Ren quietly absorbed the information.
He understood clearly that Kuzen Yoshimura revealing such a secret was not simply an act of trust.
It was also a request.
Perhaps even a burden.
As expected—
Yoshimura's expression soon turned more serious.
He leaned slightly forward across the desk.
His voice lowered.
"V Organization has never stopped hunting the One-Eyed Owl."
"And Eto Yoshimura cannot remain hidden forever."
"When that day comes…"
He paused.
A trace of helplessness passed through his eyes.
"I am no longer the man I once was."
"My strength has faded."
"My greatest concern is not myself."
His gaze drifted toward the café below.
"But this shop."
"Everyone here…"
"Touka Kirishima, Ken Kaneki, Hinami Fueguchi, Enji Koma, Kaya Irimi…"
"They know nothing about this."
Yoshimura looked back at him.
"Kiryu-kun."
"If one day disaster arrives because of my past…"
"…I hope you can protect them."
The request carried tremendous weight.
Ren remained silent for a moment.
Then he finally spoke.
"…Manager."
"I promise."
But he continued calmly.
"However…"
"You may have underestimated the people you wish to protect."
His gaze drifted toward the faint sounds coming from downstairs.
The quiet bustle of café work.
The soft chatter of customers.
"This café is not a greenhouse."
"When the time comes…"
"They will fight to protect this place."
His voice remained steady.
"Because this café…"
"…is their home."
Yoshimura listened quietly.
A complicated expression crossed his face.
Surprise.
Understanding.
Relief.
Then he smiled softly.
"You're right."
"I have always underestimated them."
"And perhaps…"
"I have been trapped by the past for too long."
The heavy atmosphere gradually faded.
A knock sounded on the office door.
"Come in."
Yoshimura answered gently.
The door opened.
Touka Kirishima stepped inside.
Behind her stood a timid-looking girl.
Touka spoke calmly.
"Manager."
"This is Roma Hoito."
"She said she has nowhere to stay and wants to work here."
Roma stepped forward dramatically.
She bowed repeatedly.
"H-Hello, Manager!"
"I can do anything!"
"Serving food, cleaning tables, washing dishes!"
"Please let me stay!"
Her voice trembled convincingly.
Her eyes looked pitiful.
Yoshimura observed her quietly.
For a brief moment—
A subtle trace of scrutiny appeared in his gaze.
But soon—
His gentle smile returned.
"Of course."
"Anteiku welcomes any ghoul who seeks a peaceful life."
"If you wish…"
"You may begin working here as a waitress."
Roma's face lit up instantly.
"Thank you!"
"Thank you so much, Manager!"
She bowed repeatedly.
Her tears appearing almost instantly.
Touka nodded.
"I'll show her around."
"Alright."
Yoshimura replied warmly.
The two girls left the office.
Silence returned.
Ren finally spoke.
"Manager."
"That woman…"
"…escaped from Cochlea."
He paused.
"She is far stronger than she appears."
The implication was clear.
Roma was dangerous.
And she could not be trusted.
Yoshimura calmly lifted his tea.
Taking a small sip.
"That is not important."
He placed the cup down gently.
"The meaning of Anteiku is acceptance."
"We do not judge a ghoul by their past…"
"…but by whether they sincerely seek peace."
His voice remained calm.
"As long as she follows the rules here…"
"She will have a place in this café."
"This is the promise I made when this shop was founded."
Ren opened his mouth—
But ultimately said nothing.
After all—
The truth was very different.
Roma Hoito, one of the founders of the Clowns, had never cared about peace.
What she loved—
Was entertainment.
But with both Yoshimura and himself present—
Roma would probably behave.
At least for now.
Anteiku — First Floor
Ren descended the stairs slowly.
The café atmosphere remained warm and peaceful.
Coffee beans had just been ground.
The air smelled rich and comforting.
Then—
Suddenly—
CLANG!
The sound of breaking porcelain echoed loudly.
Roma stood frozen beside a pile of shattered cups.
Coffee spilled across the floor.
"I-I'm sorry!"
Her voice trembled dramatically.
"I'm so clumsy!"
Touka walked over calmly.
Without anger.
"It's fine."
"Just clean it up."
"Be more careful next time."
Roma nodded repeatedly.
Still looking extremely guilty.
Then—
She noticed someone coming down the stairs.
Her eyes instantly lit up.
The tears vanished.
Replaced by a strange excitement.
She skipped toward him.
Blocking his path.
"Ah!"
"You're Mr. Kiryu, right?"
Her voice dropped quietly.
Only he could hear.
"I saw you before."
"In Cochlea."
Her smile twisted slightly.
"Of course…"
"Not the current you."
"…The other one."
Her eyes shone strangely.
"That red… powerful form."
Her voice carried an almost fanatical admiration.
"That fighting style…"
"So beautiful."
"So violent."
"So insane."
"…It's art."
Inside his mind—
Carnage laughed with satisfaction.
[Heh…]
[This little bug…]
[Has good taste.]
Ren simply looked at her calmly.
Neither confirming nor denying.
"Focus on your work."
His tone was completely indifferent.
"This café doesn't employ idle people."
With that—
He walked past her.
Heading behind the counter.
Roma remained standing there.
Her smile slowly twisted again.
Something dark flickered in her eyes.
Inside his mind—
Carnage whispered.
[…I like her…]
[I'll find a chance…]
[To play with her properly…]
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