"AAAH?!"
Kagura nearly leapt out of his skin.
Indeed, Sayuri held a male chastity belt in her left hand—an app-controlled, remote-lock model.
"Ugh… Kagura, you can't control yourself," Sayuri pouted, dangling the device. "Wear this, and Mommy will permit you to be intimate with Ai every two days."
"…Every two days? That's a bit sparse, isn't it?"
Twice a day felt insufficient to Kagura.
"You need restraint… Don't indulge your desires recklessly."
"Forget it. I'm not wearing that—it's terrifying! Throw it out, Sayuri! What mother buys her son something like that?!"
"Well… I didn't actually buy it."
"Huh?"
"When I was unpacking, I found it in the cabinet. I vaguely recall it's something Ai bought for you but never used. That girl's so obedient to you, completely under your thumb…"
"…"
Kagura was floored.
Hasaka, you planned to lock me up?! Fine, I'll remember this.
But then he reconsidered—he'd used a lust tattoo to block Ai's climaxes, so they were equally matched in their mutual mischief.
"Mommy won't make you wear it, don't worry."
Sayuri tossed the chastity belt, landing it neatly in the paper trash bin.
"Phew… You scared me."
Kagura rolled his eyes, patting his chest.
"My goal here is to teach you the dangers of unchecked lust, to help you master your desires… Honestly, I don't know why something so painful captivates you boys."
"Uh… Painful?"
Kagura sensed he shouldn't probe, but the question slipped out.
"It's excruciating… Not that he was too big or anything, just… pain. Endless pain. If I hadn't borne you all, I'd regret it forever."
"That sounds… awful."
"Has Ai never mentioned pain?"
"No."
Kagura fibbed.
Ai had cried out in pain, but soon trembled with ecstasy. Whether it was genuine pain or pleasure—or both—was anyone's guess.
"I see… Perhaps it's a compatibility issue. I just didn't mesh with him. You know, doujins often have plots like that—a wife finds no spark with her husband, but a creep coerces her, and she's instantly hooked on his massive…"
"Stop saying those words in front of your son!"
Kagura covered his ears, exasperated.
Sayuri laughed heartlessly, patting his back, earning a resentful glare from Kagura, who nearly rolled his eyes.
After calming down, Kagura rose to leave. Sayuri waved, propped on her chin. At the door, he turned back. "By the way, Sayuri…"
"Hm? Still itching to find Ai?"
"No… Do you always sleep naked?"
He scratched his cheek, tilting his head.
"Oh ho~ Curious, are you? Want to check for yourself?"
Sayuri teasingly lifted the blanket's edge, winking furiously.
"Nah, that'd be weird. I know Ai doesn't sleep naked. You should wear a nightgown or something. What if I barge in like earlier and you're uncovered? Awkward."
"Fiiine~"
Sayuri squinted, waving flippantly.
Who knew if she'd listened?
Back in bed, Kagura rare scrolled his phone, noticing messages from Miko Yotsuya sent two hours ago. Reading them, he realized, "Almost forgot."
Last weekend, he'd agreed to hang out with Miko this Saturday. She wanted to treat him to lunch for saving her, and he'd recommend some protective charms.
Busy as he was, Kagura rarely checked his phone, delaying his reply. Miko, thinking he'd bailed, sent a pitiful final message.
He responded: [9:30 AM tomorrow, meet in front of Sobu High.]
Miko, glued to her phone, replied instantly: [Got it!]
She added a goofy panda saluting emoji. Kagura chuckled, tossed his phone, and tried to sleep…
No chance—his recent check-in left him wired.
Lying awake was pointless. He fidgeted, then opened LINE to Yukino's chat, messaging: [Good evening!]
Two minutes later, Yukino replied: [Good evening. And good night.]
Kagura's heart spilled ellipses.
He wanted to chat with his future wife, but Yukino's healthy routine meant bedtime, and she had no interest in late-night talks with "suspect" Kagura.
Resigned, he messaged Yumiko Miura. Chatting with her was easy, sparked by that three-million-yen check. They talked until 5 a.m., when Yumiko passed out, leaving his last message unanswered.
