The next day...
Nagae Estate – Riku's Room
June 20, 2021 – Sunday – 6:45 A.M.
Riku's POV
Morning came quietly, the pale sunlight slipping through the curtains like threads of gold. Six hours had passed since last night's chaos—enough to rest, though not enough to shake off the strange heaviness in my chest. Today was supposed to be lighter. I had a promise to keep.
A date with Eli.
I stretched my arms, feeling the faint ache of muscles still adjusting to something new, something not quite human. A calm exhale left my lips as I turned toward the sound of a gentle knock.
The door slid open, revealing Youmu standing neatly in her uniform, a trolley of freshly washed clothes beside her.
"Ah, good morning, Youmu."
She smiled faintly. "Good morning to you too, Riku-kun. Did you sleep well?"
"It felt good, actually. Thanks for asking." I glanced toward the trolley. "So, what brings you here this early?"
"I came to deliver your clothes. They're all washed and ironed." She paused, a small knowing look flickering across her face. "You'll be needing some of them for your date with Eli-san today, right?"
"Right," I replied with a hint of a smirk. "I'll take these. The rest, you can hang in the closet."
Youmu nodded, wheeling the trolley toward the wardrobe with her usual grace. As she folded and arranged my things, she cast a sidelong glance at me.
"Riku-kun," she began softly, "how's your body?"
Aside from the lingering chill from last night and the strange tingle beneath my skin, I felt fine—mostly. "Aside from my left eye turning blue, I'm alright. Thanks for the concern."
Youmu's expression shifted into mild worry. "Yuyuko-sama was anxious when Eirin-san reported what happened. She nearly used her teleportation spell to come here herself... in the middle of her date."
I blinked. "Wait—what did you just say?"
"That Yuyuko-sama almost teleported here?"
"No. After that." My brow lifted. "She was on a date?"
Youmu hesitated, realizing what she had just revealed. "Oh—uh, yes. She was."
"So they finally made their move, huh?"
Her eyes widened a little. "You knew?"
"Of course I knew," I said, a faint grin tugging at my lips. "Yuyuko-san and Gin-san liked each other for a long time. It was just a matter of when they'd stop dancing around it. Honestly, I'm glad they did."
Youmu's features softened. "Yeah. I've never seen Yuyuko-sama that happy. I hope they can tie the knot someday."
"That'll happen once Gin-san learns the truth."
"So Yuyuko-sama told you?"
I nodded. "She did. Back at Hakugyokurou. I was shocked, but I understood why she trusted me with it."
Youmu's tone turned gentle. "Then I'll trust you to keep it too."
I returned the nod silently. Some secrets weren't burdens—they were signs of trust, and I wasn't about to break that.
While Youmu continued arranging my wardrobe, I peeled off my shirt, preparing to change. I glanced at the mirror—and froze.
"What in the flat living fuck..."
The reflection staring back wasn't quite mine. My body had changed overnight. My muscles were more defined, my frame sharper, almost sculpted. The tone wasn't bulky, but it had the strength of coiled steel beneath skin. I pressed a hand to my abdomen, and the firmness was undeniable.
Youmu turned at my outburst, only to see me shirtless. Her face went bright red in an instant, eyes darting between me and the floor.
"R-Riku-kun... your body... what happened?"
Before I could answer, a familiar voice echoed from the blue gem that shimmered faintly atop my right hand.
"[I think I can explain what has happened to your body.]"
I raised my hand, narrowing my eyes as Albin said that. "Albion... don't tell me this is your doing?"
"[Not mine alone, partner. Iku and I were responsible. When you fell asleep, the Divine Dividing finally completed its integration with your body. But the process began to reject the conflicting energies you carried. To stabilize you, Iku and I made adjustments—allowing your body to wield both your innate youkai power and the Sacred Gear at once.]" The air grew heavy for a moment as Albion explained.
"[In short, you've evolved—part humanoid dragon, part youkai.]" My throat went dry as Albion revealed it. "So... I'm not human anymore."
"[That was the only path left. Albion and I had to decide what to let go of for your survival. We chose your human side.]"
Youmu's eyes widened as we heard Iku's voice. "Iku-san? You're speaking through the gear?"
"[Surprised? Turns out Albion's presence allows me to communicate without pulling Riku into his mindscape. Convenient, isn't it?]" I can feel the proud tone in Iku's voice as I sighed. "Convenient, sure. Still... losing a part of myself doesn't sit easily."
"[Understandable. But you're not truly losing it. You've changed forms, not essence. You'll feel more competitive, perhaps possessive—but those instincts can be managed. You're still you, Riku. Just... more.]" There was a bit of a pause as I heard some of the disadvantages.
"[Now, before Youmu collapses from embarrassment, put on a damn shirt.]"
As Iku said that, I glanced over. Youmu's face was a deep crimson, her eyes flicking anywhere but me.
"Right. Yeah." I grabbed a light blue shirt and pulled it on quickly, then slipped into brown jeans. The fabric felt oddly snug across my shoulders—guess my new physique came with wardrobe problems too.
Just as I was finishing the last button of my shirt, my phone began to ring—a familiar tone I had assigned to Aichi. Oddly enough, it wasn't an ordinary call but a video one. I raised an eyebrow. Aichi wasn't exactly the type to initiate video calls this early in the morning, especially on a Sunday.
