Chapter 69

Well, the main reason is that Kotori and the others knew that even if they didn't say anything, Lingmeng would use her abilities to forcibly probe their memories and find out what was going on, so they spoke up so readily.

Although she noticed Shido's surprised expression, Reine calmly explained.

"As you know, Tohka is currently living in the quarantine area we arranged. Because her mental state is constantly monitored, and she has to undergo regular checks twice a day, she is more prone to accumulating stress in Fraxinus than in other places."

If left unattended, Tohka's mood will worsen until her Spirit Power Reversal back into her body.

Since the recent test results have all been stable, we think it's time for Tohka to go out and live in the outside world.

As for why she was allowed to stay at Little Shido's house, it's because Tohka's emotions were unusually calm when Little Shido Tohka.

During the completion of the special residence for spirits, we decided to let Tohka stay in this house temporarily.

Was I really a source of reassurance?

Thinking to himself, Shido awkwardly scratched his cheek.

"Is that so? What about Lingmeng? Is she going to stay here too?"

Shido steered the conversation towards Lingmeng, since Lingmeng is also a spirit and might experience Spirit Power Reversal for the same reason as Tohka.

Seeing that Shido had actually mentioned her, Lingmeng didn't say much, but just watched Reine across from her with a spectator's expression.

"... Lingmeng? Don't worry, according to the data, Lingmeng's emotional state has been relatively stable ever since you sealed her away, Little Shido. So she doesn't need to live here like Tohka."

"I see..."

Shido glanced at Lingmeng beside him and thought that this spirit who had traveled from another world was actually quite easy to manage.

Then--

"... Although that's true, just in case, we still hope that you, Lingmeng, can stay here temporarily like Tohka."

It was clear that Reine was referring to Lingmeng when she said this.

"Ah?"

Lingmeng tilted her head in confusion, but quickly realized what was going on.

"No! You just said my emotions are very stable and that I'm unlikely to experience Spirit Power Reversal. So why should I live at Shido's house like Tohka?!"

Lingmeng roared loudly.

Although he didn't dislike Shido, the idea of a gender-swapped girl sharing a room with a harem protagonist was still...

Wow—that scene is too beautiful to imagine.

"... It's said to be just in case, but it's always best to be cautious with something this important."

Reine answered with a blank expression.

However, Lingmeng still did not compromise.

"No, no, no! I'd much rather live with a beautiful girl than with that blockhead Shido!"

"I heard it!"

Shido yelled, his face full of black lines.

"Oh, really?"

Kotori gave a meaningful smile.

"That makes things easier. Lingmeng, if you're willing to move here for a while, you can share a room with Tohka during that time, how about that?"

"!!!"

Upon hearing those words, Lingmeng's eyes widened immediately.

Kotori just chuckled.

Kotori had a general idea of Lingmeng's personality.

Outgoing, not at all like a girl, very sociable, and--

She's a little bit lewd and Pervert, and she's a lesbian.

Although I don't understand why Lingmeng likes girls, now that I do, all I need to do is address the root cause.

And the effect of this move was quite obvious.

Lingmeng was trembling all over, her lips moving as if she were contemplating whether or not to agree.

If he agrees, he can share a bed with the beautiful girl Tohka. Just thinking about it is exciting!

How could we miss such a great opportunity!

"If I agree to stay, is it really okay for me to share a room with Tohka?"

Just to be on the safe side, Lingmeng asked again. Kotori then gave an affirmative answer.

"Of course, I mean what I say. After all, the only room we have left for guests is the one furthest inside on the second floor. If guests want to stay here, that's the only place they can stay."

After receiving Kotori's affirmative answer, Lingmeng clenched her fists and immediately spoke.

"No problem! Consensus reached!"

Lingmeng waved her hand vigorously, looking very excited.

She, who had initially refused with unwavering resolve, succumbed to Kotori's coercion and enticement.

Although Lingmeng herself felt that she was being too spineless, the thought of spending several days in the same room with Tohka instantly dispelled all those negative thoughts.

Chapter Fourteen: Punishment

"Hey, you actually agreed so easily?"

Looking at Lingmeng and Kotori, who had just reached some kind of secret deal, Shido was speechless.

However, he seemed to remember something and immediately asked.

