"So it really was a pet shop…"
Watching the little cat walk in carrying the black cat, Rias nodded slightly, relieved.
Beside her, Akeno found it all rather odd.
"Since when did Koneko get into pets? And why take the long route just to come here?"
"It's Koneko's hobby — let's not interfere. Let's go, Akeno."
"Huh? Can't we watch a bit longer…"
"If Koneko catches us, it won't look good. We were following her secretly in the first place."
"So now you admit we were tailing her?"
"You were the one egging me on to follow her!"
"But wasn't it you who's worried she got a boyfriend?"
"I told you, I'm just being a responsible president!"
The two bickered as they walked away.
Inside the shop, sensing the two presences fade into the distance, Ren calmly sipped his tea.
So those were Rias and Akeno following Koneko…
When Ren learned he was in Kuoh Town, he panicked for a few minutes — but after receiving his system, he was completely unfazed.
That they followed Koneko wasn't strange. She was Rias's cute subordinate and family, after all. Recently, she'd been coming here often — naturally Rias would worry.
If the roles were reversed, Ren would've done the same. Who wouldn't worry about their own "little sister" getting abducted?
Watching Kuroka, now comfortably eating, Ren found it amusing.
She'd been full of tricks when she first arrived — no magic, but plenty of bite.
Still, after tasting the benefits, all her resistance vanished!
A textbook case of "truth through experience."
What, you didn't want to be a pet? Here, you eat and sleep and grow stronger without lifting a finger. It's better than training to death every day. Plus, you've got a boss with insane strength backing you up. Only a fool would say no! At least Kuroka thought so.
And more importantly… she could see her cute little sister every day…
That was the real reason.
Hmm? Someone's staring?
She looked up and saw Ren watching her. She threw him a flirtatious glance, which made him shudder.
If normal Kuroka did that, fine. But as a cat?
Yeah — no thanks.
Noticing his reaction, Kuroka's claws itched.
She knew exactly what he meant — he was mocking her.
And who turned her into this in the first place?
She had been so obedient, and he still wouldn't turn her back. What a jerk!
Seeing her glare, Ren smirked devilishly.
"By the way, Koneko, didn't you say you had club activities after school? Are you sure it's okay to come here every day? If you're just worried about Kuro, I can send you daily pictures."
"Meow—! Meow—! Meow! (No no no! I want to see my Shirone every day!)"
Hearing that, the black cat in Koneko's arms squirmed furiously.
Feeling her distress, Koneko gently stroked her to calm her down.
"It's okay, Kuro. I'll visit every day. Don't worry…"
She then looked at Ren and said in a flat tone:
"Don't worry, Manager Kurosawa. I've already told the president — it's fine. But if you don't take proper care of Kuro, I'll do it myself…"
After all, she could always work harder to meet her demon quota.
Though she didn't really understand why she cared about this black cat so much.
She just… really liked her.
Watching this exchange, Ren thought to himself:
I wonder what expression you'll make when you find out that black cat in your arms… is actually your big sister.
"I see. If that's the case, do as you like. I was just joking — from the look on Kuro's face, she clearly can't bear to part with you."
"That's good…"
Koneko nodded slightly, visibly relieved.
Kuroka also relaxed. She knew Ren was joking, but it still annoyed her.
Tch. Petty man. All I did was glare at you!
Also, can't you give me a proper name? I'm not just "Kuro!"
She looked over at Fou, still being pampered by Ren, and sighed inwardly.
Maybe because she resisted so much early on, her place in this "household" was sealed.
Ren caught her gaze and narrowed his eyes.
"Want me to reveal your real name?"
From his lip movements, Kuroka read the name.
Her expression twitched. Silently, she turned her head — forget it, he's not someone she could mess with.
If Koneko found out her real identity, she might immediately change her attitude…
Koneko stayed for a while, then reluctantly stood up to leave.
She came every day to check on the black cat — even if that's all, it made her happy.
She couldn't skip her duties forever, but since she'd be staying long, she often left late.
Seeing her reluctant expression, Ren chuckled.
"If you're that attached, why not take Kuro home?"
"Eh?"
Koneko was stunned.
She hadn't asked before since Kuro was marked "not for sale."
But now that Ren offered…
Even Kuroka gave Ren a side-eye.
What's with this guy? Why's he being so generous today?
Ren just chuckled.
"You come every day — clearly you love Kuro. Of course, I'm not giving her away. But if you take her, you're responsible for bringing her back yourself. No slacking — or I won't let you see her again."
At that moment, Ren bared his fangs at the innocent Koneko.
At the same time, Kuroka's eyes sharpened.
Was this man… planning to turn Shirone into his pet too?
Hearing that, a flash of delight passed across her face. Koneko immediately turned serious and nodded.
"I'll take good care of Kuro, and I'll personally bring him back! Manager Kurosawa, please rest assured!"
Looking at her so serious, like prey walking straight into the hunter's trap, Ren gave a dazzling smile.
...Such a naïve kid!