I grabbed the device, swiped the screen, and connected it to the flat-screen monitor across the room. A moment later, Aichi's face appeared, slightly disheveled but grinning.
"Took you long enough to answer," he said, leaning closer to the camera. "I was this close to thinking you overslept. Wait—what happened to your left eye?"
I stifled a sigh. "I was in the middle of changing clothes, genius. And about the eye... long story. I'll explain later."
He squinted, clearly not convinced, but decided to let it go. "Fine, fine. Anyway, the reason I called this early—are you and Eli going out on a date today?"
"That was the plan. Why?"
Aichi scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Well, me and Kotori decided to go out too... and she kinda insisted we turn it into a double date."
I blinked. "Wait—you mean you and Kotori, plus me and Eli?"
He nodded, smiling as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
"And you actually agreed to that?"
"Not just me," Aichi countered, raising a finger. "Eli was on board with it too."
That made me pause. "When did this whole thing start?"
"Right after we helped Eli move," he replied easily. "Kotori floated the idea, Eli thought it'd be fun, and well... I didn't have the heart to say no."
A soft chuckle escaped me. "Figures. You never could refuse her."
"Hey, it's called being considerate," he said defensively, though the grin gave him away.
"Right. Anyway," I leaned back slightly, "do you and Kotori have anywhere in mind? I was planning to take Eli to one of those sweets shops in Shibuya. She's got a massive sweet tooth, and I owe her some decent strawberry parfaits after last week."
Aichi's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect, actually. Where exactly?"
"There's this place I know near Shibuya Station. Quiet atmosphere, good variety, and their tiramisu doesn't taste like regret."
He snorted. "You really do judge desserts like a critic."
"I'm a man of standards," I replied dryly. "So, station at nine?"
"Works for us. We'll meet you there."
"Got it. See you then."
He gave a small salute before the call ended, and his image vanished from the screen. The room fell silent again, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner.
I leaned against my desk and exhaled slowly. "To think our date turned into a double date with those two..." I muttered under my breath, rubbing my temples. "This should be interesting."
From behind me, Youmu's voice floated in. "Did Aichi-kun say something strange again?"
"Depends on your definition of strange," I said, half-laughing. "Turns out, Eli and Kotori plotted a double date without telling us. Guess I'll just roll with it."
Youmu smiled faintly, pushing the cart toward the door. "Should I check if Eli-san's awake?"
"Yeah, do that. No need to come back—just message me once you know. If she's up, I'll head to her room myself."
She gave a polite nod before leaving, her footsteps fading down the hallway.
Left alone, I sank into the chair by my desk and opened my laptop. Notifications immediately flooded the screen—an unpleasant reminder that peace never lasted long. Dozens of emails, reports, and letters from both the estate and Gensokyo had piled up overnight.
One, however, caught my attention instantly. The seal of the Imperial Household glimmered faintly on the digital header.
I opened it.
His Majesty's message was brief but heavy with implication. He suggested that the upcoming Gensokyo Grand Festival be formally discussed during the August gathering, citing its potential impact—not only on the youkai community but on the human world as well. The tone of the letter was measured, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.
If the Emperor himself was urging deliberation, then this wasn't just a cultural event anymore. It was political.
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling through my nose. "So it begins again..."
The festival had always been a symbol of unity—bridging humans and youkai—but times were shifting. Even the simplest celebrations carried threads of diplomacy now.
I typed out my reply, concise and respectful, confirming my acceptance of the suggestion. Then I added a quick note to Nitori and Takane: Cease all preparations until the gathering concludes. I'll update you afterward.
The last thing I needed was for them to waste resources on plans that might change under political scrutiny.
As I hit send, my phone buzzed again. A new message—this one from Youmu.
"Eli-san is awake."
That was quick. I pushed the chair back, stretching my arms until my joints gave a satisfying pop.
"Alright," I murmured. "Time to check on her."
Meanwhile with Eli...
Nagae Estate- Eli's Room
7:00 A.M.
3rd POV
Morning sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains, scattering soft beams across the elegant room. Eli stirred beneath the covers, her eyes fluttering open as reality slowly returned—this wasn't her apartment in Tokyo anymore. The refined scent of fresh linen, the quiet hum of distant servants, and the distinct calm of the Nagae Estate reminded her that this was now home.
"Good morning, Eli-sama," came a gentle voice.
Eli turned her head, finding Mitsuri standing by her bedside, composed and smiling softly.
"Mitsuri... good morning," Eli said, still half-drowsy. "How long have you been standing there?"
"I arrived about five minutes ago," Mitsuri replied. "I was just about to wake you up. You do have your date with Riku-sama today, after all."
Eli blinked once before her mind caught up. Right—the date. The promise she made yesterday. Her cheeks flushed faintly at the reminder, though she said nothing about the extra detail she'd kept from Riku: that it was going to be a double date with Aichi and Kotori.
"I know, I know," Eli murmured, brushing her hair from her face. "Still, thank you for the wake-up call. I—"
The door slid open before she could finish.
"Good morning, Eli-san, Mitsuri-san."
Both women turned to see Youmu standing at the entrance, polite as ever.
Mitsuri tilted her head. "Youmu-san, what brings you here?"
