Father: "Wait—the prince who vanished three centuries ago, Senko von Minaguchi Hyōnko? How is that even possible?"
His wife smacked the back of his head.
Ohari: "Stop rushing to conclusions. Even if you can't see him, you should still introduce yourself properly."
Father: "Ow! That hurt..." Rubbing his head, he squinted at his family's dead-serious expressions. "You're not pulling some elaborate prank on me, are you?"
Ariha: "No, Dad. He's real."
Father: "If he's real, then what the hell is happening here?"
Jiho tapped his chin, thoughtful.
Jiho: "Mom… aren't we descendants of the royal family?"
Ohari's eyes widened, as if struck by lightning.
Ohari: "Right! My parents mentioned we're descended from two different princes—"
Father: "WHAT?! INCEST?!"
The room plunged into priceless silence.
Senko: "...That happened? I thought such things only existed in scandalous novels. How… unexpected."
Jiho sighed, massaging his temples.
Jiho: "Look, let's not dwell on it. Point is, our branch of the family tree's clean—no genetic disasters. Mom, don't we have other relatives?"
Ohari: "Yes, your aunt and uncle. And I think your great-uncle's still alive? Haven't seen him since I was a child."
Ariha: "Then that's our lead! Mom, can Senko and I stay overnight at Nana's? We'll see if she can perceive him, and ask about Great-Uncle too."
Ohari: "Brilliant idea. Go tonight, then visit my sister tomorrow on your way back."
The father scratched his head, suddenly sheepish.
Father: "You're all acting so serious about this… I feel awful for not even greeting him properly." Standing, he bowed slightly. "I'm Taketa Minori. Even if I can't see or hear you… I hope I haven't earned your hatred."
Senko: "Hatred? For what? I'd be skeptical too in your place. If anything, I'm grateful your family didn't leave me to vanish again." He extended a hand.
An awkward pause followed as Taketa stared at empty air.
Jiho: "He says he'd react the same way you did, and… uh, he's offering a handshake. Says he's glad your family 'caught' him."
Taketa hesitantly reached out—then jumped when an invisible grip firmly shook his hand.
Father: "Wha—?! I felt that! His hand—!"
The blond siblings exchanged glances. So even non-seers can touch him…
As Taketa gaped at his palm, Ariha's grin turned dangerous. Jiho facepalmed.
Jiho: "Oh no. She's got that look again…" (Only Senko heard him.)
Ariha: "Oh, that? Your conscience finally came back to say hello."
Father: "M-my what?!" He clutched his hand to his chest, paling.
Ariha: "The one you lost last week. Took it a while to track you down~."
Father: "Eeek—!"