Her appearance differed little from her classroom self, still clad in her school uniform. The other four girls were also in uniforms, though not from Sobu High, as their styles varied. The most noticeable change was the swap from black knee-high socks to the iconic white loose socks favored by gals, paired with heavier makeup that lent a vibrant, almost garish flair. Yet, none of this outshone the cigarette deftly held between her left fingertips. Her practiced ease told Kagura she was no novice smoker.
"Truly, it's Miura-san," Katou confirmed, recognizing her.
"Ugh…" Yumiko Miura rubbed her temple, reluctant to acknowledge it, but her posse of underlings betrayed her, whining indignantly. "Yumiko! You're in the same class as the Prince?! And you didn't tell us?!"
"Exactly! Big Sis, you were gonna hog him! That's so unfair!"
"Your class already has a hunk like Hayato…"
"And now the Prince too?!"
"There's no hope for us regular gals!"
The four covered their faces, mock-sobbing in unison, their theatrics so absurd Kagura nearly burst out laughing.
Miura, overwhelmed, couldn't console them all. She sent them and the boys to cool off, extinguished her cigarette, and faced Kagura and Katou alone, twirling a strand of hair. "Tch… A Ma, my apologies, they're a bit noisy, don't mind them."
"In a way, I never imagined meeting you like this, Miura Big Sis," Kagura teased, offering a gentlemanly bow.
"You—you—you… I didn't expect to catch you two on a date either!" Miura stammered, a flush creeping up her cheeks, clearly flustered by his gallantry. Every girl, after all, harbors a secret princess dream.
"Um, Miura-san, you've got it wrong," Katou said, gently tugging Kagura's sleeve. "Sawamura-san and I aren't dating… just strolling and planning to grab a bite."
"…" Miura stared, head tilted, silently questioning what this was if not a date. Still, to think the Prince chose such an unassuming girl as his girlfriend… He's so delicate. If I hadn't shown up, things could've gone south… The notion of protecting him sparked in her mind.
"Ahem, anyway, Big Sis Miura, thanks for bailing us out today," Kagura said, dipping his head in gratitude. Though he could've handled it, her intervention deserved appreciation.
"Yes, thank you. If not for you, Sawamura-san might've been extorted for a fortune because of me," Katou added, bowing deeply.
"Ah… well, no big deal, just helping out," Miura said, scratching her cheek, stealing glances at them. "But you two, be careful. This area's not the safest. Avoid these backstreets."
"Right, got it. By the way, Miura, one question," Kagura said.
"What?" Her eyes narrowed fiercely, then softened almost instantly, catching Kagura off guard with their tenderness.
"Are you… a strong fighter?" He mimed a few punches.
"What, wanna spar and find out?" Miura smirked, cracking her neck and knuckles with audible pops.
"Nah, I'll pass. You're probably no slouch," Kagura said, pulling out his wallet and pen. He scribbled on a slip from a stack, tore it off, and handed it to her. "A small token of thanks. Please accept it."
"Huh? What's this?" Miura examined the paper, puzzled.
"Um… I think it's a cashier's check," Katou ventured softly.
"Mm…" Kagura moved to leave, but Miura grabbed his collar. "Hey! What's with giving me this?! I'm not extorting you!"
"It's a thank-you gift!"
"Three million yen, just like that? Don't underestimate me, you jerk!" Miura gritted her teeth, shoving the check back, thinking, This guy's reckless generosity is why he's a target… Little Sawamura, you need to be more careful. I can't always be there to save you.
"Wow! Is Big Sis getting sponsored by the Prince? With his girlfriend right there? Bold move, my Prince!"
"Big Sis is unstoppable!"
"Big Sis rules the world!"
Miura's crew overheard, cheering raucously, clearly devoted to her.
"I'm not looking down on you!" Kagura pushed the check back, explaining, "Big Sis, you saved me and Katou. A thank-you is only fair. I'm not ungrateful."
"But three million's too much!"
"You've got a big crew! Twenty or thirty of them. Split it with them. They can't keep running on loyalty alone, right? Please, Big Sis Miura."
"You…" Miura, flushed with embarrassment or anger, yanked his collar, glaring. After a moment, she released him, exasperated.
