The backyard that afternoon was bathed in dimming orange light, leaves glistening as they caught the last rays of the sun. Raku and Mafuyu were still sitting on the garden bench, their conversation having just subsided when calm footsteps were heard from the direction of the sliding door.
Issei appeared, wearing his casual kimono, his face carrying the warmth of a father. He looked at the two for a moment, then gave a faint smile.
"How was this afternoon's session?" he asked in a low but caring voice.
Mafuyu immediately sat up straighter, almost stiff. "Ah… nothing difficult, Mr. Issei. Earlier we only talked about basic things… like school life, the New Year's festival, and others."
Issei closed his eyes briefly, clear satisfaction showing on his face. "I see… good. I'm glad to hear Raku is starting to ask about those things. That means he's already beginning to imagine his life at school later."
Raku lowered his head slightly, feeling proud yet warm in his heart.
The sun sank further, the sky shifting from golden to violet. Mafuyu reached for her bag, then stood. "Well then… that's enough for today. I should go home before night truly falls."
Raku reflexively stood as well. He waved his hand with a sincere smile. "Please be careful on your way home, Sensei. Thank you for teaching me today."
Issei added, his tone respectful yet friendly, "I also thank you, Kirisu-sensei. Thanks to you, my son can begin with a good step."
Mafuyu bowed politely, though her face reddened slightly at the attention given to her. "You're welcome… I'm just doing my duty."
With steps that were somewhat hurried yet graceful, she walked out of the yard, along the path that was already dim. Raku watched her until she vanished from sight, while Issei only stood with a faint smile, his hands behind his back.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment, only the sound of evening insects beginning to be heard.
Issei then turned to Raku. "You made your father proud today."
Raku gave a small smile, his heart warm, then replied softly. "I will keep trying, Father."
That night, the large Ichijou residence grew quiet. The corridor lamps were dim, leaving only gentle light to accompany each step of the servants still on patrol.
In Raku's room, the atmosphere was far more peaceful. The cold winter wind occasionally pressed against the window glass, making the thin curtains sway slightly. On the study desk, several textbooks were still open: mathematics with practice scribbles, history notes with small markings, and a half-read literature book.
Raku sat on the edge of his bed, tidied the book's pages, then closed it slowly. "That seems enough for today…" he murmured. He looked briefly at the window, seeing the pale moon hanging in the night sky, as if keeping watch over him.
His body stretched slightly tired, but a warm feeling filled his chest. Today he felt he had learned a lot, not only about lessons, but also about what school was, life, and the meaning of the new step he would take. The face of Mafuyu Kirisu, Onodera's smile, Shu's jokes, and his father's calm gaze flickered in his mind.
Raku then lay back onto the bed. The gentle scent of clean sheets made his drowsiness heavier. He closed his eyes, letting his mind drift lightly.
"Tomorrow… I must work even harder," he whispered softly, before his breathing gradually steadied.
Outside the room, the night silence deepened, only the occasional sound of wind was heard. The dim room light illuminated Raku's peaceful face, until he truly fell asleep, welcoming dreams in tranquility.
That morning, the first light of winter crept faintly through the window of Raku's room. Like the routine of the past few days, his eyes opened exactly at five in the morning. He let out a soft breath, his eyes half-closed, and muttered to himself, "Five o'clock again… this body is already used to it, huh?"
With slow steps, Raku rose from his bed and walked to the men's bath. The cold winter air occasionally seeped through the curtains, making the bathroom feel chilly. He undressed and soaked himself for a moment in the warm water. Steam filled the room, and his body began to relax. That moment gave him calm, letting his mind empty for a while from amnesia or yesterday's lessons.
After bathing, Raku came out and prepared himself for breakfast. In the kitchen, Ryunosuke and several other servants had already begun preparing ingredients. Raku joined in, taking vegetables, cutting bread, preparing eggs and simple side dishes. Ryunosuke looked at him while smiling, "Bocchan, it seems you're starting to get used to morning activities, huh."
Raku only smiled faintly, feeling as if his body already knew what to do even though his previous memories were gone. The aroma of warm cooking began to fill the kitchen. Before long, the dishes were ready and brought to the dining table. The large and lively house came alive again: servants rushing about, the clatter of plates and cutlery, and several other family members starting to come down from their rooms.
Raku sat in his seat. His eyes looked at the plate in front of him, then closed briefly and said softly, "Itadakimasu."
Shortly after, Issei, Ryunosuke, and the others followed. Their voices echoed in the spacious dining room, "Itadakimasu!"
After that, Raku picked up a spoon and chopsticks, beginning to eat quickly and heartily. The atmosphere was noisy, the sounds of laughter and light conversation mixed with the aroma of warm breakfast. Though bustling and loud, there was a warmth that wrapped around that morning, making Raku feel peaceful and comfortable in the midst of family and this large house.
