natsume looked up at the orange sky and their surroundings. It looks like a scenery he has seen before. Perhaps because he had changed to numerous locations as a kid, he feels familiar with many cities as well--although most of them is just a blur.
" Here's the map of the nearest station from here. Are you sure you don't want one of our Youkai to guide you? You don't have to feel bad, we're really fine with it! "
Rikuo had offered Natusme to take one of his Youkai to guide him. However, the older guy kindly refused the idea and said he didn't want to cause any more trouble for him.
" Haha, don't worry, Rikuo-kun, I think I've been to this area before. I feel somewhat familiar with this place. "
Natsume chuckled slightly as he received a small note from Rikuo containing the map he drew himself. When Natsume looked at the station's name and the other trademark building surrounding the area, Natsume's lips perked up to a smile.
" Ah, so it really is Ukiyoue town. It will probably take 2 hours from here to my place. "
" You've been here before, Natsume-san? Where do you live now? "
" I used to live here when I was a kid. I live in the countryside right now, near Uenohara town. "
" Uenohara town, eh? I've also been there a few times with my friends from the school club. "
" I see. I haven't been long in Uenohara yet, but it's really a peaceful place with nothing much around to see. Seeing this area again after a long time is actually really nostalgic. "
While engaged in a short talk with him, Natsume is secretly surprised by his own assumptions--and quite embarrassed as well. Natsume knows Rikuo is partially Youkai, but it never crossed his mind that Rikuo also goes to school like normal. He's the first half-Youkai he ever encountered in his whole life. Shortly after that, Natsume bid his farewell to Rikuo, Nurarihyon, and Rikuo's main bodyguard.
" Thank you very much for your consideration. I will return here again this week, Rikuo-kun, Nurarihyon-san. "
Said the young man politely as he bowed in courtesy to the two masters of the mansion.
Nurarihyon chuckled lowly, scratching his stubles with a smirk.
" No need to be pressured, kid. Visit us when you have the time. Also... I think you will be visiting us more frequently now. I can feel something eerily familiar on your waist, Natsume. Is it...? "
Natsume's heart almost jumped out of his ribcage right at that moment. Suddenly, the almost-night wind gets colder a few times than before. Should he play dumb? Should he make a run from him? But even if he tried to, what would he do after that? Natsume and Nyanko-sensei are right in his mansion. He can do anything to Natsume with a flick of his finger.