Pat. She lightly tapped his head, sighing. "Fine, but don't do this again…"
"Three million at once, huh?" Katou mused.
"What, Katou-san, too little?" Kagura teased. His family's wealth made three million yen—roughly 160,000 RMB—a trifle.
"That's plenty, idiot!" Miura barked, blushing as she added another "idiot."
"It's a lot, isn't it? Sawamura-san, do you have no sense of money?" Katou's eyes dimmed subtly.
"Alright, that's that. See you at school~"
"Y-yeah… thanks. See you," Miura mumbled, staring at the check.
"Oh, and Miura-san," Kagura called back, waving without turning. "Cut back on smoking. Better yet, quit."
"Shut it! I don't need lectures from a spendthrift like you!" Miura snapped, then softened, rejoining her crew. She glanced at the check again. "Wait, how do I even cash this…?"
When she looked up, Kagura was gone. None of her thirty-odd followers knew how to handle a check either.
Emerging from the alley, Katou removed her hat and bowed deeply. "I caused you so much trouble today… I never thought a usual shortcut would cost you three million…"
"Hey, three million's nothing. As long as you're safe," Kagura said, lifting her chin gently, then releasing her.
"You really know how to charm a girl, Sawamura-san~"
"Nah…"
"Well, since you've spent so much, I'll cover lunch," Katou said, patting her bag with a shy smile. "I couldn't repay three million even if I sold myself~"
She donned her hat again.
"Then come be my maid~"
"Maybe not a bad idea."
"Kidding. Lead the way to the café."
"Mm~" Katou smiled brightly, skipping ahead, then turning to adjust her skirt. "What flavors do you like, Sawamura-san?"
"I'm not picky. I'll eat anything."
"Oh, right. Don't you have a personal maid? Like your sister Eriri or Miss Kasugano Sora…"
Kagura repeated the explanation he'd given Hikigaya.
"I see…" Katou nodded thoughtfully, ushering him into the café.
Before entering, Kagura considered using Geass to teach those punks a lesson but decided it was too valuable to waste on them. Better to save it for a critical moment.
The café, all open seating, was packed—clearly popular. As a waiter approached to apologize for the lack of tables, a girl by the window shot up, her burgundy eyes wide. "Sawamura… san?"
Kagura turned. Isn't that 'Drip, Deep Hole Card' Yui Yuigahama?
Today, Yui exuded feminine charm in a beige V-neck sweater tucked into a high-waisted black skirt, laced tightly at the hem, ending ten centimeters above the knee—a striking look.
She wasn't alone. Another girl sat beside her, staring at Kagura and Katou. Her long black hair, tipped with soft purple, framed a refined face. At seventeen or eighteen, she was a petite beauty despite a modest bust. Her long lower lashes and golden eyes gave a languid air. Clad in a teal hooded sweatshirt and a black double-layered miniskirt—baring much of her thighs, far shorter than Katou's knee-length dress—she risked exposure with a careless move.
This was Miko Yotsuya, Yui's closest friend.
"Sawamura-san's acquaintance?" Katou tugged his sleeve.
As she spoke, the system chimed.
"Lord Kagura, a new quest is available. Choose one to complete or skip:
A: Share a table with Yui Yuigahama.
B: Visit the restroom.
C: Choose another café."
"Hmm… I'd like the restroom, but Katou seems excited for this place. I'll pick A."
Reality snapped back.
"Yeah, we met a few days ago. Sort of know each other," Kagura said, guiding Katou to Yui's table. "Sorry, Yuigahama, mind if we join you?"
"Huh? Oh, s-sure! Please, sit!" Yui eagerly pulled out a chair, returning to her seat.
Kagura helped Katou with her chair. She thanked him softly, and they sat.
The system pinged: "Thank you for completing the quest. Rewards: Ability [Slay Crimson Dragon], one triple recovery potion."
"Slay Crimson Dragon?" Kagura blinked, stunned. A male, he had no "crimson dragon"—a Taoist term for menstruation.
"Indeed, [Slay Crimson Dragon] grants you the power to halt a woman's menstrual cycle."
"Hayasaka just finished her cycle, and now this?"
"Apologies, rewards are random."
"Fine… How's it work? Seems useful."
