The limousine continued its smooth glide through the Tokyo expressways, the hum of the engine barely audible beneath the soft strains of classical music playing from the speakers. Inside, the atmosphere was a curious blend of tension and dostic warmth.
Courage and Decora, the two Bookn of the World Gourt Organization, sat with perfect posture, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding opposite them. They watched as Ren pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe a speck of cream from Lucifer's cheek, his movents practiced and incredibly gentle.
Then, when Cerberus leaned in, demanding attention, he didn't hesitate to ruffle her hair, treating the fearso Guardian of Hell like a beloved younger sister.
The two WGO officers exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with a complicated mix of envy and longing.
In their world—the cutthroat, high-stakes arena of elite gastronomy—relationships were often calculated alliances or fleeting distractions. n were intimidated by their status, or worse, sought to use them for influence. To see a man so openly doting, so unashadly affectionate in front of strangers and superiors, was a shock to their systems.
The n in the car, however, had a different reaction. They nodded in silent approval.
There was a tacit understanding among them: showing intimacy with your partner in public wasn't shaful. It was a badge of honor. After all, you can only show off if you actually have a partner to cherish, right? It was a matter of course.
Contrary to popular belief, won rarely disliked their beloved n displaying affection in public. It was a declaration of belonging, a silent signal to the world that they were valued.
For Courage and Decora, their impression of Ren was rapidly ascending. The fact that there was no nurical limit to his affection—handling both Lucifer and Cerberus with equal care—didn't seem scandalous to them. Instead, they found it strangely normal, a testant to his capacity.
In their eyes, it only proved that Ren was truly excellent. After all, so people would be overjoyed to have even one partner look at them the way Lucifer looked at Ren; to manage two implied a strength of character that was rare.
Moreover, both Courage and Decora hailed from countries with open, liberal cultures. It was actually quite miraculous that they had remained single all this ti. Although there were reasons—their intimidating careers, their high standards, the relentless travel schedule of the WGO—it was undeniable that given their stunning beauty and the elite environnt they lived in, their single status was a statistical anomaly.
Joichiro Yukihira, having finished his beer, crushed the can effortlessly in one hand. He leaned back, laughing with a rasping, hearty sound. "Hahaha! He's really young. Looking at him reminds of my own youth touring the world. But, Shopkeeper Ren, you're really amazing."
After Joichiro finished speaking, he flashed an expression that all n understood—a look of camaraderie, a salute from one veteran of the heart to another.
Beside him, Gin Dojima, that usually stoic 'scoundrel' of an uncle, also wore a mischievous smile. He seed completely devoid of the realization that he was also a 'living miracle' of success who remained unattached. As ntioned before, no matter what kind of man, no matter how old or how high his status, a man's happiness regarding these matters was always remarkably simple.
Hearing Joichiro's praise, Ren was about to make a humble retort when a soft, tsundere whisper drifted from his side.
"How can he not be amazing..." Lucifer murmured, looking down at her hands, her voice barely audible but carrying a distinct pout. "That man... he is a carnivorous wolf... he simply doesn't know how to refuse at all..."
When Ren heard this, his mouth twitched visibly—a rare crack in his calm facade.
Doesn't know how to refuse?
Courage and Decora, however, caught the whisper. Their eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. To them, this wasn't a complaint about his promiscuity; it was a beacon of hope. This characteristic of 'not knowing how to refuse' was incredibly good news. It suggested a gentle nature, an accommodating heart that wouldn't turn away a sincere approach.
Ren cleared his throat, deciding it was best to change the subject before the two WGO officers started getting any bold ideas. He yawned slightly, covering his mouth with his hand, shifting the focus to professional matters.
"Old man," Ren addressed Senzaemon Nakiri, who had been observing the interaction with a grandfatherly indulgence. "Your school... it might need so structural changes. I walked around the campus today. Many students are very talented, yet they seem to be suffocating."
Senzaemon's expression sharpened instantly. "Hmm? Who else caught your eye besides the obvious elites?"
"Today I t a student nad Tadokoro gumi," Ren said, ticking the nas off on his fingers. "And also Hojo Miyoko, who insisted on becoming my disciple. Both of their cooking skills and their inherent talents are not bad at all~"
Senzaemon Nakiri pondered for a mont, his brows furrowing as he accessed his ntal database of students. He asked doubtfully, "Tadokoro gumi? If I recall correctly, isn't she widely considered a poor student? She has the lowest grades in the High School Section and is on the verge of expulsion. Is that child really talented? Is she hiding her abilities?"
