The next day marked the official arrival of the new year.
At the Minamiya household's dining table, thanks to Kanon and Astarte's efforts, ozoni (New Year's soup with mochi) and an extravagant multi-tiered jubako lunchbox were prepared, allowing Rozen to indulge to his heart's content.
"Then I'll be heading out first."
Once finished eating, Rozen set down his chopsticks, bid everyone farewell, and prepared to leave.
However, just before stepping out, Natsuki—who had remained silent at the head of the table—finally spoke up.
"You're not planning to do anything troublesome, are you?"
The sudden question made Rozen pause mid-motion.
Only then did he notice Natsuki had been watching him the entire time, though it was unclear what she was looking for.
Rozen had the distinct feeling she had already seen through him.
But this level of interrogation wasn't enough to make him slip.
"And what exactly counts as 'troublesome'?"
Meeting Natsuki's gaze, Rozen responded with deliberate nonchalance.
"Isn't it obvious?" Natsuki snorted lightly. "Anything that would ruin my vacation."
It was the first day of the new year, and Natsuki had miraculously secured a rare day off—no duties, no patrols, with someone else covering her shifts. She should have been able to relax.
But that was only if nothing major happened.
If some incident occurred, her hard-earned break would be ruined.
So then...
"I have no intention of causing anything that would require the Special Defense Team to mobilize."
Rozen's answer was carefully worded.
"Is that so?"
Natsuki stared at him intently.
This time, Rozen didn't avert his eyes or show any guilt. Instead, he met her gaze calmly, his expression unreadable.
After a brief silence, Natsuki finally...
"Fine." She waved a hand dismissively, as if losing interest. "Just come back early. Don't go too far, or I'll drag you back myself."
With that, she left the table and headed to her room.
Kanon and Astarte had been silently observing the exchange, only daring to speak once it was over.
"Are you going out to have fun with Aiba-senpai and Yaze-senpai, Senpai?"
Kanon asked gently, her voice soothing enough to melt away tension.
Rozen's mood relaxed instinctively, but he shook his head.
"It's New Year's Day. Both of them are busy with family obligations and won't have time for me."
This wasn't Rozen complaining—it was simply the truth.
After all, Asagi and Motoki both came from prestigious backgrounds. Asagi's father was a member of Itogami Island's council, and Motoki's family had deep ties to the Management Cooperative. Both were effectively "elite second-generation" figures, meaning they had countless social obligations on New Year's Day and no time for leisure.
In contrast, Kojou and Yuuma likely had nothing planned today and were free at any time—but Rozen wasn't tactless enough to intrude on them. They probably had their own... entertaining arrangements.
Still, Rozen wasn't going alone.
"I'll just be wandering around with Yukina."
That was his explanation.
But a boy and girl going out together on New Year's Day? To anyone else, there was only one interpretation.
"Could it be... a date?"
Kanon's eyes widened slightly, her tone tinged with something like longing.
"Proposal: While many locations are suitable for New Year's dates, Keystone Gate is the optimal choice."
Even Astarte chimed in with her usual monotone.
Unfortunately...
"It's not a date. We just have some things to take care of. Besides, even if there was nothing to do, she'd follow me around anyway if I went out."
Rozen laughed helplessly, leaving Kanon and Astarte slightly confused.
But they didn't press further.
"Would you like me to prepare bento boxes for you and Yukina-chan?"
Kanon offered considerately.
"No need. If nothing comes up, we'll be back for lunch. Otherwise, I'll text you."
Rozen declined politely.
"Understood. Then, enjoy your date."
For some reason, Kanon bowed formally.
"No need for that, and again—not a date." Rozen could only sigh before handing his bowl to Astarte. "I'll leave Natsuki-nee and Kanon in your care, Astarte."
"Command accepted." Astarte took the bowl without inflection, accepting the request.
In the Minamiya household, Astarte had become an indispensable presence—not just as Natsuki's maid, assistant, and secretary, but also handling all household chores and keeping an eye on Kanon to ensure nothing happened to her.
Though Kanon appeared to be nothing more than a polite, quiet guest in the Minamiya home, in truth, this angelic girl possessed top-tier spiritual medium capabilities, her spiritual power even surpassing Yukina's. Moreover, she was a member of the Aldegyr royal family—albeit an illegitimate daughter of the former king without succession rights—making her bloodline highly coveted.
Currently under Natsuki's protection while staying at the Minamiya residence, Kanon was primarily guarded by Astarte when indoors. Outside, discreet bodyguards arranged by Aldegyr would shadow her, minimizing risks.
Especially with Astarte by her side.
Though an artificial lifeform, Astarte housed a unique artificial Beast Vassal within her. When summoned, its power could overwhelm even Old Generation vampires—even Avrora's Beast Vassal had once nearly been bested by it.
As a side note, Astarte's Beast Vassal required life force as payment for summoning. Previously, Rozen had connected Astarte to the Fourth Primogenitor sealed within him to supply this cost. However, after Rozen absorbed the Fourth Primogenitor's power and its soul dissipated, that link was lost.
Upon returning this time, Rozen had considered reestablishing the connection—this time with himself as the energy source.
Given his current life force—now comparable to a vampire's, nearly limitless for summoning Beast Vassals—it would have been an easy fix.
But considering potential complications if he left this world again, Rozen opted for an alternative solution.
A surprisingly simple one, at that.
"How's it functioning? Everything smooth, Astarte?"
Rozen asked casually.
"Affirmative."
Astarte nodded, then parted her clothes slightly to reveal her chest.
Embedded there was a crimson stone—radiant and mesmerizing.