I have an infinite number of shikigami-Chapter 654 - 210.Final Chapter_7

The table was also filled with dishes.

There were both delicacies and ordinary home-cooked dishes, such as sweet and spicy fish and kelp rolls. Traditional New Year dishes like soba noodles, chestnut mashed sweet potato, fish cakes, prawns, chawanmushi, and more were also on the table.

Fujiwara Reya took his seat at the head of the table.

"All the dishes are ready. Hungry?" Kawashima Miki sat beside him.

The fox ears of Tamamo Mae twitched.

Needless to say, the queen naturally sat at the head of the table; there was no other choice.

So, the head of the table, which should have seated only one person, forcibly accommodated three. Mrs. Hoshimi with the senior, Mrs. Kasahara with the junior sat on either side, with Fukaeri and Riho opposite.

Five hours had passed, including the time spent preparing the meal and shopping.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Hmm, it’s New Year’s Eve, so let’s have some sake."

"Here’s some warm sake."

Kawashima Miki took the warm sake off the stove and filled everyone’s cups.

"Happy New Year!"

Everyone finished their drink. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The rising steam quickly livened up the atmosphere.

It was exactly 7 PM, and news programs were broadcasting lively scenes from around the country as the year-end approached.

"Let me pour you some sake," Kawashima Miki filled Fujiwara Reya’s cup again.

The two of them gently clinked their full cups together.

"What should I say?" Kawashima Miki looked at him sweetly.

"Thanks to Mrs. Miki, everything went smoothly this past year. In the new year, I hope Miki will continue to take good care of me," Fujiwara Reya said solemnly, bowing his head slightly to her.

Kawashima Miki nodded modestly and proudly.

Tamamo Mae kicked Fujiwara Reya under the table.

Fujiwara Reya looked over, oh, black eyes, it was Auntie...

"Let’s go one by one."

He held the sake jug and offered a cup to each beauty.

After a few cups of sake, he felt three parts full without eating anything, and with the beauties intoxicating him, Fujiwara Reya unknowingly let them have their way with him.

"Try some chawanmushi."

"Hmm, not bad craftsmanship."

"Riho made it, you know."

"It’s not a culinary disaster?"

"Hey, Mr. Fujiwara, what are you saying! It’s not easy for someone to cook, eat more."

Snow began to fall outside the window.

There was no wind, and the fine snowflakes fell like soft goose feathers.

With the light from the room, the courtyard looked like a painting set into the window glass.

"Here, have some soba noodles. Eating noodles on New Year’s Eve can bring long life, right? Our relationship will last as long as these noodles."

At the end of dinner, Kawashima Miki murmured as she served noodles into bowls.

The broth was chicken stock, with a very fresh taste.

"Have some more."

"I can’t, I’m too full."

"Eat it!"

His wife glared with raised eyebrows, and Fujiwara Reya obediently ate it.

The TV showed a live broadcast of the red and white singing contest.

Miki and Riho quickly cleared the tableware and put the leftovers together before washing the dishes in the kitchen.

Feeling a bit bloated, Fujiwara Reya lay on the carpet, the alcohol having taken effect.

Kasahara Fumi thoughtfully handed him a pillow.

Fujiwara Reya rolled over and lay against her thigh. His younger sister, next to her, pinched his nose playfully, "Senpai seems happy today."

"Of course, it’s happiness with Xiangxiang here."

Fujiwara Reya held her small hand.

In the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, he recalled childhood memories.

During New Year, his mother was always exceptionally solemn. She would wake him early to put on a brand new kimono, offer water and sake at the altar, and then pray with clasped hands. The whole family followed suit and then said a few auspicious words for the New Year to their father, the head of the family.

On TV, the New Year’s red and white song contest began.

Watching the performances for a while, Fujiwara Reya felt a bit sleepy. Maybe it was the sake, or maybe because he felt too comfortable, so he closed his eyes and started to doze off.

Miki and Riho came out from the kitchen, and everyone gathered around the kotatsu to watch the performances and chat.

"Should we go for a visit?"

"Where to?"

"Meiji Shrine? The trains run all night today."

"Hey, hey, hey, isn’t everyone here operating a shrine? Oh, except for Tamamo Mae, she’s just a wild fox."

"I’m Kuri."

"Huh?"

"Let me see."

"Really, your eyes are like Kuri’s eyes, black. Oh no... they’ve turned golden again."

"Who just said I was a wild fox——"

"Uh, haha, don’t be angry. Saying ’wild’ is a compliment."

"Why?"

"Wild is, uh, the meat is better..."

"Hahaha, Riho, you’re sure you’re not teasing her, right?"

The ladies’ banter continued, Mrs. Kasahara and Mrs. Hoshimi focusing on the TV, showing particular interest whenever young male singers with long legs appeared. Hoshimi Rinko was different, only watching the young female singers.

By the middle of the contest, the score showed the white team leading.

By the second scoring, the red team had completed a comeback and held the lead until victory.

"It’s unfair; the men’s team should have won," Mrs. Kasahara grumbled indignantly.

Fujiwara Reya rested with his eyes closed, ears catching their conversations.

How wonderful it would be if time could stop flowing.

"Twenty minutes left until this year ends," reported the news anchor on TV, broadcasting scenes across the country welcoming the New Year. First, Tokyo’s Shibuya streets and Skytree Tower, then Kyoto’s Zhi En Temple and Yasaka Shrine area, followed by snowy Eiheiji.

"Let’s leave all the happiness, pain, and everything else from the past to the past!"