Chapter 535: Playing with Fire and the Heartbreaker, Yakumo Yukari
Yuuka Kazami finally offered a serene assurance that she wouldn't strip the garden bare before Ren gave a slow, measured nod of acknowledgment. Beneath his calm exterior, a lingering curiosity gnawed at him. He genuinely wanted to ask whether the terrifying Flower Master preferred admiring the blooms or devouring them whole, but he possessed enough survival instinct to let the question die on his tongue.
Just as Ren turned on his heel to head back to the kitchen, Lady Yukari's gaze flicked toward the slightly displeased Yuuka. A sly, dangerous little smile curved the boundary youkai's lips. "My, my. Hold on a moment, Mister Restaurant Owner."
Ren paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "What is it?"
Yukari unfurled her fan with a soft snap, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I happen to have two little questions I simply must ask you."
"Go ahead."
Leaning forward, Yukari adopted a tone of playful scandal. "Mister Restaurant Owner, you just confessed to me, and also to Yuuka..."
Ren cut her off before she could spin the narrative any further. "Let me stop you right there. First, I didn't confess to anyone. Second, I get the distinct feeling that you are deliberately trying to stir up trouble, Miss Yakumo."
Yukari let out a soft, airy laugh, waving her fan dismissively. "Oh, how could you say such a thing? But very well. Even if it wasn't a confession, indulge me. If you absolutely had to confess to one of us... who would you choose? Me, or Yuuka?"
Ren stared at her, momentarily speechless. Beside him, Lucifer felt a vein throb in her temple. What on earth was happening? Just moments ago, the Queen of Hell had been contemplating the logistics of raising children with this man, and now two ancient youkai were openly fighting over him? She had fended off countless suitors in her time, but never with such brazen disregard for her presence. Did they think the ruler of the underworld was just part of the furniture?!
Before Lucifer could voice her indignation, Ren let out a long, weary sigh. "I don't see a single trace of genuine affection or anticipation in your eyes, Miss Yakumo. You're just looking for cheap entertainment."
Yukari's smile didn't waver. "Guilty as charged. But even so, a maiden can't help but be curious. Who possesses the greater charm between Yuuka and myself?"
Ren fell silent, his dark eyes studying the two legendary figures. Yukari and her nine-tailed shikigami, Yakumo Ran, both leaned in with bated breath. Yukari even sweetened the deal, her voice dripping with honey. "If you choose me, I'll even throw in Ran as a bonus package. How does that sound?"
Yuuka's emerald eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. This shameless old hag. She was taking things entirely too far. Yet, despite her irritation, the Flower Master remained perfectly still, silently waiting for Ren's answer.
Meanwhile, Ran's fox ears shot straight up, her face flushing a deep crimson. Seriously?! Did shikigami count as part of a dowry now?! The sheer absurdity of the situation left her completely flustered, her tails swishing in nervous agitation—though she, too, found herself hanging on Ren's impending words.
After a deliberate, heavy pause, Ren's voice cut through the tension, smooth and completely unbothered. "In your world, a man might be forced into a bitter struggle over who to choose. But here? There are no limits. So why should I limit myself to just one?"
Yukari blinked, her fan freezing mid-swish. Then, she threw her head back and let out a cascade of melodic laughter. "Hahahaha! As expected of our Mister Restaurant Owner! You truly are a greedy, insatiable man. I must admit, if you actually had the stamina to manage such a feat, I'd be quite delighted!"
Sitting nearby, Reimu cast a deadpan glare at the boundary youkai. Yukari was practically tap-dancing on the edge of a cliff. Though the shrine maiden didn't care for the romantic politics, she knew enough about the man standing before them to recognize that he wasn't one to be toyed with lightly.
Just as Reimu predicted, Ren tilted his head, a faint, predatory glint entering his eyes. "Is that so? In that case, Miss Yakumo... you must be quite easy to win over. Should I start drafting a courtship plan?"
Yukari froze. The playful banter suddenly felt very real. Wait, wasn't this the part where he was supposed to nervously laugh it off and retreat to the kitchen? Why was he leaning into it?! The seasoned instigator suddenly felt the distinct, uncomfortable sensation of having played with fire only to scorch her own fingers.
Seeing the rare look of utter bewilderment on Yukari's face, Ren allowed a faint smirk to touch his lips. He had called her bluff. Yukari realized instantly that she had been thoroughly outplayed. To think that she, a master of manipulation and romantic teasing, had met her match in a mortal chef! She had absolutely no retort. Her metaphorical license as a master flirt felt entirely fraudulent.