"It's simple. After completing full intercourse—penetration, movement, and ejaculation within the vagina—while still inserted, silently chant 'Slay Crimson Dragon.' The woman will continue ovulating and can conceive but won't menstruate. It's safe, permanent, and unusable during her cycle. She'll attribute the change to you without suspicion."
"Good grief…"
Kagura had hoped it was like the cleanse spell, requiring only contact, so he could use it on his mother, Sayuri, Eriri, or Sora. But ejaculation? He couldn't exactly approach Sayuri with, "Mom, periods are a hassle. Let your son fix it!" That'd be catastrophic.
Any woman would assume he was trying to impregnate her, as pregnancy halts menstruation. Impregnating his mother? Unthinkable.
"Guess it's just for Hayasaka Ai for now…" Kagura muttered, wiping mental sweat.
"The system doesn't restrict recipients."
"You—!" Kagura nearly cursed the system. Yet, the thought of impregnating Eriri or Sayuri sparked an unsettling thrill.
He couldn't judge the system when he felt that way.
Back in reality, the girl beside Yui stared at him. Kagura introduced himself, right hand to chest. "First time meeting. I'm—"
"I know you," Miko interrupted calmly, blinking. "Best not say your name here, or you'll draw a crowd." She propped her chin, waving her sleeve with her left hand. "Miko Yotsuya, Class 2-C, Yui's best friend. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Kagura said, gesturing to Katou. "This is Megumi Katou, my classmate in F-Class."
"Pleased to meet you," Katou said, nodding politely.
Miko nodded back, silent.
"Um… nice to meet you…" Yui replied shyly, scratching her cheek with an awkward laugh. "Haha, you two are out together… it's, uh, that, right?"
"Not quite. Nothing explains it but a date," Miko said, sipping her tea through a green straw.
"Actually, no," Kagura said, snapping his fingers and passing Katou the menu. "I was strolling near a cherry blossom lane, and Katou got ditched by a friend after getting ready. We bumped into each other, and since I was free, we decided to hang out."
"That's the gist," Katou confirmed, scanning the menu. She flipped a few pages, then handed it back. "Your turn, Sawamura-san. I've picked mine. I'll ring the bell when you're ready."
Miko smirked, whispering to Yui, "Looks like you've still got a shot, Yui. But this Katou's a formidable rival."
"I-I don't… I'm not thinking that! Don't tease, Miko!" Yui pushed her, blushing.
Miko chuckled, then stared at Kagura's shoulder, lost in thought.
Not that she was obsessed with men's shoulders—she'd noticed a small nine-tailed spirit fox perched there. Snow-white with one blue and one gold eye, red eyeshadow, and red-tipped tails, it glowed with faint golden divinity, curled around Kagura's neck like a scarf, almost nuzzling him.
A nine-tailed spirit fox as a guardian? This guy's no ordinary man…
Miko could see what others couldn't—spiritual entities like malevolent ghosts or bound spirits. This ability, recently awakened, often terrified her. If she could, she'd rather not have it.
"I'll have a black pepper beef sandwich, a Sri Lankan tea, and a Hokkaido milk ice cream," Kagura said, glancing at the menu.
"Got it," Katou said, pressing the service bell.
Ding-dong. The system spoke again.
"Lord Kagura, a new quest is available. Choose one to complete or skip:
A: Touch a girl's leg.
B: Punch the man at the next table.
C: Visit the restroom."
"Damn, I really need the restroom. I'll take C."
Reality returned. Kagura coughed lightly, standing. "Sorry, mind if I hit the restroom? Katou-san, handle the order, please."
"Of course," Katou said, stepping aside.
Kagura nodded apologetically to Yui and Miko, slipping past Katou's chair.
After relieving himself and washing his hands, the system pinged. "Thank you for completing the quest. Rewards: Ability [Nine-Word Mantra], one triple recovery potion."
"Nine-Word Mantra?!" Kagura sensed its power. Wait, are there ghosts in this world? He knew the mantra—Lin Bing Dou Zhe Jie Zhen Lie Qian Xing—but it had never worked.
"[Nine-Word Mantra] grants unparalleled spiritual power. You'll gain eyes that see all, a body immune to spirits like a one-way barrier, and the ability to create wards, talismans, and obliterate evil spirits instantly."