Finally drowsy, Kagura set a 7 a.m. alarm, napped two hours, then disabled it and checked into the system for a refreshed day.
It was a bright, sunny morning. After breakfast served by Kawasaki and "Yuriko," Kagura rode to Sobu High.
Chiba's seaside private road carried a salty breeze. Concrete pillars, like oversized art plaster, lined the breakwater below, evoking fond memories for Kagura—though his mom's semi-enforced abstinence curbed those thoughts.
Meanwhile, at Kagura's estate:
"Listen up, Hasaka, we've got a big mission today!"
Eriri, fresh from breakfast in a frilly princess dress, dragged Ai to her room, stripping down without hesitation.
If Kawasaki saw, she'd be shocked, but the other maids were used to it—Hasaka was a girl, after all.
"Uh… Miss Eriri, what exactly are you…?"
Ai closed the door, tilting her head, puzzled.
Lately barred from dining with Kagura, Ai was whisked away by Eriri post-meal.
"Isn't it obvious?!" Eriri shed everything but her underwear, undoing her twin-tails, slipping into a plain white T-shirt, and urging Ai, "Don't just stand there—help me pin my hair!"
"Alright…"
Ai complied, pinning Eriri's silky hair, leaving two side strands loose.
Eriri zipped around, grabbing tacky overalls, a mustard-yellow cap, and swapping contacts for thick, nerdy glasses, rivaling Aki's.
"Your dress was lovely. Why this look…?"
Ai adjusted her blue-tinted glasses.
Her own contacts shifted her eye color from Eriri's aqua to icy blue—part of her flawless disguise.
"Surveillance, obviously! As Kagura's personal maid, aren't you worried?!"
"I'm a butler now, and I'm temporarily suspended."
"Enough! You're still a maid, not fired, so you follow my orders!"
"Fair enough…" Ai approached as Eriri laced up scratched white sneakers, kneeling to kiss her hand lightly. "Smith A. Hasaka, at your service today, Miss Eriri."
Ai got it—Eriri was uneasy about Kagura's date and wanted to spy.
Isn't that stalker behavior?
"Enough with the theatrics!"
Eriri shook off Ai's hand, tied her shoes, grabbed her phone and wallet, and bolted.
Ai donned a black jacket and followed. They reached the courtyard, hopped into a car, and headed to Sobu High.
How did they know Kagura's destination? His driver, Nao Hasaka, spilled the beans.
At 9:20 a.m., Kagura arrived across from Sobu High. Miko was already there.
Her outfit echoed last time's, favoring teal—a hoodie with drawstrings replaced her old capeless one, and her black layered mini-skirt swapped for fringed hotpants paired with white thigh-highs, showcasing her radiant legs.
Spotting Kagura, Miko waved with a smile.
Simultaneously, he noticed a Minecraft-like suited block-person beside her, holding a sign: [Cute miss, I want to lick your socks. Sell them to me…]
Tch, a pervert ghost. Does Miko attract these? She's a ghost magnet!
Kagura disembarked on the school side. Miko crossed when the light turned green, the ghost trailing her, making her glance nervously at it, her smile stiffening.
Reaching Kagura, her left lip twitched, signaling the persistent ghost.
Kagura placed a hand on her left shoulder and snapped his fingers.
Instantly, the ghost dissolved into golden sand, vanishing.
"Phew—" Miko's legs buckled, clutching Kagura's arm, sinking slightly, eyes teary. "That… scared me to death…"
"Hahaha, it's because you can see them. If you couldn't, you'd be fine."
He patted her head gently. Miko closed her eyes, wiping a tear with her finger, sniffling. "So, Zeamura… any way to make me not see them? Ignorance is bliss… sob…"
"Sorry, I've got nothing. I can banish ghosts, but sealing yin-yang eyes? No clue."
He scratched his head, wincing.
"Sigh—" Miko gripped her coffee-brown backpack straps, shoulders slumping. "It's fine, Zeamura. You don't need to feel bad. I'm grateful you got rid of that creep."
"No big deal." He gestured forward. "Let's not loiter at the school gate. Walk and talk—where do you want lunch?"
