Qian Huanyue: But I Refuse

May in Tenguu City

It was neither unbearably hot nor especially cool—a season perfect for dozing off.

At least Shiori, sleeping on her lap, looked quite peaceful.

Spirits did not get numb legs, so she let Shiori enjoy this service until she woke up.

A faint key sound came from the entrance. Kotori had teleported from Ratatoskr to somewhere near home.

She looked at Shiori, sleeping soundly with her head on Qian Huanyue's lap, then at Tohka leaning against the side. Finally, her gaze met Qian Huanyue's raised eyes.

The two looked at each other for a moment before Kotori gestured toward the door with her eyes.

Fifteen thousand meters above Tenguu City, on the bridge of Ratatoskr's Fraxinus.

It was Qian Huanyue's first time on the bridge of Ratatoskr's Fraxinus. It had the sci-fi feel she had expected.

"So, you just brought me aboard like this?" Qian Huanyue imitated Kurumi, licking her lips with her tongue before pressing a hand to them. Her eyes half-lidded, taking on a dangerous curve.

"Isn't Kotori-chan afraid I might do something?"

After all, she had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Fraxinus and had seriously damaged DEM Industries.

Her danger rating in their files was probably S-class, just like Kurumi's.

Unhurried, Kotori moved her lollipop to the other corner of her mouth, the black ribbon on her shoulder swaying lightly.

"If you really wanted to do something," she said, looking directly into Qian Huanyue's "dangerous" eyes, "you wouldn't have obediently followed me aboard."

Qian Huanyue's eyes cleared in an instant. Her shoulders trembled slightly as she laughed. "I see."

Just then, Kanazuki suddenly turned from the control console and clasped his hands together. "Ah! Is this what they call gap moe?! The cold and ruthless Magic Swordsman on the battlefield is actually so considerate and gentle in private..."

Without even turning her head, Kotori delivered a precise kick. Judging by the sound, she had shown absolutely no mercy.

"Guh~" Kanazuki wore a blissful expression. "Thank you, Commander~" Then, looking utterly intoxicated, he was dragged away by a hulking man.

Qian Huanyue felt as though her sense of decency had shattered into powder along with that scene, scattered by the bridge's air conditioning.

She had expected something, but seeing it in reality was still far too impactful.

Instinctively, she looked toward the direction Kanazuki had been dragged away with the gaze one reserved for trash.

...Ah, she had encountered a true freak.

Seeing Qian Huanyue's expression of disgust nearly cracking apart, Kotori sighed helplessly. "Ignore that guy. Let's discuss business."

She brought up several holographic screens displaying the data records from Qian Huanyue's battle with Ellen.

"The abilities you displayed at the DEM facility have already exceeded our existing records of spiritual power."

Qian Huanyue leaned back lightly in her chair and stretched, completely unconcerned. "So? Ratatoskr is curious about me? You can't resist studying me to satisfy your curiosity? That won't work, you know."

"Quite the opposite." Kotori shut off the screens. "We're worried about DEM Industries. At first, the incomplete footage led us to mistakenly believe you had been captured by DEM Industries. But after you appeared unharmed on the street—"

"We obtained another piece of DEM intelligence. Ellen Mira Mathers submitted a report after the battle, in which she raised a dangerous speculation—"

She paused and looked straight into Qian Huanyue's eyes. "She believes you may be the 'First Spirit.'"

If Qian Huanyue had been drinking water right then, she definitely would have sprayed it out for maximum comedic effect.

Had they still not given up on that particularly ridiculous idea?

And besides, right now—

Reine Murasame was still right beside them.

What did it mean for her to NTR that title right in front of its original owner?

Qian Huanyue: Mio Takamiya, that's right, your title is mine now.

Qian Huanyue: Ahem! Mio Takamiya, your Little Shido is mine too.

Qian Huanyue: Hmph, Mio Takamiya, all you can do is watch.

Mio Takamiya: [Nameless Angel] (Ain), you bastard! You should disappear forever!

Qian Huanyue was erased from this world by the angel like an eraser—instantly flattened on the spot.

Oops. The imagination in her mind had accidentally become ridiculously abundant.

"Um... Ratatoskr doesn't actually believe such nonsense, does it?"

"Not at all." Kotori took the lollipop stick from her mouth, her expression serious. "Sister Huanyue."

"I represent Ratatoskr's Fraxinus in thanking you."

"—I solemnly thank you, not only as the Commander, but also as a younger sister. No matter what, you protected my sister, Shiori."

This sudden formal expression of gratitude eased Qian Huanyue's mood considerably.

"Then will Shiori still dress as a boy?"

"The frequency will be reduced," Kotori answered bluntly. "We'll gradually arrange for her to live normally as 'Shiori,' unless special circumstances require the identity of 'Shido' as cover."

"What about her safety?" Qian Huanyue pressed.

"Ratatoskr has already assigned some well-equipped combat personnel with Realizers. They will conduct covert patrols in the areas my sister frequently visits."

Kotori brought up several surveillance feeds. "We can't guarantee absolute safety, but it's already much better than before."

Qian Huanyue watched the Ratatoskr members patrolling the streets on the screens and nodded lightly.

"So, Kotori, what was your true purpose in inviting me aboard?" Qian Huanyue leaned forward slightly, an inexplicable pressure rising around her. "To reveal information to me? To demonstrate your trustworthiness and reliability? Is that really all?"

She gently shook her head, a slightly mischievous curve forming at the corner of her lips. "I don't believe that."

Seeing that her initial objective had indeed been seen through, Kotori spread her hands helplessly and said,

"Sister Huanyue, could you—go on another date with Shiori?"

"I refuse."