The sun shone warmly in the clear blue sky, illuminating the park filled with the laughter and chatter of children. The green grass became a playground for them as they ran freely, enjoying the simple joys of tag or casually drawing random patterns on the ground with sticks.
In another corner of the park, there was a sandpit where a few young children were busy building sandcastles, creating their own little worlds with toy shovels and small buckets. Not far from there, the slides and swings were never empty, always adorned with cheerful shouts as the children took turns playing.
Under the shade of the trees, families spread out picnic mats, enjoying the meals they had brought while chatting in a warm atmosphere. Some young couples sat side by side on park benches, engrossed in casual conversation or simply soaking in the tranquility of the afternoon. Elsewhere, a group of elderly people chatted quietly, keeping an eye on their grandchildren while occasionally smiling at the innocent antics of the children.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, a gazebo slightly hidden behind cherry blossom trees became a spot for a pair of young people to relax. Ren sat with his arms folded behind his head, his eyes observing the park scene without a clear expression. Beside him, Itsuki sipped from a plastic bottle, occasionally playing with the ends of her wind-blown hair.
She turned to Ren, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.
"Have you been busy at school lately?"
Ren simply shrugged, his eyes still fixed ahead. "Nothing interesting."
Itsuki tilted her head slightly, looking at him more intently. "You really don't want to go back to the Archery Club? They're probably still hoping you'll rejoin."
Ren chuckled softly, his tone flat but confident. "Archery is fun, but I've already reached the peak. There's no challenge left there."
Itsuki sighed, as if she had expected that answer. She knew Ren was always searching for something more challenging, something that made him feel alive.
After a moment, she asked teasingly, "How's your relationship with Maria-san?"
Ren finally turned to her, the corner of his lips curling into a smirk. "Why? Are you jealous?"
Itsuki just rolled her eyes, but a faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "I'm just curious. You're known for flirting with a lot of women, after all."
"Masha's fine. She's busy with student council activities, but she still finds time to secretly satisfy my urges every now and then."
Instantly, the ahoge on her head stood up. Itsuki knew Ren well enough to understand the hidden meaning behind his words.
"Don't do anything weird at school. If anyone finds out, it could be a huge problem! Besides, Maria-san is a member of the student council. Her reputation could be ruined, and her life would never be the same again."
"I know my limits. I'm always careful."
Leaning closer, Ren whispered into Itsuki's ear in a teasing tone. "Or maybe you've forgotten? We've also done things like that on school grounds. The office, the rooftop, toilet—"
Before Ren could finish, Itsuki had already covered his mouth with her hand. Her face turned red instantly. She quickly glanced left and right, making sure no one had overheard.
"Don't talk nonsense in public!"
Enjoying Itsuki's reaction, which was always fun to tease, Ren leaned back, letting the cool breeze brush past him.
"Where do you want to go after this?"
"How about we go to the shopping mall? I want to buy a few things."
"Shopping? You're starting to sound like a real wife."
"What else am I if not your wife?"
A strange feeling tugged at her heart. Itsuki was indeed carrying Ren's child, but they weren't married. Living under the same roof without any formal commitment made her feel uneasy, even though she knew Ren was a responsible man. She always worried she might end up like her mother.
The change in Itsuki's expression didn't escape Ren's notice. He smiled faintly before gently pinching her cheek.
"Don't make that grumpy face. Let's go buy some baby supplies."
Itsuki was still a little frustrated, but she eventually nodded in agreement. The two of them got up from the gazebo, leaving the park still bustling with the laughter of children and the chatter of families enjoying their picnics.
The sunlight shone sharply on the clean streets, highlighting the spotless concrete. The usual morning hustle and bustle of the city seemed to have vanished, replaced by a more solemn and tense atmosphere.
A line of black cars was neatly parked along the side of the road. Dozens of men and women in black uniforms stood at attention on both sides of the apartment entrance, their expressions serious and solemn.
Among them, Sayanomiya Kaoru, the representative of the History Compilation Committee, stood calmly, dressed in his usual men's suit. His demeanor appeared composed, but beside him, Amakasu Tōuma looked more tense than usual.
'Why does it have to be me? Just because I witnessed Lord Doni and Marquis Voban's battle, so anything involving Campione means I have to be there?' He grumbled inwardly.
"We need to be careful. Otherwise, the History Compilation Committee, which has survived for a thousand years, will disappear from this land."
Straightening his collar, Touma reminded everyone not to act recklessly.
Almost all Campione were individuals with strange and unpredictable temperaments.
For example, Marquis Voban of Eastern Europe, an old man who had turned many humans into blocks of salt just for disturbing him. Or Luo Hao from China, a demon said to make a baby stop crying just by mentioning her name.
Now, they were facing the suspected Seventh Campione, Rokuhara Ren.
According to reports, he lived like an ordinary person, but that might just be a disguise.
They couldn't afford to be careless.
Inside the apartment, Ren stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his uniform tie with a lazy expression.
"Why are there guests so early in the morning?"
His eyes briefly glanced out the window, catching sight of the line of black cars neatly parked along the road and the dozens of men and women in black uniforms standing stiffly in front of his apartment building.
However, instead of feeling pressured or rushed, he ignored them and casually strolled to the kitchen.
He had no intention of greeting them anytime soon.
At the dining table, Itsuki sat quietly, eating her breakfast as usual, completely unaware of what was happening outside.
Unlike Ren, who already knew the identities of the uninvited guests, Itsuki always believed the world operated based on science and natural laws. For her, there was no such thing as magic, gods, or the supernatural.
Ren knew that, and he had no interest in changing her perspective.
At least, not for now.