Chapter 379: Lucifer the Workaholic, and Why You Don't Argue with Women
Ren and his companions drew stares like moths to a flame, their collective presence turning heads and sparking whispers all along the street. Yet for some reason, ever since leaving the Glory Boxing Gym, Lucifer had been plagued by a subtle, nagging premonition—a feeling that something unlucky was just around the corner.
"Hmm? Lucifer, what's wrong?" Ren asked, noticing her expression. "Why the long face?"
Lucifer's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of uncertainty in her crimson eyes. "I don't know. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's just… I feel eyes on me. Not hostile, not malicious. It's more like… like…"
Sōryūin Shion prompted, a hint of confusion in her voice, "Like what? Just spit it out."
"That feeling…" Lucifer's expression soured. "It feels like my employees are closing in."
Shion let out an exasperated sigh. "It would be a miracle if they weren't coming for you. I give up. Honestly, how you manage to run a company is one of the world's great mysteries. You haven't set foot in your office for ages, have you?"
Lucifer's eyebrow shot up in defiance. "Absolutely not. Not happening. No way. I am not going back to work. They can handle things perfectly fine on their own. It makes no difference whether I'm there or not!"
From behind them, Hiyama Shunka whispered timidly, "Miss Lucifer… employees like that… where does one find them? I… I would like some too…"
Lucifer froze, her triumphant declaration catching in her throat. She turned to see not only Shunka but also Sōryūin Shion and Kurayoshi Rino nodding in fervent agreement. Her mouth twitched. "Well… that would be my natural charisma, of course. It's not every day you find a boss who is so open-minded, beautiful, and honest, you know~"
She paused, then shot a pointed glare at her friend. "Shion, think carefully before you answer. We're supposed to be on the same side!"
Sōryūin Shion buried her face in her hands. "That has nothing to do with it! This is a matter of principle! Which of those three qualities you just listed actually applies to you?!"
"Even if I'm not as completely honest as Shopkeeper Ren, I am definitely open-minded! And are you saying I'm not beautiful?!"
"Fine, fine, whatever you say…" Shion conceded, waving a dismissive hand.
"What I said is the truth!" Lucifer insisted, her voice rising. She turned to their perpetually snacking companion. "Cerberus, stop eating for a second and tell them! Am I not a very open-minded person?"
Shion initially folded her arms, ready to enjoy the show. She knew Cerberus was incapable of lying; even under Lucifer's intimidating gaze, the girl's complete lack of acting skills meant the truth would come tumbling out immediately. But what happened next left her stunned.
Cerberus nodded as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Lucifer is very good to everyone. Even when she gets angry, she doesn't really say anything mean. She lets really big things slide without a fuss. It's just… when Lucifer works, she only works. She never has time to come out and play with me…"
A pained look crossed Lucifer's face. "Cerberus, you have to understand… the stacks of documents are taller than I am… I need to relax, too…"
Shion's mouth twitched. Paperwork taller than a person? The thought alone was exhausting. She gently patted Lucifer's shoulder and whispered, a newfound respect in her tone, "I never expected you to actually act like a responsible adult, Lucifer…"
"Of course I do! Wait a minute… Shion… what exactly do you mean by that?!"
"Let's just drop it," Ren interjected, saving them from another round of bickering. "We can grab something to eat. That bout with Kaolan was… draining."
The others shot him a strange look. None of them had noticed him looking particularly tired or hungry in the slightest.
Sōryūin Shion glanced up at the building they had stopped in front of, her eyes widening in recognition. "This is… Misty House? Do you have a reservation?"
Ren offered a small smile. "You could say I'm acquainted with the owner. I sent her a message earlier."
"I remember the head chef and owner of Misty House is known as the 'Empress of Mist'…" Shion's eyes narrowed playfully. "You're not… are you…"
Ren reached out and gently pinched her cheek. "Shion, why does your mind always jump to that conclusion?"
She rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Whatever~ Even if it's true, I'm past the point of caring. Anyway, you only have two years. After that, if you dare to flirt with anyone else, I'll fight you myself!"
Lucifer blinked, her head tilting in confusion. "What two years?"
"You'd know if you checked the group chat history," Shion said breezily. "You weren't asleep last night, were you? I sent a message, and everyone except for a few in different time zones agreed."
"Eh? Let me see…"
Lucifer pulled out her phone, her eyes scanning the screen for a few moments. A slow, meaningful grin spread across her face. She looked up at Ren, her expression full of mirth. "Oh, I most certainly agree. Cherish your time, Ren!"
Ren sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing with a united front of women. He wisely chose to retreat into the restaurant.
Sōryūin Shion crossed her arms, tilting her head thoughtfully. "In a way, he needs some restrictions. Otherwise, what if he takes it all too seriously?"
"The chances of him opening a shop every single day aren't that high," Kurayoshi Rino added quietly. "And besides, there's always Fuji Yumiko, who loves to rebel at the most critical moments."
"That's true~"
"Ah! Shopkeeper Ren! You're here earlier than I expected!"
The moment they stepped inside, a woman in a chef's uniform hurried over to greet them. It was Inui Hinako, her expression a mixture of surprise and deep respect, as if she were greeting a revered teacher.
Ren smiled and nodded. "We got a bit hungry. But your restaurant is doing wonderfully, Miss Inui. I don't think my little shop will ever see a day this busy, at least not for now."
Inui Hinako smiled warmly. "You jest, Shopkeeper Ren. If your establishment were located in a bustling district, your prices alone would draw a larger crowd than I could ever hope for."
"I think the prices are perfectly fine," Ren replied smoothly. "So, Miss Inui, is the table I reserved available?"
"Of course. That private room isn't often booked, as it's rare for such a large group to dine together. Would you like to place your order now?"
"Yes. Lucifer, what do you feel like eating?"
Lucifer scanned the menu, her finger tapping her chin. "I want… hmm… I don't know how to order without a picture menu… I'll have this teppanyaki and the Hōsho-yaki with duck… Eh? What's this? And I'll have an Egg Mixed Rice… What is Egg Mixed Rice? And why is it written so small?"
Sōryūin Shion sighed. "As a foreigner, you wouldn't know. Just try it, you'll see. It's not bad."
"Then I'll have that too…"
After taking everyone's order, Inui Hinako nodded professionally. "Very well. Please, this way. Would you like to start with some drinks?"
"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Miss Inui."
"You're too kind, Shopkeeper Ren. Please, make yourselves comfortable. I will be back shortly."
With a polite bow, she left with their order.
Lucifer leaned back in her chair, a playful glint in her eyes. "Eh? Chef Inui's style is surprisingly similar to your shop's, Ren~"
"Perhaps…" Ren acknowledged, then turned his attention to the two women who had been relatively quiet. "Alright, Miss Hiyama, Miss Kurayoshi. Now you can tell me the purpose of your visit."
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