Chapter 115: Master and Pet
"It's fine, it's fine, you guys go take Kanna to play." Tohru waved her hand with a satisfied grin, her golden eyes gleaming mischievously. Then she leaned in toward the counter and muttered softly, her tail swishing behind her, "Tonight I can finally have a candlelit dinner with Kobayashi and enjoy our time together, ehehe~ Maybe I'll even feed her mouth-to-mouth..."
Shut up!
What's with that dirty laugh!
You've finally revealed your lewd nature!
Her cheerful humming trailed off as the group stepped out the door. The warm sunlight spilled down, scattering across the street like gold dust.
...
After saying goodbye to Tohru, the group made their way back. The faint scent of summer flowers drifted in the breeze as they walked along the quiet road.
Halfway there, Kouya's phone suddenly rang, the sharp tone breaking the still air. He took it from his pocket, glanced at the caller ID, and answered calmly.
"Hello, is this Kou-kun?" The voice that came through the receiver was elegant and soothing, as if spring water rippled beneath cherry blossoms.
It was the shrine maiden.
"Yeah, it's me," Kouya said, his tone even.
"I was wondering if Kou-kun has time today? Come over for a meal. Hinata has been pestering me since morning—she wants to play games with you again."
Kouya smiled faintly but shook his head. "Sorry, I've got plans today."
"Then what about tomorrow?" Her tone carried a soft hope.
"Tomorrow's full too."
A long pause filled the line.
"Kou-kun... are you in trouble? If something happened, please tell me. If I can help, I will."
"No, nothing like that," Kouya replied in his usual calm way. "I'm just going to a hot spring resort with some classmates."
"Classmates? That girl who called you that night?" There was a subtle shift in her voice—gentle, but faintly sharp.
Kouya nodded even though she couldn't see it. "Yeah."
"I see..." she murmured quietly, voice trailing off like wind through a paper door.
...
At the shrine.
Chiba Ruri sat on the wooden steps in front of the shrine, her long black hair tied neatly, the red and white folds of her miko robes catching the sunlight. A wooden sword rested across her knees. Her brows furrowed faintly, lost in thought.
"Onee-sama, what's wrong? Oni-chan's not coming to play?" Chiba Hinata came running from the living room, barefoot and bright-eyed.
Ruri lifted her gaze slightly and shook her head. "Kou-kun's busy this weekend. He won't be coming."
"Oh..." Hinata's shoulders drooped, disappointment flickering across her small face. "I just bought a new game. I wanted him to help me beat my record..."
The stillness of the shrine pressed in for a moment. Then Ruri spoke, her voice light but sudden.
"Hinata, do you want to go to a hot spring?"
"Eh?" Hinata blinked. "Onee-sama, what did you just say?"
"Didn't hear me? Then forget it." Ruri turned her head away, but a faint curve touched her lips.
"Go! Of course I'll go!" Hinata jumped in excitement, hugging her sister's arm. "I love you, Onee-sama!"
Ruri allowed herself a soft smile, eyes drifting toward the far mountains. 'Kou-kun... so you're not coming today...'
...
At the meeting point, Satania, Rikka, and Gabriel were already waiting by the roadside bench. The morning sun made the air shimmer faintly, and Gabriel sat sprawled across the seat like a lazy cat, handheld console in hand.
After checking the headcount, Vigne nodded smartly. "Everyone's here. Let's move out!"
The journey wasn't particularly eventful—Gabriel played her game with dead-fish eyes while Satania, ever the fool, tried to provoke her and got punched square in the head. Meanwhile, Kanna and Kouya walked side by side, the dragon girl nibbling on snacks as he gently wiped the crumbs from her lips, drawing amused looks from Rikka.
By the time the bus rolled into the resort area, the clock was nearing noon. Steam curled up faintly from the mountain paths ahead, and the distant smell of sulfur filled the air. After registration, they were guided through the grand wooden gate into the resort proper.
