The next morning, Rowan and Yanagi Shōma boarded a flight bound for Tokyo.
Shōma sat upright for most of the journey, hands clenched on his knees. After a long stretch of silence, he finally spoke, his voice steady and resolute.
"Please don't worry, Ancestor. I'll recover the Clow Cards for the family. I won't let everyone down."
Rowan glanced at him and gave a small, approving nod. "That kind of resolve is good to have. But don't let it become a burden. If you succeed, excellent. If not, it doesn't diminish your worth."
He rested a hand briefly on the boy's shoulder. "You're the most gifted child this family has seen in years. Even without the cards, you'd still become a first-rate magician in time."
Shōma hesitated. "Mother said this mission is very important."
"It is," Rowan replied calmly. "But effort matters more than outcome. Remember that."
He didn't say more. Experience would teach the rest. Some things couldn't be explained in advance.
Rowan's attention shifted inward. During the flight, he quietly reviewed the techniques preserved in Amagiri Rōen's memories, sorting through layers of old family magic. The Clow Cards were built upon similar foundations. If he wanted to fully understand them, mastering these traditions first was the most efficient path.
Four hours later, the plane touched down in Tokyo.
At the airport, they were met by a representative from one of the family's local companies, a middle-aged man named Yanagi Aoyama. Publicly, the family operated as a multinational corporation, with offices scattered across the world. Those without magical aptitude often managed these enterprises, keeping the family's affairs running smoothly in plain sight.
After a short drive, the cityscape gave way to quieter streets.
An hour later, they arrived in Tomoeda.
Despite being labeled a town, it was expansive and well-developed, close enough to Tokyo to benefit from its infrastructure. Early summer had just begun, and the air was warm without being oppressive.
"This will be your residence," Aoyama said, stopping in front of a detached house tucked away on a calm street. "All furnishings and appliances are new. Everything nearby is convenient."
He led them inside, giving a brief overview before continuing, "Shōma's transfer is complete. Tomorrow morning, you can accompany him to Tomoeda Elementary."
"Good," Rowan said. "You've done well."
Aoyama straightened immediately. "Please take care of yourself, sir. At your age—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Only then did he truly look.
Rowan stood tall, posture straight, complexion healthy. He carried several heavy suitcases without the slightest strain. In contrast, Aoyama felt winded just from the short walk through the house.
Something about this comparison felt deeply unfair.
Rowan smiled faintly. "You spend too much time sitting. Even without talent, basic training goes a long way."
He raised a finger and traced a subtle pattern in the air.
Aoyama blinked as warmth spread across his scalp. His thinning hair thickened visibly, filling out in moments.
"Ah—thank you!" Aoyama said hurriedly, bowing. "I'll remember that."
Shōma stared, eyes wide. "Ancestor… I didn't know you could do that."
"There's a lot you haven't seen yet," Rowan replied evenly.
Once Aoyama departed, Rowan and Shōma officially settled in.
That evening, Shōma wasted no time. He changed into ceremonial robes, retrieved a special compass left behind by Clow Reed, and stood in the center of the living room. His expression sharpened as he began the incantation.
The compass trembled softly, its needle spinning as unseen currents stirred.
Rowan watched in silence.
The hunt had begun.