Chapter 557: Yakumo Ran's Tail, Sora's Faith
Riven sat stiffly in the chair, her posture still carrying the rigid discipline of a Noxian soldier, while Lucifer leaned across the table, casually lecturing her on the intricacies of modern civilian life. The sheer influx of bizarre information left the silver-haired exile visibly stunned. The contrast between the blood-soaked battlefields she knew and this quiet, warmly lit restaurant was almost too vast to comprehend. Yet, as an exceptional soldier, Riven possessed impeccable execution.
Lucifer offered a sharp, crimson-lipped smile. "Now, you remember your new identity, right?"
Riven rubbed her temples, trying to soothe the dull ache forming there. "I remember... the former head of your company's security department..."
Lucifer nodded approvingly. "Very good! This way, it's completely foolproof. You can leave your runic blade behind the counter for now. No need to carry a massive sword around a diner."
"Mhm..." Riven hesitated, her brow furrowing. "But... I feel like something isn't quite right..."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Riven thought for a moment, her eyes scanning the pristine floors. She lowered her voice softly. "Uh... Does the shop need cleaning? I should contribute."
Hearing this, Ren simply smiled from behind the counter, wiping down a glass. He shook his head. "Of course not. But if you truly want to help out, you're welcome to tidy up, and the flowers outside still need watering."
Riven let out a quiet breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and as though she had been lightly tricked into domestic duties. However, listening to Lucifer's earlier explanations, this world was incredibly peaceful. Staying here meant she wouldn't have to constantly look over her shoulder. She could finally lay down her burdens and live a stable, quiet life.
The quiet hours of the night slowly bled into the early morning before the chime of the door signaled another arrival. It was a familiar face from Ren's original world—Shusuke Fuji. The Seigaku prodigy stepped in, dressed lightly, mentioning he was out for an early morning run and wanted to pick up breakfast for his older sister, Yumiko, on the way back.
The conversation naturally drifted toward the upcoming tennis tournament. As Ren packed the warm, fragrant breakfast into a neat bag and handed it over, he smiled. "Your raw strength isn't a problem, but you still have a lot of refining to do in your practice."
Fuji took the bag, his signature closed-eye smile firmly in place. "Mhm, that's exactly why I need to keep working hard. Well, Ren-nii, I'll head back now before the food gets cold."
Lucifer rested her chin on her hand, watching the young tennis player jog out the door. She let out a soft, amused hum. "Shusuke is clearly still annoyed by that last doubles match. In that case, his next game is going to be quite interesting to watch."
Ren raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. "You're really biased, aren't you? You don't care about the other schools at all?"
Lucifer scoffed, tossing her silver hair over her shoulder. "Why should I care about a bunch of random teenagers? If it weren't for Yumiko, I wouldn't even give Seigaku a second glance!"
"Then what will you do if we go watch a basketball game?" Ren teased, knowing full well that Ryota Kise and the others were scattered across different high schools.
"Bas... this... uh..." Lucifer stammered, her authoritative CEO persona cracking for a split second. "Anyway, there's plenty of time! I'll just go watch whoever's game I feel like watching!"
Ren smiled and shook his head, thoroughly entertained by her sudden conflict. Lucifer shot him a mild glare, fully aware he was playing a trick on her, but she merely snorted and dropped the subject. Sitting nearby, Riven watched their casual, effortless banter with great interest. The domestic harmony was far more engaging than the cold, rigid hierarchy of the army.
Their quiet morning was interrupted by the soft padding of footsteps on the stairs. Everyone turned to see Kasugano Sora slowly descending into the shop, her frail arms tightly clutching her signature black rabbit plushie.
Lucifer blinked in surprise. "Huh?! Sora?! You little brat! Why aren't you asleep at this hour?!"
Sora let out a long, dramatic sigh, her silver hair slightly messy from sleep deprivation. "I thought the homework was going to be simple, but I ended up writing until past one... I just came down to get a glass of milk..."
Lucifer crossed her arms, her tone exasperated but fond. "Let's see if you still dare to procrastinate on your homework until the very last day of vacation next time."
"This is a matter of faith," Sora mumbled defensively, hugging her rabbit tighter. "Absolute loyalty to the concept of vacation..."
She sighed again, her sleepy eyes finally drifting across the room until they landed on the unfamiliar, battle-hardened woman sitting at the table. "Eh?! Is this older sister also from Hell?"
Riven tensed, preparing to recite the corporate security cover story Lucifer had just drilled into her. But before she could speak, Lucifer waved a hand dismissively. "Sora already knows about the existence of other worlds. Sora, this is a guest from another world, and she will be staying here with us from now on."
Relaxing slightly, Riven offered a polite, somewhat stiff nod. "My name is Riven..."