Ren shook his head and, with a sigh of helplessness, began to recount the tragic cody of Tadokoro gumi's school life. He detailed the incident at the Ping Pong club, the misunderstandings, the anxiety that caused her to freeze, and the sheer, almost supernatural bad luck that seed to plague her every step.
As Ren told the story, the tension in the luxury car completely evaporated.
"Pfft—"
After that, not only Senzaemon, but even the anxious Nakiri Mana and the others burst out laughing.
"What a ss!" soone gasped between chuckles. "This child is simply too unlucky!"
Lanterby, the lively girl among the Bookn, imdiately clutched her stomach, leaning forward as laughter overtook her. "Oh my god! How does one person fall into that many traps?"
Anne, sitting beside her, covered her mouth with a gloved hand and chuckled elegantly, her shoulders shaking. "This student nad Tadokoro gumi is really unlucky. A culinary student who has test anxiety to that degree? It is almost poetic in its tragedy."
Joichiro Yukihira laughed loudest of all, slapping his knee. "She certainly is unlucky. But look at it this way—with you, Shopkeeper Ren, stepping in as her 'A', this girl should be able to continue. It's really fortunate that she t you. That one stroke of luck might outweigh all the bad luck she's ever had."
Ren smiled, looking out the window at the passing city lights. "So people are destined to walk a certain path, winding and difficult. That child has great potential; her hospitality is genuine. As a student, staying at Totsuki is the best choice for her developnt. Perhaps in the next assessnt, she'll et a very capable partner who can balance her flaws."
Decora, who had been listening intently, tilted her head, her heavy earrings chiming softly. "You speak with such certainty. Is this what they call fate?"
The word hung in the air. Fate. It was a concept often discussed in their world of gifted geniuses and god-given tongues.
Ren turned to look at her. His smile remained, but his eyes held a deeper, more pragmatic light.
"I've never believed in such mystical things," Ren said softly. "Fate is sothing that can be changed by a single thought of your own; it's not that powerful. People use 'fate' as an excuse for their helplessness."
He leaned back, resting his head against the seat. "Instead of relying on those things, it's better to trust yourself to make every choice carefully. I'd rather believe in luck than fate, because having my future guided by a single word feels very cheap~ Luck implies chaos, opportunity, and the chance to seize a mont. Fate is just a script I didn't write."
Just then, the philosophical atmosphere was shattered by a cheerful voice.
"Master..."
Cerberus, who was glued to the window on the other side, chatting very animatedly with Lanterby about Tokyo's food scene, suddenly laughed and called out.
"Ren! Ren! Ren!" Her three voices overlapped in excitent. "We're here! We're finally ho! I recognize the sll!"
Hearing this, everyone who wanted to add to the conversation stopped and looked out the car window.
At this mont, Nakiri Mana was getting more and more excited. Her pale little hands were constantly gripping the corner of her clothes, twisting the fabric. She was the Bookmaster, the woman who stood at the apex of the culinary world, yet the prospect of this specific dinner had her trembling like a novice.
"Oh!"
Lanterby pressed her face against the glass, her eyes sparkling as she took in the surroundings. "Shopkeeper Ren, is your shop on such a prosperous street? Look at the lights! Does that an you don't need reservations because it's a massive establishnt?"
The car had slowed down, cruising through one of Tokyo's most affluent districts. The streets were lined with designer boutiques, high-end departnt stores, and glistening restaurants with glass facades.
After the car ca to a halt and they stepped out, Lanterby looked at the bustling street in front of her with excitent. The air was filled with the energy of the city. Eating in a place like this should be very interesting!
Courage, however, adjusted her glasses and said in an exasperated tone, "Don't be naive, Lanterby. Look around. With Shopkeeper Ren's skill, how could his dishes be affordable for ordinary people? Of course, he doesn't need any reservations—he likely operates on an exclusive, mber-only basis in one of these high-rises. It's probably the penthouse of that building there."
She pointed confidently at a gleaming tower nearby.
Ren stood on the sidewalk, holding the car door for Lucifer. He looked at Senzaemon Nakiri in confusion. Senzaemon Nakiri, in turn, looked at Joichiro Yukihira with a strange expression.
