"The first one appeared in the morning, southwest direction…." Miroku looked at Sebastian with confidence, eyes carrying a hint of expectation for praise, "The last two showed up in the evening, about ten minutes ago. Both were fellow monsters."
Sebastian listened calmly and nodded.
"The places and times you mentioned are correct," Sebastian replied, a faint edge in his tone.
The smile on Miroku's face grew wider until Sebastian added, slowly, "But you overlooked something."
Surprise flickered across his face. "Sir, please explain."
"While you were talking with Kikyo, another monster approached the mansion. And you ignored its presence.'" Sebastian's eyes narrowed. With his Teigu, he could easily sense the difference between humans and monsters. Nothing escaped his notice.
"I understand now," Miroku admitted.
He recalled how, when Kikyo had called them to eat, both of their attention had been drawn away, leaving them blind to any lurking spirit. That timing, he now realized, had been deliberately arranged to test their focus.
They exchanged glances, a spark of understanding passing between them.
"So it was, Sir, good intentions all along. We have gained much from your lesson!"
Sebastian gave a curt nod. "Let's eat."
The table was set with a spread of fragrant dishes prepared by Ram and the others, tempting everyone present. Miyatsu's throat worked as he swallowed hard. Only when Sebastian picked up his chopsticks did they dare to follow.
"Bring the wine," Sebastian instructed.
At once, Kikyō fetched a jug from the house. The liquor was a rare nectar Sebastian had brought, untouched until now. He disliked drinking, and since Kikyō and Kaede were too young, they had never tasted it. Sebastian had no intention of drinking, so he passed the jug to Miyatsu, who was well known for his fondness for alcohol.
"Sir Sebastian?" Miyatsu asked hesitantly, staring at the jug. Good food and wine were exactly what he desired, but in front of Sebastian, and with Miroku watching, he restrained himself.
"Now isn't the time for lessons," Sebastian said evenly. "Don't be so restrained. Act naturally. Be real."
Miyatsu's face lit up. "Thank you, Sir Sebastian!"
Overjoyed, he filled a cup, raised it high, and drained it in one long gulp.
"Delicious!" he exclaimed, cheeks flushing red. "Such wine, I've never tasted its equal!"
"Kaede also wants to drink!" the girl piped up, eyes wide with curiosity at the monk's reaction.
"Absolutely not," Kikyo scolded sharply. "Children can't drink this."
Kaede fell silent, but her longing gaze betrayed her. Sebastian noticed at once.
"Kaede, do you really want to try wine?" he asked.
She looked nervously at her sister. Kikyo's disapproval was clear, yet Kaede's heart was eager.
"Be honest," Sebastian told her gently. "If you want to, admit it. If not, say so."
After a moment, Kaede nodded.
"Then just a little," Sebastian said. He poured only a few drops into a small cup.
"Lord Sebastian, you spoil her too much!" Kikyo protested, sounding like a miniature adult.
"If she is strictly forbidden, her curiosity will only grow," Sebastian explained. "Better to let her learn what it truly is."
Kikyo hesitated, then gave in. "Very well. I'll listen to you."
Joy brightened Kaede's face. She eagerly sipped, only to grimace a second later. Her face reddened, eyes watering.
"Spicy! So spicy!" she cried, shoving the cup away in disgust.
The sight sent the table into laughter.
"Hahaha! Truly still a child, you can't even handle a sip," Miroku chuckled.
"Don't laugh," Miyatsu chided. "Weren't you the same when you first tried?"
Tsubaki seized the chance to prove herself. "I want to drink too!"
She filled her cup to the brim and downed it in one gulp. Immediately, her face flushed like a ripe apple. She coughed harshly, throat burning, and rushed to gulp down water.
"Tsubaki, there's no need to be reckless," Sebastian said gently, patting her back.
"I-I'm fine," she insisted, though her eyes watered as she clutched her cup.
Miroku and Miyatsu exchanged another glance. They had expected Sebastian to be arrogant, like most powerful exorcists. Yet here he was, calm, approachable, and surprisingly kind. Their respect for him deepened.