Chapter 174: Asuna in a Hurry, This is What Makes It Interesting
The morning light filtered through the wooden slats of the blinds, casting long, golden bars across the polished floorboards of the Dimensional Restaurant.
Dust motes danced in the sunbeams, swirling in a slow, hypnotic rhythm that defied the bustle of the world outside.
The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of brewing coffee and the lingering, comforting scent of cedarwood.
It was a peaceful start to the day, or at least, it would have been if not for the bundle of chaotic energy currently bouncing around the counter.
"Master, Master, Master! What are we doing today? The sun is up! The sky is blue! We can't just sit here!"
Cerberus—the triple-bodied Demon of Hell—was vibrating with excitement. Her three identical forms surrounded Ren, their white hair bobbing in unison as they leaned over the counter.
Three pairs of crimson eyes sparkled with an intensity that could rival the morning sun, and if one looked closely, one could almost see phantom tails wagging furiously behind them.
Ren, who was leisurely wiping a crystal glass with a dry cloth, paused and looked at the expectant faces before him. He offered a gentle, apologetic smile.
"Okay, calm down, Cerberus. To be honest, I haven't actually thought of anything specific yet."
The reaction was instantaneous.
The excitement on Cerberus's faces evaporated, replaced by a look of comical shock. The three girls froze, their mouths forming perfect 'O' shapes. Then, as if sharing a single brain cell, they erupted into a chorus of dismay. One of them grabbed Ren's hand, shaking it with the vigor of a jackhammer.
"Master! Master! Master! You really don't know?! How can you not know?! We have a whole day!"
"You promised adventure! You promised fun!" another added, draping herself over his shoulder.
Ren chuckled, the vibration of his laughter cutting through their panic. Before he could respond, a languid, elegant voice drifted from the nearby table.
"Oh, give it a rest, you noisy puppy. And you, Ren, don't tease her. You know she believes every word you say. If you keep this up, you'll have three crying demons flooding the shop, and I am not cleaning that up."
Lucifer sat comfortably in a velvet armchair, a porcelain teacup poised delicately in her hand. She wore a casual yet stylish blouse, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. She took a sip of her tea, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly over the rim as she directed a look of mock annoyance at Ren.
Ren smiled, turning his attention back to the frantic Cerberus. He reached out and patted the head of the center Cerberus, his touch gentle.
"I was just teasing. I haven't planned a full itinerary, but I do remember what I told you about getting those photos developed. We have a backlog of memories from the beach and the amusement park stored in the camera. I was thinking we could go get those done today."
The effect was magical. The panic vanished from Cerberus's expression, replaced instantly by relief and renewed joy.
"Photos! Yes! The ones with the roller coaster!"
"And the ice cream!"
"Okay! We're going!"
Satisfied, the three girls disentangled themselves from Ren and bounded off towards the living area, presumably to find the camera or just to burn off their excess energy.
Ren watched them go, shaking his head with a fond smile. "They really are like children sometimes."
"That's because you spoil them," Lucifer noted, setting her cup down on the saucer with a soft clink. She rested her chin on her palm, her expression shifting from teasing to something more contemplative. "Ren, if you haven't decided where else to go besides the photo shop, I have a suggestion. Try not to pick a place that's too far or will keep us out too late."
Ren raised an eyebrow, leaning his elbows on the counter. "Hmm? Why the curfew? Are you worried about your beauty sleep?"
Lucifer rolled her eyes, a gesture that managed to be both haughty and affectionate. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm talking about your schedule. Have you forgotten? You have a full house of heavy-hitters coming tonight."
She began counting on her fingers, her nails perfectly manicured. "Nakiri Mana and her entourage from the WGO. Joichiro Yukihira. Gin Dojima. And that old fox, Senzaemon Nakiri. That's a lot of egos in one room. You definitely won't have time for a leisurely dinner once they arrive. If we come back early, you can eat properly and prep without rushing."
Ren blinked, the realization settling in. "Ah, that's right. The tasting session." He nodded appreciatively. "Good point. Thank you for reminding me, Lucifer."
