> are supposed to have the duty of carrying out justice in behalf of the weak. Are you even aware of such a n.o.bleduty? "
"Wait a minute. Do you claim this is justice? ", asked Ayano looking at the human wreckage full of holes but Katherine elatedly threw
out her chest in pride.
"Of course"
"Of course not! ", retorted Ayano.
"There are various methods, right? There was no need to kill them or if you wanted to kill then you should have done it before they
even managed to fire, you know? Just look around! Because you took your sweet time doing it, the place suffered so much damage! "
"..............."
As if to say "Ara, I have just noticed this" Katherine looked around.
Certainly inside the shop was full of bullet holes and victims bleeding out.
But even with such a spectacle in front of her eyes, her facial expression didn"t waver even a little not feeling guilty and she
proudly declared.
"The important thing is that justice was carried out. Victims are of no importance. "
"Wah, what an American idea", murmured Ayano completely disgusted.
But with this, she understood.
That between her and this woman- Katherine McDonald, their sense of value were different from the foundation.
Even if they spoke the same language, they can never establish a conversation.
"Well.....I understand what you wanted to say. Although I don"t agree. "
Giving up on the barren exchange, Ayano turned her back on Katherine.
There are plenty of activities better than insulting the creepy woman. First she should check the condition of the injured---
"Wait"
But even so, Katherine called out Ayano.
Annoyed, Ayano looked over her shoulder.
"What? "
"I came to j.a.pan to meet you. We met here by chance but this is convenient. How about we get this thing over with? "
"Thing? "
"Yes, I want you to give me something-- no, two things"
She said to give but that was definitely not a request.
Taking on the rather aggressive gaze, Ayano urged her.
"Really?--- I don"t feel like giving you a sc.r.a.p of paper but how about saying it out loud? "
Picking a fight or rather accepting the challenge--- not hesitant at those words, Katherine smiled attractively.
"What I want is the t.i.tle of the Strongest held by the Kannagi Clan. And as a proof of it, I would be glad to receive Enraiha,
the Sacred Tool you have received from the Spirit Lord"
At the direct declaration of war, Ayano"s temple vein twitched.
"Bring it on! "
Closing her eyes partly, Ayano"s lips raised.
"You know, I don"t particularly consider myself the strongest but--- the t.i.tle of The Strongest the Kannagi holds is not
something so cheap it can be handed over to a hamburger shop! "
This time Katherine"s mouth twitched.
".....you said it"
A voice ripped at the bottom of h.e.l.l.
"You said them, those words! You regard in the same light my lineage family and a humble fast food restaurant! "
It seems she p.r.i.c.ked something she shouldn"t have. But Ayano sank her boot even more on the enraged Katherine.
"Ancient origin you said but aren"t you an American? Then your history goes back two hundred years at most. How can you possibly boast
with that standard of tradition?", declared Ayano arrogantly, backed up by the history of a millennium.
"Sh-shut up! Even if our tradition is short, I won"t let anyone look down on the name of our family who continued devoting their life
to the pursuit of magic, no matter who it is!"
"Then shouldn"t you boast about that in the first place? Don"t be so stingy and brag about your two hundred years blob of a history"
"S-stingy......!"
Even her knowledge of j.a.panese was incomplete, Katherine understood perfectly well that contempt.
And then, Ayano gave the trembling Katherine the final blow.
"You actually want to say We worked so hard. Please praise us! Yes, that right, how admirable. You can come closer to pat you on
the head. But, aren"t you too conceited to challenge the Kannagi Clan? If you apologize while grinding your forehead to the ground,
I"ll forgive you just now. "
As a return to the declaration of war that got full marks.
Those provocative words and the tone full of scorn conveyed to the opponent without a doubt that the situation couldn"t be concluded
just verbally anymore.
"That"s just fine! ", murmured Katherine in a monotonous, strangely flat tone.
Just like before, although there was no emotional disturbance in her tone it didn"t mean she wasn"t angry.
She was already beyond that level.
"I will show you the power of the rising family without history nor tradition. The technique you looked down upon as weak I"ll
let your body decide just how much might doest it have!"
Coincident with the loud declaration, Katherine boosted her power. The flame that manifested in front of her immediately molded in a
human shape.
Matching that, Ayano unsheathed Enraiha.
Crimson and gold---the two-colored flames, each dazzling, spread forcefully dying the world in their colors.
"Well then--- "
While looking at those two about to clash with a sidelong glance, Kazuma investigated the surroundings.
It seems that the manager of the shop was a quick wit as he already skillfully finished evacuating the customers.
Not one injured person remained around, in fact there was enough information to understand the situation.
In any case, there was no outsider on the floor. If it"s like that, even if those two were to become violent, no serious harm will
come of it.
