Sett Chapter 14: Someone Pays for you Already (Patreon)

"I see," Hiratsuka Shizuka said, finally understanding. After a pause, she asked, "The creature you mentioned… what exactly is it?"

"It's a natural animal that has gained sentience," Higashino Tadashi explained slowly. "Some cultivate by themselves, some gain power through chance encounters, and others experience a bloodline awakening… There can be many reasons, but without exception, due to their animal instincts, these creatures often attack humans relentlessly."

"Only a very small number of them can control their instincts and think rationally."

"Those that can either cultivate into deities and establish shrines or become more cunning predators, secretly dominating their territory and turning it into their hunting ground."

This was based on Tadashi’s observations over the past few days. While not entirely accurate, it was close enough.

Shizuka listened with a dazed expression. The information was shaking her worldview to its core.

The world she lived in actually contained supernatural forces!

Folklore and myths were real!

The supernatural truly existed!

"Does that mean we ordinary people are in constant danger?" Shizuka asked nervously, gripping Tadashi’s arm tightly.

"Yes," Tadashi nodded, pulling her closer to comfort her. "That’s why you need to keep training and work towards mastering the power to protect yourself."

"Mm!" Shizuka nodded firmly, her eyes softening.

Being in Tadashi’s arms made her feel incredibly safe. Even though it was hard to admit, Tadashi's presence gave her a deep sense of security.

Shizuka leaned against Tadashi, enjoying the calm of the moment.

But soon, her face flushed, and she pushed him away, half-amused, half-annoyed.

"Can you control those thoughts in your head? The atmosphere was perfect!"

"I can’t help it. Sixteen-year-old boys are full of energy," Tadashi replied innocently.

"Yeah, right!" Shizuka scoffed.

"Enough talking, come help me."

On the balcony, Shizuka tied her long hair into a ponytail, which Tadashi quickly grabbed.

…

By evening, the sun was sinking, casting a warm orange glow.

In the guest room, a delicate and pretty girl slowly opened her eyes.

"An unfamiliar ceiling…"

Yukinoshita Yukino blinked in confusion before her mind cleared.

She remembered that she was in Ms. Hiratsuka’s guest room.

"That was such a restful sleep."

Sitting up, Yukino’s clothes were a bit disheveled, revealing smooth, pale shoulders and large patches of her white skin.

Although her chest was flat, her slender figure made up for this small flaw.

"Finally, it’s over," Yukino breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the supernatural incident had started, she hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep for days. She had spent every moment in fear and unease.

But after meeting Tadashi earlier that day, she finally had a peaceful sleep—no nightmares, no eerie cat sounds, and the cold sensation in her body was gone.

"I can’t believe supernatural events are real," Yukino murmured in astonishment. "Is there really a side of this world that ordinary people know nothing about?"

"How strange… I wonder if my sister knows about this?"

After thinking for a moment, Yukino glanced at her phone. It was already 6 p.m.

She got out of bed, straightened her clothes, and walked out of the room.

In the living room, Tadashi and Shizuka were sitting in front of the TV, silently playing a video game. The two of them were sitting very close—so close that their legs were practically touching.

At the same time, Shizuka was dressed in extremely casual homewear—short shorts that revealed her long, smooth legs, and a tank top with a light jacket over it.

At a particularly exciting moment in the game, Shizuka leaned on Tadashi, laughing silently, and her body pressed against him.

"…"

Yukino’s eyes narrowed slightly, disbelief flashing across her face.

This was the first time she had seen Ms. Hiratsuka so close with a man.

‘But… this seems a bit too intimate,’ Yukino thought, frowning in confusion.

Even if they were cousins, this kind of closeness was unusual, right?

Surely, it couldn’t be…

Yukino paused, quickly shaking her head to dismiss the absurd thought.

"Ah, Yukino, you’re awake," Shizuka’s cheerful voice broke the silence.

"How did you sleep?"

Yukino composed herself, realizing that Shizuka and Tadashi had put down their game controllers and were now looking at her.

She felt a slight panic rise within her, mainly because of the strange thoughts she had just entertained.

But she quickly calmed down, taking a deep breath before answering, "I slept very well. I feel completely recovered."

"That’s great to hear," Shizuka said with a smile.

Yukino nodded, then turned to Tadashi. "Um, Tadashi-kun, thank you for your help. How much do you charge for handling supernatural incidents? I’ll pay the fee."

A fee?

Tadashi glanced at Yukino with a hint of amusement.

She was quite thoughtful.

He paused for a moment, just about to reply when Shizuka interrupted.

"No need. I’ve already taken care of the payment," Shizuka said with a dismissive wave. "Besides, it wasn’t a big deal, so there’s no need for a fee."

Tadashi glanced at Shizuka but said nothing.

Indeed, she had compensated him—and on a long-term basis too.

Thinking back to their intimate moment earlier, Tadashi felt a rush of warmth and excitement.

‘Just wait until tonight,’ he thought to himself, eager to claim his full ‘reward.’