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墨書 Inktalez
Since childhood, Bosaku Sei has had a great interest in the ancient book at home, often perusing its records of soul-binding techniques in an attempt to uncover its hidden mysteries.
Upon returning home, Bosaku Sei immediately went to the study and opened the ancient book, flipping through its pages once again. This time, his attention was drawn to an article about an ancient shrine.
He had tried many times to find a shrine that matched these characteristics, but failed each time. He had already given up, but when he heard Souta mention that their family had an ancient shrine, he couldn't help but feel some interest.
However, the ancient shrine mentioned by Souta gave him an idea: perhaps there, he could find help in deciphering the things recorded in these ancient texts.
On a summer afternoon, the sun mercilessly shines on the earth, and even the air feels like hot soup that has been microwaved, steaming hot. In such weather, few people choose to go out, but Souta's home is a different scene altogether.
It's summer vacation, and many classmates will gather together to engage in various activities, enjoying the freedom and leisure of the holiday. However, these are activities for seventh graders and second-year junior high students.
Students entering the third year of junior high school usually go to the library, or they gather at someone's house to study, because their time is running out.
The bird calls in the summer seem much crisper than at other times of the year. Two young boys, Xiazhimaru and Bosaku Sei, strolled leisurely in the sunlight, their destination being Souta's house.
Xiazhimaru was relaxed and at ease the whole way, as if he had come to his own backyard. His eyes inadvertently swept over Bosaku Sei beside him, noticing that his gaze was fixed on the nearby ancient shrine.
Bosaku Sei's gaze seemed to be drawn to the Ancient Shrine, but he quickly looked up at the tree, where there was a strange mark, as if it had been struck by a heavy impact.
Souta briskly walked into the house. "Mom, I brought a new classmate to our house to play this time," he said, as he habitually walked to the sink to wash his hands.
Xiazhimaru and Bosaku Sei also followed into the house, taking off their shoes.
"Mom, where's grandpa?" Souta looked around the house.
"Your grandpa went to play chess with someone else," said Souta's mom.
Xiazhimaru opened his mouth and said, "Auntie, I'm bothering you again." His tone was full of warmth and familiarity.
Auntie smiled happily, "How could it be a bother? I'm just happy that you all can come. Since Kagome got married, the house hasn't been as lively as it used to be." There was a hint of loneliness in her voice.
She paused for a moment, "Having more children at home actually makes it livelier."
Bosaku Sei lowered his head somewhat shyly, "Sorry for the disturbance." His eyes caught a glimpse of the tea and pastries on the coffee table in the living room.
Suddenly remembered those days at home, the tea and pastries were always so delicious, giving him a warm feeling. The pastries and tea here, although different from home, also have the taste of home.
Souta's mother looked at Bosaku Sei and thought this young man was really good-looking and quite charming. She smiled slightly and said, "You don't need to be so polite, Souta's classmate. Make yourself at home here. Come, try my special green tea pastry, you'll definitely like it." With that, she handed Bosaku Sei a cup of hot tea and a piece of pastry.
Xiazhimaru looked at Bosaku Sei and seemed to understand his concerns. She gently patted his shoulder. "Go ahead and eat. Don't be shy. We're all family here. Souta's mom is such a kind person. I come to bother her every few days, and she never says anything to me."
Bosaku Sei gratefully glanced at Xiazhimaru, then took a bite of the pastry. Instantly, the sweet but not cloying taste filled his mouth, as if it took him back to carefree childhood days.
Souta's mom Looking at the three young people, my heart is filled with satisfaction. Over the years, our home has been lacking in liveliness, but now that these kids are here, it feels like we've regained that warmth we once had.
Souta Glancing at Xiazhimaru, I twitched my eyes and said, "You've got some nerve."
Xiazhimaru touched his nose and responded, "I'm telling the truth! Ever since Kagome sister left, Souta, you've been so bored, only Po the cat is left to keep you company."
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room suddenly fell silent. Souta's mom didn't want to let her emotions affect everyone, so she quickly walked to the kitchen and silently started preparing tea.
Souta wrinkled his brow and glared disapprovingly at Xiazhimaru, saying, "It's all because of you. Bringing up things that shouldn't be mentioned, now my mom's in a bad mood again."
Xiazhimaru shrugged innocently and said, "But I was just telling the truth..."
Bosaku Sei Looking at the two of them, feeling a bit at a loss, but still carefully asked, "What happened to Souta's sister?"
Xiazhimaru immediately continued, "Actually, Souta's sister, she went to a very faraway place, it seems like—"
The story wasn't finished yet when Souta quickly covered his mouth.
Souta said angrily, " Xiazhimaru, you talk too much! I shouldn't have told you so much in the first place!"
Bosaku Sei Looking at all this, I became more and more puzzled.
"Okay, I won't talk about it then." Xiazhimaru turned away.