"Riku-kun asked me to check if Eli-san was awake," Youmu replied. "He wanted to be informed immediately once she was up."
Eli blinked, curious. "Riku needed something from me?"
Youmu nodded, already pulling out her phone. "I've just sent him a message. He'll be here shortly. Now, if you'll excuse me—I have a garden to tend."
With her usual grace, Youmu bowed lightly and left the room. Moments later, the faint sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hallway, followed by a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," Eli called.
The door opened to reveal Riku, his light blue shirt neatly pressed, the faint shimmer of his changed left eye catching the morning light. He gave a warm smile—until his gaze landed on her.
"Good morning, Eli. How was your slee—uh..."
His words trailed off, eyes widening slightly. Eli blinked, confused for a second—until she followed his gaze downward and realized she was still wearing her nightgown. A sky-blue, semi-transparent one that didn't exactly leave much to imagination.
Her entire face turned scarlet in an instant.
"G-Good morning, Riku..." she stammered, clutching her blanket tightly around herself. "Tell me—you saw, didn't you?"
Riku's silence was answer enough. He looked away immediately, ears burning red.
Before either could attempt recovery, Mitsuri's amused voice cut through the tension like a knife.
"Oh, come on, you two," she said with a teasing grin. "You're already engaged—well, not officially yet—but you'll be seeing each other like that sooner or later."
"M-Mitsuri!" Eli exclaimed, mortified.
Riku coughed, half-choking on air, while Mitsuri merely chuckled, clearly pleased with herself.
"Alright, alright," Mitsuri said, deciding to spare them. "Anyway, Riku-sama, Youmu-san mentioned you wanted to ask something of Eli-sama?"
"I do," Riku replied, regaining his composure. "But could you go ahead and help prepare breakfast first?"
Mitsuri bowed politely. "Of course." With one last mischievous smile, she slipped out of the room, leaving the two alone.
Eli took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Could you... um, turn around for a bit? I'd like to change."
Riku nodded quickly. "Sure." He turned his back, standing awkwardly by the door while Eli climbed out of bed and moved to the wardrobe. The soft rustle of fabric followed—clothes sliding off hangers, drawers opening and closing, the quiet rhythm of her morning routine.
"So," Eli said from behind him, her tone casual, "what brings you here this early?"
"Aichi called me," Riku replied. "Told me about the double date."
"So he told you," she said, amusement in her voice.
"He did," Riku confirmed. "Didn't expect you to agree to Kotori's plan so easily. What made you say yes?"
Eli laughed softly as she slipped into a fresh outfit. "Kotori wanted to use this as a chance to hang out with you—said it's been ages since you two got to relax. And, well, she wanted to have her own date with Aichi at the same time. Umi and Nico questioned her about it, but once Kotori decides on something..."
Riku chuckled under his breath. "Yeah, she's persistent like that. I haven't hung out with her properly in years. Back then, it was just me, Aichi, and Kotori. She was like a little chick following her parents around—us."
Eli smiled at that mental image. "She really looks up to you, you know. She told me once how much she learned from you back then."
There was a brief silence before she added lightly, "You can turn around now."
Riku turned, and for a moment, his words failed him. Eli stood near the window now, the morning light outlining her figure. She wore a light pink v-neck shirt tucked neatly into dark brown shorts—simple, but she made it look effortlessly elegant.
He found his voice again. "Looks good on you."
"Thank you," she said with a soft smile. "Did Aichi mention any details?"
"Yeah," he replied. "We'll meet him and Kotori at Shibuya Station at nine."
Eli nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. Thanks for letting me know."
Riku gave a small nod in return and turned toward the door. Just as his hand reached the doorknob, it swung open from the other side.
Mitsuri stood there, composed as always. "Riku-sama, Eli-sama—breakfast is ready."
"Thank you for letting us know," Riku said, smiling faintly. He turned back to Eli and extended his hand toward her. "Shall we?"
Eli hesitated only for a heartbeat before reaching out and taking his hand. The touch was warm—steady, grounding.
"Let's," she replied softly.
Together, they stepped out of the room, their fingers still intertwined as they made their way down the hall toward the dining room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttered toast drifted faintly through the air, and though the day ahead promised its own kind of chaos, for now, the morning felt calm.
Almost domestic. Almost ordinary.
And for Eli, that was enough to start her day with a smile.
----------
Shibuya Station – 9:10 A.M.
After finishing breakfast, Riku and Eli prepared for their long-awaited date, their first since Eli moved into the Nagae Estate. They were meant to meet Aichi and Kotori at Shibuya Station—what was supposed to be a quiet day for two had evolved into a double date.
As they stepped out of the estate, Rinko and Miyu were already waiting by the gate, waving them off with grins that hinted at mischief. Riku returned the favor by kissing both of them on the cheek before heading off—an act that left the two girls stunned and red as cherries.
Instead of using one of his sleek cars or teleporting via the Universe Ring, Riku chose the humble route: the train. A calm day deserved a simple start. They now stood near the platform, watching the flow of people rush by as Shibuya's hum surrounded them.
Eli's look drew glances from more than a few passersby. She wore a white blouse with soft, puffy sleeves and a plaid skirt in shades of beige and brown. Her hair was left loose, gently brushing her shoulders, adorned with a silver crescent moon hairpin on the right side that gleamed faintly under the sunlight.
