Chapter 318: The Queen's Common Problem, and a Simple Job
Ren stood in the hallway, scrolling through news updates on his phone. Beside him, Cerberus was a blur of contained energy, darting into a nearby room for a moment before zipping back to his side.
For some reason, ever since that last tennis match, Cerberus had started exhibiting some distinctly canine traits even in her human form. Her eyes would lock onto any flying ball with an instinctual urge to pounce and retrieve it. She had also developed a love for spontaneous sprints, often grabbing someone's hand and dragging them along for an impromptu joyride.
Just as she was about to take off again, Ren reached out and gently pulled her back. Cerberus looked up, her little ears twitching as she tilted her head. "Master, Master! What is it? What's wrong?"
Ren considered for a moment before asking, "Cerberus, who do you think will win today's match?"
Her thoughts terrifyingly simple, Cerberus was immediately diverted by the new topic. She cocked her head again. "Whose match is it?"
"Seigaku and Fudomine."
Cerberus put on a very serious thinking face. "I don't know... but I feel like Shusuke and Kunimitsu can win! They looked super strong when they played before!"
A smile touched Ren's lips. "Since you put it that way, I'll bet on Seigaku too. But I have a feeling this match is going to be very interesting. Cerberus, you think you can control yourself this time?"
"Control what? Chasing the tennis balls? I think I can!"
Ren nodded, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He always trusted Cerberus's words, if not always her follow-through. While she could be unreliable when it came to actions, her verbal promises were always sincere. After all, her earnest expression was incredibly convincing, even if her self-control often failed her when the moment arrived. Fortunately, with Lucifer, Yuuko Ichihara, Courage, and Sonoko all there, he was sure nothing could go too wrong.
Just then, Yuuko herself emerged from her room. She had already removed her elaborate headpiece, leaving it on the bed, and now walked out in a pair of simple slippers. The sight of an elegant, formal gown paired with casual house slippers was a jarring contrast—one that perhaps only a woman of her innate grace could pull off without looking ridiculous. Her natural beauty was so potent that she looked good in anything.
Yuuko offered a small, knowing smile. "I've just sent you my contact information; accept it when you have a moment. Also, there are a few things I need to discuss with you."
Ren nodded, pocketing his phone. "We're all family here, no need for such formalities. Just say whatever's on your mind."
"Hmm," Yuuko hummed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "As expected of you, Ren. You are far more reliable than you let on. No wonder you're such a successful heartbreaker."
Ren's mouth twitched. Waving a dismissive hand, Yuuko continued, "The first matter. I'll be returning to my previous world in a couple of days. Clow Reed is gone, but he left behind a tangled web of causality that needs to be managed. Things were already complicated, but my… rebirth in this world has sent ripples back through my own, altering its entire trajectory."
Ren's expression was gentle and understanding. "Think of it as just going home to tidy up a few things. It's nothing to worry about. You can pack up anything you left behind, too."
Yuuko leaned forward slightly, her face drawing closer to his, a playful glint in her eyes. "Aren't you afraid I won't come back?"
A soft smile touched Ren's lips as he reached out and gently flicked her on the forehead. "Because this is your home now."
Rubbing the spot, Yuuko looked at him with a hint of feigned resentment. "Say what you will, but I'm suddenly realizing that women stand absolutely no chance against you. I have a feeling my life from now on is going to be quite difficult."
Ren thought for a second, then shook his head. "No, you're mistaken. It's not just women who have a hard time with me—men don't fare much better. Just look at Zoro."
"That's true," she conceded, "but he's a hot-blooded teenager at most, not yet a mature man."
Ren didn't refute the point, simply nodding. "Fair enough. So, what's the second thing?"
"Guess," she teased, then added with a pout, "Ah! Flicking someone on the forehead makes them dumber, you know!"
"Being too smart means you miss out on a lot of the fun," Ren replied casually.
"Fun… fun?!" Her eyes widened slightly. "I should have known. You're a pure-blooded schemer, aren't you? The second thing is, what am I supposed to do here? Since I'll be living here from now on, I assume I have a role to play."
Ren stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Well, you won't be needed for cooking. I don't get many customers, and the ones I do have tend to eat every last crumb, so washing dishes isn't an issue either. The shop has its own self-cleaning system, so no tidying up. Hmm… I've got it! I'm giving you a truly challenging job!"
The sudden determination in his voice made Yuuko nervous. She eyed him warily. "What do I have to do? It's not handing out flyers, is it?"
Ren shook his head. "No, no, no. Only those guided by fate can find their way to my restaurant. People like Mr. Clow Reed, and you, Yuuko."
She tilted her head. "Then what is it I'm supposed to do?"
Ren's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a sudden, focused intensity as he stared directly into her eyes. For the first time, a genuine blush crept up Yuuko's neck. To be looked at with such gravity by this man, with whom she now shared a complicated connection, was an entirely new experience. She took an instinctive step back, only to find her shoulders meeting the cool surface of the wall. Her mind raced, half-expecting him to lean in, to press a hand against the wall beside her head in that classic, cornering maneuver when…
A wide, brilliant smile broke across his face. "Yuuko, you're surprisingly cute."
The word caught in her throat. "Cu… cute?!"
Ren tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Hm? It's funny… all of you magnificent, queen-like women seem to have the exact same reaction when someone calls you cute. It's… well, it's very cute."
"Ren, that's enough!" she snapped, her composure completely shattered. "Just tell me what my job is!"
"Your job in this shop is just one thing," he said, his voice softening. "And that is… to just live."
Yuuko froze, stunned into silence. After a moment, she tilted her head, her expression one of utter confusion. "But… wouldn't that mean I'm doing nothing?"
"Because there's truly nothing that needs doing. But if you really want to do something, you can help wash vegetables, or make desserts with Lucifer. And oh," he added, a spark in his eyes, "there is one more job you can do."
She stared at him blankly. "Oh… I understand… But is that really all?"
"Yuuko, you're making me wonder if you secretly want me to praise you for being cute again."
"I do not!" she retorted, flustered. "As I thought! In some ways, you're an even bigger schemer than that glasses-wearing man!"
Hearing her mention Clow, Ren suddenly paused, an idea clicking into place. He nodded slowly. "Actually, I just thought of a real job you can do."
"Picking up Sora from school."
"Sora?" Yuuko asked, her curiosity piqued. "Who exactly is Sora?"
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