Evileye's Request
The next morning, when Higashino Makoto sat up in bed, a thin layer of morning mist still shrouded the outside of the window.
Shinano was already awake, lying on his side on the outside of the bed. A fluffy fox tail had somehow draped over his leg, the pale cherry-colored tip of which shimmered softly in the morning light.
Her purple eyes were half-open, half-closed, as if she were half-awake, like a lazy cat.
"Grown ups."
"So early, when did you wake up? I remember you being a heavy sleeper."
Although it's not necessary, in order to respect the original concept to some extent, Shinano was given the setting that she likes to sleep.
"It won't be long; I just want to see you, sir, a little longer."
"If you're awake, why don't you get up?"
Shinano tilted her head, and her fox ears twitched slightly.
"Because you haven't gotten up yet, I don't want to move."
Higashino Makoto didn't reply, but instead threw back the covers and got up.
Barefoot on the carpet, I walked to the coat rack, took down my outer robe, and draped it over my shoulders.
Where's Rem?
"Miss Rem has been waiting downstairs for an hour."
So early?
"She said she didn't want you to wait. It's clear she cares about you."
Higashino Makoto's lips curled into a slight smile; he was in a good mood.
"That guy..."
He got dressed, walked to the window, and opened it.
A morning breeze swept in, carrying the scent of earth and grass from the Garden.
In the distance, the palace towers appeared and disappeared in the morning mist.
"Shinano, come with me somewhere today."
"Yes, sir, where to?"
Higashino Makoto stroked his chin with some confusion, unsure of the other party's purpose.
"Princess Renner's residence. She said several people want to see me."
Shinano's fox ears twitched slightly, and she suddenly remembered the blonde girl from yesterday.
"Is that the Renner from yesterday? She's certainly eager."
She just wanted to prove she was useful.
Shinano nodded and didn't ask any further questions.
She sat up in bed, her nine fox tails swaying gently behind her.
Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded down her shoulders, shimmering with an iridescent sheen in the morning light.
"My lord, would you like me to help you change your clothes?"
After thinking about it, Higashino Makoto declined. He was already almost dressed, so there was no need to change.
"No need, I'll do the rest myself."
"Then let me comb your hair."
This time, Higashino Makoto did not refuse and sat down in front of the dressing table.
Shinano walked behind him, picked up a comb, and began to comb his long, silvery-white hair.
The movements were slow and gentle, the comb teeth gliding from the roots to the tips of the hair, carrying a faint, cherry blossom-like scent.
"My lord, will that princess from today stay with you from now on?"
"I don't know, it depends on her."
Do you want her to come along?
Higashino Makoto thought for a moment.
"I wouldn't say I want it, but I don't dislike it either."
Shinano's lips curled slightly upward; had he made up his mind?
"That's good."
After breakfast, the three of them left the hotel.
The morning mist had mostly dissipated, and sunlight shone on the streets of the Royal Capital, turning the stone pavement a warm golden hue.
Rem walked half a step behind Higashino Makoto, her blue eyes darting around, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"Mr. Higashino Makoto. The morning in the Royal Capital is quite lively."
Do you like it here?
Rem lowered her head.
Rem loves having you around.
Higashino Makoto did not respond.
Rem's ears turned slightly red.
Shinano walked on the other side of Higashino Makoto, her nine fox tails hidden by magic.
Her purple eyes were half-open and half-closed, Peace, but her ears were constantly picking up every sound around her.
The three walked through several streets and arrived at a residential area in the Royal Capital part of the capital.
The buildings here are more refined than those in the working-class district, with thicker stone walls, higher roofs, and neatly trimmed shrubs planted in front of the doors.
Renner's mansion is at the end of a small alley.
It was a three-story stone building with pale yellow lime plaster on the exterior walls, and two pots of blooming roses on the steps in front of the door.
The door wasn't closed; it was ajar.
Higashino Makoto pushed open the door.
Inside the gate was a small courtyard, in the center of which stood a small fountain, its water sparkling in the sunlight.
Behind the fountain is an oak door, carved with patterns of vines and flowers.
Renner stood in the doorway.
Her long, golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, shimmering softly in the sunlight.
Her blue eyes were clear and bright, and a faint smile played on her lips.
She wore a light blue long dress that reached her ankles, with a silver ribbon tied around her waist.
It must be said that, disregarding her twisted personality, she is indeed a beauty among beauties.
"Welcome, Mr. Higashino Makoto."
"Have you been waiting long?"
"Soon, just arrived."
Renner stepped aside and gestured for them to proceed.
"Please come in, the guests are already waiting."
Higashino Makoto strode into the mansion.
Rem followed behind him, while Shinano brought up the rear.
The sound of three people's footsteps echoed in the corridor, and several oil paintings hung on the walls on both sides.
Landscapes, still lifes, and a portrait.
The portrait depicts a young woman with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a gentle smile on her lips.
Who is this?
"My mother."
Renner's voice was very soft.
She passed away a long time ago.
"Yeah."
Higashino Makoto did not apologize, after all, Princess Renner herself probably never cared about these things.
She continued walking forward.
At the end of the corridor was an open door.
Inside the door was a spacious hall, where sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire room.
Several people were sitting on either side of the long table.
Blue Rose.
Gagaran sat on the far side, his deep red full-body armor gleaming dark red in the sunlight, a huge iron hammer leaning against the side of the chair.
Tia and Tina stood by the window, their yellow ponytails swaying gently in the morning breeze.
Lakyus sat at the head of the long table, not wearing the white and gold full-body armor, but a very fitted pink aristocratic dress.
Evileye sat in the corner.
He wore a red cloak and a white magic mask inlaid with rubies.
Her long, golden hair cascaded down from the brim of her hood, shimmering softly in the sunlight.
She is petite with a flat chest, and looks like a little girl.
But Higashino Makoto knew that she was over two hundred years old.
Seeing Higashino Makoto enter, Evileye stood up.
Her movements were swift; her hand pressed against the magic mask, her knuckles turning white, and her long golden hair swayed gently in the still room.
"Mr. Higashino Makoto."
Her voice was clear and calm, but Higashino Makoto could hear the suppressed unease within it.
You've arrived.
Higashino Makoto sat down opposite her.
Shinano stood behind him, Rem stood on the other side.
"Evileye? It seems you're the one who wants to see me."
Evileye a deep breath.
"Yes."
"What's up?"
She looked down at her hands.
Those pale, slender hands that had never truly aged in two hundred years.
"My parents, two hundred years ago, suddenly became immortals. No, it was everyone in the country who changed. Overnight, everyone became immortals."