Sora blinked slowly, processing the introduction. "Oh... Hello, Riven-nee... I'm Kasugano Sora. My sisters all just call me Sora... Haah... I'm so sleepy..." She turned her heavy gaze toward the counter. "Ren-nii, do you have any hot milk?"
"I'll heat some up for you right now," Ren said, already moving toward the kitchen. "You two chat for a bit. Oh, and those ladies over there in the corner are also guests from another world."
Sora nodded politely toward Yakumo Yukari and her group, rubbing her tired eyes before shuffling over to sit next to Lucifer. She peeked at Riven again, tilting her head. "I almost mistook you for Justice..."
"I thought they looked very similar too!" Lucifer agreed, her crimson eyes softening. "But Riven has suffered much more."
Leaning in, Lucifer briefly recounted the tragic tale of Riven's past—the brutal betrayal by her own Noxian commanders. As she listened, Sora's sleepiness vanished, replaced by a fierce, protective indignation.
"What?!" Sora gasped, her small hands balling into fists against her plushie. "Using someone and then just discarding them like trash! That's too much! A country like that will end up betraying all of their excellent warriors sooner or later!"
Riven parted her lips, wanting to say something to defend her homeland out of habit, but the words died in her throat. Looking at the frail, silver-haired girl getting so furiously angry on her behalf, Riven felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest. Living with such a strange, fiercely compassionate group of people... it really wasn't bad at all.
Across the room, Yakumo Yukari and the others formally introduced themselves. However, the moment Sora's eyes landed on Yakumo Ran, she completely froze. Her gaze locked onto the majestic, incredibly fluffy nine tails swaying gently behind the shikigami.
Noticing the intense, unblinking stare, Ran's heart gave a nervous flutter. She subconsciously tried to tuck one of her tails behind her back, but hiding nine massive, golden-furred appendages was a physical impossibility.
Yukari snapped her fan open, a wicked, teasing smile curving her lips. "My, my. Sora, do you perhaps really like Ran's tails?"
Sora swallowed, her voice dropping to an awe-struck whisper. "They look so fluffy and cute..."
"Right?!" Yukari giggled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I think so too!"
"Lady Yukari! Please don't talk about my tails!" Ran pleaded, her fox ears flattening against her head in distress.
Just as Ran felt her precious tails were in imminent danger of being petted to death, Ren walked out of the kitchen, carrying a steaming mug of sweet milk. He set it gently in front of the girl. "Drink your milk, then go straight to sleep. Should I wake you up tomorrow morning?"
Sora wrapped her cold hands around the warm ceramic mug, thinking seriously for a moment. "Personally, I think it's highly necessary..."
"Then you don't need to bother setting an alarm."
"Okay! Ren-nii, what are we eating tomorrow... I mean, later this morning?"
Ren chuckled, tapping the counter. "I haven't decided yet. Besides, you'll definitely be the absolute last one to wake up, so it's no use asking now."
Pouting slightly, Sora chugged the warm milk in a few long gulps. She set the empty cup down with a soft clink, mumbled a collective goodnight to the room, and scurried back upstairs, her rabbit bouncing against her hip.
Seeing the girl leave, Yakumo Ran let out a massive sigh of relief, her tense shoulders dropping.
But her peace was short-lived. Yukari leaned over, her smile turning downright predatory. "My, my, Ran. Sora really, really likes your tails."
"Lady Yukari! What are you trying to say?" Ran backed up a step, her golden eyes wide with panic.
"Oh, nothing at all..."
"I don't believe you!"
"I'll just grab it!"
With a swift, elegant motion, Yukari snatched one of Ran's thickest tails, stroking the luxurious fur. "As expected of my dear Ran, this tail is truly well-maintained!"
"Lady Yukari!" Ran squeaked, her face flushing bright red.
Sitting nearby, Reimu perked up, setting her teacup down. "Hm? Yakumo Yukari, does it really feel that good?"
"Of course it does!"
"I want to play too!" Reimu declared, reaching out.
"Miss Reimu, please no!"
Watching the usually dignified nine-tailed fox being ruthlessly persecuted by her master and the shrine maiden without daring to resist, Ren smiled and shook his head. They were truly a fascinating cast of characters.
His gaze briefly shifted to the side. Amidst the chaotic teasing, Yuuka Kazami sat in perfect, stoic silence, sipping her tea without a single change in expression. To remain so completely unbothered in such a lively atmosphere proved she was indeed no ordinary person. Ren's eyes glinted with a faint, dry amusement. It seemed there would be plenty of fun to be had in breaking that icy composure in the future.
If Yuuka Kazami had known the dangerous thoughts currently running through Ren's mind, her serene facade would have definitely crumbled on the spot. This insufferable man always took far too much pleasure in seeing her break down.
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