My System Always Wants to Force Me to Confess-Chapter 537 - 529: New Year Visit

Overnight, a few more layers of winter snow blanketed the He Style Courtyard, giving it a rather desolate look. Shirakawa Sawahei gazed at the snowy scene outside and suddenly felt a bit melancholic.

It’s snowing again... the white season...

He left the warmth of his bed, having washed and dressed early to be outside. The Tachibana family also had no habit of sleeping in. Tachibana Kaisuke initially wanted to mock Shirakawa Sawahei for lacking the vitality of youth, but upon seeing him up so early, lost his interest.

Hmph, what’s the use of getting up so early? Can it cleanse the guilt of wanting to exploit my daughter?

"Good morning, Tachibana."

"G-Good morning."

The girl’s response was somewhat awkward, but she quickly steadied herself. Shirakawa Sawahei noticed a hint of fatigue in her eyes and paused, but did not mention anything about last night.

The blanket that mysteriously appeared overnight seemed to become a taboo between Shirakawa Sawahei and the little transparent girl. Both chose not to break the silence, carefully guarding that faint possibility.

"The first snow of the New Year..."

"Yes, it’s beautiful... I’m sure good things will happen if we visit the shrine today." Shirakawa Sawahei smiled. "Do you have any New Year wishes, Tachibana?"

Tachibana Tomoku paused for a moment before nodding softly.

"Yes, I do."

"How about you, Shirakawa? Do you have any..."

Shirakawa Sawahei gazed at the elm-like falling snow outside the courtyard with a hint of determination in his eyes.

"I do too."

"..."

"That’s nice." Tachibana Tomoku quietly looked at his profile and gently turned her head, speaking softly.

In the past, she really hoped to have the opportunity to visit the shrine for the New Year with someone she liked. But as time passed, even though that someone is by her side, the feeling of longing to visit the shrine like before has never returned.

You can’t be willful, be a good child, and don’t trouble others.

"Let’s go." Tachibana Tomoku said, "Mother is calling us for breakfast."

"Okay."

At the dining table, the Tachibana family also appeared somewhat silent. Shirakawa Sawahei understood the thoughts of Tachibana Kaisuke and his wife, but there was nothing he could do.

Thinking from their perspective, Shirakawa Sawahei figured he would make the same choice, which wasn’t their fault; it’s the enmity and challenges he must face.

The only thing that made Shirakawa Sawahei uneasy was Tachibana Tomoku’s gaze...

To be honest, when his girlfriend Tsukimi sakurazawa previously suggested subtly hitting on the little transparent girl, Shirakawa Sawahei felt nothing but helplessness amid his surprise.

Seducing the little transparent girl... isn’t something that’s easy to mentally prepare for...

After breakfast, with the winter snow gradually calming down, a thin layer of frost covered the ground. Shirakawa Sawahei waited for them to rest before changing clothes to prepare for the New Year shrine visit.

The girl’s casual wear looked warm and cute, considering the ice-chilling world outside, wearing a kimono would only bring discomfort. Moreover, shrine visits during New Year’s didn’t have the yukata tradition like fireworks festivals. Naturally, Tachibana Tomoku had to dress warmly. Shirakawa Sawahei prepared some five yen coins for blessings and offerings, and after getting dressed, he joined them in the car, heading towards an unknown shrine.

There are many shrines in Neon. Saying it’s unknown was only because Shirakawa Sawahei wasn’t familiar with the area. The atmosphere in the car was somewhat strange as well. Tachibana Tomoku stared blankly out the window, Tachibana Kaisuke drove silently, and Tachibana China watched her daughter’s expression from the front passenger seat...

Shirakawa Sawahei? Shirakawa Sawahei closed his eyes to rest, as if gathering strength for the events to come.

In any case, a brief rest was good. Last night, Shirakawa Sawahei felt melancholic for a long time, unable to sleep well.

Yesterday was the first day of the New Year, with many flocking to nearby shrines for their first visit. Some even departed right after the New Year’s Eve countdown. Busy shrines obviously required queueing, with waiting times of one or two hours not being uncommon during peak times in the cold. Fortunately, the Tachibana family was not an average one. Having missed the peak of the first day and being early morning with fewer people, Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t wait long before reaching the Torii gate of the shrine.

According to the customs of Neon, the Torii gate of Shinto separates the human world from the Divine World. Past the Torii gate lies the Divine World. Before passing through it, one must tidy their appearance and nod slightly to show respect to the deities. Although this custom is not as strict today, the little transparent girl sincerely bowed slightly towards the shrine.

Shirakawa Sawahei chuckled lightly, following the girl’s actions to bow. He didn’t genuinely believe in the existence of deities, but if it could make the little transparent girl happy, he didn’t mind doing it.

Beyond the Torii gate, a few people strolled along the shrine’s approach, here to pay their respects. The center, reputedly, was the pathway trod by the deities. Although Shirakawa Sawahei did not believe in such divine connections, he didn’t intend to stand out as odd in front of everyone and followed others solemnly onward.

Evergreen plants along the approach gleamed lively under the frosty shine, the surface of the leaves appearing to form a layer of ice; they looked vibrant and full of life. Shirakawa Sawahei observed the plants while following the ceremonial cleansing, then stood alongside the little transparent girl before the different colored sacred ropes.

The bell’s sound was clear and pleasant. Shirakawa Sawahei suddenly glanced at the girl beside him, who also returned his gaze.

They exchanged smiles, tossed the five yen coins with homophonic meaning, shook the sacred ropes’ bells, then stood upright and bowed.

The girl earnestly clapped her small hands in front of her chest, then closed her eyes, seemingly sincerely asking the deities for her wishes. Shirakawa Sawahei also clapped his hands, but his mind went blank with his eyes closed.

There’s nothing I really wish for... Or rather, there isn’t anything a deity could help me achieve...

If there’s something, then please help me protect the girls I like... No matter what criticism, setbacks, and pressures I face, please don’t let them get hurt.

Shirakawa Sawahei paused, feeling his thoughts somewhat childish and ridiculous, unable to resist a smile as he shook his head.

Oh well, I should take responsibility and protect the girls I like myself, no need to trouble you, deity. However, if you must offer blessing, please help me deal with my potential in-laws!

Some responsibilities are mine to bear; pushing them onto you seems quite lacking in integrity...

Finishing his wish, Shirakawa Sawahei opened his eyes; Tachibana Tomoku’s adorable profile remained with eyes closed, as if she was still voicing her hopes. He checked behind him, seeing no one waiting, so he did not disturb the little transparent girl, letting her converse with a deity of uncertain existence.