"Ga Over!"
Looking at the big capital letters on the ga screen, Koneko's expression turned unusually sharp.
"Koneko, I won…"
With a mischievous smile, Ren leaned in slightly toward Koneko, as if hinting at sothing.
"Mm..."
A soft blush crept up Koneko's delicate face. After a mont of hesitation, she leaned her head forward.
Yes, this was a bet between Koneko and Ren. If Koneko won, Ren would give her a bag of cat food.
And if Ren won, Koneko would obediently let him give her a head-pat.
Of course, all Koneko wanted was regular cat food—she wasn't trying to take advantage.
It was just a little bonus for gaming fun.
This was already the third ti... Koneko thought silently.
I have to win this ti! Otherwise, it'll be way too humiliating!
She never even considered that losing again might be even more of a loss...
Perhaps this was the so-called gambler's ntality.
At first, Koneko resisted Ren's hand on her head, but gradually, she turned into a well-trained little kitten.
The resistance on her face slowly faded—not that she looked like she was enjoying it, but she was definitely being obedient.
Realizing her own expression, Koneko suddenly looked flustered.
"Ahem... Manager, keep going! We're not done yet!"
Koneko insisted—there was no way a gaming expert like her would admit defeat that easily.
And so, the fourth round began—
anwhile, Kuroka lay bored on Koneko's shoulder, her face full of disinterest.
When Ren announced he'd be leaving for a while, Rias and the others were surprised but not unwilling to accept it.
After all, Ren didn't owe anyone in Kuoh Town an explanation. The fact that he even said anything showed he cared, especially about Rias and her group. Honestly, if he had just left without a word, they couldn't really complain.
Serafall left first—probably to go talk things over with Sirzechs.
In any case, it wouldn't change the outco. Sirzechs would likely just tell Serafall to visit Ren's shop more often. Even though Ren took Lucemom and Ophis with him, there were still plenty of terrifying beings left behind.
Like the Red Dragon. Like that utterly mysterious Fou...
These were entities worth keeping an eye on.
By the way, Ren didn't have any complicated motives for taking Ophis with him. She had just arrived, and he was about to leave. He hadn't had enough ti to build affection points with her. It was also a good opportunity for Ophis to see other worlds, which might help her find sothing interesting enough to distract her from her obsession with the dinsional gap.
That way, Ren would have a better chance of forming a contract with "his" Ophis.
Sure, he could have used other thods to get the contract... but ideally, he wanted it to be based on affection.
After all, Ophis wasn't evil by nature. Soone like Raynare, who was rotten from the start, was a different story. Ren never intended to "conquer" her—he just wanted to ss with her and see what kind of expressions she'd make. If she ended up with Stockholm Syndro, well, that would be another story.
As Ren was about to leave, he invited Koneko to co along.
Realizing they had never spent ti alone despite knowing each other for so long, Koneko agreed.
Though Kuroka remained perched on her shoulder like a third wheel.
Ren really wanted to throw that ddleso cat out, but at least she stayed silent and simply watched her sister and Ren interact, occasionally even offering assists.
Touched by Kuroka's subtle support, Ren started thinking about taking her ho and pampering her a bit.
Kuroka: "..."
This man really flips faster than a page in a book.
The fourth match was heating up. Kuroka watched Ren's gaplay and shook her head.
This guy really doesn't understand how to treat a lady...
As if hearing her silent criticism, Ren suddenly glanced at Kuroka.
His look clearly said: "You're badmouthing , aren't you?"
Kuroka: "???"
You can hear that?! Did you learn mind-reading?!
Ren gave her a suspicious look, then turned back just in ti to realize his in-ga character's health was about to drop to zero.
"...Hey! Koneko, you took advantage of my distraction!"
Koneko followed up with a combo that wiped out the rest of his HP.
"Hmph... It's a valid tactic. You can't afford any distraction while gaming!"
Even Koneko, after losing several rounds, looked a little smug at finally getting a win.
"Yeah, yeah... I've got no excuse..."
Ren smiled helplessly, though a trace of doting affection sparkled in his eyes.
Kuroka caught that look and couldn't help but smile faintly.
Annoying man... but not the worst, I guess...
Quietly, she leapt into Koneko's arms, a calm expression settling over her.
If only they could go back to the way things were and the three of them could just hang out together like this...
But if they did return to normal, maybe they wouldn't be able to do things like this anymore.
Kuroka knew—her image in Koneko's heart... was still that of a villain.
"Don't forget your promise, Manager."
"You really don't let things go, huh?"
Ren chuckled.
"You're one to talk, you rember everything too."
A hint of longing and a faint blush appeared on Koneko's face.
Getting patted like that... anyone would feel embarrassed, okay?
"So, did you have fun today?"
"Mm..."
Koneko nodded slightly, and a small smile curled on her lips.
But as her eyes glanced down at the black cat in her arms, her expression darkened.
"What's wrong?"
Ren noticed the shift and asked.
Koneko didn't look up. Her voice was quiet.
"Manager... Did you know? I have an older sister..."
In an instant, Kuroka froze in her arms, though she kept her eyes shut.
If she reacted too strongly now, Shirone would definitely notice sothing was off.
Ren paused, glancing at Kuroka, then asked,
"Your sister? Rias or Akeno?"
"Neither... my real sister..."
"I see... I'd like to et her soti. With a little sister as cute as you, your big sister must be just as cute. Hmm... or maybe 'beautiful,' if she's older."
Kuroka subconsciously nodded. Not bad. Smooth talker.
"Mm... better not et. We'd probably argue... or even fight."
"But why fight? You're sisters."
Ren smiled as he asked.
Koneko kept her head down, silent—so things she clearly didn't want to say.
Ren didn't push her. He just spoke gently.
"I believe there's nothing closer in this world than blood. No matter what she's done that seems unforgivable to you, she's still your sister. Talk things through. Try to understand her with your heart. And if, even after all that, you still can't forgive her—then you can decide."
Koneko listened quietly, her eyes on the black cat in her arms.
Slowly, she began gently stroking the cat's fur, and finally spoke.
"Until my sister is ready to face ... I think I'm fine with things staying like this."
Kuroka's body trembled slightly, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Shirone... could she already know?
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