"So there are ghosts… But seeing them? That's a mood-killer."
He imagined eating, only for a maggot-ridden ghost to emerge from his plate. He'd lose his lunch.
"The system can apply a 'beautification patch,' like a game mod, to improve spirit appearances, labeled as 'Spirit' for clarity."
"Still don't wanna see them. Jump scares aren't my thing."
Like making love to Hayasaka and a ghost popping up—that'd kill the mood, if not worse. Not cowardice, just a desire for uninterrupted intimacy.
"The system can block spirits from approaching you unexpectedly."
"Hm…" Kagura weighed it, then nodded. "Fine, I'll take it."
Reality returned. He checked the mirror.
A nine-tailed spirit fox lounged on his shoulder. Damn, that's cool.
"Lord Kagura, this is your guardian spirit, gifted upon system activation. It alerts the system in crises, like today. If it bothers you, I can visually suppress it."
"Do it."
Cool, but a glowing fox made sleep tricky.
He scanned the spacious restroom. A male "Spirit" stood by the wall, a blocky Minecraft-esque figure in a black suit, a "Spirit" sign hanging from his neck.
"Not scary at all."
Kagura squinted, and the spirit dissolved into scattered light particles.
"Huh… kinda neat."
He stretched, dried his hands, grabbed paper towels, and left.
Five minutes earlier, at the window table.
As Kagura left, Yui pulled a pendant—Kagura's system talisman—from her chest, showing Miko. "This is it," she whispered, clutching it proudly. "Miko, trust me, Sawamura-san's a spiritualist. This talisman broke Mai-senpai's curse and saved my life."
"Really?" Miko poked it, deadpan. "A spiritualist? I don't buy it~"
But inwardly: No wonder he's got a powerful nine-tailed fox. This talisman's glowing faintly. Yui's found a benefactor.
"It's true!" Yui pouted, tucking the talisman away, miffed at Miko's skepticism.
"Yuigahama-san, isn't 'Mai-senpai' just a campus legend?" Katou asked, lowering her phone.
"Yui's into that stuff. Humor her," Miko said, ruffling Yui's hair. "No sulking~"
"Ugh, I'm not a kid, Miko! So mean!" Yui playfully punched Miko's chest.
Miko smiled faintly, thinking, Spiritual powers aren't fun. I envy those who can't see.
"I see…" Katou dropped it, assuming Kagura had comforted Yui with the talisman. The waiter arrived, and she ordered for herself and Kagura, forgetting the topic.
Miko glanced toward the restroom, then locked eyes with a man on the opposite sofa.
He had dark blonde hair, fair skin, and a pretty face, his gold eyes likely contacts. His black shirt mimicked Kagura's style, paired with a white tee, gold-chained pendant, leather-watch, and dark jeans—a guy girls might fawn over.
To Miko, looks ranked second to character. Even then, he paled next to Kagura, especially factoring in talent and status. A mere pretty boy.
"Tch…" He flashed a flirty smile.
Three stunning girls sat opposite—each a beauty. The sweater girl's bust was the largest, though she seemed the least striking. Worth a shot. Maybe I'll score.
But Miko's gaze lingered not on him but on a female ghost beside him, clad in a tattered red sleeveless dress. Her face and skin were purple, gaunt as a reed, exuding ominous black miasma. Her mouth, unlike a human's horizontal slit, was vertical, resembling female anatomy, complete with a clit-like protrusion where a nose should be. A grotesque tongue lolled out, the "woman" murmuring, "I love you…" obsessively.
"Ugh… disgusting…" Miko gritted her teeth, trying to ignore her.
But the man's smile triggered the ghost's jealousy. She whipped her head toward Miko, who glanced her way—
Oh no! She's looking at me!
Miko panicked. The man, mistaking her glance, smirked more smugly.
"I'm not into you…" Miko muttered internally.
Normally, spirits couldn't harm those blind to them. But seeing or acknowledging one made you vulnerable. Miko always tried to ignore them.
"You… staring… bitch?!" The ghost shambled toward her, bloated and unsteady.
She's coming! What do I do?! Yui's talisman!
Miko clamped her thighs, terrified the ghost might scream in her ear. That'd make her wet herself.