"Reine, you just said there were two reasons why Tohka moved in, right? What's the second reason?"

"... Ah, that's much simpler and clearer. We're doing this to train you, Little Shido."

Maintaining a blank expression, Reine explained it this way.

Shido merely frowned slightly at this. It seemed that Tohka had already uttered this word back in the bathroom.

Suddenly, a flood of unpleasant memories rushed into my mind.

For example--

Being forced to play bishoujo games means that if you choose the wrong option, a dark past of yours will be exposed.

When he was trying to win over Lingmeng, he even dressed up as a woman and played several otome games, forcibly adjusting his mindset to that of a young girl.

Shido swore he never wanted to go through those things again!

"Why... why? Tohka and Lingmeng were already sealed away by me, so why do I still need to train them--"

He'd barely finished speaking when Shido suddenly opened his eyes wide, as if he'd remembered something—

"Who said there's only one spirit? Besides Tohka and Lingmeng, there are several other spirits included."

This was what Shido told Kotori on Fraxinus a few days before his date with Lingmeng.

If that's the case, then let's talk about why Shido still needs to continue training.

Noticing the subtle change in Shido's expression, Kotori smiled Chupa Chups, her expression softening.

"Remember now? That's why we need to train!"

"I understand!"

Shido scratched his head resignedly.

"So, what exactly are you trying to train me for?"

"It's very simple, just a normal life with Lingmeng and Tohka."

Huh? That's it?

Shido glanced at Lingmeng, who was in a state of excitement because she was about to share a bed with Tohka, and thought to herself.

After all, this training program was far too simple compared to the previous ones.

"Well, that's roughly the training content. As long as you can handle things calmly during the time you live with the spirit, Shido, you'll pass."

"Ah... is that so?"

Shido nodded, somewhat bewildered.

If that's all, it should be fine, right?

Shido thought to himself.

However, Lingmeng, standing to the side, didn't think so. Through her own abilities, she discovered that Kotori was definitely up to something again.

However, considering that it wasn't her training anyway, and that Shido was the one being put in a difficult position, not her, she didn't say anything on the spot.

----------------This is the dividing line for the transfer time

In the time that followed, Shido continued to ask Kotori and Reine many questions.

Although Kotori managed to dodge some questions, she answered most of them honestly.

"Alright, I've answered everything I needed to. Now it's up to you, Shido."

"Oh... I'll try my best."

Kotori stood up from her chair and said this. Shido responded with a soft reply.

"By the way, Sister Lingmeng, since you're staying with us temporarily, can I ask the staff at Ratatoskr to bring your things over later?"

"Oh, of course, no problem."

Lingmeng smiled and gave an OK sign.

"Um."

After nodding in understanding, Kotori shifted the conversation to Shido.

"Shido, I noticed the light in the restroom seems to be broken when I went there. Could you go and replace it?"

"Ah... yes, that's fine."

Although he found it strange that Kotori suddenly changed the subject to this kind of thing, Shido still took a light bulb from the drawer and went to the bathroom.

Not long after Shido left, a smile suddenly appeared on Kotori's face, as if she were watching a good show.

"Kotori... you haven't already started training, have you?"

Looking at Kotori's somewhat chilling smile, Lingmeng asked.

Kotori then took out the Chupa Chups drink she had mentioned and replied.

"That's right~"

"Ah--!"

Sure enough, just as Kotori finished speaking, Shido's terrified scream came from downstairs again.

Lingmeng shrugged at this and spoke in a sympathetic tone.

"Ah, Shido, you really do have a 'good little sister'."

"Really? I think so too."

"..."

Seemingly oblivious to Lingmeng's sarcasm, Kotori shamelessly echoed her sentiments.

----------------This is the dividing line for the relocation

Following Kotori downstairs, Lingmeng saw Shido lying on his back on the ground, with a mark on his forehead from being hit by something.

Around him was a roll of toilet paper scattered everywhere.

The bathroom door was wide open, and inside, Tohka was shyly pulling down the hem of her pajamas. Her white panties were now below her knees.

Judging from these clues, it's not hard to deduce that Shido definitely broke into the bathroom while Tohka was using the toilet, intending to change the light bulb, and then got a lecture from Tohka.

"What... what's going on...?"