Matsuda turned to Shimara, attempting to take a more diplomatic approach. "Shimara-san, we understand your concerns regarding the stability of your realm in Asgard. However, as you've heard, even Kaoru-san, who was directly involved in the battle against Kyuubi, has no knowledge of the Yggdrasil Seed's whereabouts. I hope you can understand our position."
Shimara gave only a disdainful huff, though her icy aura began to subside. "Hmph!"
Kaoru observed her with mild amusement. Somehow, Shimara's stubbornness reminded him of someone he used to know—someone with blonde hair often tied in twintails and just as strong-willed. But Kaoru brushed aside the thought.
Matsuda, looking like a weary father trying to calm a stubborn child, turned to Kaoru with a mixture of relief and apology. "Sorry for intruding on your time, Kaoru-san. We'll be on our way now."
Kaoru nodded, giving a small wave and a faint smile. "Well, have a good day, Matsuda-san… maybe."
Shimara cast Kaoru one last sharp look before stepping out, with Matsuda following close behind, visibly relieved to exit a situation that had nearly reached a boiling point. Once the door closed, Kaoru returned to his desk, exhaling deeply as he took in the room, now returned to its usual state. The chill that had briefly filled the air began to dissipate, though he still felt the lingering tension from the recent encounter.
"Yggdrasil Seed, huh…" Kaoru murmured, mulling over Shimara's words. He had no clue about the Seed's existence, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the last he'd hear of it.
---
Asuka walked with a light step toward Kaoru's office, hoping to recharge alongside her boyfriend after a grueling few days. But as soon as she entered, her eyes landed on a familiar, intriguing figure—her old friend from the Taimanin world, Onisaki Kirara.
"Kirara-chan!" Asuka cried out, her face lighting up with excitement. It had been ages since they'd last met, and this unexpected reunion thrilled her.
Kirara, who was standing by the window, jumped at the sound of her name, turning with wide eyes. "A-Asuka?!" Kirara's gaze locked onto Asuka, her expression one of shock. Her long blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail with an oversized ribbon, and two small horns peeked out from amidst her golden locks, giving her a unique and eye-catching look. Today, she was dressed in a casual lavender sweater that hung loosely off one shoulder, exuding a soft, relaxed charm. She'd paired it with a short denim skirt and dark stockings, creating a simple yet stylish ensemble. Black boots completed her outfit, adding a hint of casual chic to her look.
Asuka hurried over, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Wow, I didn't expect to see you here! It's been so long!" she exclaimed, grinning widely. "I've missed you so much, Kirara-chan!"
Kirara, who was sweet but had a touch of tsundere in her personality, tried to keep her composure. She crossed her arms over her chest, pretending not to be too enthusiastic, though a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "Of course… I didn't think you'd show up out of the blue. Done with… all your important business?" she asked with a playful tease.
Asuka giggled, a little bashful as she gave Kirara a once-over. "Hehe, yeah… I've been busy, but I always miss you! And look at you! You're getting cuter by the day, Kirara-chan!" she said with a wink, admiring her friend's laid-back style.
Asuka herself was dressed differently, wearing her fitted Taimanin Academy uniform that gave her an air of elegance and professionalism fitting a warrior.
Looking around the room, Asuka asked curiously, "So, Kirara-chan, what brings you here? Not many Taimanin know this is my boyfriend Kaoru's media company."
Kirara looked uncomfortable, her face turning a slight shade of pink. "Ah, I… I was just—"
But before Kirara could explain, a new voice rang out from the lobby entrance. "Freya?" The voice was cold, firm, and tinged with an inquisitive sharpness. Kirara turned, and her expression changed instantly when she saw the speaker.
It was none other than Shinmara, Queen of the Kijin of Frost, who had just met with Kaoru earlier. The woman's overwhelming, icy presence and piercing gaze cut straight through Kirara, as though seeing through every facade.
Kirara froze, her body tense. "M-Mother…" she murmured, her voice barely audible. It was a surprise to everyone that Kirara—or Freya, as her mother called her—was the daughter of the renowned queen of the Kijin from the Dark World. While the two shared distinctive features—small horns and striking blue eyes—their relationship had always been strained and distant, shrouded in unspoken tension.
Matsuda, standing nearby, could only slap a hand to his forehead, realizing how awkward and mistimed this encounter was. With a low, weary sigh, he muttered, "Why now, of all times…"
Caught between her mother and Asuka, Kirara quickly decided to leave before the situation could spiral any further. "Sorry, Asuka, I've got to run. Let's catch up later!" she said hurriedly, making a swift exit as though she was fleeing from something unbearable.
Asuka could only stare in confusion, slightly stunned by Kirara's sudden departure. She lifted a hand, intending to call out, but Kirara had already disappeared through the door.
On the other side of the room, Shinmara simply watched the door her daughter had left through, her expression unreadable. Her left hand lifted slightly, as if wanting to reach out and follow, but she finally lowered it with a somber look. Memories of past tensions between herself and her daughter surged forth, making her realize why Kirara now kept such a careful distance.
Watching this frosty silence, Matsuda briefly considered offering a word of comfort to Shinmara. But he quickly thought better of it, realizing that trying to console an emotionally charged Kijin queen might be a high-risk move—one that could easily turn him into a frozen relic.
With a regal poise, Shinmara straightened, her gaze once more steely and focused. Refusing to linger in sentiment, she continued on her way, Matsuda trailing behind her. They walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, particularly Shinmara, who seemed to carry a quiet sense of regret.
Meanwhile, Asuka stood rooted in the lobby, her gaze fixed on the door through which Kirara had vanished. "Kirara-chan…?" she murmured softly, still trying to make sense of her friend's sudden shift in behavior. She wondered what had really transpired between Kirara and her mother, but also knew this wasn't something she could unravel with a single meeting.
As Asuka lingered, lost in thought, Kaoru emerged from the corridor, a puzzled expression on his face, having just wrapped up some important paperwork. "What's going on, Asuka? You look distracted," he asked, glancing around and noticing the slight tension in the lobby.
Asuka sighed, then turned to face him with her usual bright smile restored. "Oh, I just ran into a friend… but never mind that. Anyway, Honey!" Without hesitation and full of enthusiasm, Asuka threw her arms around Kaoru, hugging him tightly.
Kaoru, taken aback but used to her spontaneous affection, chuckled softly as he steadied her. "Hey, what's this all of a sudden? You seem really happy."
Asuka gave him a playful look. "I just… well, I needed a little recharge after everything that's happened today. So… do you have some free time?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with hope.
Kaoru gently patted her head, smiling warmly. "For you, I always have time," he replied, meeting her gaze with deep affection. "Want to go to our favorite place? Or did you have something else in mind?"
Asuka laughed lightly, clearly pleased by his answer. "Let's go! How about we grab some food first? I know a new spot that's supposed to be amazing!"
Without further ado, they left the office, Asuka leading the way with her usual excitement, while Kaoru followed with a fond smile. Every so often, he glanced at her with a look full of warmth and gratitude, feeling lucky to be with someone who brought so much light and happiness into his life.