"Hmph. Someone has to keep track of things around here," she muttered, looking away to hide the faint blush dusting her cheeks.
"But..." Ren's smile widened, a teasing glint returning to his eyes. "From the way you're phrasing that, it sounds like you're planning to tag along with me and Cerberus today?"
Lucifer stiffened slightly, then tossed her hair back with practiced nonchalance. "Of course! Do you expect me to sit alone in this empty shop all day? I'd die of boredom. Besides..." She looked him in the eye, her expression turning serious. "I think it would be better if you started thinking about our destination now."
"Why the rush?"
"Because daytime is limited!" Lucifer insisted, gesturing to the window.
Ren chuckled. "Isn't the night limited too?"
Lucifer paused, tapping a finger against her lips as she formulated her philosophy. She shook her head with grave seriousness. "No, it's different. I feel like time at night is treacherous. It either speeds up so fast that I blink and it's morning, or it drags on endlessly where I feel like the sun will never rise. But the day... the day has a deadline. The sunset is a hard stop."
Ren remained silent, considering her words. There was a truth to it. When the shop was open and customers were laughing and eating, the night flew by in a blur of steam and clinking cutlery. But on quiet nights, when he was alone with a video game or a book, the silence could stretch eternity.
"Fair enough," Ren conceded. "I'll think of a place."
To be honest, Ren wasn't entirely sure where to go. His usual routine on days off—before the arrival of the demons—involved solitary walks, browsing old bookstores in Jimbocho, or perhaps sitting in a park watching the clouds. But now, with a high-energy Cerberus and a high-maintenance (but lovable) Lucifer in tow, a quiet bookstore was likely a recipe for disaster.
He needed a destination that was engaging but relaxing.
As Ren pondered, he pulled out his smartphone to check the messages. The group chat labeled "Dimensional Restaurant Regulars" had a notification badge. He tapped it open.
[Group Chat]
[Momobami Kirari]: Morning.
Ren blinked. He looked at the timestamp. 6:45 AM.
He wasn't the only one surprised. Below her message, a flurry of replies had already populated the screen.
[Lucifer]: "Sister Lucifer... look at this." Ren turned the screen towards her.
Lucifer squinted at the phone, then her eyes widened. "Eh?! Kirari? Awake at this hour?!"
The shock was palpable. Kirari Momobami, the head of the Momobami clan and the compulsive gambler who thrived in the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled nightlife, was awake before seven in the morning? It was like finding out a vampire enjoyed sunbathing.
"Maybe she didn't sleep yet?" Ren mused.
"No," Lucifer pointed out. "Look at her status. She's applying lipstick. She's starting her day."
Indeed, in the chat, Kirari had posted a selfie. She was sitting on her bed, dressed in a silk robe, applying a shade of deep crimson lipstick. Her expression was calm, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes, likely predicting the chaos her early rising would cause.
[Suzuki Sonoko]: No way! The President is awake?! Is the world ending?
[Momobami Kirari]: These guys... hmm?! Even Sonoko dares to join them? Very good~
Ren laughed softly. "Looks like Sonoko is in trouble."
Meanwhile, miles away in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the morning commute was in full swing.
The air was crisp, carrying the scent of asphalt and distant cherry blossoms. Students in uniforms flooded the sidewalks, a sea of navy blue and white moving towards their respective schools. Among them, Suzuki Sonoko adjusted her bag on her shoulder, a shiver suddenly running down her spine.
"Ugh!" Sonoko stopped in her tracks, rubbing her arms. "Why did I get a sudden chill? It feels like a predator just locked onto me..."
She shook her head, dismissing the feeling. "Must be my imagination. Or maybe it's just the stress of being on duty today. Ugh, duty day... I have to be there early to unlock the classroom."
She sighed, her feet dragging slightly against the pavement. "I haven't fully recovered from the delicious shock of Shopkeeper Ren's food last night. Just thinking about his cooking gives me motivation, but also makes me hungry..."
