"Mother, it seems Yukino just went out. If you had some business with her, perhaps you should wait out for a while."
Compared to Yukino's sudden disappearance, Haruno was the more cautious one when mentioning Yukino.
"Hmm? When did Yukino leave?"
Their mother assumed she'd merely failed to notice. Habitually, she would have asked a few clarifying questions. But recalling the agreement she had with Rei Ao, she gave up on the idea.
She nodded slightly.
"Go on, then."
Such an easygoing response from her mother left Haruno unaccustomed. Even so, after politely nodding, she went out.
Walking to an empty spot, she opted to accept the invitation to travel to another world.
Even though she simply wanted to check on Yukino, Yukino's casual remark earlier had pierced through the layers of Haruno's psychological "defenses."
Yukino was right.
Haruno was just a normal person.
Whereas Yukino…was not.
Even if she did come here, Haruno might only add to Yukino's troubles. Her eyes dimmed. For the first time, Haruno felt truly discouraged.
Just then a large, steady hand landed on her shoulder.
"Haruno—my dear sister-in-law. You only came here because you were worried about Yukino, right?"
That ultimate sis-con guess: as soon as you tied her odd behavior to Yukino, you couldn't go wrong.
"Worried about her…"
Haruno's expression flickered.
"Heh, Rei Ao-san is quite the joker. I'm just an ordinary person. If anything, Yukino should be the one worried about me."
Feigning calm, Haruno didn't want Yukino to discover her superfluous concerns. She changed the subject with a playful air:
"Rei Ao-san, might I end up being a burden to you here?"
She blinked her clear eyes. Although she looked mischievous, the depth in her gaze suggested she was anxious for reassurance.
Rei Ao could easily sense how vulnerable and lacking in confidence she felt at that moment. Rather than undermine her, he simply gave her the warmth of his palm.
"You don't need to worry about that. If I bring you here, naturally I can protect you."
Even if he wasn't watching her personally, Tohru and Velzard and the others had ample means to keep them safe.
"The real question is whether your heart can handle what's next."
There was still some time before Seitenshi concluded her selection process. Rei Ao's plan was straightforward: send people out to hunt Gastrea to gain combat experience, while dispatching the three Demon Lords—Ramiris, Frey, and Luminus—to gather all the world's Cursed Children one by one.
Ramiris's casually created labyrinth happened to be perfect for that.
"Velzard, I'm leaving these people in your care."
With Velzard, Tohru, and the rest protecting them, there'd be absolutely no problem.
"They won't come to any harm as long as I'm there," Velzard said with a small smile. "All right, everyone—let's go."
Whoosh!
In a blink, dozens of them disappeared into thin air.
"As for you," Rei Ao said, pointing to Haruno, "stay by my side."
"…"
Seeing how steadfast he was, Haruno could only suppress her anxiety and remain obediently by Rei Ao's side.
At this point, Enju Aihara tugged on his sleeve.
"Rei Ao-nii, we can help, too."
Asaka Mibu and a few other Cursed Children eyed him eagerly.
"For now, all of you just stay here and watch what unfolds," Rei Ao replied.
In this world, a Cursed Child's strength was only significant relative to an ordinary human. They currently had chat-group members from other worlds who were far beyond that, so there wasn't much these girls could contribute.
"Okay…"
Though a bit disappointed, Enju and the others realized not causing chaos was the best help they could offer at the moment.
Just then, Kisara Tendou's group of four approached as well, looking stunned.
Their gaze wandered to Haruno standing next to him. Muroto Sumire, especially, couldn't resist coming closer in curiosity, ignoring Haruno's stiff smile and scrutinizing her face up close.
"An otherworlder? But she looks exactly like a normal person."
"…"
That was precisely what Haruno herself thought.
"Why'd you imagine people from another world would look strange? Of course there are normal civilians in other worlds. For instance, this is Yukinoshita Haruno, my dear sister-in-law."
Haruno rolled her eyes, grumbling inwardly: Yes, I'm only a normal person—so sorry about that. And you could drop the 'dear' from calling me sister-in-law—that's over-the-top.
But being in someone else's domain, she only complained in her mind and said nothing out loud.
"Ahh, I see now," Muroto Sumire said, nodding sagely. "So in that other world, there are superhumans and also ordinary folk. Those who left just now must be superhumans?"
"You could put it that way," Rei Ao replied. "But I think, right now, you have bigger concerns than whether or not they're normal, correct?"
"Mm…"
Muroto Sumire indeed wanted to do more research out of curiosity. But the world's impending doom was more pressing.
"Rei Ao-sama, I've done what you told me,"
Seitenshi said reverently, though her expression betrayed her unease. Having grown disillusioned with humanity after seeing things firsthand, she'd chosen not to resist but to carry out this "selection."
Seitenshi did not see herself as a good leader. She asked Miori Shiba, Kisara, and the others whether it was right or wrong to do. Kisara said: "Some people deserve death." Miori said: "I don't know, but it seems we have no other choice."
Though not exactly a consolation, it gave Seitenshi a hint of relief. Now she simply hoped a greater number might survive—meaning her efforts wouldn't be in vain.
Rei Ao only nodded lightly.
"Then let's wait quietly. You still have the right to lead your people in resisting, if you wish."
"…"
They didn't do so, knowing that resistance was futile. Then Kisara Tendou seemed like she wanted to speak up but hesitated.
"Is something on your mind?" Rei Ao asked her directly.
"…!"
Called out so forthrightly, Kisara's heart skipped. After a moment, she said, "Can anyone make a deal with you?"
"That's right—anyone," he replied, a faint smile at his lips.
Hearing this, Kisara's reason was plain enough. "You want to trade with me, presumably about your enemy, am I right?"
"How did you…?"
Kisara's shock was evident. In a sense, revenge was her sole motivation to keep living—to avenge her parents against the Tendo family.
~~~
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