"Hm… I'm treating you, so pick what you like. Don't worry about me, though…" She pulled out her wallet, blushing, covering her lips. "I can't afford anything too pricey."
"Hahahaha… Bigboy or Saizeriya's fine. Think I only eat French cuisine? If it's inconvenient, I can treat. You're buying charms, right?"
Kagura glanced at a distant street corner.
Those chains were budget-friendly, affordable for most families.
He knew little about charms, never expecting spirits in this world. But since Miko asked, he couldn't say "I don't know." He'd consulted Yumiko Miura, a typical high school girl fond of cheap fortune-telling and lucky stones, who recommended three spots, one 900 meters left of the school gate—her favorite.
"Hm… I've no idea what to buy…" Miko glanced enviously at Kagura's shoulder, lips twitching.
Ugh, I want a nine-tailed fox guardian too… So unfair!
Kagura had blocked his glowing fox spirit to avoid distraction, knowing what Miko was eyeing but unable to see it himself.
"Just a fluke, can't help it."
He pointed at his shoulder.
"Sigh…" Miko sighed again but perked up, smiling. "Is your fox from Kyoto's Inari Shrine?"
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto venerates fox gods, the head of Japan's Inari shrines, so her assumption made sense.
"Nope. It's probably hereditary. Mom's family has long managed shrines. Before the Meiji era, they were a priestly lineage."
"Ugh—" Miko nearly teared up.
Priestly lineage, no wonder.
Kagura wasn't entirely fibbing—Sayuri's family was priestly, owning tax-exempt land, but the fox was the system's doing, not hers.
"Anyway, let's hope no schoolgirls spot us…"
Miko clasped her hands, muttering prayers.
"Why's that?"
"Uh… Zeamura, I don't want to be public enemy number one…"
She clutched her face, wailing.
Kagura got it. But hadn't he gone out with Megumi Kato last time, seen by Miko and Yui? They were reasonable, not rabid fans, and wouldn't ostracize Megumi at school.
Plus, Megumi was practically invisible there—anyone wanting to bully her would first ask, "Who's Kato Megumi?"
Meanwhile, a nondescript black sedan trailed Kagura.
Ai meant to open the door for Eriri, but she shoved past, exiting first. Ai followed, mildly exasperated.
Peering from behind a lamppost, Eriri clenched her fists, hissing, "Hasaka, see that shameless couple?"
"Uh… I see Young Master Kagura and an unfamiliar girl."
Ai sweated, maintaining her poker face.
"Know her?"
"Sobu High, Year 2, Class C, Miko Yotsuya. Met Young Master Kagura last Sunday."
"Hmph, you're well-informed."
Eriri shot her a displeased glance.
Ai adjusted her glasses coolly. "I can access Young Master Kagura's phone, so I know."
She didn't read his chats, just noted new contacts, memorizing them.
"Follow quietly—don't let them notice."
Eriri peeked, confirming their backs before whispering.
"Understood."
Ai eyed Kagura's back, thinking, Don't blame me, Young Master…
Her tailing carried personal motives. Kagura had professed love days ago, yet here he was with another girl. Ai wasn't heartless—she cared.
Kagura's side:
"Yawn…"
Miko's brief energy faded into a yawn, stifled politely, as if forced out. She waved at Kagura. "Sorry… I've been sleeping poorly…"
"No worries, don't stress. I'm easygoing." Unaware of his two shadows, he ruffled her hair. "Getting spooked by spirits keeping you up is normal."
He'd blocked spirits at home to avoid jumpscares, never seeing them there.
"Phew…" Miko patted her chest, relieved.
To Eriri and Ai, this scene was…
"Ugh, disgusting! Definitely impure!"
"Are you concluding that quickly…?"
"He's targeting her black hair! Big bro's got game!" Eriri turned, startled. "H-Hasaka… What's that?!"
Ai held a buzzing self-defense taser, adjusting her glasses icily. "Just in case. Also, why does touching her hair make you jump to that, Miss Eriri?"
Eriri's mind trailed black lines. You call me quick? Your reaction's worse.
"For a black-haired girl, hair's the ultimate charm point! Touching it's a critical hit!"
