Dusk settled in as Cael took Kobeni to the mall to pick out a new outfit from Snidel.
The sales assistant strongly recommended a set, a short white top paired with a high waisted bottom. On Kobeni's petite frame, barely 1.6 meters tall, it balanced her proportions perfectly. The retro street style added a gentle brightness to her appearance.
The price was 25,000 yen. A bit expensive, but meaningless to Cael.
After all, dressing well is not about pleasing others. It is about feeling good in your own skin.
Once Kobeni changed, they left the mall.
Cael drove toward her hometown in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kobeni had never worn something so beautiful, or so expensive. She sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her head lowered, trying to hide the heat rising to her cheeks.
The silence inside the car grew thick.
To her, Cael was overwhelming in every sense.
"In your memory, Kobeni, what kind of people are your parents?" Cael asked casually.
"My parents... they are very strict..." she murmured, staring out at the passing streetlights as her thoughts drifted back.
She had been around seven or eight years old.
"I picked a flower for you, Mama. Look, it is pretty."
Her mother's expression had been cold.
"Did you finish the laundry?"
"I did..."
"Then what about dinner?"
"I have not made it yet..."
The slap came without warning.
Her mother snatched the flower, crushed it, threw it to the ground, and stepped on it.
"Flowers? Are you stupid? You finish washing clothes and do not think about cooking? Do you want us to starve?"
The memory faded.
The car slowed.
They had arrived.
To keep up appearances, Cael grabbed Kobeni's hand and pulled her along. With gifts in hand, he walked straight inside.
Three people sat at the low table on the tatami, food laid out in front of them. Sushi, tamagoyaki, sashimi, tempura.
Her parents and her brother.
Their eyes locked onto Cael the moment he entered.
Kobeni took a breath and forced a smile.
"Papa, Mama, this is my bo—"
"What are you three doing just sitting there?"
Cael cut her off loudly.
"We come all this way and you cannot even stand up? No one helps with the bags either. What kind of manners are these?"
Kobeni froze.
Her parents and brother stared in confusion.
Cael clicked his tongue, unimpressed, and dropped the gift boxes onto the floor.
He pulled Kobeni forward, walked past them, and tapped her father's shoulder.
"Old man, move. We are sitting here."
Her father frowned, anger rising instantly.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Kobeni, is this really the guy you brought ho—"
"Too much talking."
Cael grabbed him and shoved him aside like it was nothing.
"You are not using this seat."
Her father staggered, stunned by the strength.
Cael calmly guided Kobeni into place and sat beside her. He loosened his collar and tapped the table, completely at ease.
Then he looked at her mother and smiled.
"Mother in law, we came a long way. We are thirsty. Pour us some sake."
Her mother's face flushed with anger.
"So rude. We have not even agreed to your relationship yet."
Cael did not respond.
Instead, he reached out.
The sake bottle slid across the table and into his hand.
Kobeni's family froze.
He poured half a cup for Kobeni.
"You cannot drink much, so take it easy."
"O... okay..."
Then Cael lifted the bottle and drank straight from it until it was empty.
His expression did not change.
He had already absorbed the alcohol using his ability. Not a drop actually entered his system.
He tossed the empty bottle into the trash.
"Sorry. I was thirsty."
Silence filled the room.
Her brother lowered his head, saying nothing.
He had expected some old rich man.
Not this.
Not someone who looked like that.
Standing next to Cael made him feel completely insignificant.
Her mother forced herself to stay composed.
She had seen it clearly.
Telekinesis.
A devil contract.
Private contracts were illegal. That meant one thing. This man likely had ties to Public Safety.
But none of that mattered right now.
What mattered was the money.
She forced a smile.
"Young man, our attitude earlier was not appropriate. What is your name?"
Cael leaned back slightly.
"You first."
She hesitated.
"Me?"
"If you want information, you give yours first. Basic manners."
Her smile stiffened.
For the sake of twenty million yen, she endured it.
"I am Kobeni's mother, Fujimoto Haruko."
"That is her father, Higashiyama Naoto."
"And this is her brother, Higashiyama Kotaro."
Cael nodded once.
"Cael."
She struggled slightly with the name, then quickly continued.
"Then may I ask what your parents do?"
"Dead."
Silence.