The three grown n, from three different age groups, stood silently. They looked at the beautiful won speculating about penthouses and exclusivity. Then they looked at Gin Dojima.
Gin Dojima, who knew exactly where the shop was, was standing there looking at the neon signs, exclaiming along with them, "Oh, look at that billboard!" completely lost in the mont.
Ren and Senzaemon were at a loss for words.
"Ahem!"
Joichiro Yukihira scratched the back of his head, breaking the awkward silence. He laughed sowhat awkwardly. "It seems... I didn't actually say where Shopkeeper Ren's shop was. I only told them it was very warm and beautiful."
"And the price?" Decora asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
"Uh... well," Joichiro grinned sheepishly. "If you can definitely afford it, then I naturally wouldn't ntion the price..."
Hearing Joichiro's explanation, Ren and Senzaemon Nakiri both wore an expression that clearly said, 'It's just like you to leave out the details.'
Senzaemon Nakiri turned his glare toward his subordinate. "Gin Dojima! If you knew where the shop was, why did you go along with them and let them misunderstand!"
Gin Dojima was stunned. He blinked, looking from the Director to the girls. Then, he suddenly slapped his forehead, a loud smack that made Anne jump.
"Hahaha! I forgot!" Gin laughed heartily, trying to mask his blunder. "My apologies! Mana, everyone... you all looked at the wrong place. Shopkeeper Ren's shop isn't on this street. And regarding the price... the prices of his dishes aren't expensive either. In fact, they are quite standard."
"Eh?"
The sound ca out in perfect unison.
"Eh?!!"
Five voices—Mana, Courage, Decora, Lanterby, and Anne—overlapped in a chorus of pure confusion. Their collective exclamation rang out, drawing glances from passersby. It wasn't just a sound of surprise; it was the sound of a worldview cracking slightly. Not expensive? Not on the main street?
Ren smiled, shaking his head at their reactions. He reached out and took Lucifer's hand, pulling her gently to his side.
"Co with ," Ren said, his voice cutting through their confusion. "You seem to be the second group of custors to co back with like this. I didn't expect both groups to be from Totsuki. What a fated encounter~"
Hearing this, Senzaemon Nakiri knew exactly who the first group was—his granddaughter Erina and her friends—but he just smiled, keeping his counsel. He was quite satisfied with his granddaughter's performance recently. Getting closer to Ren was an excellent choice, whether for personal growth or for improving her culinary skills.
"Cerberus, go," Ren signaled.
After Cerberus got the signal that they were ho, she fully displayed her dog-like characteristics. "Food!" she barked happily and disappeared in a flash, dashing down a side street with supernatural speed.
Ren led Lucifer and the bewildered WGO group away from the main thoroughfare. They walked past the glittering storefronts, past a humming vending machine, and turned into a narrow, dimly lit street on the side.
The transition was jarring.
One mont, they were bathed in the artificial daylight of neon signs and surrounded by the noise of the tropolis. The next, they were enveloped in the quiet shadows of an old residential ward. The noise of the traffic faded into a distant murmur, replaced by the sound of their own footsteps on the pavent and the rustling of leaves.
When Ren led Lucifer deeper into the quiet, dim street, the beautiful won were all stunned into silence.
A Restaurant... in a place like this?!
The buildings here were older, wooden structures mixed with small apartnts. The streetlights were few and far between, flickering with a warm, amber glow. There were no valet stands, no chandeliers, no lines of custors.
Just as Nakiri Mana was about to voice her confusion, she saw Senzaemon Nakiri and the two other n—Joichiro and Gin—walk in with a matter-of-fact expression. They didn't look like they were entering a slum; they looked like pilgrims arriving at a temple.
Lanterby stopped walking. She looked around blankly at the dark windows of the neighboring houses.
"No wonder no reservations are needed..." Lanterby muttered, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet alley. "A place like this... there aren't even residents walking around, right? It's completely empty."
After she finished speaking, she realized how loud her voice was. She saw everyone, including the Bookmaster Nakiri Mana, stop and look over at her.
Lanterby shrank her neck, instinctively hunching her shoulders as if she had said sothing terribly rude. Just as she was about to apologize, she saw Nakiri Mana and the other three Bookn look at the empty street, then back at her.
They nodded blankly.
It was true. It really was empty.
[Akarin Note:
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