She glanced at Yui, forcing calm. "Y-Yui… can I see your… treasure again?"
"No way!" Yui clutched her chest, huffing. "You treat me like a kid, Miko. Not showing you~"
Katou scrolled her phone, oblivious, waiting for Kagura.
"Just… a peek. I'm sorry, okay?" Miko trembled, touching Yui's shoulder.
"Hmph!" Yui pouted, shaking her head. "Nope~"
Miko's heart sank. She glimpsed the ghost—
She's here! So close!
Her teeth chattered in terror.
The pretty boy chimed in, "Yo, you were checking me out, right? I noticed you too. Wanna swap contacts?"
He waved, grinning "charmingly"—to Miko, oozingly sleazy.
"Filthy… bitch!" The ghost's hair spiked like a sea urchin, her vile tongue thrashing in her grotesque mouth, poised to attack.
"Sorry I'm late," Kagura said, returning with a smile. He touched the shoulder of a female Minecraft-style spirit, reducing her to light particles.
Miko froze, tears welling, her face alight with gratitude.
"Tch… One guy with three girls? Fearless," the pretty boy scoffed, crossing his legs.
"Sawamura-san, please," Katou said, stepping aside.
"Hang on," Kagura said, winking at the shaken Miko. He approached the pretty boy's table. "What was that? Got a problem with me?"
"I wasn't talking to you. Don't flatter yourself!" The man rolled his eyes, annoyed.
"Oh?" Kagura touched his left eye, debating a lesson.
"Oh my, aren't you…" A sweet female voice piped up behind him, gasping. "Prince Sawamura?!"
Kagura turned. A stranger, perhaps eighteen or nineteen, wore a white-and-brown dress with a red bow at the chest. Her shoulder-length brown hair echoed Katou's style, her face cute but unremarkable.
Behind her trailed a gaggle of male blocky spirits, each sporting "Spirit" signs and placards reading, You're my only one, Don't leave me, I love you, or Come with me. Clearly, a seemingly innocent but ruthlessly manipulative heartbreaker.
"Sakura, what?" The pretty boy, clueless, didn't recognize Kagura.
"Usa! You don't know him?" Sakura grabbed Kagura's sleeve, bouncing excitedly. "It's Prince Sawamura! Chiba's Piano Prince!"
Kagura shot Usa a smug "See?" look.
Usa fumed, leg jiggling, muttering, "Whatever, let's shop, okay?"
"No way! Prince, sign something for me!" Sakura rummaged through her bag for paper and pen.
Usa's face twisted, as if he'd swallowed a fly. He scratched his head, forcing a smile—nobody dared diss their girlfriend's idol unless they wanted a swift breakup.
"Miss Sakura, right?" Kagura said, locking eyes and activating Geass. "I'll sign, but I have a small request."
"Sure, name it!" Sakura became his obedient pawn.
Kagura leaned in, whispering, "Slap your boyfriend Usa hard, several times. Then dump him on the spot, chew him out, and tell him, 'I'd let a dog have me before you.'"
"Got it~" Sakura nodded, smiling sweetly as she approached Usa.
Usa snapped his fingers at Kagura. "See? My Sakura listens to me~"
Kagura shrugged, silent.
"Sakura, let's—"
Slap!
Sakura delivered a stinging slap, stunning Usa as he rose.
The café fell silent, conversations halting.
"Sakura, you—?!"
Slap! Slap! Slap!
Three more resounding slaps left Kagura gleeful. Sakura swung her bag at Usa's head, shouting, "Get lost! You don't deserve my name! We're done! You're not even worthy of my piss. I'd let a dog take me before you!"
The café erupted—gasps, cheers, and awe. Kagura's "three companions" gaped.
"This…" Katou blinked, speechless.
Yui's mouth twitched. Miko, jaw askew, thought, Overboard… A diehard fan. That guy deserved it.
"Ladies, can you take this outside?" The female manager rushed over with staff, surrounding the bickering couple.
"You—!" Usa raised a hand to retaliate, but the manager snapped, "Please, don't make us call the police."
"Damn… bitch…"
Usa, face swollen, shoved through the crowd to storm out, only to be grabbed by a door staffer. "Sir, your bill!"
Kagura watched, amused, as Usa's nose quite literally "twisted" with rage.