Shido took a deep breath, his hands unconsciously tightening around his backpack straps, finally asking the question that had been bottled up inside him the whole way, and the one that Fraxinus cared about most:
"Koushi... Is Koushi doing alright now? Is his injury... serious? I... we are all very worried about him. If it's convenient, could you... tell me when he might be able to come to school? Or... could we perhaps go visit him?"
His eyes were filled with genuine worry, temporarily overriding his previous embarrassment and fear.
This unfeigned concern made Chinatsu pause slightly in the casual brush-off she had been preparing.
(So, he was worried about this... No wonder he looked like I had done something to his buddy.)
Chinatsu instantly understood the direction of the possible speculation by Shido and Fraxinus.
(They thought Koushi was controlled, imprisoned, or even... eliminated by me? Is that why they sent Shido to fish for information and confirm his safety?)
A brilliant idea instantly formed in her mind. It could both address their "concern" and allow her to maintain her persona, while also... providing some amusement for herself.
The indifferent expression on her face cracked like a thin fissure in ice, revealing an extremely faint smile laced with playful amusement and provocation, creating a strange allure that contrasted with her delicate yet distant current appearance.
"Oh? So concerned about my older brother?" She deliberately drew out her words, her ice-blue eyes scanning Shido, who was so nervous he was almost tripping over his own feet.
"It seems... you two are really close."
Shido felt a chill run down his spine under her gaze, but he still nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes! We are friends!"
"Hmm..." Chinatsu pretended to ponder, lightly tapping her chin with her fingertip, as if considering a difficult problem.
Just as Shido's heart leaped into his throat, she suddenly changed the subject, proposing a plan that was completely unexpected.
"It's not impossible to tell you..." The curve of her mouth widened slightly, like a cat that had found an interesting toy.
"However, information is not free. I heard that... Classmate Itsuka, you are very good at cooking? Even my useless older brother praises you highly, saying that whenever you go out, you are the one who prepares the bentos?"
Shido was stunned, unable to keep up with the sudden shift in topic: "Eh? I guess, I guess so..."
"Very good." Chinatsu snapped her fingers, the motion smooth and possessing a dashing coolness that provided a subtle contrast to her current girlish image.
"It just so happens that we have Home Economics today. How about this..."
She leaned forward slightly; although she maintained distance, she exuded an invisible pressure and aura, her voice carrying an undeniable sense of challenge:
"Let's have a competition. We'll compete during today's practical cooking class. If you win..." She paused, watching Shido's eyes widen instantly, and slowly continued.
"I will tell you Koushi's exact situation, and perhaps... it wouldn't be impossible for you to talk to him or even meet him after school to confirm things, okay?"
"But if you lose..." Her smile became somewhat cunning.
"...Then you will have to agree to one condition of mine. As for what that condition is, I'll tell you once I think of it. What do you say, Classmate Itsuka, do you dare accept?"
Shido was completely bewildered. He had anticipated countless possibilities—being rejected, deceived, or even attacked—but he had never imagined the opponent would propose a cooking duel to exchange for information!
(Wha—What kind of condition is this?!) His mind was a mess.
(If I win, I confirm Koushi's safety? If I lose... one condition? It sounds like... there's nothing to lose? No, wait, an Inverse Spirit's condition...)
However, the stake she offered was too tempting—directly confirming Koushi's safety. This was far more direct and effective than any subtle probing.
Seeing Chinatsu's provocative "Are you scared?" expression, the good-natured sense of responsibility and worry for his friend deep within Shido instantly overcame his hesitation and fear.
He took a deep breath, his gaze hardening; although his cheeks were still slightly flushed, he finally stopped flinching: "I... I accept! Classmate Hōōin, it's a deal!"
"Very good." Chinatsu nodded contentedly, as if everything were under her control. "Then let's see the results in Home Ec class, Itsuka 'Chef'."
Having said that, she didn't linger, turning around elegantly and stepping through the school gate first, leaving Shido standing alone, digesting the incredibly unexpected conversation he had just had with a complicated mix of emotions.
He felt both relieved that he might be able to confirm his friend's safety and incredibly nervous about the sudden cooking showdown.
Shido stood rooted to the spot, watching that tall, imposing figure disappear behind the entryway, then immediately fumbled for his phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Kotori! The situation has changed!"
A cheerful yet slightly spoiled voice came from the other end of the line: "Ah, Onii-chan~ What's wrong? Calling at this hour, did you finally decide you want to go to the family restaurant for the kids' meal tonight~?"
"No, Kotori!" Shido interrupted anxiously, "It's information about Chinatsu and Koushi! It's very important!"
The other end of the line suddenly went quiet. Only a faint, rustling friction sound came through the receiver, as if someone was quickly searching for something.
A moment later, the voice that returned had completely changed. The previous childishness and spoiled tone had vanished without a trace, replaced by a calm, decisive, and even slightly authoritative tone.
"What is it, Shido. What exactly is the situation? Report concisely." Kotori's voice in commander mode clearly came through.
Shido was momentarily stunned by the instant transformation, but he immediately reacted, lowering his voice and quickly recounting the details of the wager.
"...She said if I win, I can confirm Koushi's situation, and even meet him! I... I agreed!"
The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds, then Kotori's analysis, tinged with excitement and decisiveness, followed:
"...A cooking duel? Tsk, although it's unexpected, this is a great chance to directly verify Koushi's safety! Listen, Shido, time is tight, there's no time for detailed pre-planning. Provisional operation plan: Focus all your energy on creating a dish that can completely overwhelm hers in terms of 'flavor'! This is the most straightforward way to leave her speechless!"
"First, make her concede defeat based on skill, and only then can the subsequent 'capture' proceed! Alright, hurry back to the classroom, act naturally, don't arouse suspicion. I'll inform you of the specific arrangements later!"
Hanging up the phone, Shido took a deep breath, feeling his heart pounding fiercely in his chest due to nervousness, worry for his friend, and the subtle sense of displacement caused by the recent phone call. He clenched his fists, his gaze becoming resolute once more.
(Koushi, wait for me... I will definitely confirm that you are safe!)
He quickly walked through the school gate, but instead of heading straight for the classroom, he turned into a quiet corner, seemingly waiting for the next instruction.
Meanwhile, Chinatsu, walking ahead, could not suppress the slight upward curve of her lips beneath her facade.
(Done. I've both appeased their suspicion and added some fun to a boring Home Economics class. Aha will definitely like this development.)
(As for the condition... I'll decide later. I can't lose either way.)
What she didn't know was that the moment she stepped through the school gate, behind an inconspicuous window in a distant school building, a cold telephoto lens was silently locked onto her, minutely adjusting its focus.
(Target: Phoenix-in Chinatsu. Accompanied Itsuka Shido to the school gate. Interaction pattern abnormal: Shido displayed high tension, target reacted indifferently. Recording.)
Tobiichi Origami put down her binoculars and emotionlessly recorded the observation results precisely on the electronic notebook in her hand, a sharp glint flashing across her ice-blue eyes.
A new day, propelled by this sudden wager, was heading in an even more unpredictable direction.