Just as Ren Kiryu stood behind the counter—
The wind chimes at the entrance rang crisply.
He looked up.
Two familiar figures stepped into Anteiku.
The first was Yukinori Shinohara, his face carrying the fatigue of long investigations.
Behind him followed the white-haired boy—
Juuzou Suzuya.
Juuzou looked around the café curiously.
His gaze darted everywhere like an excited child visiting a new toy shop.
Ren Kiryu's eyes sharpened instantly.
Without hesitation—
He leaned slightly toward the side.
Lowering his voice.
"Go upstairs."
He was speaking to Roma Hoito, who had been lazily polishing cups nearby.
"Don't come down yet."
Roma blinked.
Her gaze flickered between the investigators and Kiryu.
A playful smile appeared on her lips.
"Oh?"
Understanding flashed across her eyes.
But she asked no questions.
"Alright."
She placed the cloth down casually.
Then slipped quietly toward the staircase.
Her movements were quick.
But not quick enough.
Shinohara noticed.
He paused slightly as he stepped inside the café.
His eyes followed Roma's retreating figure.
His brow furrowed faintly.
"Uncle Shinohara?"
Juuzou tilted his head.
"What's wrong?"
"…Nothing."
Shinohara shook his head.
"I just thought…"
"That waitress looked familiar."
Perhaps it was simply exhaustion.
He dismissed the thought.
Soon his attention returned to the peaceful café interior.
"Welcome."
Ren Kiryu's voice returned to its usual calm warmth.
As if nothing unusual had happened.
"Please take a seat."
He led them to a table beside the window.
Juuzou grabbed the menu immediately.
"Ooooh…"
"So many sweets!"
He pointed excitedly at several desserts.
"I want this!"
"And this!"
"And the one with ice cream!"
Shinohara ordered more simply.
"A black coffee."
Then he looked toward Kiryu.
"The atmosphere here is very comfortable."
"Have you worked here long?"
"Not very long."
Kiryu replied calmly.
"But long enough to become familiar with the place."
He glanced toward Juuzou.
"And your order?"
Juuzou pointed enthusiastically at a large parfait.
"That one!"
"The biggest one!"
After writing down the order—
Kiryu turned to prepare the drinks.
But Shinohara's eyes followed him carefully.
"You know…"
Shinohara said casually.
"You seem familiar."
"Have we met somewhere before?"
Kiryu's hands continued grinding coffee beans smoothly.
Not a single motion paused.
"Perhaps."
He answered naturally.
"Tokyo is a large city."
"Sometimes people cross paths without remembering."
Inside his mind—
Carnage growled softly.
[…Annoying investigator…]
[…It found its way into the nest…]
Shinohara smiled.
Not pushing further.
Instead he began chatting about coffee.
About the quiet atmosphere of the 20th Ward.
About how peaceful it felt compared with other districts.
Soon—
Kiryu placed the drinks on the table.
A cup of rich black coffee.
And a tall parfait layered with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Juuzou's eyes sparkled.
He began eating immediately.
"Delicious!"
He looked up suddenly.
Smiling brightly.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Shinohara sipped his coffee slowly.
But behind the relaxed posture—
His eyes quietly observed everything.
The shop assistant.
The customers.
The environment.
Searching for even the slightest abnormality.
Meanwhile—
Kiryu continued working behind the counter calmly.
Perfectly embodying the role of an ordinary café employee.
Shinohara placed his cup down.
"This shop really has a wonderful atmosphere."
"Working here must be pleasant."
"Do we disturb your business by visiting?"
Kiryu wiped a glass with a white cloth.
"Not at all."
"In business, everyone who enters is a customer."
"The residents of the 20th Ward appreciate quiet places like this."
"We mostly receive regular customers."
"New visitors like you are less common."
Inside his mind—
Carnage muttered irritably.
[…Hypocritical questions…]
[…I want to rip his face off…]
Shinohara continued casually.
"You look like a student."
"Yes."
Kiryu replied calmly.
"I study pharmacy at Kamii University."
Shinohara nodded.
"That's impressive."
"So working here is just part-time?"
"Partly."
Kiryu answered honestly.
"And partly because I like the atmosphere."
"The manager is kind."
"And the staff get along well."
He spoke naturally.
As if this truly was his simple life.
At that moment—
Juuzou suddenly looked up.
Chocolate cream smeared across his cheeks.
"Uncle Shinohara!"
"Are you interrogating him again?"
"Like when you question criminals?"
The comment shattered the polite atmosphere instantly.
Shinohara coughed awkwardly.
"Juuzou…"
"Don't say things like that."
He looked apologetically at Kiryu.
"I'm sorry."
"It's just professional habit."
"Investigators tend to ask too many questions."
Kiryu nodded slightly.
"That's understandable."
"The work of investigators carries heavy responsibility."
"Caution is necessary."
Inside his mind—
Carnage whispered eagerly.
[…Kill them…]
[…Right now…]
[…This is the perfect moment…]
Kiryu's fingers tightened briefly beneath the counter.
Suppressing the rising killing intent.
His smile remained perfectly composed.
Shinohara seemed unaware.
He sighed softly.
"Things haven't been peaceful lately."
"Ghoul incidents across multiple wards…"
"Have forced us to stay alert at all times."
While speaking—
His gaze subtly watched Kiryu's reaction.
Kiryu calmly refilled his coffee.
"That must be exhausting."
"I hope the 20th Ward can remain peaceful."
Shinohara looked into his eyes.
For several seconds.
Then finally smiled.
"Yes."
"I hope so too."
He lifted his coffee cup again.
"Thank you."
"The coffee is excellent."
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