Riku, beside her, went with a relaxed look—a blue shirt under a white jacket, paired with black pants. His usual hat and scarf were left behind, though he hadn't gone unarmed; Albion's quiet presence lingered within him. On the collar of his jacket, the pin of OG shone faintly, a memento of the night he shared the stage at Totsuki Resort.
Eli shifted her bag and glanced around. "Are you sure they'll meet us here?"
"I'm positive," Riku replied, scanning the station. "They should be here... right—"
A voice cut him off. "Sorry we're late!"
Both turned toward the sound. Aichi waved as he approached with Kotori at his side. Aichi wore a crisp white long-sleeved polo and dark brown pants—simple but neat. Kotori's outfit was softer, more whimsical: a pastel blue top with lace trim and a pale pink skirt, her brown hair tied in twin pigtails that curled at the ends.
Eli smiled. "It's alright, we just got here. Isn't that right, Riku?"
Riku nodded, smirking slightly. "Yeah. Not like we waited an hour or two."
Kotori giggled before her gaze caught on Riku's uncovered face. "Riku-kun, what happened to your eye?"
Aichi crossed his arms. "And where are your hat and scarf?"
Riku scratched the back of his neck. "Things happened yesterday. I'll explain later, somewhere private. As for my hat and scarf, I left them at the estate. But don't worry—" he lifted his wrist, showing the twin bracelets, "—I've got the Water Webs of Heaven and Earth on me."
Aichi nodded, his eyes lighting up. "Then I've got a place you'll like."
Riku raised a brow. "Then lead the way."
And so, their first destination was revealed—a crane game arcade.
Riku stared at the storefront, then at Aichi, who was standing smugly with two cameramen behind him.
"Aichi," Riku said flatly, "why are we here? And what's with the cameras?"
Aichi grinned. "This is the other reason I agreed to the double date." He stepped forward, his tone mock-serious. "Riku... it's time to settle this, once and for all."
Riku's lips curved upward. "Ah, so it's that time again, huh? Fine, challenge accepted. Kotori, what's the current score again?"
Kotori clasped her hands. "Um... fifty-seven to fifty-eight. In favor of Riku-kun."
Aichi's grin widened. "Then today, I'm tying it up. What's the budget? Since you were challenged, you decide."
"¥150,000," Riku replied. "No abilities allowed."
"Deal."
The two shook hands, the air between them practically crackling with unspoken rivalry. Then, without hesitation, they strode into the arcade, leaving their girlfriends blinking in surprise.
Eli turned to Kotori. "What on earth was that about?"
Kotori smiled. "Way back, Riku-kun and Aichi-kun used to compete in crane games. They've done it for years. Don't worry—it's not just for fun. They donate everything they win to children's hospitals."
Eli blinked. "So they're doing this for charity?"
"Pretty much." Kotori tugged her along. "Come on. Let's watch the chaos."
Inside, the boys were already exchanging money for coins, their hands moving fast as if preparing for battle. Once ready, both turned toward the girls.
Aichi offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry for dragging you two into this. But... I had to."
Kotori sighed fondly. "It's alright, Aichi-kun. I figured this would happen eventually."
Riku shrugged. "Wouldn't be polite to leave you girls hanging. Here—" he handed them a thick stack of bills. "¥150,000 each. Have fun."
Both women froze, staring at the cash.
Kotori's eyes went wide. "Aichi-kun, isn't this a bit too much?"
"Nonsense!" Aichi declared dramatically. "In crane games, there's no such thing as too much!"
Riku chuckled. "Consider it an emergency fund. You might need the extra if you want to win something nice. Now then—" he turned toward Aichi, grinning, "—time to kick your ass."
Aichi bristled. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Challenge starts now. Two hours. Let's see who comes out on top."
With that, the two split off, the sound of clinking coins and mechanical whirs filling the air.
Eli sighed. "So how exactly does this work?"
"Simple," Kotori said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Whoever wins the most prizes and still has the most money left after two hours wins."
"Хорошо." Eli's eyes drifted toward the cameramen. "And those two?"
"Oh, them?" Kotori smiled. "Aichi-kun films every one of their matches and uploads them. Fans vote on who wins. No bias allowed."
"So... this is basically a fan-fueled rivalry?"
"Exactly. Honoka-chan and Umi-chan are fans too. Aichi-kun's arcade channel's pretty famous now."
Eli folded her arms with a wry smile. "That's... oddly impressive. Guess we should make the most of it."
Kotori giggled. "Let's."
They changed their bills for coins and started exploring the rows of machines, filled with plushies, figures, and random trinkets. For a while, it was peaceful—until an explosion of sound broke the air.
Aichi's voice bellowed from across the room. "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! WHAT IS THIS?!?!"
Riku's laugh echoed right after. "THAT WAS ALL ME! I TAKE FULL CREDIT!"
Eli blinked, slightly mortified, while Kotori stifled a laugh. "Oh, this brings back memories."
Eli turned to a nearby staff member. "Is that... normal?"
The staff member chuckled softly. "Hinanawi-sama is one of our most dedicated regulars. His shouting usually means he's in his element. Plus, it brings attention to the shop. Win-win. And right now, this entire floor is reserved for you four and the filming team."
Eli blinked. "So we have the whole place to ourselves?"
