Eat, drink, and run—typical!
At that moment, Momousagi finally understood what Tsuru-san meant when she warned, "You'll be the one suffering in this deal."
If she really gave in to Ron tonight, that man would definitely pull up his pants, act innocent, and deny everything tomorrow.
Still, she wasn't angry. In fact, she smiled playfully and leaned closer.
"Then tell me," she asked softly, "out of all the women you've met, who's the prettiest?"
Ron froze, still feeling the warmth lingering in his palms. Before he could answer, she rested her hand on her sword's hilt.
Shiiing…
The famed blade Konpira slid halfway out of its sheath. The faint ring of metal filled the quiet tavern.
Damn it.
This is a trick question.
And the wrong answer might get me sliced in half.
He coughed lightly, forcing a straight face.
"A woman's beauty isn't just on the outside. She's like a piece of candy—you've got to peel away the wrapper to find what's really sweet inside."
Then, deliberately, he smirked.
"So, tell me, Vice Admiral—can your wrapper be peeled?"
Momousagi's eyes gleamed.
"Of course," she said with disarming calm. "Come to my room tonight. You can find out yourself."
Ron: …I was trying to scare you off, not schedule an appointment!
Now the question was—when the goddess walks right into your lap, do you sit still or pray to survive?
"What's wrong? Scared?" she teased, resting her chin on her hand. "I'm just a weak little woman. I won't bite."
Ron gave her a flat look.
"Yeah right. Which Vice Admiral isn't a monster? You're not fooling anyone, crazy lady."
"Truly, no strength at all," she said, lowering her gaze just slightly, voice a purr. "Want me to show you? It's my first time."
Smack!
Ron slapped his own forehead.
"Sister, please—don't do this. I'm still a kid."
Momousagi chuckled, amused at his surrender. She let the tension fade and simply kept drinking.
For a while, the tavern was silent except for the soft clink of her glass. When she finally finished the bottle, she stood without another word and walked out.
Ron leaned against the counter, watching her tall figure disappear into the streetlights.
"What is that woman thinking…" he muttered.
Today's events had come too suddenly. That kiss—unexpected, deliberate—still left his heart unsteady.
And worse—she hadn't even paid her tab.
"Forget it," Ron sighed. "Consider it a farewell drink."
If she really transferred to the G-14 base in the New World, he wouldn't be seeing her anytime soon.
Later that evening, Rem's voice came from the kitchen.
"Master, dinner's ready."
"Coming," Ron replied.
After the meal, he sat by the window behind the bar, letting the sea breeze roll in while watching merchants and pirates drift through the harbor.
The women in this world… they're all terrifying, he thought, half-grinning. And none of them fit in one hand.
Absentmindedly, he picked up his razor to trim his stubble. The moment he flicked it on, a strange metallic tang hit his nose.
He frowned.
"Have you two used this?" he asked, glancing at the twin maids.
They both shook their heads, looking puzzled.
Then Ron's eyes landed on the black cat lounging on the counter.
At the same instant, Yoruichi's golden eyes met his.
Her fur stood on end.
"Meow!"
Ron sighed.
"So it was you, huh? Using my razor while I'm asleep? You know," he said wryly, "I could've helped."
The cat's glare could've killed a man. Her pupils narrowed to slits, a faint red flash gleaming in them. Claws slid out from soft pink pads—ready to strike—
Ding-ling…
The tavern bell rang.
Instantly, a heavy, sinister pressure swept through the air—cold, domineering, full of malice.
The door creaked open.
A towering figure ducked inside—half man, half dragon. Crimson eyes glowed under ridged horns; his face was wreathed in flickering flame-shaped spines.
Even Yoruichi only gave him one sleepy glance before curling back up, unbothered.
Ron didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled calmly.
"Welcome, Lord Shendu."
Shendu—the immortal demon sorcerer from Jackie Chan Adventures, the ruler of his world's dark age.
Villain or not, the tavern had only one rule: No fighting, and pay your tab.
"Someone told me your drinks are worth the trip," Shendu said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying that echo of otherworldly magic.
"You won't be disappointed," Ron replied. "Please, take a seat."
In the blink of an eye, Shendu appeared at the bar. The menace in his aura faded slightly, replaced by an oddly tranquil poise.
Rem came out with a bottle, setting it carefully before him.
"Your drink, sir. Please enjoy."
She and Ram stepped back, eyes wary. The demon's presence was enough to freeze a room.
Shendu chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. I came to drink, not destroy. Even demons get tired."
Ron studied him. Strange… this one's far calmer than the legends say.
Still, he gestured for the twins to rest.
"Go on, close up early tonight."
Once they were gone, he poured the drink.
"This is called Overlord's Drunk. High proof, but smooth. A warrior's wine."
Shendu nodded.
"If it can make me forget, that's enough."
He uncorked it and swallowed the entire bottle in a single pull.
Ron handed him another.
"Rough day?"
The demon's red eyes dimmed. His voice grew quieter, heavier.
"I may not be human," he said, "but I am still a father."
"And after these last two years…"
He exhaled, molten breath curling from his nostrils.
"I've learned there's nothing in this world more exhausting—than having a son."
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