"That's your logic…?"
Ai muttered, pocketing the taser.
Then Young Master touching your blonde twin-tails must be more thrilling than touching your…
Soon, Kagura and Miko reached Yumiko's first recommended shop.
Every Sobu High student knew "Crystal Enigma." Near the school, it thrived on lovestruck teens seeking fortunes and charms.
Its decor was eclectic—yin-yang symbols on one side, crystal balls and tarot posters on another, a mishmash of East and West. Blackout film cloaked the windows, adding mystery.
A small table stood out front, a can of 80–100 bamboo sticks on the left, a donation box on the right, inscribed in black ink: Fortune, 200 yen per draw.
Miko's eyelids twitched. "This…"
Does this place have legit charms? Feels like a student-money trap!
Trusting Kagura, she decided to check it out. She'd saved months of part-time earnings for this (half went to her mom for household expenses).
"Let's take a look. I'll help judge."
His words bolstered her confidence. She stepped toward the deep red wooden door.
As she reached for it, the door swung open with a BAM! Thinking it'd hit her, she shut her eyes, but Kagura swiftly blocked it, absorbing the impact.
The person inside, surprised at the resistance, said, "Huh?"
Kagura recognized a young girl's voice. Can't she open it gently?
"Ugh…"
Miko peeked, seeing the door inches from her face, then Kagura's grip. She stepped back, nodding. "Thanks…"
"Huh? Huh—?"
The girl pushed harder, failing until Kagura, ensuring Miko's safety, released the door.
She shoved with all her might, tumbling into Kagura's arms as the door flew open.
Prepared, he caught her, avoiding a fall—lessons learned from Yumiko's tackle.
Her hair mirrored Miko's style: soft yellow at the top, fading to peach-red at the tips, tied in twin-tails. Unlike Eriri's ribbons, she used red mushroom-shaped elastic bands with white spots. The yellow seemed natural, the red dyed, with a fluffy texture.
She was tiny—barely over 1.3 meters. Her "tumble into his arms" meant her head hit his ribcage.
"Oww—!" Rubbing her forehead and nose, she stepped back, pointing rudely. "Hey, you! Don't block the shop in broad daylight… Huh?"
Looking up, she froze.
Wait… Zeamura Spencer Kagura?! His life energy's insane…
"Sorry, miss, you pushed too hard and nearly hit my friend. I held the door. You okay?"
Kagura crouched to her level.
Her wine-red eyes, like Ms. Kirisu's, sparkled, with long lashes, especially below. Her hoodie and shorts echoed the mushroom motif, making her a dainty mushroom sprite.
Standing, she barely reached Miko's shoulders, with tiny limbs and a slender neck, exuding ultimate loli vibes—almost toddler-like. Yet, she wore pantyhose and black nail polish, exuding maturity. Her face was too pretty for a grade-schooler.
"You…" She blinked, hands fidgeting in her pockets. "Class J's Zeamura…?"
"So, you're a Sobu High student too? I've transferred to Class F."
Miko sighed, palming her face. Caught anyway!
The girl nodded, stepped out, shut the door, and glanced at them. "Going in? My advice: don't. This place is garbage."
"Uh…"
Kagura and Miko exchanged confused looks.
"I'm Yulia Nimudou, Class B, Year 2. Don't treat me like a kid!" Yulia jabbed a finger at Kagura, flicked her hair, and turned to leave. "Go if you want. Ignore me."
They watched her vanish into a nearby alley, her ladybug backpack bobbing.
"She's odd…"
Kagura rubbed his chin.
"Definitely…"
Miko nodded softly.
Unbeknownst to them, Yulia was a spiritualist. Her yin-yang eyes differed from Miko's—she saw weaker spirits vaguely, while Miko saw all clearly.
Thus, Miko saw Kagura's fox; Yulia couldn't.
Yulia's edge was seeing life energy auras.
"Hm… Who has such a strong aura? It's him… I've rarely seen one like his…"
Yulia peeked from the alley, muttering as they entered "Crystal Enigma."
Isolated by her ghost-seeing ability and health issues, Yulia had no friends at school, ate alone in the girls' bathroom, and never approached Kagura, despite seeing him around.