"For two hours, yes," the staff confirmed. "Enjoy yourselves."
The two women exchanged amused glances and returned to their own game.
Kotori soon pointed toward one of the crane machines. "You think they'd like this?"
Inside was a small chibi-style plush with long blue hair, red eyes, and a smug smile beneath a wide-brimmed hat.
Eli smiled faintly. "That looks suspiciously familiar. But sure, let's try."
Kotori inserted a coin, eyes sharp and focused. The crane descended, gripping the plush for a moment before dropping it.
And just like that—down the rabbit hole they went, caught in the same feverish rhythm as the boys.
The sound of laughter, mechanical clinks, and the occasional curse painted the room with energy. For once, it wasn't about battles or politics or titles—it was just four people having fun in the chaos of everyday life.
2 and a half hours later....
Kirinoya – Tokyo Branch
11:45 A.M.
Riku's POV
Two and a half hours later, our double date had turned into something that felt more like a victory parade. Aichi and I walked out of the arcade with our arms full of bags—stuffed toys, figures, and other prizes that we'd managed to claw out of the machines. I had to admit, the guy gave me a decent fight this time.
Behind us, Eli and Kotori trailed close, each holding a few bags of their own, smiling like they'd just conquered their own mini war. Eli's eyes glimmered with quiet satisfaction, while Kotori hummed softly, her pigtails bouncing as she walked.
I suggested that Aichi and Kotori stay over at the estate tonight, so we could sort out and send the prizes to the children's hospital together. Aichi agreed without hesitation—it wasn't unusual for him to crash at my place anyway.
By the time we stepped out into the mid-morning sun, the streets of Shibuya had already grown busy, the air carrying the smell of food and city life. My stomach gave a quiet growl, reminding me that it was nearly noon.
"So," I said, glancing at Aichi, "got any plans for lunch?"
He smirked, holding up his phone. "Already handled. I made a reservation this morning. You'll like it."
And that was how we ended up here—Kirinoya, the Tokyo branch. One of the city's most renowned traditional Japanese restaurants. It was quiet, elegant, and known for its wagyu cuts so tender they could melt just from the sight of heat.
A waiter greeted us the moment we stepped in. "Welcome to Kirinoya. Do you have a reservation?"
"Under the name Hinanawi," Aichi said.
The waiter scanned his tablet, then smiled politely. "Yes, right this way."
We followed through a series of sliding doors and tatami halls until we reached a private room at the far end. The space smelled faintly of sandalwood. The paper walls muted the outside chatter, giving the illusion that time slowed down in here.
The waiter gestured for us to sit. "Please take your seats. I'll return to take your orders."
Eli settled beside me; across the table, Aichi sat next to Kotori. We decided on the Yakiniku Omakase Set, since the table came with a built-in grill. The waiter told us it would take about thirty minutes for the cuts to be prepared. None of us were particularly starving, so we told him to take his time.
Once the door slid shut behind him, the air in the room shifted. The casual warmth from earlier cooled into something heavier.
Aichi leaned forward, elbows on the table. "Alright, now that we've got privacy—time for you to explain what happened to your eye."
I figured he'd bring that up sooner or later.
Before answering, I raised my hand and wove a thin, invisible barrier—soundproof, to keep eavesdroppers out. Then I summoned the Divine Dividing.
A bright light flared from my right arm as the vambrace materialized, silver and blue wings etched into its surface. A faint hum pulsed through the room.
Aichi and Kotori's eyes widened instantly.
Aichi's tone turned sharp. "Riku... what the hell happened to your hand?"
"This," I said quietly, "is the Divine Dividing. One of the Thirteen Longinus—Sacred Gears born from fragments of divine beings."
He froze. "Wait. A Sacred Gear? How the hell did you—" His eyes narrowed. "No way. Don't tell me—"
"Yeah," I said before he could finish. "Kuroka gave it to me. As thanks for saving her. It resonated with me, and now it's mine."
Kotori looked between us, brow furrowing. "Um... sorry to interrupt, but... what's a Sacred Gear?"
I met Aichi's gaze. We both nodded. I owed her a brief explanation anyway.
So I gave her the short version: the origins, the powers, and the risk that came with such artifacts. It took about ten minutes to summarize, cutting out the heavier parts. Kotori listened without interrupting, her expression serious.
When I finished, she reached out and gently placed her hand on the vambrace. "To think something like this exists... and you're the one entrusted with it."
Aichi exhaled, leaning back. "A real dragon inside it too, huh? Figures. And that 'divide anything' thing—it's busted. You're basically walking around with two abilities now."
Kotori turned to me. "Does having it affect you in any bad way, Riku-kun?"
Before I could answer, the orb embedded in the vambrace began to glow faintly.
Albion's calm, metallic voice resonated through the air. "[There is nothing to worry about, young lady. My partner can continue his daily life without harm. I will answer his call whenever he needs me.]"
Aichi's eyes widened. "So you're the White Dragon—Albion?"
"[Indeed,]" Albion replied, his tone warm. "[It's good to meet you, young Celestial. You look quite like your sister.]"
That last remark made Aichi stiffen. "You... know my sister?"
"[I've seen her,]" Albion said. "[From within my partner's mindscape. She still slumbers in the Dragon Palace. The resemblance was easy enough—the blue hair gave it away.]"
