"How could that be?"
Ren lazily pointed at the obvious dark circles under his eyes.
His voice carried a hint of fatigue.
"I stayed up all night reading Takatsuki-sensei's work."
The statement was only half true.
He had finished the book.
But the lack of sleep had far more complicated reasons.
Across the table, Sen Takatsuki placed down her pen after finishing Hinami's autograph.
Her emerald eyes brightened with interest.
"Oh?"
She leaned forward slightly.
Her fingertip tapped lightly on the fresh copy of The Black Goat's Egg resting on the table.
"That's truly flattering."
Her voice was playful.
"Then perhaps Mr. Ren could share his thoughts on the story?"
Her smile widened slightly.
"As a writer, hearing honest feedback from readers—especially a unique reader like you—is very important."
Ren's brows tightened slightly.
Unique?
So she had noticed something.
But how?
His thoughts moved quickly.
The people who had seen Carnage were limited.
The members of Anteiku.
The surviving ghouls from the Ghoul Restaurant.
And Shuu Tsukiyama.
None of them should have had any connection with Takatsuki Sen.
Which meant—
Another possibility.
Yakumo Oomori.
That lunatic had survived?
A brief flash of surprise crossed his mind.
Back at the clinic, he had spared Yamori because Hinami was present.
But he clearly remembered someone else nearby.
Kureo Mado.
If Mado had been watching—
He would never have allowed Yamori to escape.
Unless…
Mado had failed.
Ren clicked his tongue inwardly.
Looks intimidating, but couldn't even handle an injured half-kakuja.
Returning his attention to the present—
He sighed quietly.
Refusing the question in front of so many readers would only draw attention.
Unfortunately—
He was not like Kaneki beside him.
Kaneki could easily deliver an enthusiastic literary analysis.
For Ren—
Once he finished reading the story, that was enough.
Thankfully—
Living with Kaneki had one advantage.
He had listened to Kaneki analyze Takatsuki's novels countless times.
Borrowing a few phrases wouldn't be difficult.
He cleared his throat.
His expression remained calm.
"The Black Goat's Egg tells the story of a serial killer known as the Black Goat and her only child."
His voice was steady.
"The son initially despises his mother's actions."
"But after repeatedly witnessing—and eventually participating in—those acts…"
"…his mind gradually changes."
He paused briefly.
"…until he falls into the same abyss."
He mimicked the tone Kaneki often used when discussing tragic literature.
"The ending—where love and hatred intertwine—is especially impactful."
"The narrative perspective is unusual."
"Takatsuki-sensei must have put considerable thought into it."
The final sentence—
Was his only genuine evaluation.
From a purely technical standpoint—
The writing was impressive.
After all—
The novel contained fragments of Takatsuki's own experiences.
Growing up in the brutal 24th Ward, Eto Yoshimura understood despair far better than most writers.
Inside his mind—
Carnage spoke with confusion.
[Did the book mention any of that…?]
Ren sighed internally.
"We read it together."
Carnage replied flatly.
[I didn't notice.]
Then added calmly:
[The murder scenes were good though.]
Takatsuki Sen listened quietly.
Her smile never disappeared.
But when Ren mentioned the "unique perspective" of the story—
A faint ripple appeared deep within her green eyes.
"Mr. Ren's interpretation is excellent."
She nodded lightly.
"I'm very happy to have a reader like you."
She slid the signed book across the table.
Her fingers lingered momentarily on the edge of the pages.
"Thank you for your support…"
She smiled.
"…and your unique insights."
She emphasized the final word.
"Thank you."
Ren accepted the book calmly.
Then turned toward the two waiting beside him.
"Let's go."
Kaneki hurried after him.
But he kept glancing back toward the signing table.
Takatsuki Sen had already begun signing books for the next reader.
Her warm smile returned effortlessly.
"Kiryu-nii…"
Kaneki leaned closer.
"What did you talk about with Takatsuki-sensei?"
"She seemed really interested in you."
"Nothing special."
Ren shrugged casually.
"Just chatting about the book."
He shoved the signed novel into his coat pocket.
Inside his mind—
Carnage whispered.
[That green-haired woman…]
[She smells… strange.]
[Not ordinary prey.]
He rolled his eyes.
"Eat eat eat, that's all you think about."
"I'll feed you until you explode someday."
Kaneki blinked.
"Kiryu-nii?"
"What did you say?"
"Nothing."
He waved it off easily.
"I was praising your idol's charm."
Then he glanced at his phone.
11:00 AM.
Unlike humans—
Ghouls didn't need regular meals.
Even the staff of Anteiku ate irregularly.
But at this moment—
A sudden urge rose in Ren's mind.
He wanted to cook.
Immediately.
He lowered his head.
Looking at Hinami.
"Hina."
"Are you hungry?"
Hinami nodded obediently.
"A little."
"And you, Kaneki?"
Kaneki froze slightly.
His expression darkened for a moment.
Then he nodded slowly.
"…Yeah."
"Alright."
Ren turned toward the street.
"Let's go back to the café."
His pace quickened slightly.
Kaneki and Hinami exchanged confused glances.
Then followed quickly.
By the time they returned—
The door of Anteiku displayed a Closed sign.
The café was empty.
Only the familiar aroma of coffee filled the air.
"I'll prepare lunch."
Ren said.
Then immediately headed toward the kitchen.
"Kiryu-nii…"
Kaneki called out cautiously.
"The manager said…"
"…don't waste food."
Ren stopped at the kitchen entrance.
Turned around.
And smiled confidently.
"Trust me, Kaneki."
"This will taste much better…"
"…than eating it raw."
Kaneki watched him disappear into the kitchen.
He opened his mouth—
But swallowed the words.
Hinami, however—
Stared at the kitchen door with shining eyes.
Her small face filled with excitement.
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL for more chapters.