Chapter 14
Ren woke slowly, feeling a soft weight on both sides of him. Kanae and Shinobu were practically glued to him, their heads resting against his shoulders as they slept peacefully, their breathing calm and steady.
He didn't move much, afraid to disturb them, simply watching their faces under the soft morning light. For once, the usually lively and teasing atmosphere was quiet, almost fragile, and Ren found himself smiling faintly.
After a while, both Kanae and Shinobu stirred awake, their expressions shifting as their bodies protested. "Ugh…" Kanae groaned softly, holding her head, while Shinobu winced slightly.
Ren chuckled. "So, I win the bet."
Kanae huffed, trying to sit up despite the soreness. "Just you wait… next time I won't lose."
Shinobu, still half-drowsy, leaned closer and lightly pecked Ren on the cheek before standing. "Ara, we'll see about that," she said, hiding a small smile as she followed Kanae to get ready.
Ren stretched and began putting on his clothes. "Girls, I'll be going to meet Kagaya. Let's see what he wants from me."
"Fine, come back soon," Shinobu replied, glancing back briefly before disappearing into the room with Kanae.
Ren picked up his sword and made his way toward the Ubuyashiki Mansion, moving at a steady pace. The air was calm, but his instincts remained sharp, always aware of the unseen dangers lurking in the world.
Soon, he arrived and was guided into a quiet room where he waited patiently. Moments later, Kagaya entered, his presence gentle yet heavy, the marks of his illness more visible now.
"Ren, you came," Kagaya said softly. "There is something important I wished to discuss."
Ren nodded. "What is it?"
"Some Upper Moons have begun surfacing," Kagaya continued. "They appear to be searching for you."
Ren's expression didn't change. "If you get any location, tell me immediately. I'll deal with them."
Kagaya nodded, then paused slightly. "There is also another matter. There is a girl your age… gifted with an unusually strong physique. I was hoping you might train—"
"Is she a pink-haired girl?" Ren interrupted.
Kagaya and Amaya blinked in surprise. "Do you know her?"
Ren grinned. "So it really is her. Leave her to me. I'll train her with everything I have."
Amaya nodded and stepped out to bring the girl. Ren leaned back slightly, barely holding back his excitement, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee.
Soon, Amaya returned with a girl who had pink and green hair, her gentle smile bright despite her nervousness. She stepped forward hesitantly. "A-Anno… I'm Mitsuri Kanroji. Nice to meet you."
Ren smiled warmly. "Hey, I'm Ren. From now on, I'll be training beautiful Miss Mitsuri. I can call you Mitsuri, right? You can just call me Ren."
Mitsuri's face turned red instantly. "I-it's fine… nice to meet you, Ren."
Inside, her thoughts spiraled. Kyaa! He called me beautiful… he doesn't hate my hair?
As if reading her thoughts, Ren spoke again. "Your hair is beautiful. It suits you perfectly."
Mitsuri froze, her face burning even brighter, while Kagaya and Amaya simply blinked, unsure how to react to Ren's straightforwardness.
"Ahem… then I'll leave Miss Kanroji's training in your hands," Kagaya said gently.
Ren nodded. "You can leave everything to me." He turned to Mitsuri with a grin. "Come on, Mitsuri. I'll make special food for you to celebrate becoming my student."
Mitsuri perked up, then hesitated. "Um… I eat a little more…"
Ren laughed lightly, causing her expression to fall. So even he thinks it's strange…
Before her thoughts could spiral further, Ren added, "Then let's see who eats more—you or me."
Mitsuri blinked in surprise. "You… don't think it's weird?"
Ren shrugged. "Why should I?"
A bright smile spread across her face, her earlier anxiety melting away. "Then… I'll do my best!"
Ren chuckled as they walked out together, chatting along the way as they headed back toward the Butterfly Mansion, their voices light against the quiet path.