Chapter 45

Special Case File 45 The Invitation of the Nonou Family

“It’s so hot……” Under the scorching sun, Nonou Hana staggered along the street, her body’s stamina depleting at ten to nine times the normal rate, almost drooling to cool down.

“I told you, going out today wasn’t a good idea.”

The cool breeze brushing past her face was nothing unusual for Ash, who didn’t show any odd reactions. For someone with experience like his—having had a physical body enter the surface of the sun—it was just a drop in the bucket compared to this heat. Of course, it was still quite hot.

“Really, it’s just that Doctor Ash is too lazy to move on a regular day.”

“What? My energy has more important things to be applied to.”

Naturally, Miss Hana’s lecturing was ineffective on Ash.

For some reason, today’s sun seemed even more intense than yesterday. Sweat dripped profusely from Nonou Hana’s forehead due to the oppressive heat, washing away the light makeup she had applied thirty minutes early.

Sweaty powder trickled down her cheeks, leaving embarrassing, wet stains. People on the road and the occasional glance from her companion made her wish she could jump into a ditch right there.

So embarrassing, so embarrassing, so embarrassing…

But Ash paid no mind to it. He found it odd how her expressions shifted between dejection, listlessness, and then batman-like intensity, all while he marveled at the weather and was grateful for having left his coat at home.

Of course, if Ash’s father knew his son only wore a white T-shirt to visit the girlfriend’s house, he’d likely kick him hard. But with no one but the System joining this endless journey, Ash did as he pleased.

Two figures visible through the mist emerged from an uphill path. Both their tongues were out, feeling as if they might evaporate. When Nonou Hana saw the familiar building, she immediately perked up.

“Ash Doctor, this is it!”

“Mmm…”

Looking up, he surveyed the Nonou household, a modest house considering the business failure. There was no fancy summer villa here; this wasn’t some fairy tale.

“Come on, Ash.”

“Okay.”

Skipping the usual ‘thank you’ customs for entering, Ash changed into slippers and saw everyone waiting to welcome them in.

Ash casually radiated a little authority, trying to perceive danger or murderous intent… Nothing.

“?”

Only Hana looked puzzled at him. For a moment, she felt an immense danger from him, but dismissed it immediately.

Well, it must have been a trick of the mind. I’ve been under pressure, maybe I’m getting stressed. Maybe it’s just Timefire messing with me. Better to listen to Ash and rest.

“You must be Ash, the doctor Hana talked about. Oh, how glad I am you look after my scatterbrained child.”

Smiling warmly, the middle-aged man, before Ash could react awkwardly to the courtesy, welcomed him inside.

Any potential drama dissipated amidst the gentle acceptance.

“Thank you for taking care of my daughter,” said the man, closing his eyes slightly, as did Hana’s parents and the girl who resembled Hana. They deeply bowed and thanked Ash sincerely a second time for saving their daughter (“sister”).

“We can never repay you for your kindness, Hana, you should also thank Doctor Ash.”

“Oh, oh!” Hana, who appeared somewhat stiff, came back to her senses, bowing down only to have Ash hold her shoulder.

“No need to, I already got my pay elsewhere.” Ash finally opened his eyes wide, meeting the bow.

“But I will accept your thanks.”

After all, I decided I would heal you no matter what. Although hesitant at first, I find no deceit in this. It’s nice, if it continues like this, I’m not against it.

The serious atmosphere didn’t last. Given the warmth, Ash was quickly seated. The man brought out fine snacks. His wife served everyone tea.

“Feeling so hot and still coming, I’m very sorry. We only have black tea.”

“This temperature means nothing to me. Ice, huh? Of course we have that!” Taking the tea from Hana’s mother Nonou Kotori, whose real name is Nonou Jin’Suke, Ash felt the cold touch on his lips, then his gaze swept over Hana’s family.

Her father, Nonou Moritaro, in an apron with well-defined muscles, sat opposite him while Mom Jin’Suke smiled at him. Another figure, occasionally looking over and thinking he was unnoticed, standing there would likely be—

“Hello…Doctor Ash, my name is—”

“I know, it’s Kotori. Nonou Kotori.” Ash remembered the “Nonou Kotori,” whom he once spoke with over the phone. Hana often praised this big sister who had gotten into Tokyo University, showing great concern for her.

“Oh, I remember when you complained about the medicine being bitter, I apologize.”

“Truly, Don’t bring that up, Doctor Ash!”

Surprised by the mention, Kotori held her cheek tightly. Her eyes glanced at her stone-faced older sister, pulling her away and apologizing behind the door.

“Hold on, Kotori, what are you doing?”

Not immediately answering her sister, Kotori stole a glance at Ash, who chatted happily with her parents. After scanning Ash’s smile, she started questioning earnestly.

“Big sister, you need to confess! What drug did you give him to make him pay such attention to you?!”