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Time...
One of the fundamental aspects of reality — the one thing that can strongly influence our actions and is crucial when planning for the future.
'Although I might be exaggerating the situation a bit, that doesn't mean things aren't bad…'
"Maybe I could ask her — she might have a phone or a watch," I muttered.
But one glance at the woman, who seemed to be meditating quietly on the bed, told me she probably didn't want to be disturbed.
'Don't know if there's a bathroom around though… I stink really bad right now.'
Guess I'll wait till she's done.
With that, I leaned back, eyes fixed on the slowly spinning ceiling fan as I tried to organize my thoughts.
Silence filled the room for a while before the fox lady finally spoke.
"You only stay for the night. By dawn, you leave."
Dropping my gaze down, I looked at her.
"I can't," I said, my tone serious.
She tilted her head slightly, then shifted as she got down from the bed.
"I didn't ask for your opinion," she said, her voice turning colder as she walked toward me.
I remained seated, not flinching.
Although she might seem mysterious — and far more skilled than the average person — that doesn't mean I'm going to back down and be commanded like a dog.
"Look," I said, my tone calm, "the weather forecast predicted the rain's gonna continue for the next two days.
Let me just hang around for at least a day.
Besides, those guys up there will be combing the whole place for a while."
I paused, watching her as she seemed to be thinking.
Then she turned around, walking toward the other door in the room.
"Two days," she said before closing the door shut behind her.
"Huff." I let out a small sigh as the door clicked closed.
"That's likely her, huh…"
"Seventh Ranker — Kuzunoha," I said, my expression turning complex.
'Though I might be wrong, most signs… especially that fox mask, say otherwise.'
Gazing upward, I muttered, "Well, that's past life problems. Need to focus on this one… and survive the mana wave first."
The faint sound of running water echoed from behind the door.
"Should be able to convince her to let me bathe too… right?" I murmured, my eyes still fixed on the slow-turning fan above.
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A knocking sound came from behind a door.
"Come in," a calm female voice responded.
The door opened as a maid entered the room.
She took a few steps in, then bowed.
"Lady Hannah, Mr. Donald is seated in the guest area. He asks that I announce his presence. Your father also wishes to see you in his study."
A brief silence followed before the lady seated at the reading table responded.
"Alright, you can go."
The maid bowed once more before leaving.
'…'
Silence filled the room once more, broken only by the soft sound of pages turning.
After a moment, the lady closed her book, set down her reading glasses with practiced grace, and stood up.
then she walked toward the door, her long white hair swaying slightly as she moved.
--
A young brown-haired youth sat comfortably on a chair in a luxurious room.
His eyes were focused on the business magazine in front of him.
He reached out for a wine cup but paused as he heard footsteps descending the stairs.
Turning his head toward the sound, his eyes brightened slightly when the white-haired beauty came into view.
He set down the magazine, adjusting his posture to a relaxed one.
"You're not supposed to be here," the beauty spoke, her tone flat.
Donald didn't take offense at her words. Instead, he gave a soft smile.
"We'll soon be fiancés, you know? I see no harm in visiting my future fiancée's house. Besides, it's not like we're strangers."
Hannah's already cold expression seemed to drop a few more degrees at his words.
"The agreement between our families doesn't apply until we're twenty," she replied coolly.
"But isn't that just a month away?" Donald said, chuckling lightly.
"A month is not today, Donald," she fired back.
Donald chuckled again, then stood up and walked toward her, one hand in his pocket.
He stopped just inches away from her face and muttered in a soft tone,
"Although your facade and avoidance tricks are impressive, it still doesn't change the future set in stone."
He paused, admiring her crystal-blue eyes that stared back with chilling calm before continuing,
"I've sent the report on this year's new intake to your mail. See you in school tomorrow, President."
With that, he turned and walked toward the door without looking back.
Hannah watched as the door closed. She remained there for a few seconds, before turning around, her face expressionless as she walked back to the stairs.
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My wandering thoughts were dragged back to reality by the sound of the door opening.
Refocusing, I looked up just in time to see the fox lady step out from the bathroom — her hair was still damp, droplets tracing down her neck, though her face remained hidden behind the mask.
She had changed out of her tight tactical suit and was now wearing a loose nightgown that did little to hide her sinful figure.
'Damn, she's hot!' I screamed internally.
{Author: (-_-) }
I coughed twice, forcefully dragging my thoughts out of the gutter before asking,
"Uh, can I also use the shower?"
She paused, then gave a short nod before sitting at the desk, flipping through a few notes.
"Thank you!" I said, almost shouting, as I pulled out some clothes from my bag and hurried toward the bathroom.
--
A few minutes later…
Opening the door, I stepped out in fresh clothes, my hair still dripping wet.
"Sigh… nothing beats washing off all that dirt," I murmured, giving a thankful look toward the seated fox lady.
She didn't respond — her focus locked entirely on the papers spread across the table.
I shrugged. 'Pretty sure she'd prefer I keep my nose out of her business anyway.'
Heading back to my spot, I lay down beside my bag, hands folded behind my head as I stared up at the ceiling.
Silence settled over the room again… until the sound of a phone vibrating broke it.