At dusk, in the shopping district, at Ahnenerbe Cafe.
Having just dealt with some trivial matters, Samael stepped inside and saw Touko Aozaki, dressed in a black trench coat, sitting at Table Three in the corner. She held a cup of coffee and savored it slowly, with a travel case at her feet.
The Ancient Serpent hurriedly sat down and spoke awkwardly.
"Sorry, I'm late."
"It's not time yet. I arrived early."
Touko Aozaki raised her wristwatch. She did not particularly mind the brief wait and pointed to the glass before Samael, filled with a golden liquid.
"When we were at the safehouse, I noticed you seemed to prefer single malt whisky, so I ordered you a glass."
"Huh? Th-Thanks..."
Samael froze slightly. Looking at the remarkably authentic Scotch Whisky before him, he hurriedly picked up the glass and took a sip.
The slightly cool, crisp flavor immediately bloomed across his taste buds. Half-melted ice in the liquor added considerable character to the strong drink.
What was with today? Why did Touko suddenly know how to care about other people's feelings?
Rather than putting Samael at ease, the sudden consideration left him somewhat flattered and uneasy as he muttered to himself.
Then, just as Samael set down his glass, Touko Aozaki across from him picked up the menu and looked at him seriously.
"What do you want to eat? I'll order for you. You don't like cilantro or shredded ginger, right?"
"No need. I'm not hungry."
The Ancient Serpent waved his hands repeatedly, a faint sweat breaking out on his forehead as though he were sitting on pins and needles.
Something was off. Very off!
For some reason, Samael felt that Touko Aozaki had been looking at him strangely today, enough to raise goosebumps across his body.
Perhaps realizing she