After reaching a consensus as "comrades-in-arms," the atmosphere noticeably relaxed.
Kotori took out a delicately designed earpiece, identical to the one Shido usually used, from her pocket and handed it to Koushi.
"Here, this is Ratatoskr's custom communicator, the same model Shido uses."
Kotori explained, "Besides real-time communication, it also integrates GPS and vital sign monitoring functions, allowing us to pinpoint your location and provide assistance immediately in emergencies."
Koushi took the earpiece, weighed it in his hand, and showed a "Isn't this a bit exaggerated?" expression on his face:
"Is this really necessary? I'm just a normal high school student, at most a former chuunibyou. Getting such professional equipment... it feels like being collared."
"It is necessary."
Kotori interrupted him, her tone leaving no room for doubt, her eyes beneath the black ribbon extremely serious.
"Considering the power of your sister Chinatsu, and the potential threat from DEM, this is the most basic plan to ensure your safety. Your identity is different now, Koushi. You must wear it at all times."
Koushi looked at Kotori's "no room for negotiation" expression, shrugged helplessly, and finally put the earpiece into his ear: "Alright, alright, I'll listen to you, Commander."
However, his eyes darted, and he immediately began his performance. Mimicking the posture of certain unscrupulous clients, he cleared his throat and began making demands:
"Ahem, since I'm an important assistant now, the benefits can't be sloppy! My treatment on that... Fraxinus, right? It must be up to the highest standards! Unlimited snacks and drinks, priority access to the latest game consoles, and I need exclusive access to the massage function on the command seat..."
He spoke with increasing enthusiasm, finally adopting a heartbroken expression and clutching his chest:
"You know, Chinatsu is my flesh and blood, my dearest friend and kin!"
Kotori, hearing this, immediately gave her characteristic dead-fish eyes, crossed her arms, and with an "I knew you'd pull this stunt" expression, watched Koushi at her leisure, waiting for his performance.
Shido, beside her, hadn't reacted. Seeing Koushi suddenly make demands, he thought he was backing out or trying to raise the price, and quickly stepped forward to dissuade him: "Koushi, you..."
Before he could finish, Koushi's next words made him slip, and he fell to the ground with a "thud."
Koushi extended his right hand, rubbing his thumb and forefinger together, making a classic "more money" gesture, with an undisguised sly merchant's smile on his face:
"—I need more money."
Kotori looked at Shido, who was sprawled on the ground, and Koushi, who had an "I knew it" expression, sighed helplessly, took the lollipop out of her mouth, waved it like a conductor's baton, and then began to quote prices in a flat, monotonous tone, as if chanting:
"Alright. Listen up: unlimited free access to all Ratatoskr-affiliated businesses, including gyms, massage parlors, foot bath centers, and buffets, with identity verification. Additionally, you'll be provided with a top-of-the-line liquid-cooled gaming PC, complete with a full set of RGB peripherals."
She paused, looking at Koushi, whose eyes were already glowing, and then slowly added the last sentence: "If your performance is good, we can consider assigning you two beautiful maid assistants later, to serve tea and water, and give you shoulder and leg massages."
"Godfather—!!!"
As soon as Kotori finished speaking, Koushi didn't hesitate, falling to his knees with a "thud," tightly embracing Kotori's slender calves, clad in black over-the-knee socks, pressing his face against them, and shouting in an extremely happy and fawning tone:
"Kotori Godfather! From now on, you are my guiding light! My foster parent! If you tell me to go east, I will never go west!"
"I'll go through fire and water for you, Godfather!"
He rubbed against Kotori's black stockings with a look of ecstasy. Even when Kotori, with a look of disgust, lightly stepped on his face with her shoe to try and push him away, he didn't care at all, instead showing an even happier (?) expression.
After the farce, it was late at night. Koushi, satisfied (at least with the benefits), prepared to leave for home.
However, as soon as he reached the door, he was blocked by two burly men in black suits who had appeared at some point.
"Huh? What's wrong? Can't I go home?" Koushi looked back at Kotori with a puzzled expression.
Kotori, licking a new lollipop, said in a matter-of-fact tone:
"For your safety, starting today, you will temporarily stay at Itsuka Residence. We have already prepared a spare room."
"Once our safety apartments specifically built for Spirits and related personnel are completed, you can move in... Hmm, perhaps as a security captain or something."
"Hey, hey! Wait!" Koushi immediately jumped up in protest, "Forced overnight stay? And you want me to be a security guard? Are you serious?! I'm an important 'assistant'! A technical talent! Do I still have human rights?!"
"Objection overruled." Kotori dismissed him curtly, "This is for your safety, and it's part of the plan. Take him away." Then she winked at the two burly men.
The two strong men immediately understood, one on each side, and without a word, they took Koushi by the arms.
"Wait! Shido! Save me!"
"This is illegal detention! Hey, hey! Be gentle! My arm!"
"Kotori! Godfather! Let's discuss this again!"
"At least advance me the beautiful maid assistants first—!"
Koushi's wails gradually faded as he was directly "escorted" by the two crew members back to the guest room at Itsuka Residence.
Shido watched this scene, wiping away non-existent cold sweat from his forehead, gaining a new appreciation for his sister's decisive methods.
It seems that from today onwards, the liveliness of the Itsuka Residence is about to reach a new level.
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