After breakfast, the dining room calmed down again. Plates and bowls had been taken to the kitchen by the servants, leaving only the aroma of warm tea still rising in the cup. Raku let out a relieved sigh, then turned to Issei.
Issei sipped his tea before speaking calmly,
"Raku, in about thirty minutes Kirisu-sensei will arrive. Today is the second day, so don't be nervous. Just think of it as an ordinary conversation."
Raku nodded firmly. "Yes, Father. I'll do my best again today."
Ryunosuke added with a smile, "Bocchan, just use your curiosity like yesterday. That way, the lessons will be easier to understand."
30 minutes later – Raku's Room
Knocks were heard at the door. "Excuse me."
Mafuyu Kirisu entered neatly dressed: her pink hair tied properly, thin glasses on her nose, her face still serious though with a slight trace of nervousness. She carried several books and a file folder in her hands.
"Good morning, Ichijou-kun. Let's begin again, shall we?"
Raku looked at her and smiled kindly. "Good morning, Kirisu-sensei. Thank you for coming."
Mafuyu sat in the chair opposite Raku. She opened her folder, taking out a notebook and lesson modules.
First Lesson: Japanese History
Mafuyu opened the history book, the page on the Edo Period.
"Alright, let's start with Japanese History. Do you know what the Edo Period is, Ichijou-kun?"
Raku thought for a moment. "If I'm not mistaken… the Edo Period was when the government was ruled by the shoguns, right? The capital was Edo, which is now called Tokyo."
Mafuyu gave a faint smile. "Correct. More precisely, the Edo Period began in 1603, when Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the Tokugawa shogunate. This era lasted until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration began."
She explained in detail: the class system of samurai, farmers, merchants, and how national isolation kept Japan closed off from the outside world for over two centuries.
Raku took notes seriously, his eyes focused. "So… that's why Japan only began opening to the outside world when the American black ships arrived, right?"
Mafuyu nodded. "Exactly. The Perry Expedition in 1853 forced Japan to open its ports. That became a major turning point in Japanese history."
Second Lesson: Physics
Mafuyu changed books, this time to Physics. She wrote on the small board she brought.
"Alright, now let's move to basic Physics. Do you still remember Newton's laws?"
Raku furrowed his brows, trying to recall. "Newton's laws… if I'm not wrong, there are three? The first is about an object at rest staying at rest unless acted upon by an external force…"
"Yes," Mafuyu added, "and an object in motion will continue moving in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. That's Newton's First Law."
She then gave a simple example. "If you push a ball on a smooth floor, it will keep moving until friction stops it."
Raku smiled slightly. "So it's like when I push a table, but the table stops right away because the friction is big."
"Exactly," Mafuyu replied, this time a little impressed because Raku understood quickly. They then continued to the Second Law (F = m × a) and the Third Law (action-reaction).
Third Lesson: Geography
Mafuyu closed the Physics book, then opened a thick atlas on her lap. "Now, Geography. Can you point on the map where Hokkaido is?"
Raku stepped forward, pointing to the northern part of Japan's map. "Here. The northernmost island."
"Good. Hokkaido is known for its cold climate, wide fields, and being one of Japan's largest agricultural centers," explained Mafuyu.
She then asked again, "Then, what is the tallest mountain in Japan?"
"Mount Fuji," Raku answered firmly. "Its height is… about 3,700 meters, right?"
Mafuyu smiled with satisfaction. "Correct, 3,776 meters. You have a sharp memory."
Raku looked a bit shy. "Maybe because now my head is empty, so it's easier to put new information in."
Mafuyu looked at him briefly, then continued. She explained Japan's long coastline, earthquakes caused by tectonic plate collisions, and the distinctive seasons in each region.
Other Lessons: Japanese Language & Literature
To close the session, Mafuyu opened a literature book. "Now, a little reading exercise. Try reading this haiku by Matsuo Bashō."
Raku read slowly:
"Furu ike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no oto."
He furrowed his brows. "The meaning is… An old pond, a frog jumps in, the sound of water?"
Mafuyu nodded, this time her expression slightly gentle. "Yes, a famous haiku. Though short, it is beautiful. In three lines, it can describe the quiet atmosphere and the sudden sound of water."
Raku smiled. "Simple, but it feels deep."
The lesson continued until nearing noon. Mafuyu closed her book slowly. "Alright, that's enough for today. You learn quickly, Ichijou-kun. I'm truly impressed."
Raku gave a small smile. "Thank you, Sensei. Even though I lost my memory, maybe that's what makes me like a blank sheet of paper. So it's easier to absorb new things."
Mafuyu fell silent for a moment, looking at her innocent student, before finally packing up her books.