Inside, Kagura eyed the "protective items"—prayer beads, peachwood swords, crystal balls. Only the priciest ball emitted a faint gray glow. He summoned the system: "Hey, can my [Nine-Word Mantra] detect spiritual items?"
"Spiritual items glow in your sight, like that crystal ball, but its light is too dim. I don't recommend purchasing."
"Got it. End service."
Yulia's warning echoed—she'd advised against entering.
"Thanks, let's go, Yotsuya. We'll try the next shop."
Kagura waved to the clerk, leading a reluctant Miko out.
"Phew… Were those beads useless, Zeamura?"
She whispered, trailing him.
"Pretty much."
"I thought my wallet was doomed."
"That crystal ball had some effect, but it's low-quality."
"Wow, expensive for a reason…" Miko checked her wallet, sighing. "Hope we find something affordable."
Behind them, Eriri and Ai followed.
"Definitely a love fortune! No doubt!"
Eriri gnawed her handkerchief, fuming.
"Isn't it normal for your brother to date at his age…?"
"Easy for you to say—pocket that taser first!"
"Ahem, sorry, habit."
"What kind of habit…?" Eriri muttered, waving Ai on. "They're moving! Next shop!"
Kagura and Miko were oblivious, but besides Eriri and Ai, Yulia trailed too.
"They're hitting psychic shops… Good thing they didn't buy there, saved from a scam. But their route… ugh…"
Yulia sighed, palming her face at a corner.
The next shop was another tourist trap.
As a natural yin-yang eye holder, Yulia knew a legitimate shop run by "Downtown Godmother," a nickname from the area's old name.
But, having just met Kagura, she hesitated to recommend it, fearing being seen as a shill and tarnishing her revered Godmother's name.
She aspired to apprentice under her.
"Yotsuya, do you know that girl from earlier?"
Kagura realized Yulia introduced herself only to him, ignoring Miko.
Bad blood?
"No… First time meeting her."
Miko nearly asked, "Is she your type?" but stopped.
Last time, he was with model-like Megumi Kato. Yulia, a tiny mushroom sprite, was worlds apart!
Soon, they reached Yumiko's second recommended shop, but it was another dud. Without Kagura's restraint, Miko might've lingered.
Outside, she grumbled.
She'd hoped Kagura's help would yield instant success, but was this a three-visit quest?
"Tired, Yotsuya? Want to rest at that café?"
He pointed to a newly opened spot across from the second shop.
"I'm fine. You, Zeamura?"
"All good."
"Then please take me to the next shop. I hope it's fruitful." She forced a smile, muttering, "Resting's less urgent than finding a good charm."
"Alright, it's a bit farther."
"No problem, I can walk." Suddenly, she recalled the amulet Kagura gave Yui. "Speaking of, that amulet you gave Yui…"
"That? It's one-of-a-kind, from my mom. Sorry…"
"No, no… I'm more worried about Yui. She's soft, easily targeted by spirits, even if she doesn't notice."
Miko waved off her own hopes.
Walking silently wasn't Kagura's style. "What do you usually do, Yotsuya?"
"Uh… Work part-time? Shop with Yui? Help Mom with chores?"
She counted on her fingers.
"Nice, nice. I usually… ah—"
"What? You practice piano a lot, right?"
She mimed playing.
"Not really into it now—Mom nags me. I'd rather be a slacker."
"That's hilarious~" Miko giggled, stopping at a crosswalk light. "You found these shops?"
"I've got some ability but no item expertise, so I asked someone."
"Oh…"
"Sorry they're not great."
"No, no, I asked you to do something you're not good at. Don't blame yourself."
Chatting, they reached the third shop.
Yulia, trailing, grew giddy—it was Godmother's shop.
"Hope they recognize quality. That place is the real deal…"
She hid behind a pole, peeking.
The corner shop resembled a quaint kiosk. Its sign was flashy but tasteful compared to the first, with a purple backdrop touting "Fortune-Telling • Exorcism" and "Wealth • Career • Love UPUP!" The bold "GodMother" doubled as the shop's name.