(How persistent...)
Yuno's love is heavy and toxic.
Yuki could feel it; after all, Yuno clung to him, ignoring Est, completely immersed in her own world.
"Master...."
And, of course, Est didn't lag behind; she clung to Yuki's free arm. But before she could get closer, Yuno's katana gleamed, preventing Est from approaching.
"Don't you dare..."
Her eyes dimmed, and her face was expressionless. They engaged in a silent staring contest, both girls not budging an inch.
*Sigh~
Internally sighing, Yuki's headache returned. It seemed Yuno was aware of her surroundings.
"Enough already. We don't have time to fight amongst ourselves."
Separating both girls, Yuki didn't want this conflict to escalate into physical blows and scratches. Understanding women was a lost cause; he needed to step in and take charge; otherwise, blood would be the only outcome.
"Est, return to my spiritual world. Our next enemy is decided."
"Yes, master."
Though a bit reluctant, Est nodded and entered Yuki's spiritual world. However, before leaving, she gave Yuno a deep look.
Est wasn't afraid; rather, she openly challenged Yuno, displaying something different from her usual emotionless demeanor. Even though she often played with Mana in the God's world, Yuno had a bad feeling, especially about those eyes that frequently lost their light.
(No matter, I'll protect the master.)
Thinking this, Est disappeared; she would always be with Yuki. If anything happened, she would be the first to intervene.
"Yuki... You shouldn't summon her anymore. Please end your contract with her."
"Don't talk nonsense, Yuno. It's impossible to end my contract with Est."
Shaking his head, Yuki gave her a blank look. He would be an idiot to end his contract with Est over a harem dispute.
Yuno, on the other hand, bit her lips; she was jealous, very jealous of Est. After all, she shared with Yuki a connection beyond physical contact; they shared a spiritual space and were connected on a soul level. Est had what Yuno wanted most: to be with Yuki for all eternity.
(It's okay... I'll let you enjoy your position for now.)
Taking a deep breath, Yuno smiled again.
"You shouldn't fight with Est, Yuno. She's not your enemy."
"Okay, Yuki. I'll do as you say."
Responding with a smile, Yuno blinked cutely at Yuki, who sighed in response. He could see that his words went in one ear and out the other.
*Shiiiii
Fortunately, Yuno's Diary sounded, breaking the awkward atmosphere.
"Hm? Well, it seems our guest is about to arrive."
Hearing this sound, Yuki wasn't surprised at all. If his calculations were correct, his guinea pig would enter the scene.
"Guest?"
Unable to comprehend Yuki's words, Yuno tilted her head, and her mind wandered.
This hotel was abandoned in a different city, and no one, besides the two of them, knew they were hiding here. No one should be able to find them since both traveled through Yuki's shadow and had no contact with other people.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Yuno checked her Diary, and her expression couldn't help but doubt.
"Yuki! An enemy!"
"No~, she's a guest."
While Yuno raised her katana, Yuki smiled as several tea cups and snacks emerged from his shadow, arranged for their guest.
*Tock, tock
The guest didn't make them wait long; a gentle knock was heard on the door.
"Yuki!"
"Calm down, Yuno. Let me handle this. Lower that katana..."
"But...!"
Even with Yuki's words, Yuno couldn't calm her anxiety. A nuclear bomb was beyond the door of her room. Yuno knew how terrible the other participants could be; if they did nothing, the game for them could end.
However, Yuki eased her anxiety by hugging her tightly, whispering in her ear.
"I understand your concern, but I need you to trust me, Yuno... or do you not trust me?"
"Yes! I trust Yuki!"
"Then lower that katana and leave everything to me..."
This time, Yuno couldn't retort. After all, she trusted Yuki more than herself.
Yuki was someone who, through messages and support, helped her overcome that damn cage.
A person who, even in different worlds, gave her the attention and love she needed most.
Thanks to Yuki, she had the courage to confront her parents and escape from that prison. She owed him, loved him more than anything, and she had to protect him, kill any enemy trying to separate them. However, Yuki's words struck her deep, as if he knew exactly which words were effective in tying her hands and making her unable to retort.
After all, if she refused to disobey him, it meant she didn't trust Yuki, and cracks in their relationship would open over time, possibly becoming irreparable.
This was what Yuno feared most...
"Well... I'll do what you say, Yuki..."
Lowering her head along with her katana, Yuno murmured.
"Good, good girl."
Cradling her beautiful hair, Yuki lifted her chin and gave her a quick kiss. He knew exactly what this girl was thinking.
After all, they had been chatting for more than two years. Although it was only a few days for Yuno, it was a long time for Yuki.
In those messages, Yuki took the opportunity to study her, delve into her deepest secrets. This girl was an open book to him, telling him everything as long as Yuki asked.
Yuki knew her better than she knew herself. That's why his sweet and double-edged words were a lethal poison for this girl, unable to disobey him.
It was dirty, as Yuki played with Yuno's feelings, but it was necessary if he wanted to keep this mentally unstable girl on a leash.
And although Yuki maintained his soft smile, inside, he was sweating cold because Yuno's gaze flickered frequently, as if she was in conflict with herself.
Fortunately for him, Yuno didn't hit him.
This made him inwardly sigh while cracking his fingers, where a white hand emerged from the shadows, opening the door. Behind it, a beautiful girl with long black hair, dressed in a kimono, was revealed.
"Welcome to our humble abode, Miss Tsubaki Kasugano. We were expecting you..."
Yes, the 'guest' was none other than Sixth, the owner of the Clairvoyance Diary.
Needless to say, Tsubaki was surprised to see them. After all, there were both Yuki and Yuno, sitting around a table, having tea and snacks, welcoming her.
This was something she didn't expect, as it seemed they were waiting for her arrival. She was even more surprised when she saw Yuki's beautiful face; her eyes couldn't help but sparkle, and her cheeks warmed slightly.
She never expected the 'Key' to be such a beautiful boy, after all; her Diary described him as a horrible giant monster.
But now...
(Calm down... I came to negotiate.)
"Thank youfor your kind invitation. With your permission."
Bowing slightly, Tsubaki entered the room, her gaze wandering around before settling on Yuki.
This look didn't go unnoticed by Yuno, who, in response, clenched her fist. Unfortunately, that was all she could do since she had given her word to Yuki not to intervene, unless, of course, this woman turned hostile.
But seeing the gentle smile on Yuki's face, it was highly unlikely that would happen.
"What are you planning, Yuki?"
She didn't know, but one thing she was sure of.
Tsubaki finding them was because of Yuki.
More precisely, Tsubaki was here because of Yuki. Something must have happened for this woman to dare come alone to the wolf's den. Even if she brought someone else with her, it would be futile. Regulars were powerless against Tectonic mediums. There was simply no comparison between them.
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