Desperate to salvage her pride, Yukari snapped her fan shut and cleared her throat. "Then onto the second question. Listen closely, you greedy man. Who is more beautiful... me, or Yuuka?"
Yuuka's gaze sharpened, the atmosphere around her dropping a few degrees. Yukari mentally cheered, thinking she had successfully redirected the flow of the conversation.
Ren merely tilted his head, his tone conversational. "Who is more beautiful? Well... don't worry, Miss Yakumo, your elegance certainly fits my aesthetic perfectly. You needn't fear that I'll be biased just because Miss Kazami arrived at the restaurant first. Though, I must say, Miss Kazami is stunning in her own right."
Yuuka remained completely silent, her expression unreadable as she stared at Ren. Though a flicker of displeasure danced in her eyes at the diplomatic answer, she kept her thoughts to herself.
Ren stepped slightly closer. "So, Miss Yakumo. Do you still wish to continue this little game?"
Yukari felt the desperate need to reclaim her dignity. If she backed down now, centuries of building her untouchable persona would be for nothing! Gritting her teeth, she forced a confident, airy tone. "Oh, I'm not playing at all. You are a fine gentleman, and your culinary skills are divine. It's a perfect arrangement; I get a wonderful dinner out of it. If you truly think I am that easy to win over, then by all means, Mister Restaurant Owner, try to pursue me. Succeed, and Ran is yours as well."
Ren held her gaze. The silence stretched, thick and heavy. Just as Yukari opened her mouth to let out a triumphant laugh, the words died in her throat.
Ren closed the distance between them in a single, fluid motion. He leaned down, his tall frame casting a shadow over her, forcing her to look up into his dark, expressionless eyes. The sudden proximity, the sheer physical presence of the man, sent an unexpected jolt of genuine timidity straight through the ancient youkai's chest.
She swallowed hard, her heart giving a traitorous flutter. "W-what exactly is the Mister Restaurant Owner planning to do?" she managed to ask, striving for composure.
Instead of answering, Ren leaned in closer, his lips hovering mere inches from her ear. He murmured something so softly that only she could hear.
Yukari blinked in surprise, then, almost instinctively, gave a small nod. A second later, a deep, furious blush exploded across her pale cheeks. She stumbled back a half-step, staring at Ren with a mixture of shock and deep confusion.
Ren straightened up, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Excellent. So, Miss Yakumo, you know what's happening then?"
"Eh? Know what?" she stammered, her usual eloquence abandoning her.
Ren tilted his head, his voice carrying clearly across the room. "I just asked if you wanted to stay for a date tomorrow, and you nodded your agreement, Miss Yakumo. Are you trying to play dumb and back out already? You really are a cold-hearted woman."
Yukari's mind short-circuited. When in the world had she agreed to a date?!
What Ren had actually whispered into her ear was: 'Miss Yakumo, is it the peach blossom wine you're after?'
She had subconsciously nodded to confirm her drink order, and right at that vulnerable moment, Ren had deliberately exhaled a warm breath against the sensitive shell of her ear. That was the sole reason she had flushed so fiercely. As a veteran player of these games, the realization hit her like a physical blow. She had been flawlessly, utterly trapped.
Reimu watched the exchange while casually sipping her tea. "So, Yakumo Yukari, you really are that easy to get. But I suppose the Mister Restaurant Owner is a good catch. Since you're footing the bill for my dinner, I'll wish you luck on your date tomorrow."
A rare, genuinely amused smile curved Yuuka Kazami's lips.
Even Ran bowed her head slightly, her voice a hushed whisper. "Lady Yukari... please enjoy your date..."
"I never said I was going on a date!" Yukari shrieked, her composure shattering completely.
Reimu clicked her tongue in disgust. "Honestly, Yukari. Toying with a man's pure feelings like this. You really are a heartbreaker. Absolute scum."
Yukari stood frozen, completely dumbfounded. What in the world was happening?! A wave of deep regret washed over her. Why, oh why, did she have to provoke this particular man?!
Ren let out a heavy, melancholic sigh, perfectly playing the part of the spurned lover. "Since Miss Yakumo intends to stand me up after giving me hope, I suppose I have nothing left to say. I'll go prepare the food now."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Yukari stranded in the middle of the room.
Her jaw dropped. He set the trap, sprung it, and then just walked away?! What was she supposed to do now?! If she chased after him to explain, it would solidify the 'date'. If she stayed put and did nothing, she was officially branded a scummy heartbreaker by everyone in the room.
It was a total checkmate. She had played with fire, and now, she was burning.
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