Chapter 426: The Dessert-Driven Girl (Patreon)

Because Takina no longer chose attacks that traded her life for her opponent's, the combat training wrapped up faster than Kazami Kazuki had expected. That was a good thing, though. She only wanted to shape Takina into a personal bodyguard who could handle troubles for her brother, not a fanatic who could only trade one life for one.

Admittedly, given her brother's strength, the word "bodyguard" was redundant. But there was still the "personal" part, wasn't there? Call it an older sister's little stubbornness. Who told that organization called DA to suddenly pop up? She didn't want him taken away again.

On the other side, Jhin was also very pleased with Takina's performance. She had clearly gained a lot in the virtual space, and she was thoroughly familiar with the attack methods available in her [Contractor] state.

More importantly, he could tell she no longer disregarded her own life to achieve her goals, the way she used to.

"Takina, I'm giving you full marks for this fight!"

"Huh?!" Her violet eyes went wide. She couldn't believe she'd lost and still received full marks.

"No need to look so shocked. I didn't train you to turn you into a killing machine. Learning to cherish your life, that's why you get full marks."

The training had paid off, and Jhin was in great spirits. He reached out and gently stroked the wound on Takina's cheek, which was still oozing blood. The burning sting turned cool, and then her whole body felt as though it were soaking in a hot spring, warm and comfortable. The bruises and cuts faded away bit by bit.

The treatment was so different from what she'd gotten in the virtual space that she sat there dazed, wondering if she was still dreaming.

Jhin figured her brain had crashed because she'd gotten full marks from him for the first time. He simply scooped her up in a princess carry and took her out of the test arena. Chisato and Sachi Komine arrived in the lounge not long after.

Seeing her partner sitting there like a wooden doll, Chisato wandered over, curious, and poked her cheek. Normally, Takina would have frowned and asked politely, "What are you doing?"

But now there was no reaction at all. Her eyes were blank, as if she'd just lived through some major event.

It was rare to see Takina like this, and Chisato's playful side kicked in. She dug up an oil-based marker and was about to draw a big clown face on her when Jhin tapped her lightly on the head to stop her.

"She got full marks from me today and hasn't snapped out of it yet. Don't bully her."

"No way!! Full marks!?"

"Yeah. Takina finally understands that life is precious. I'm really glad."

"Ooh~ So that means she finally gets my philosophy?"

"She's not at your level yet, but at least she won't throw down with just anyone anymore."

"That's great news! Jhin-nii, do we have any celebration plans?"

"Good point..." Jhin pinched his chin and thought for a moment. "Then how about I take you all out for a big meal?"

Chisato crossed her index fingers in front of her chest. "Buzzzt! Totally wrong! Nothing they make outside tastes as good as your cooking. I request that Jhin-nii cook personally!"

"Sure, it's no trouble. What do you want to eat?"

"Yes yes yes!" Chisato excitedly pulled a little notebook out of her pocket and started reading off the menu she'd written down. "Tiramisu, Black Forest cake, macarons, fruit pie..."

She had a good bit of the swagger Satania showed when she'd ordered so extravagantly before. Jhin shook his head with a smile. "Are you planning a meal or afternoon tea? That's all dessert."

"I'm a sweet girl powered by nothing but sweets!"

She obviously remembered the compliment she'd gotten earlier.

Kurumi walked over with a tablet, and a single sentence deflated Chisato on the spot. "Chisato, your Lycoris license renewal date is almost here. If you don't renew it, you won't be able to operate as a Lycoris."

"Is that license really important? Chisato doesn't need to keep being a Lycoris now, right?"

"Ahaha..." Chisato gave an awkward laugh and explained to Jhin. "Jhin-nii, if I don't have a Lycoris license, I really would become a person who doesn't exist. None of us Lycoris have a family registry. Besides, DA is the place that took me in, so let's call it repayment and work for them one more year."

"Do whatever you want to do. I won't interfere."

"Wah~ Jhin-nii is the nicest to me!" She pretended to be wronged and pounced into his arms to act spoiled. "Unlike a certain someone, who only pours cold water on me when I'm at my happiest."

Jhin stroked her soft hair and turned to ask the sour-faced Kurumi. "Does she renew it at DA headquarters?"

"Right. She goes there for a physical and a comprehensive ability test. Once the latest data is recorded, the renewal is done."

"So that's how it works."

"Every time I think about getting a shot, I feel awful," Chisato complained, scrunching up her little face. "It hurts, it's uncomfortable, and having something foreign go into my body is even worse."

The big hand stroking her head paused for a moment. Jhin suddenly felt he ought to help her get past this mental barrier first. He patted the back of her head twice to signal her to get up, then said something neither of them expected.

"I'll go with you tomorrow."

"Huh!! But only we Lycoris can get into DA. It'd be sli~ghtly difficult for you to come along, Jhin-nii."

Kazami Kazuki and Nymph walked into the lounge. She handed a card to her brother. "That's not a problem at all. Go on ahead, don't worry. Oh, and I remember Takina has wanted to go back to DA headquarters too. Take her along while you're at it."

Before Chisato could see what was written on the card, Jhin tucked it away. He nodded to his sister. "Thanks, Kazuki, Nymph. Come to the café tomorrow or the day after. I'll cook personally, and I'll let you know ahead of time."

"No problem. But what about Mihama Academy? If they find out you're secretly giving us special treatment, you might get tied up and dragged back."

"I won't forget about them. I happen to have something to discuss with Eriri anyway, so I'll go back after the celebration. Sachi, remember to keep this between us."

"Keeping Teacher's secrets is a maid's duty."

"In that case, why doesn't Jhin-nii invite everyone to eat at the café?"

Jhin was silent for a moment. "It might blow up on the spot," he said uncertainly.

"The café?"

"Yeah."

"Uh... are your girlfriends on that bad of terms with each other?"

"It's not that. It's hard to explain in a sentence or two. You should think more about tomorrow's physical. Tonight's sweets are canceled too, so your numbers don't come out bad."

"Noooo~ That's my only motivation for training!"

While the two were chatting, Kazami Kazuki walked over to Takina and tapped her shoulder. At the puzzled look she got in return, she smiled softly. "Quite a contrast with the virtual space, isn't it?"