Chapter Text
As he stared at the large estate in front of him, he couldn’t help the small hum of intrigue that slipped past his lips.
“With such an extravagant background… I can only wonder what the boy himself is like.”
Nagisa Ran. It was not quite a household name, but he was still very well known for his field of study; he travels the nation as a talented inventor, investigating issues here or there. He enjoys using his inventions to help others, although he does so rather… eccentrically.
Whatever the case, that was not why he was here. On his travels, he heard word of a boy no older than 10, revered for his advanced intellect. The rumors claimed he could craft inventions and solve problems that someone of his age could never even dream of. Nagisa heard word that the boy had even created his own invention, now used in the town nearby. The thought was… intriguing, to say the least. He needed to see this boy with his own two eyes.
And that’s led him here, in front of the grand Sakuma Estate. A large piece of land surrounded by a large, victorian-esque fence, the Sakuma Mansion towering over in the center of the property. Looking up, Nagisa could spot Gargoyles perched upon the eerie landmark, adding to the gothic look of the place. Even the grand gardens that dotted the landscape managed to enhance the atmosphere, alongside the assorted buildings and houses--for servants he assumed.
Taking a deep breath, he approached the gate, carefully pressing the button beside it.
“Name and business?”
“Nagisa Ran. After hearing his accomplishments, I hoped to possibly be able to meet the Sakuma’s elder son, if it--”
“Nagisa Ran??” A female voice cut in, her excitement evident, “As in the Nagisa Ran? The famous inventor?”
“The very one.”
It was barely even a moment before Nagisa heard the click of the gate as it opened, letting him inside. His reputation exceeds him, he supposed.
As he approached the front door of the Sakuma residence, one of the large doors swung open, revealing a beautiful woman with chest-length black hair. Her vibrant red eyes gleamed with elation that matched her warm smile as she grasped her hands together.
“You’re really here to see Rei?? Oh, I can’t believe it! I’m so excited to have you—”Her expression quickly changed to surprise as she cupped her mouth, “Oh! Where are my manners? I’m Kumi Sakuma, Rei’s mother.”
She extended a hand, which Nagisa gently took and shook with a friendly smile.
“Nagisa Ran… but I suppose you are already aware. I’m here to see your prodigal son I’ve heard so much about… I was eager to see him for myself.”
“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you!! Follow me, I’ll bring you to his quarters.”
She gestured for him to follow as she began to make her way down the vast halls. Glancing around, Nagisa noted the interior was just as grandeur and gothic as the exterior. After a few minutes, however, his observation was brought to a halt as Kumi stopped in front of a door.
“This is Rei’s workshop,” she boasted proudly, “He tinkers with all sorts of things here. I’ll leave you to it.”
Kumi gave a small wave before she sauntered off, leaving him alone in front of the ominous door. Taking in a deep breath, Nagisa pushed it open.
At the workbench inside was a small boy, black hair just managing to tickle his shoulders. A blank expression decorated his features as he tinkered with what seemed to be a sort of mechanical spider.
Nagisa cleared his throat, finally attracting the boy’s attention as he looked up with surprise.
“Hello, Rei,” Nagisa began, giving another friendly smile, “My name is Nagisa Ran.”
Rei’s eyes widened for a moment, before his face shifted into a more curious expression. “As in the famous inventor?”
“Indeed. I heard rumors of you and… I had to admit I was a bit curious.”
Nagisa noted that Rei seemed to deflate a bit at the remark.
“Yeah… I’m a child prodigy, of course.” Rei’s attitude seemed to have soured, turning his attention back to his robotic friend.
Nagisa couldn’t help but think that the tiny Sakuma reminded him of his own childhood… isolated in his little workshop to learn. However, Nagisa didn’t have such advanced intelligence as a child; he instead had to work for his own under his father’s strict teachings. He could only imagine the pressure Rei would be experiencing with such natural intellect.
“Well, what are you working on now?”
“This? Just a… passion project, I suppose…” Adjusting a final screw, Rei flicked a small switch on the arachnid, watching it spring to life as it began to crawl across the workbench. It crawled over a few tools, before resting atop a small box. A small smile crept onto Rei’s face as he watched the robot.
“You really do have a talent for inventing, Rei…” He paused for a moment, a thought coming to mind. Seeing a child go through the same pressure he had gone through… was disheartening, but he could see the boy had some passion left… What if he could preserve what’s left?
“Rei… How would you like to be my apprentice?” Nagisa began, watching Rei’s head quickly turn to him with wide eyes, “You could pursue whatever you like, or however many passion projects you desire. Pure creative freedom to do as you please. I will not hold you down.”
Rei’s expression twisted into one of deep thought for a minute, before he spoke softly, “I… don’t know… I’m sorry…”
“It’s quite alright; don’t worry. My offer will still stand if you decide to pursue it, but as for now, I suppose I’ve overstayed my welcome. Goodbye, Rei.”
“… Goodbye, Nagisa.” Rei spoke softly, staring down at his desk again.
Nagisa closed the door behind him as he left, heading down the same dark halls that had welcomed him in. On his way out, however, he bumped back into Rei’s mother.
“Ah, Nagisa! So? What do you think of our little Rei?” Kumi asked expectantly.
“Rei truly is a talented young boy. I believe he has great potential.”
His praise put a proud grin on Kumi’s face as she chimed, “Of course!! He is so intelligent… sometimes I wonder if he’ll even surpass me!”
Nagisa gave a small chuckle, “Perhaps. But if I may make a small request…”
“Hm?”
“Would it be a bother if I took a walk around your gardens for a while before I depart?”
“Oh, not at all!! I wish you safe travels!”
“Thank you, Kumi.” Nagisa bowed before he continued walking, pushing the grand entrance doors open.
Walking around the garden, Nagisa could now see that they seemed to mostly grow roses… He thought it was a bit peculiar not to have more variety, but he supposes it is not his place to say. Floriculture was not his expertise, after all. Peculiarities aside, he found the walk around the gardens quite calming. Whoever designed their landscape had quite an eye for aesthetics.
His walk, however, was interrupted by rapid footsteps, followed by a young voice shouting from behind.
“Nagisa!!”
Nagisa turned around to see Rei running towards him, an over-the-shoulder bag in tow.
“Nagisa…” Rei stopped in front of him, panting softly, “I… I want to come with you.”
Nagisa offered a kind smile, holding out his hand. “Of course. I’d be glad to have you.”