The city gradually awoke, and inside Anteiku in Ward 20, the usual routine continued as preparations for the day's business began early in the morning.
"Manager." In the middle of her work, Irimi Kyouko suddenly straightened and looked toward the entrance, indicating that someone was approaching.
"Hmm..." The Manager nodded. Usually, no one entered a café this early, before it had opened.
Someone pushed Anteiku's front door halfway open.
"Sorry, we're not open yet..." The Manager had barely finished speaking before he stopped short.
"Manager?"
Louis poked half his face through the doorway and peered inside. With his face masked and no scent coming from him, even the Manager failed to recognize him immediately.
It had been a while since he had last returned. The faint fragrance of coffee beans filled the air, brown tables and chairs furnished the room, and a little greenery stood beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The whole space exuded a quiet elegance.
"Lu..." The Manager paused, then looked outside again. "It seems you've brought a friend."
"Yes, two of them." Louis nodded. After glancing at Irimi working behind the counter, he stepped inside. "There's something I wanted to discuss with you, but they insisted on coming to see Anteiku."
As he spoke, Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa followed him inside, dressed casually in short sleeves.
The scent of their kagune was identical to Kaneki's, and subtle changes crossed both the Manager's and Irimi's faces.
"Are they here to work? We certainly could use more staff right now." The Manager asked with a smile.
"Hmm..." Louis thought for a moment, then leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Their faces have probably been seen, though I don't know why there aren't any wanted notices."
"They're here as guests."
"I see... Then please, have a seat." The Manager nodded