As she mumbled to herself, her eyes caught a flash of light ahead. It wasn't the sun reflecting off a window; it was something—someone—radiating an aura so pure it seemed to physically brighten the street.
Walking gracefully through the crowd, her long dark hair swaying with each step, was Mouri Ran. To Sonoko's filtered vision, it looked as though a unicorn... no, an angel... was approaching.
"Ran!" Sonoko waved enthusiastically, her earlier lethargy vanishing.
Ran looked up, her face breaking into a gentle smile. "Ah! Good morning, Sonoko! You're here so early today."
"Don't remind me," Sonoko groaned, falling into step beside her best friend. "It's my turn for day duty. I completely forgot until I woke up. I'm practically sleepwalking here. If I hadn't thought about Shopkeeper Ren's handsome face and his divine cooking, I wouldn't have made it out of bed!"
Ran giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. She looked at Sonoko with affectionate exasperation. "You really are hopeless, Sonoko."
"Hey! Can you blame me? Have you seen him? Have you tasted his food?" Sonoko pulled out her phone, showing her wallpaper—a candid shot of Ren cooking, surrounded by steam. "Look at this focus! This artistry!"
"I know, I know," Ran said softly, her eyes softening. "I'm also very impressed with Shopkeeper Ren's cooking. It really is... magical. Thank you, Sonoko, for taking me there before. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known such an amazing restaurant existed in that alley."
Ran paused, looking up at the sky. "I was thinking... I should take my mom there sometime. She's always so busy with her law firm, living on convenience store bentos and instant coffee. She needs a proper meal."
"Eh? Auntie Eri?" Sonoko blinked, surprised. "That's a great idea! But... I thought you'd want to bring Shinichi? Or maybe Uncle Mouri?"
Ran's expression shifted. She shook her head, a rare look of firm decision on her face.
"No," she said decisively. "I always feel that place isn't suitable for Dad and Shinichi."
"Oh?" Sonoko grinned slyly. "Why?"
"Dad would just get drunk and make a scene, probably trying to challenge Ren to a drinking contest or flirting with the guests. And Shinichi..." Ran sighed deeply. "That mystery maniac would probably try to analyze the ingredients or deduce the 'trick' behind the flavor. He wouldn't just enjoy it. He'd ruin the atmosphere."
"Haha! That's the right way to think!" Sonoko slapped Ran's back heartily. "Keep the blockhead and the old drunk away! Otherwise, Shopkeeper Ren would get a headache, and we can't have that! Ah! Look at the time! I'm going to be late for opening the door! I'm going ahead first! See you in class!"
"See you!"
Watching Sonoko sprint away, her bag bouncing against her hip, Ran smiled. She whispered softly to the empty air, "Sigh... blockhead..."
Back at the Dimensional Restaurant, the transition from morning quiet to daytime activity was officially underway.
Ren was just placing the dried glass back onto the shelf when the bell above the door chimed.
Ding-a-ling.
"Welcome," Ren called out instinctively.
A girl burst into the shop, slightly out of breath. It was Yuuki Asuna. She was dressed in her school uniform, her chestnut hair slightly disheveled as if she had been running against the wind. Her chest heaved slightly, and a sheen of perspiration dotted her forehead.
"Phew~! Luckily, Shopkeeper, you're not closed!" Asuna gasped, bracing her hands on her knees for a moment before straightening up and flashing a bright, desperate smile. "Can I place a quick order, Shopkeeper?"
Ren smiled, leaning against the counter. "Of course, Asuna-san. You seem to be in a hurry. What would you like?"
"Shopkeeper, I'd like a Vegetarian Sandwich and a box of orange juice! To go, please!"
"Takeout, got it. No rush, I know the train schedule and Katagiri High's class times. You won't be late."
Ren washed his hands and moved to the prep station. His demeanor shifted instantly from casual host to focused chef.
He reached for the loaf of shokupan (Japanese milk bread). With a serrated knife, he sliced two perfect, fluffy squares. He didn't toast them; for this sandwich, the pillowy softness of the fresh bread was key.
