BCloud
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MMMS 19
🕑 Added 2025-04-10 00:34:29 +0000 UTCAfter finishing their meal and paying the bill, Ryuuto loosened his belt as he walked out of the izakaya with the two women.
As all good things come to an end, it was time to say goodbye. He asked Morgan to wait at the entrance while Aoko pulled him into a nearby alley, saying she had some private advice to share.
"I know you probably won't listen, but please be careful. Battles between magi and their familiars aren't as simple as you might think. If you get yourself killed, Alice will be devastated. She'll definitely blame me for encouraging you to join the Holy Grail War."
Seeing Aoko suddenly become so serious and concerned made him feel somewhat touched.
"What about you, Aoko?" he asked.
"Me? What about me?"
"If I died, would you be sad?"
"Of course I would," she replied without hesitation.
He felt even more touched—until she completely ruined the sentiment with her next words: "Good-looking young men who pay for my meals aren't easy to find. I've been grooming you as a long-term meal ticket. Don't you dare die on me."
He gave a wry smile. "Thanks for worrying about me, Aoko."
"Are you even listening? If you get into trouble, call me..." She looked down and kicked a small stone, sighing quietly. "I guess now that you have that Caster woman who's more capable than I am, you probably don't need me anymore."
"That's not true. Just talking and having drinks with you helps me relax and feel better. I really enjoyed today, Aoko." He looked at her with genuine sincerity. "Only someone like you, who knows how to make things fun, can do that. I'm always happy when I'm with you."
"W-what are you talking about?" Caught off guard by his honest confession, her eyes widened in surprise. For a moment, she seemed to forget to breathe.
The loud sounds from the electronics district advertisements seemed to fade away. Her face turned a deep shade of red.
"Mmm!" To hide her embarrassment, she moved beside him and started pounding his shoulder. "W-why are you suddenly saying things like that? Don't be ridiculous, you idiot!"
"Haha, so Aoko does have an innocent side after all... Ow, stop hitting me, that actually hurts!"
"You're still talking! I'll beat you up!"
Her small fists came down on him like rain as they chased each other around like children, eventually emerging from the dark alley.
"Well, I'm heading off now." With his back to Aoko, he raised one hand in a casual wave as he walked toward Morgan.
"Mm, bye-bye. Take care."
…
Evening at the Sajyou residence...
Humming a tune as he stood at the entrance, Ryuuto had no idea that the greatest crisis of his life awaited him inside the familiar mansion. After bringing Morgan in, he noticed that Hiroki and Ayaka seemed to be out for the evening.
The main lights weren't on; only a few soft lamps illuminated the house.
Manaka sat quietly at the dining table wearing a beautiful light blue dress, her eyes closed and her breathing steady. The soft lighting highlighted her perfect, serene face, making her look even more enchanting.
He raised his hand to greet her when his smile suddenly froze.
The table was covered with an elaborate feast. There was fried pork cutlet, beef and potato stew, tuna salad, corn soup, sweet and sour pork, green peppers with shredded meat, and spicy chicken.
Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes were all represented, still hot and steaming. In the center was the squirrel-shaped fish dish he had specifically requested from his mother two days ago.
He broke into a nervous sweat. "...Oh no. I knew I was forgetting something important before going to the izakaya."
He had promised Manaka he would eat the squirrel fish she prepared when he returned home!
...He had made her that promise!
This table full of food had obviously been prepared by Manaka over the entire day. That's why she had fallen asleep in the chair—she must have been working hard and waiting eagerly for him.
In his mind, he pictured the fairy wearing an apron, happily bustling around the kitchen with a bright smile.
He felt like crying, 'Mother! I'm so sorry for being such an ungrateful child!'
He turned desperately to his Servant. "Great Queen Caster, Britain's Chosen King Madam Caster."
She rolled her eyes at him. "Just say what you want and stop with this weird flattery."
"Do you have any spell that can instantly remove the smell of alcohol and hot pot from my body?" he asked, sounding almost desperate.
After spending the afternoon at the izakaya, he would certainly smell of food and drink, and any attempt to lie to Manaka about not having eaten would be immediately exposed.
Morgan looked at Manaka sleeping in the chair and gave a slight nod. "I do have such a spell."
"Awesome!" He pressed his hands together and looked up at her with hopeful eyes. What a reliable queen! Please help him quickly!
"..."
Morgan raised her hand and waved it gently, her fingertips glowing with beautiful, faint colors. Instantly, all traces of food and alcohol smell disappeared from both of them.
"You saved me! Thank you, Morgane-mon."
"Mo-Morgane-mon...? Never mind. Who is this girl?"
Morgan was referring to Manaka Sajyou.
Earlier that day, she had met a user of the Fifth Magic. But what Morgan now saw before her was something she considered even more dangerous than a Magic user.
"I see."
If something could surpass even a user of Magic, the answer was obvious. Morgan immediately recognized that this girl was connected to the Root. Since her Master was already a Beast, she wouldn't be shocked by anyone else unusual in his circle. But what puzzled her was why this girl caused Ryuuto such fear and panic. In terms of raw power and authority, a Beast should be far superior to her.
"She's my mother."
When he gave this answer, she was genuinely surprised.
The witch possessed a rational mind that could understand all worldly matters, but the one thing she couldn't comprehend was the emotional bond between mother and son.
He walked over to Manaka and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Good evening, Manaka."
"Mmm..." Her eyelashes fluttered lightly as she opened her eyes.
Still half-asleep, she pressed her cheek against the back of his hand like a kitten and gave him a soft smile.
"Ryuuto, welcome home. Are you hungry?"
"Yes, I'm starving."
He pulled out a chair and sat down next to her. "Wow, dinner looks amazing tonight."
"You think so? Hehe." She glanced at him with a hint of worry, nervously pressing her index fingers together. "I think I got a little too excited and made way too much food. I'm sorry, Ryuuto... I haven't caused you any trouble, have I?"
He shook his head, picked up his chopsticks, and replied casually. "Not at all. Your cooking is always delicious, so I'll finish everything."