Inside a spacious office filled with the scent of polished wood and faint perfume.
The phone suddenly rang.
"It's me," Hirata Sachiko said lazily, holding the receiver between shoulder and ear while adjusting her glasses. "Speak."
"Manager Hirata, Guest No. 8 has arrived at the resort," came the respectful voice of a staff member.
"Guest No. 8?" Hirata arched an eyebrow. Then her eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah... that boy."
The memory flashed—one hand, one strike, the night the terrifying youkai was destroyed. That calm yet overwhelming presence.
Experience had taught her that once business grows to a certain scale, it's no longer about profit. It's about people—connections, alliances, influence. One mistake with the wrong person could end everything.
She set the phone down gently. "Good work. I'll go greet him personally."
Hirata stood, straightened her skirt, quickly reapplied lipstick, and checked her reflection in the mirror. Then, with the confidence of a veteran, she stepped out of the office.
...
In the lobby.
"Kouya-san, welcome!" Dressed in a crisp professional suit and sleek black heels, Hirata Sachiko approached gracefully, her polite smile shining under the lobby lights.
Kouya nodded lightly. "Manager Hirata."
"Just call me Sachiko," she said warmly, walking beside him.
As they talked, Hirata discreetly studied the group behind him—Gabriel, Vigne, Satania, Rikka, and the small, quiet dragon girl.
All of them were strikingly beautiful, like characters out of a dream. Their different auras made them stand out—Gabriel's lazy indifference, Vigne's composed maturity, Rikka's spark of odd energy, and Satania's chaotic grin.
Men liking pretty girls was natural. But bringing five at once? That spoke volumes. Hirata, after years in hospitality, had learned to read people without judgment. Still, she couldn't help thinking—Kouya must have some serious charm.
She smiled again, masking her curiosity. "Kouya-san, no need to wait in line. Our staff will handle the check-in personally."
"Thanks," Kouya replied casually.
She turned to lead the way. But before she could take a step, a bright voice rang out.
"Kanna-chan, don't rush! We'll eat soon!" Rikka called out.
"Mm." Kanna nodded obediently, her small tail flicking.
Hirata froze mid-step, her eyes widening as she looked at the small blue-eyed dragon girl. "She's... with them?"
Her thoughts spun. Kouya bringing multiple women wasn't an issue—it was his life. But bringing such a tiny, childlike girl...
That was something else entirely.
A chill crept down her spine.
'No way... he can't be that kind of man, right?' she thought, panic rising. She had heard of wealthy degenerates with strange tastes, but this boy? Handsome, young, composed... why would he—
'That poor child… she could be ruined!'
Her mind conjured the worst images, and she nearly trembled. 'She's so small, she could… die from blood loss!'
Then she forced herself to calm down. 'Wait, maybe it's a misunderstanding! She might be his sister!'
Swallowing hard, Hirata forced a professional smile. "Kouya-san, may I ask who this is...?"
Kouya opened his mouth, but before he could respond, Gabriel spoke up lazily, waving a hand. "Come on, hurry up! You're such a bad master, letting Kanna go hungry—what a crime!"
"M-Master?!" Hirata's thoughts exploded. Her heart skipped a beat.
So it was true?! He actually called himself her master?!
Her gaze darted from Kouya's calm expression to Kanna's innocent face. The contrast nearly broke her mind.
'So young… and already treated like a pet?! What has she gone through?!'
Her conscience screamed, but her reason held her back. A scandal here could ruin everything—the resort's reputation, her job, maybe even her safety if she angered the wrong guest.
'What should I do?!'
Kouya noticed her hesitation and frowned slightly. "Is something wrong?"
Hirata blinked rapidly, forcing herself back to composure. "No, nothing. Just remembered some urgent work issues, please forgive me!" She straightened and smiled again. "There's still one VIP room available, Kouya-san. Please follow me this way…"