Byakuya couldn't understand why Rize was upset—and she wasn't the type to throw tantrums.
He couldn't figure out the reason. Surely she wasn't angry just because he wouldn't give her the white mask?
Then Rize spoke: "I thought you were pretty good at charming girls. Can't even read this little hint?"
"I really can't right now..."
Byakuya admitted helplessly.
He had no leads and was genuinely confused—he wasn't omniscient, after all.
"Did you forget what I like most about you?"
Rize offered a small hint.
She wasn't being difficult—she wasn't going to make him guess blindly.
That clicked for Byakuya.
What Rize liked most about him? Obviously his scent or his flesh.
Combined with the fact that he had worn the white mask... Mystery solved.
So Rize didn't actually like the style of the white mask itself.
Byakuya smiled awkwardly. "Got it. Next time I take you to get a mask made, I'll keep that in mind."
"Rize-san, do you enjoy giving people a hard time?"
Nashiro suddenly interjected.
Her words lit the fuse.
"He's my darling. What's wrong with me being a little willful? You two were just rescued on a whim—don't act like you're close to him."
Rize said with a smile.
You were rescued the same way though...
Byakuya couldn't help but think this—though of course he wouldn't say it out loud.
But Kurona and Nashiro didn't know his and Rize's history, so they couldn't use that to fire back.
"Is Rize-san actually that close to Byakuya then?"
"He's my Byakuya-oniichan. That alone is enough."
Kurona naturally sided with her sister—the two squared off against Rize.
"Of course. This guy even stole a kiss from me before. Doesn't that count as close?"
Rize immediately countered with their history.
"Wh... what..."
Kurona was shaken first.
She had no idea about that.
Nashiro was slightly more composed and quickly retaliated: "Byakuya-oniichan also gave Kurona a princess carry before."
"..."
Kurona fell silent.
Did they really need to bring that up for comparison? Now she felt awkward.
Rize's "fake news" put Byakuya on the spot too. "Don't twist things. You were being difficult first; I was just retaliating. And it was only on the cheek."
But Rize ignored Byakuya's clarification and instead questioned him: "So what that flat-as-an-airport white-haired shorty said is true?"
"...Yes, it's true."
Byakuya confirmed.
"Then... I want to experience that too next time. Though I'm not quite sure what it is."
Rize said.
"A princess carry is... like this."
Byakuya immediately demonstrated by scooping Rize up in a bridal carry. "Also, when I rescued you before, I already did this."
At the time, Rize had been completely unconscious—he had no better option than a princess carry, since she couldn't wrap her arms around his neck for a piggyback.
Rize evaluated the experience: "Is that so? It doesn't seem like anything special. Though being tasted in this position might feel quite nice~"
Nashiro felt a pang of regret—her words seemed to have backfired in Rize's favor.
Byakuya set Rize down. "Alright, enough playing around. By the way, were any of you spotted by investigators?"
Though Rize and the sisters had worn masks, avoiding detection entirely was still optimal—the CCG wouldn't even have basic records.
For example, the CCG still didn't know what the "Binge Eater" looked like. Rize's feeding patterns were so distinctive that anyone with eyes could tell the crime scenes were the work of one ghoul, hence the "Binge Eater" moniker.
"No, at least I didn't notice any investigator spotting me."
Rize said casually.
"Same for me and Nashiro."
Kurona added.
"Good... Oh right, what reason did you give Special Class Aura for your leave?"
Byakuya suddenly remembered.
"Our reason? We said we were preparing a heartfelt victory celebration for Byakuya-oniichan's triumphant return. Aura-san even asked if we were living together."
Nashiro answered coolly.
"And how did you respond?"
Byakuya had a bad feeling.
"I said 'yes.' Kurona hesitated a moment but didn't deny it."
Nashiro said flatly.
"..."
Byakuya was speechless.
Now Special Class Aura knew Kurona and Nashiro were living with him.
Well, it didn't really affect anything—at most his reputation might suffer.
Two same-year classmates, both cute twin girls, living in his house. Once word got out, rumors would fly everywhere.
Just then, an unexpected call interrupted his thoughts.
He answered.
"Hello?"
"Is this Rank 1 Amaha? I hope I haven't dialed wrong?"
Recognizing the familiar voice, Byakuya immediately identified Kureo Mado.
"Yes. This should be First Class Mado?"
"It's me. You mentioned lending me a look at 'Jason' before. Would you happen to be free now?"
"I am. Should I come to headquarters in Ward 1?"
"No need for headquarters—just come to my home. More convenient."
[Ding! Host has activated a quest. Initiating Divine Selection!]
[Option 1: Cautiously decline this suspicious "invitation" and insist on meeting at CCG headquarters or a branch office. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]
[Option 2: Accept the invitation and visit his home. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"