Chapter 449: Aoandon Can Do It!
To Aoandon, this shop was more than just a place; it was a sanctuary, a classroom where she learned and grew with each passing day. If the humans from her own world were to see her, their reactions were always predictable: they would either flee in terror or be drawn to her stories, a fascination that rarely ended well for them. In either case, the image of their fearful eyes was seared into her memory.
But here, things were different. Far from being afraid of her, people actually complimented her striking beauty. For the first time in her long existence, she could stand so close to humans, share their delicious food, and accept the offer of a place to stay that brought her true peace of mind. Even the harsh light of day seemed a little less oppressive now. Most, it was the first time anyone had used the word 'home' in reference to her.
As always, Aoandon followed silently behind Ren and Lucifer, her lamp held steady in her hands. She didn't speak, content to simply trail in their wake.
Suddenly, a playful smile bloomed on Lucifer's face. "Hey, Ren," she chirped.
"Do you think Aoandon can handle it? That outrageously cheesy novel plot."
Lucifer's words made Ren pause. He shot her an irritated look. "Of course she can't handle it. She's never read anything like that in her life... You just want to watch the chaos, don't you?"
"Hmph! I think Aoandon can handle it just fine!"
Now the subject of their debate, Aoandon hesitated for a moment before speaking up, her voice a mix of nervousness and confusion. "Ren, Lord Lucifer, is there something you require my assistance with?"
Ren offered her a reassuring smile. "It's nothing major, Aoandon. Relax, don't be so tense. Lucifer is just in the mood for a prank."
Lucifer snorted, crossing her arms. "That's not true! I just want Aoandon to experience it, too! Besides, since she's never read that novel, the effect should be even better!"
Aoandon tilted her head. "Experience what? A horror story?"
In perfect, unnerving synchrony, Lucifer and Ren both shook their heads. Lucifer's smile turned mischievous. "Of course not. You can think of it as something that makes you want to laugh when you hear it, but also feel a strange sort of fondness. In short, it's very interesting."
A flicker of excitement lit up Aoandon's eyes. "Really?! That sounds wonderful!"
Ren's mouth twitched. "No... Aoandon... you can't handle this..."
"Ren! I can do it!" she insisted, her voice filled with newfound eagerness. "I definitely can! Or... am I not allowed to try...?"
Seeing the look on Aoandon's face, the playful light in Lucifer's eyes practically overflowed. Phrased like that, how could Ren possibly refuse? Lucifer cleared her throat lightly, stepping to Aoandon's side and taking her hand. She leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, Aoandon. You'll definitely be fine!"
"Mhm! Ren! I can do it!"
Ren sighed, reaching out to pinch Lucifer's cheek. Knowing she was caught, Lucifer could only let out a little hum of protest. With a helpless tone, Ren said, "Let me say this first, Aoandon. You definitely can't handle it..."
But seeing that Ren had essentially agreed, Aoandon breathed a small sigh of relief, her expression firming with resolve. "I will be fine! Absolutely!"
Ren began walking toward her, and Aoandon's heart filled with anticipation. A novel plot that could potentially overwhelm even a youkai of her caliber—the very thought was thrilling!
Her mind was still racing with possibilities when she felt a gentle pressure under her chin. Her head was tilted upward, and she froze. The next moment, she realized Ren had closed the distance between them. He stood directly in front of her, his gaze looking down into hers.
Aoandon had never experienced anything like this. Every muscle in her body locked, and a wave of heat rushed to her cheeks, staining them a deep crimson. "Ren... Ren!" she stammered, her mind a complete blank. "What are you doing?!"
Ren's voice dropped to a low whisper. "Aoandon, you dislike the daytime, don't you?"
She nodded dazedly, about to speak when he cut her off. "No, don't speak," he murmured, his voice impossibly close. "Your voice belongs only to me; no one else is allowed to hear it!"
"Since you hate the daytime, Aoandon, then... then we'll just have to... have someone cover up the sky!"
"Eh?! Ren... Ren!"
"Don't move!"
"Yes! But... but... but..."
"Every time you move, your heart beats faster. It will disrupt and reset my own heart rate, which is synchronized with yours! So, don't move!"
"Yes! No... no! What is this?!"
Ren released her chin and stepped back, a smile playing on his lips. "So, you can't handle it, right? This is from a novel that Lucifer is quite fond of. Isn't it strange?"
Aoandon nodded, her face still burning. She could genuinely feel her heart hammering against her ribs. It was the first time a man had ever spoken to her like that. The words were bizarre and almost laughable, but they were also incredibly embarrassing!
"It's amazing you managed not to laugh, Aoandon," Ren said, his smile widening.
She whispered, her gaze fixed on the ground, "Where I come from, these are not things one says so lightly... I almost took you seriously..."
"No matter the era, spouting such sweet nothings is still mortifying. What are these authors thinking?"
Lucifer tilted her head, observing Aoandon with keen interest, as if noting some unexpected side effect. But as long as it was entertaining, that was all that mattered.
The next second, however, the scene shifted.
Ren had Lucifer firmly by the hand, her cheek still pinched between his fingers as he marched forward. Lucifer didn't dare resist, trotting along obediently. Still in a state of cardiac acceleration, Aoandon clutched her lamp and followed behind them, the outrageous words from moments ago still echoing in her mind.
"So, I'm going back first! See you all tomorrow! Mashiro! Sora! I'm off!"
"Then Gina and I are also heading back. It seems there's something going on tonight. Bye-bye~"
"We're leaving!"
Soryuin Akemi sighed as she watched the trio depart. "You know, every time I see them leave, I feel a little sad. Sora, let's go back too. We can head to Ren-nii's shop later."
Kasugano Sora looked at Shiina Mashiro, who was tugging on her sleeve, and tilted her head. "So why not just come home with me first?"
"My sister said it would be more atmospheric if we all went together," Mashiro explained softly. "And Qianxun-nee really wants to take me out for a meal personally."
Kasugano Sora's mouth twitched. 'Just how over-the-top is Mashiro-nee?' she thought. "Alright, I get it. I'll be leaving then. Mashiro-nee, see you later!"
Shiina Mashiro was clearly reluctant to let her go, but knowing they would meet again soon, she simply waved at Kasugano Sora. Soryuin Akemi smiled. "Let's go, Mashiro. We should go find my sister first... Eh? Aren't those two up ahead Jing-nee and Qianxun-nee?"
Shiina Mashiro glanced in the direction she was pointing, then nodded. "Mm... It's my cousin..."
"Let's go!"
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