Aichi's voice softened. "So she's still asleep..."
"She'll wake up soon," I added. "I heard from Iku a few days ago—Tenshi might awaken right before the Gathering begins."
Aichi blinked. "Wait, I thought you said September at the earliest."
"That's if I followed the regular route," I reminded him. "I told you—her recovery speeds up around dense spiritual areas."
He sighed. "You did. You just never said when."
I shrugged. "You'd have figured it out eventually."
"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, though a small grin tugged at his mouth. "So are you planning to use Albion in battle from now on?"
"Not publicly. Not yet. I'll keep it quiet until the Gathering. It'll be my ace if the branch family tries anything. For now, I'm training under my grandfather's supervision. Kuroka's helping too—she teaches me how to master the Sacred Gear, I teach her danmaku in return."
Aichi chuckled. "A fair trade. Do you have a sparring partner in mind?"
"Maybe Meiling-san. She's strong and reliable. Only problem is, she's on guard duty at Koumakan almost nonstop."
"Figures," Aichi said. "Alright, switching topics then. About that call you made yesterday—you said we're going to CiRCLE tomorrow, right?"
Eli nodded. "Right. Aichi mentioned that earlier."
I leaned back, folding my arms. "Yeah, but this stays between us for now. No leaks."
The three nodded, attentive.
"Yesterday," I began, "I met up with MORE MORE JUMP at CiRCLE."
Kotori tilted her head. "The idol group?"
Eli perked up. "They're one of the most popular groups right now. They even beat A-RISE in terms of popularity."
Aichi groaned. "Tell me about it. Nico and Hanayo haven't shut up about them for weeks."
"Well," I said, "they came to CiRCLE asking if they could perform there. I told them to come back Monday for my answer."
Kotori blinked. "You know them personally?"
"Kind of. Shizuku's sister, Shiho, works at CiRCLE. So yeah, we've talked."
Eli narrowed her eyes. "You're already on a first-name basis?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not that close to her... though her voice is pretty alluring."
Kotori leaned forward with suspicion. "Riku-kun... could you possibly—"
BAM!
The sudden slam of palms on the table startled everyone. Aichi's face was buried in frustration.
Kotori jumped. "Aichi-kun!? What's wrong!?"
"WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT SOONER?!" he shouted.
Eli blinked. "Think of what?"
Riku sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "He means performing at CiRCLE instead of at Hanasakigawa."
The realization hit both Eli and Kotori like a lightning bolt.
"To think it was so obvious..." Kotori muttered, facepalming.
Eli groaned. "We were so focused on the school theme we forgot there were other options."
"Well," I said, "it happens. We'll talk more about it tomorrow. Just be there."
They nodded in agreement. I dismissed the barrier, and just in time—the waiter slid the door open, carrying a tray.
"Apologies for the wait, dear guests. Your Yakiniku Omakase Set has arrived."
He laid out the dishes: assorted cuts of premium meat—beef tongue, sirloin, rump, cheek—along with an array of dipping sauces and condiments. The presentation alone could've been framed as art.
"If you require anything, please ring this bell." The waiter placed a small bronze bell beside the tray and bowed before leaving.
Kotori stared at the spread, eyes wide. "This is... a lot of meat. Can we even finish this?"
Aichi chuckled. "If Nozomi were here, she'd be in heaven."
Eli laughed softly. "True." She raised her phone, snapped a quick picture, and sent it. "There. Now she'll know what she's missing."
Aichi groaned. "You're cruel, Eli."
Eli smiled sweetly. "Call it payback for ditching me at Hanasakigawa last time."
While they traded playful jabs, I focused on the grill. I lit the outer burners, leaving the center unheated to serve as the resting area for cooked slices.
"Alright," I said, taking the tongs, "less talking, more grilling."
The soft hiss of meat meeting fire filled the room, followed by the scent of caramelizing fat. I laid the tongue first, then a few slices of sirloin for Eli.
Aichi followed suit, taking the other tongs. "You always start with tongue."
"Tradition," I said. "Gotta start strong."
For a while, the only sounds were the quiet crackle of meat and the soft laughter between bites. It was a rare moment of peace—no tension, no battles, no politics. Just the warmth of shared food and familiar faces.
For once, even the dragons in my head were silent.
----------
Gensokyo Central District – 4:30 P.M.
After our lunch at Kirinoya left everyone comfortably full, I suggested one last stop before we ended the day. The others didn't ask what I had in mind, but I could tell from Eli's curious glance that she sensed I was planning something.
Our next destination was the Gensokyo Central District, a massive hub in the heart of Tokyo where residents of Gensokyo could open shops or trade with the outside world. It was the kind of place where tradition met chaos—street stalls selling youkai talismans stood right next to cafés run by humans, while markets overflowed with everything from celestial silks to spell-crystals. It was noisy, bright, and alive in a way that only Gensokyo could be.
Aichi and I had been here before, but for Eli and Kotori, this was all new. Their reactions were almost identical—wide eyes, a hand instinctively reaching for the nearest display, the kind of childlike awe that made even Aichi and me pause to smile.
Naturally, they decided that shopping was the best way to explore.
What followed could only be described as a tactical endurance test. Every store they passed became a battlefield, and our wallets, the casualties. Dresses, shoes, accessories—nothing was safe. Eli had a knack for finding elegant pieces that matched her natural poise, while Kotori, as usual, gravitated toward soft pastels and flowing fabrics.
