A New Home

Back at Mei’s shop.

Mei adjusted the antiques on her shelves as the door chime rang softly. She turned to see Kuro entering.

“Welcome! So, what have you brought today?” she asked cheerfully.

“Yeah... about that... haha...” Kuro laughed nervously, averting his eyes.

“Hmm?” Mei tilted her head, puzzled by his expression.

“Well... you know... I need a big favor from you, if you don’t mind,” he said, still looking worried.

“What is it? If you need to borrow money, don’t worry—you’re one of my regulars, so I can help.” She pulled a small pouch from her cash register and set it on the counter.

“No, it’s not that...” Kuro opened the side door and whispered, “Now you can come in.”

A girl with long crimson hair and striking blue eyes stepped inside, clad in ornate armor.

“Nice to meet you, Mei-sama. I am Aurelia,” she said, bowing deeply with royal grace.

“Kuro...? You know I said you could sell me anything you find, but selling a girl is illegal.” Mei grabbed his arm, pulling him to the corner. She whispered harshly in his ear, keeping her voice low so Aurelia wouldn’t hear. They both glanced her way.

Aurelia tilted her head in confusion as they whispered.

“Hey! I’m not here to sell her!” Kuro protested, waving his hands. He quickly explained the situation.

They returned to the counter.

“So, like I said, I need a favor. Could you give her a place to stay? I could take her home, but explaining Aurelia to Akari would be...” Kuro trailed off.

Mei coughed lightly. “Hmm? Aurelia, right? I can offer you shelter, but you’ll have to work here. If that’s fine, you can stay with me.” She smiled warmly.

Aurelia beamed and bowed. “Thank you, Mei-sama! I’ll do everything in my power. Thank you for sheltering a stranger like me.”

Mei placed a hand on her shoulder. “Haha, you’re no stranger now. And if this boy brought you here, you must be good people.”

“Yes! Master may seem a bit rude, but he has a good heart,” Aurelia said cheerfully.

“Wait... *Master?*” Mei’s eyes widened as she turned to Kuro.

“Don’t look at me like that! She started calling me that after I saved her. I tried stopping her, but she won’t quit,” Kuro laughed nervously, raising both hands defensively.

“I see...” Mei turned back to Aurelia, who smiled innocently.

“It’s a problem,” Mei muttered.

“Sorry? Did I do something wrong?” Aurelia asked, worried.

“No, not that. Come with me.” Mei took her hand and led her to a back room.

“May I go now?” Kuro called.

“Wait a little!” Mei shouted from inside.

Moments later, Kuro sat on a stool by the counter, scrolling his phone, when Mei cleared her throat dramatically.

“Today, I present Aurelia—in modern style!”

Aurelia emerged slowly from the back, face flushed, eyes on the floor. She wore a rich medium-blue pleated skirt swaying just above her knees, paired with a soft leafy-green blouse of puffed sleeves and delicate lace trims at the collar and cuffs. A vivid orange cardigan draped elegantly over her shoulders, adding a pop of color to her ladylike look, finished with sheer stockings and polished low-heel ankle boots.

“So?” Mei asked Kuro with a grin.

“Looks good... You look beautiful, Aurelia,” Kuro complimented sincerely.

“Thank you, Master! But... but...” Embarrassed, she bolted back to the room.

“What happened?” Kuro asked, confused.

“Nothing~” Mei chuckled softly.

“If everything’s set, I should go—Akari’s waiting, and it’s already 6.” Kuro stood, heading to the door, leaving his waist bag on the counter.

“Hey, you’re forgetting something!” Mei called.

“Don’t worry. There are crystals in the bag—consider it payment for looking after Aurelia.” He waved and left the shop.

Walking home, Kuro spotted a black car parked outside his house. “Someone visiting? Maybe Akari’s rich friend... though she never mentioned any,” he muttered.

Inside, he saw polished black shoes by the entrance. Cautious, he called softly, “Akari...? Akari...?” No reply. Worried, he crept to the kitchen.

At the dining table sat a middle-aged man sipping tea calmly.

Setting down his cup, the man turned. “Welcome back, Kuro-kun. Sorry to intrude so late, but I have questions for you,” Riyochi said evenly.

“Where’s Akari?!” Kuro demanded angrily.

“Relax. She went shopping—said she needed something,” he replied, taking another sip.

“Who are you?” Kuro pressed, serious.

Riyochi stood, approached, and flashed his ID. “Riyochi Takamine, senior detective with the Japanese government—Shinigami case division.” He pocketed it with a grin.

“And it seems you’re our prime suspect, Shinra-san.”