Next came the vegetables. He grabbed a head of iceberg lettuce, peeling off the crispest inner leaves, washing them in icy water to maximize the crunch. A cucumber was sliced into translucent ribbons, and a ripe, beefsteak tomato yielded three perfect, juicy discs under his blade.
He spread a thin layer of his special house-made mustard mayo on the bread—just enough to provide a tangy kick without making the bread soggy. He layered the lettuce, the tomato, a slice of high-quality cheddar, and the cucumber ribbons. He topped it with the second slice of bread and pressed down gently with the flat of his knife.
Shing.
He cut the sandwich diagonally, revealing the colorful cross-section of green, red, and yellow against the white bread. He wrapped it expertly in parchment paper.
Next, he took a carton of premium orange juice—freshly squeezed that morning—and poured it into a sealed takeout cup.
"Here you go," Ren said, sliding the paper bag and the drink across the counter. "One Vegetarian Sandwich and fresh orange juice. It's on the house today since you look like you had a rough morning."
"Eh? No, no! I have to pay!" Asuna quickly tapped her payment card against the reader before Ren could protest. She grabbed the bag, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Ren! You're a lifesaver! I stayed up way too late last night writing the proposal for the upcoming school event, and then this morning I found out the family car was sent for maintenance... I had to run all the way to the station!"
She checked her watch and yelped. "Ah! I really have to go! Goodbye, Shopkeeper Ren! Lucifer-san, Cerberus-chan, bye-bye!"
"Bye~" Cerberus waved from the sofa.
Asuna turned and bolted out the door, her footsteps fading rapidly down the alley.
Ren chuckled, picking up the cloth again. "She really is a whirlwind."
However, not ten seconds later, the door flew open again.
Asuna stood there, holding the door frame, panting slightly. "Shopkeeper Ren! I forgot to ask!"
"Yes?"
"My Mom... she said she wants to come here for a meal and check the place out sometime soon. Do we need a reservation code? Or a membership card?"
Ren blinked. Yuuki Kyouko? The strict mother from the series? That could be interesting.
"No need," Ren replied with a reassuring smile. "I don't have many customers here usually. Just come whenever. No codes required."
"Okay! Great! Thanks again!"
"Better hurry, the train leaves in four minutes," Ren warned.
"Oh no!"
Asuna disappeared again, this time for good.
Ren watched the empty doorway for a moment, the silence returning to the shop. He smiled, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"Hmm~ She really is a very energetic girl," he murmured. "Very much like a student... a student..."
The word echoed in his mind. Student.
He turned to look at Lucifer, who was scrolling through the group chat on her phone.
"Lucifer~"
"Hmm?" She didn't look up.
"I think I know where we're going today after the photo shop."
Lucifer looked up, intrigued. "Eh?! Where?"
Ren untied his apron, folding it neatly on the counter. His eyes held a spark of nostalgia and anticipation.
"Totsuki."
"Totsuki?" Lucifer tilted her head.
"Yes. We can bring the old man—Senzaemon—along with us when we pick him up or meet him there. That way, we won't have to worry about rushing back for the dinner service. We can do the prep there, or just enjoy the campus. After all, Totsuki is Japan's premier Culinary Academy. It's a massive campus with gardens, facilities, and plenty of interesting things to see."
Lucifer thought about it. A culinary academy meant good food, interesting scenery, and she wouldn't have to worry about Ren being stressed over the evening timeline.
She nodded, a smile spreading across her lips. "That sounds like a great idea. It's better than walking around a crowded shopping mall."
"Right?" Ren grinned.
"Should we tell Rindou and the others that we're coming?" Lucifer asked, reaching for her phone.
Ren gently placed his hand over hers, stopping her.
"Of course not," he winked. "Isn't a surprise attack more fun?"
Lucifer laughed, a melodic sound that filled the room. "You have a wicked side, Ren. I like it."
"Cerberus! Get ready! We're leaving in ten minutes!"
"Yay! We're going! We're going!" The three-headed demon burst into the room, ready for adventure.
And so, the day at the Dimensional Restaurant began, not with a bang, but with a sandwich and a plan.
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