Aichi and I, meanwhile, turned into pack mules. By the fifth store, we'd both accepted our fates.
Aichi sighed, shifting the pile of shopping bags in his arms. "You know, Riku... I thought dragons were supposed to have super strength."
"Albion's probably laughing right now," I muttered, readjusting my own load.
"[You are correct, partner. I find this struggle rather... entertaining.]"
"Glad someone's enjoying it," I replied dryly, earning a confused look from Kotori.
Two hours later, our arms were trembling like we'd run a marathon. I finally called one of the Nagae Estate's attendants to pick up the girls' purchases and have them sent home—Eli's to her new room, Kotori's to the guest suite. Once that was settled, I turned to the group.
"There's one last place I want to take you all," I said.
Eli tilted her head, intrigued. "Another surprise?"
"You'll see soon enough."
After a short drive, we arrived at a small building tucked between a bookstore and a magic supply shop. The exterior was plain—no signboard, no logo, just large glass windows. But inside, I caught sight of someone familiar arranging pastries in a display case.
When I waved, Momo looked up and immediately hurried to the door, her usual calm expression breaking into a small smile.
"You made it in time, Riku," she said, bowing lightly. "I was starting to think you weren't coming."
"Got a little held up," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck. "But we're here."
Eli leaned slightly toward me. "And she is...?"
"Everyone, meet Akanegakubo Momo," I introduced. "Third-year at Totsuki Culinary Academy. A dessert specialist."
Aichi stepped forward first. "Hinanawi Aichi. Riku's best friend, third year at Otonokizaka."
Kotori followed with a polite bow. "Minami Kotori, second year at Otonokizaka—and Aichi-kun's fiancée." She added with a faint smile, "Also, Riku-kun's old friend."
Eli crossed her arms lightly, confident but cordial. "Ayase Eli. Third-year and student council president of Otonokizaka... and Riku's fiancée as well."
Momo blinked once, then gave a small, graceful bow. "Akanegakubo Momo. Third-year at Totsuki Culinary Academy, and currently the Third Seat of the Elite Ten Council."
That caught my attention. "Third Seat? Wait—you were Fourth before."
"I was," Momo said, folding her hands neatly in front of her. "After our Shokugeki and the lessons you gave me, I challenged To-myan for his seat. The theme was 'signature dishes.' It was a close match... but I won, three to two."
My brows rose. "To-myan?"
"Megishima Tosuke. A third year like me and a ramen specialist." Momo said as she took off her mitts.
Aichi whistled low. "Hold on—what's a Shokugeki?"
Before I could answer, Kotori jumped in, curiosity sparkling. "And... 'Elite Ten'? That sounds kind of intimidating."
I smiled faintly. "The Elite Ten are basically Totsuki's top students. They hold enough power to overturn school policies with a majority vote. It sounds extreme, but that's how the academy maintains its standards."
Eli shook her head slowly. "That's... an absurd amount of authority for students."
"True," I admitted, "but trust me, they earn it. Every one of them."
Momo's expression softened. "It's strict, but it pushes us to grow. And after that match, I wanted to thank you properly. You helped me refine my dessert techniques—especially my flavor balance."
I shrugged. "You did all the work. I just gave you a few pointers."
Aichi looked around the unfinished shop. "So this is your place?"
Momo nodded, pride flickering in her eyes. "Yes. I used one of Riku's contacts to secure this property. Once I graduate, I'll open my flagship pastry store here. I haven't decided on a name yet—but that will come in time."
Kotori leaned closer, peering at the counters. "You're really starting from scratch, huh?"
"I am," Momo said simply. "But it's exciting."
I turned to her. "You mentioned having something ready?"
Her lips curved faintly. "I did. It's been chilling for a while—I was about to start decorating it."
"Go ahead," I said, gesturing to the kitchen area. "We'll watch."
Momo moved with practiced precision, retrieving a round pan from the refrigerator. When she lifted the mold, a perfectly smooth chocolate cheesecake emerged. The scent of cocoa filled the room instantly.
"So this is what you were hinting at," I said, crossing my arms as I watched Momo work at the counter. "I take it the toppings are already prepared?"
"Hm," she hummed softly, not looking up. "Just need to pour the chocolate ganache and add the chocolate whipped cream. Then it's done."
The air in the kitchen was thick with the scent of cocoa and roasted espresso. Momo's movements were quiet and precise—steady hands, eyes fixed on the task, like a painter lost in their final stroke. She poured the glossy ganache over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The surface shimmered under the light, a mirror of dark chocolate perfection. After a few minutes, she filled a piping bag and began decorating with careful swirls of whipped cream before finishing it off with a delicate snowfall of grated dark chocolate.
She finally set the finished cake in front of us with the faintest smile. "Here's my take on chocolate cheesecake—a triple chocolate cheesecake. The base has white and milk chocolate with a hint of espresso. The foundation's made from Oreo cookie crumble. On top—dark chocolate ganache and chocolate whipped cream."
"Wow~," Kotori sighed dreamily.
"Sounds... tempting..." Eli murmured, her voice practically melting like the ganache itself.
"Quite impressive," I admitted, leaning closer to inspect the craftsmanship. "I thought you'd go wild with the decoration, though."
