Chapter 2 – The Sister, the Knife, and the Restaurant

Morning sunlight spilled over the city. Sentou Kaji, already in his uniform, quietly adjusted his bicycle before heading to work. His golden eyes seemed distant, as though he carried a weight invisible to the world.

Behind him, a certain witch with white hair and crimson eyes stomped her foot in frustration.

“At least answer me! What did you mean when you said learning humanity was pointless?!” Claire demanded, her arms crossed.

Sentou glanced at her, then went back to fixing his bicycle chain in silence.

“Don’t ignore me!” Claire’s cheeks flushed red. “Say something!”

Still, he said nothing. His silence felt heavier than words, as if it hid a shadow from the past. Finally, with a tired sigh, he opened the restaurant door.

“You’re impossible…” Claire muttered, trailing after him.

But before she could follow, a voice called out.

“Are you… Claire Laradam?”

Claire turned to see a girl with long pink hair and sparkling green eyes, her schoolbag slung over one shoulder. She looked cheerful—almost too cheerful.

“Yes, I am. Who are you?” Claire replied, curious.

The girl gave a bright smile.
“I’m Sentou Mari. His younger sister.”

Claire’s jaw dropped.
“Wait—THREE of you?!”

Before she could recover, Mari’s smile froze. Her body blurred like a flash, and in the next instant, cold steel pressed against Claire’s neck.

“Listen carefully, Miss Witch.” Mari’s voice was soft, almost sweet, but her eyes burned with danger. “If you ever dig into my brother’s past… pretend you don’t know anything. Otherwise, I’ll erase you myself. No matter how strong you think you are.”

Then, just as quickly, Mari pulled back, tucking the knife away with a radiant grin.
“Anyway, welcome to the neighborhood, Claire! Let’s get along, okay?”

Claire stiffened, sweat dripping down her back.
“…The brother and sister are completely different species…” she muttered.

The next day, Claire’s trial of “humanity” began. Her assignment: working as a waitress at the restaurant.

She stood at the doorway, her frilly uniform rustling awkwardly.

“Why… WHY am I stuck doing this?”

Her frustration doubled when she spotted who was already behind the counter, calmly preparing dishes.

“You again?! Why am I always stuck with this idiot?!” she shouted, pointing at Sentou.

Sentou didn’t even look up.
“Because this idiot actually works hard.”

The manager chuckled proudly.
“That’s right. Kaji’s cooking is excellent! Customers love it. Just follow his lead, Miss Claire.”

As if on cue, the door burst open and a wave of hungry customers poured inside, the restaurant suddenly buzzing with noise.

Claire’s eyes widened. “W-wait, all of these people?!”

Meanwhile, outside, hidden in the crowd, Clara Laradam stood with her trusted aide at her side. Her violet eyes narrowed as she watched through the restaurant window.

“So… that’s the boy.” Her lips curled into a faint smile. “Sentou Kaji. The one who still owes me a debt… one that has yet to be repaid.”