Charm With No Place to Rest

It turned out to be Anma Yakumo!

Nairaku felt a sudden clarity. Indeed, not far away was the Riken Hill Villa; ever since that incident a few years ago, Anma Yakumo had been confined there!

Even though she was "confined," after some time had passed and her mind steadied, she was allowed to walk around the estate and its surroundings, so her appearing here isn't strange at all!

"Um… are you drawing here? May I see your artwork?"
Nairaku smiled kindly at Yakumo.

"Ah, of course! Though I'm not very good, please don't mind!"
Anma Yakumo replied, a little nervous.

Nairaku's gaze fell on the paper; it depicted the very scenery before them—mountains, trees, rivers, the setting sun—vivid and lifelike!

At this moment, Yakumo is not yet the vengeful girl whose heart will later be devoured and corrupted by Ido. She's merely in a transitional phase: she feels some resentment, but mostly the loneliness and confusion of a child, so her work lacks the darkness that will appear years later.

"Wow, that's a great drawing. Such a fine piece is rare!"

"N‑no, it's just… a casual sketch…"

Flushed with embarrassment by Nairaku's praise, Yakumo's voice trembled like a tiny insect.

Meanwhile, Iino and Sakura, watching the two chat and laugh, began to feel jealous. Their irritation grew, and the two usual rivals exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other's thoughts!

"Brother Nairaku, it's getting late. Shouldn't we head home soon?"

Iino and Sakura rushed to Nairaku's side, each hugging one of his arms and swaying them while pouting.

They also glanced up at the slightly taller Anma Yakumo, eyes full of provocation.

Nairaku rubbed his forehead, looked at the two little girls, and gave a wry smile.

"Honestly, are girls from another world always this mature? Only a few years old and already learning to steal men? When faced with stronger competition, they've already learned to set aside internal rivalries, band together, and face external threats?"

He glanced at the sky; it was indeed nearing dusk. Turning to Yakumo, he said, "Miss Yakumo, it's been a pleasure meeting you. It's getting late, so let's head back. I look forward to seeing you again next time!"

Hearing Nairaku's departure, Yakumo's heart darkened for a moment, but his promise of a next meeting somehow made her feel a little happy.

"Yakumo, what's wrong with you? Seriously, you just met this guy, exchanged a few words, and you're already looking forward to the next meeting? No, no, you need to be more reserved!"

Yakumo tossed her head, trying to disperse the lingering feelings, and said to Nairaku, "Um, I'll be taking my leave!"

Then, almost involuntarily, she added, "See you another day!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Yakumo froze, then flushed an even deeper shade of red.

"Ah, how embarrassing… Am I dating him? It was just a thought, why did I blurt it out?"

The shy Yakumo turned her head away.

Little did she know, Iino and Sakura, hearing what sounded like a date, were fuming, their eyes practically on fire as they stared at the turning Yakumo!

"Alright, goodbye! Remember to get home early; it's getting dark, and a girl alone out in the wilderness isn't safe!"

Nairaku waved at Yakumo, turned, and prepared to leave with the group.

After a few steps, Nairaku suddenly turned back.

"By the way, that drawing of yours is really nice. I'd love to have it. Could you give it to me?"

When Yakumo turned, her body stiffened, and her heart churned like a stormy sea.

"He… he actually wants my drawing! Does he like me?"

Her face turned a shade of red that could bleed, and she quickly tore the picture off, handed it to Nairaku without looking back, "Here… it's for you!"

She then swiftly packed up the easel and bolted away like a flash!

Nairaku, holding the drawing, watched Yakumo's frantic retreat and couldn't help but pause in surprise.

"That little brat… It's all my irresistible charm, I guess!"

He thought smugly, then stepped in front of the others: "Alright, that's it for today. Let's head home. We'll go on another picnic soon!"

"Hmm… this must be the place…"

It was past dinner time. After a quick meal at home, Nairaku headed out again.

He approached a building's entrance, a basket of fruit in hand, and glanced at the house number, muttering uncertainly.

"Knock, knock… Is anyone home?"

After hesitating a moment, he finally knocked on the door.

"Coming, please wait a moment!"

A pleasant female voice answered from inside, followed by the sound of someone in slippers scurrying.

"Squeak…"

The door opened, revealing a stunning face peeking out. Long, slightly wavy hair fell loosely over her shoulders, exuding a mature, feminine allure, especially her crimson eyes that added a seductive charm.

"Good evening, Miss Red. I'm sorry to intrude; please forgive me!"

Nairaku bowed to the woman in the sunset‑red attire and said.

."Oh, it's you, little Naraku. Long time no see. What brings you here so late?"

Seeing that the newcomer was Naraku, Yuhibi Akane was clearly a bit puzzled. The two had met a year ago while carrying out a mission, but it was only a casual acquaintance; they didn't have a deep relationship. How could Naraku be looking for her?

"It's like this, Miss Akane, I have something I'd like to ask you about. I wonder if now is a good time?"

"Oh? Alright, come in and have a seat, we can chat at leisure!" Hearing that Naraku had something to discuss, Akane was momentarily stunned, but she still let Naraku into the house. This was also because Naraku was just a kid, and Akane had a fairly good impression of him. If he were an adult, Akane would never let anyone just wander in.

Upon entering the house, Naraku roughly surveyed the surroundings.

The interior was clean and tidy, showing no sign of clutter. On the balcony, the desk, and in the corners of the room were various blooming flowers and plants, vivid and beautiful, making it clear that the homeowner was diligent.

Naraku set down the fruit he was holding, and at Akane's invitation, sat on the chair. After a brief hesitation, he spoke: "Actually, I came today because I wanted to ask about Anma Yakumo."

"Yakumo!" Hearing that name, Akane, who was pouring water for Naraku, was taken aback, and her hand froze mid‑action.

Akane set down the teapot, looked up at Naraku: "How did you know that name?"

Can't find it by searching the title; try searching the author, maybe it was just renamed!