Momo chuckled. "You're the one who told me, remember? 'Simplicity at its finest.'"
Aichi leaned in, peering at the pristine surface. "So... how are we gonna cut it? Using a normal knife might ruin the whole thing."
Without a word, Momo disappeared into the back. She returned moments later, holding a long knife and a small blowtorch.
"Whoa, you're not about to—" Aichi started, but Momo had already ignited the torch.
The blade hissed faintly as she ran the flame along its edge, the metal glowing for a brief second before she shut the torch off. With practiced grace, she sliced through the cake. Each cut was smooth, the layers staying perfectly intact, clean lines dividing the rich interior. She served us each a slice, complete with a golden fork.
Up close, the cake looked even more stunning. The interior resembled a checkerboard of white and milk chocolate, the base a dark crumble that made the colors pop.
Before I could even lift my fork, I heard a soft thud beside me. Eli had gone limp, eyes half-lidded in bliss. Kotori followed a second later, her expression frozen in delight.
"Хорошоooooooooooooooooooo..." Eli sighed dreamily.
"Chun chun~..." Kotori added faintly, slumping in her chair.
I blinked, staring at the two of them. "You've got to be kidding me..."
I took a bite myself—and holy hell.
The flavor hit like a symphony. The sweetness of the white and milk chocolate was balanced by the bitterness of the espresso and the smooth depth of the dark ganache. The cheese was light, fluffy, and perfectly salted. The whipped cream tied it all together without weighing it down.
"Normally," I said after a moment, "mixing white and milk chocolate would make this way too sweet. But the espresso and ganache balance it perfectly. The texture's smooth, and the icing's not heavy either. Momo, what kind of chocolate did you use?"
"For the white chocolate, I used Belgian," she replied calmly. "The milk chocolate came from a small shop here in Tokyo, and the dark chocolate's Peruvian—imported directly from Lima. The espresso's from Italy. My father brought it back from a trip last week."
I nodded slowly. "That explains it. No wonder those two are floating on cloud nine right now... Are you planning to sell this?"
She shook her head. "No. I'm keeping this as a secret item."
Aichi raised an eyebrow. "Ooooh, a secret menu item? So only loyal customers can order it?"
"Exactly," she said with a smirk. "I want to give my regulars something special. Anyway, are you planning to wake them up?"
"Let them be for a minute." I chuckled. "Honestly, I was half-worried they'd... react too strongly. For a second, I thought Eli and Kotori might actually strip right here out of pure bliss."
Aichi choked. "Right. I forgot dishes from Totsuki chefs have that... uh, 'foodgasm' effect."
"That means we're doing something right," Momo replied dryly. "By the way, Riku—did you finish picking the final hundred yet?"
"Halfway there," I said.
"Please hurry," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Tsukasa-san's been getting paranoid since you haven't sent in your final list."
"I'll deliver it to Totsuki myself at the end of the month."
"At least you've got a deadline," she sighed.
Aichi frowned, confused. "Okay, not to sound lost here, but... what are you two talking about?"
Momo and I took a moment to explain—the upcoming Autumn Festival at Totsuki this September, and my role in selecting the top hundred first-years who would compete. When we finished, Aichi leaned back in his chair, impressed.
"Well, since you're the one picking them, I'd say Momo made the right call," he said. "You've got a good eye for talent. Whoever you pick, they'll go far. But how'd you even get saddled with that responsibility?"
I smirked slightly. "Sanzaemon-dono challenged me to a Shokugeki."
Aichi's eyes went wide. "He what?!"
"Calm down," I said flatly. "I'm not done yet."
He bit his tongue and motioned for me to continue.
"If I lost, I'd have to retire from music completely and join Totsuki full-time. But if I won..." I leaned back slightly. "Then I'd get to keep my music career and the Celestial Families would gain majority influence over Totsuki's operations. Every plan, every policy—they'd need our approval."
Aichi blinked. "So that's why I had to deal with all that paperwork last month! I thought something was off when half of it was about a culinary academy."
Momo chuckled softly. "And it was a relief that I lost. Before your families took over, the Elite Ten had to handle mountains of administrative work. We barely had time to perfect our craft. Now? Things are smoother. We finally get to focus on what we're best at."
"Guess that worked out for everyone," Aichi said, taking another bite.
Meanwhile, Eli and Kotori began to stir.
"Uhn... what happened..." Eli murmured, rubbing her temples.
Kotori blinked in confusion. "We just took a bite of the cake and then..."
"The flavor knocked you both out cold," I said dryly. "You're fine now."
Kotori tilted her head. "But how are you and Aichi-kun still okay?"
"We're used to it," I said. "Don't worry. It only happens on the first bite. You can enjoy the rest safely."
The two looked at their plates warily, then took another bite—this time staying conscious, their faces lighting up with bright, genuine smiles.
Watching them, Momo and I exchanged a glance and bumped fists quietly. Her creation was a complete success.
"Say," I asked, "you made extras of that cake, right?"
Momo nodded, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "I did. You want to take some with you?"
"Can you do that?"
"I can."
The air between us felt warm with unspoken satisfaction—the kind that comes only after hard work and a perfect result. The faint scent of cocoa lingered in the room, sweet but not cloying, just like the quiet pride Momo carried in her smile.