Souta looked at Xiazhimaru and smiled slightly, saying, "That's good. Next time you talk so much, I'll really have to kick you."
The three of them looked at each other and laughed, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Just then, Souta's mom walked out, holding three steaming cups of tea. "Alright, stop fighting. This is the flower tea I just brewed, specially prepared for you. Come, have a taste."
Bosaku Sei immediately got up and said somewhat embarrassed, " Souta's mom, I'm really sorry for letting you see our immature side."
Souta's mom smiled and shook her head, "It's normal for friends to argue. As long as you can make up in time, it's not a big deal."
Xiazhimaru picked up the teacup, took a careful sip, and exclaimed, "Souta's mom, this flower tea you brewed is really delicious, with a faint and unique fragrance."
Souta's mom looked at Xiazhimaru and smiled slightly, "That's because I used the Platycodon petals grown in our garden, along with some secret spices. Each time I brew it, it has a different flavor."
Bosaku Sei also picked up the teacup, slowly savoring it with eyes half-closed, seemingly intoxicated by the faint aroma: "It's really delicious, this is the best flower tea I've ever had."
Souta looked at them, feeling very comforted. The tea in this house is not just a beverage, but also a manifestation of his mother's endless love and care for him. He took a deep breath and said, "Actually, this Platycodon tea has a little story behind it."
Xiazhimaru and Bosaku Sei were both attracted and looked curiously at Souta.
"Five years ago, my sister met an old lady in the village. She taught my sister how to plant Platycodon. My sister brought the seeds of this flower back home. Different from the ordinary Platycodon, it emits a more intense fragrance that can heal people's souls," said Souta.
"At that time, my mother was half skeptical of my sister's words, but she still decided to give it a try. Unexpectedly, this Platycodon really lived up to my sister's words. Its fragrance is fresh, just like an eastern fairyland. Since then, every time my mother misses my sister, she would brew this Platycodon into tea."
A hint of deep affection and sadness flashed in Souta's eyes.
Bosaku Sei listened and was clearly moved by the story, asking, "What about your sister?"
Souta's expression slightly darkened, and his voice lowered: "She encountered an unfortunate event during a trip outside and hasn't returned since. This Platycodon tea has become our family's way of remembering her every day."
Bosaku Sei Slowly put down the teacup and said solemnly, "I see, no wonder this tea is so special. It's not just the taste, but also the emotions it contains."
Souta nodded, "Yes, every time I drink this tea, I can feel my sister's warmth and my mother's longing for her."
The four of them sat quietly, each feeling ripples of emotion in their hearts.
"Xiazhimaru broke the heavy atmosphere by speaking up: 'Alright, we should start now, right? We've eaten, we've drunk, it's about time to start studying. It wouldn't be fair to Souta's mom who prepared such a sumptuous afternoon tea for us!'"
Souta and Bosaku Sei exchanged a smile, and they could see the ease in each other's eyes. Xiazhimaru, as their good friend, always managed to defuse awkward moments at crucial times.
Souta's mother also smiled, her smile filled with warmth and affection. She slowly stood up, tidied the tea set on the table, then walked to the door of the study, turned back to them and said, "You just focus on your studies. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. Xiazhimaru, Bosaku Sei, you are guests, so don't be shy. If you need anything, just let me know."
After speaking, Souta's mother gently closed the door to the study, leaving three young men inside.
Souta felt his mother's love and care, and his heart was warm. Although only he, his mother, and his grandfather were left in the house, his mother never gave up on Kagome, hoping that she would come back one day.
Xiazhimaru quickly cleared the dishes from the table, and then the three of them moved to the study. In the study, there were several large bookshelves filled with books passed down through generations of the House of Souta, as well as some modern textbooks and reference books. Three desk lamps were placed on the desk, emitting a gentle light that illuminated the entire study.
They each found a place to sit and began to open their books, entering the world of learning. Souta quickly immersed himself in mathematical formulas, enjoying the logic and precision of mathematics. Bosaku Sei focused on studying history, curious about the stories of different historical periods. As the top student in the class, Xiazhimaru comprehensively reviewed all subjects, with neat and organized notes where he accurately recorded every piece of knowledge.
Time quietly passes by in the quiet sound of reading, and before you know it, the night has fallen. Souta He looked up and glanced at the moon outside the window, its cold light shining through the curtains onto his books.
He couldn't help but think of his sister, Kagome.
Bosaku Sei seemed to sense Souta's emotions and gently patted his shoulder, saying, "Don't be too sad. Your sister must be living well."
Souta nodded and smiled, "Thank you, Bosaku Sei. With you and Xiazhimaru here, I feel much better."
Xiazhimaru also interjected, "Yeah, don't worry about his sister for now. We should be more concerned about our own studies."
The three of them exchanged glances and smiled, then buried themselves in their books once again.
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