If he were to contact Kirika afterward, the situation could be settled, on way or another.
As lond as those two"s crash won"t destroy the entire building.
"If it comes to that, I"m the one who has to stop them? Don"t wanna..."
Reluctant from the bottom of his heart, Kazuma grumbled in his heart.
If he were to stop them, he had to be prepared to use his power without reservation from the bottom of his heart.
"Well, no need to think that far ahead"
This time expressing it out loud, as if suddenly thinking about something, Kazuma headed for the kitchen.
"Come forth, my protective spirit, Metatron! "
From the back Katherine"s vigorous shout could be heard.
In a stance holding Enraiha, Ayano observed the thing in front of her eyes.
It was a little over two meters. Looking like a Greek sculpture, it had a very beautifully proportioned body.
On it"s back there were huge wings-- unsurprisingly clinched, the figure on an Angel.
But even if the idea was stale, the modeling was praiseworthy.
That extremely detailed appearance that didn"t seem possible to be molded out of fire emitted the dignity appropriate for it"s name,
the one sitting on the throne.
In his right hand there was a sword resembling Enraiha.
Holding it loosely Metatron confronted Ayano.
"Come now, Kannagi"s Miko Hime", p.r.o.nounced Katherine in a tone bouncing with excitement.
"Please make way for the concentrated effort of my entire family, our protective spirit! "
Protective spirit. The moment she thought that was the way the sacred beast was called--- it moved.
The wings on it"s back spread widely, flapping them. Doing so, fire feathers spread from them, shooting out like knifes.
There were a lot of them.
Instantly Ayano"s field of vision was covered in feathers.
"---!!"
The Kannagi Clan is under the divine protection of all Fire Spirits. Their bodies cannot be injured by fire.
The only exception under the attack of more excellent Enjutsushi, Genma and Juugo only, as far as she knew.
Whether it"s McDonalds or Lotteria (another fast food chain) it doesn"t matter, she didn"t think a developing family could gather
enough power.
But Ayano swung Enraiha intercepting the flame feathers. The gushing out golden flame swallowed countless plumes and consumed them.
The flame feathers couldn"t negate Ayano"s blaze and were too quickly gone. But immediately following the flaming angel drew near
Ayano piercing the raging golden flame.
The sword held in it"s right hand was already raised overhead.
"Fast.....!"
Ayano side-stepped on a grand scale. She narrowly escaped the flame sword aiming straight at her.
Ayano took a bid sidestep. She managed to avoid by a hair"s breath the sword aiming at her in a straight line.
Luckily there was no pursuit.
In front of Ayano, Enraiha ready, Metatron slowly turned.
"............."
Carefully, she put distance between them. And then, considered what might follow.
The Spirit Beast, in a word, the manifestation of the phenomenon of binding together Spirits and altering their form to one"s desire.
Naturally, the more it was altered the more it deviated from essence.
Meaning that the thing called Metatron was Katherine"s familiar first and then flame.
If so, it must be admitted. - that flame was was capable of harming even Ayano.
If not for that, it"s impossible she would just pick a fight with her.
Resolving herself, Ayano started to run. As in agreement, Metatron did too.
"-----uueh!?"
Metatron didn"t. Not moving his feet, not even changing his posture, as if gliding, with a high speed movement he swung his sword at
Ayano.
Because of too much surprise, her timing was off.
Unable to sustain it or dodge, she evaded by clumsily tumbling on the floor.
This time there was pursuit.
In a flash Metatron closed in and swung down the flaming sword.
Getting up by utilizing the force of her tumble, Ayano simultaneously raised Enraiha. The slashing attack that cut towards the sky
scattered easily the ablaze sword.
"---fuu", breathed Ayano lightly taking her distance while getting poised back for charging.
Thinking about it, it was only natural. Metatron had a humanoid shape but that was only its outward appearance.
There was no need for it to follow the movement of a human body made of skeleton and muscles. Rather, in spite of looking human he
moved the way no human could -- it could be considered some sort of weapon that exploits a gap in one"s mind. Which means, Ayano was
splendidly caught up in it.
"How to say it, that"s a real nuisance......."
Because the scope of her power was unknown, Ayano was pressured to follow her pace from the beginning. If she could she would ignore
such a thing and strike the Jutsushi herself so she was carefully preparing for such a thing.
She fleetingly examined Catherine"s appearance. Noticing her gaze, showing a refined smile, the girl said:
"Please give up such a pointless resistance and admit your defeat, if you are so inclined? "
"As if, dunce", replied Ayano frankly.
At the rude tone, Catherine involuntarily knit her brows.
"Although as a woman I have a problem with such a manner of speaking, all right. To make you realize the difference in power, it will
hurt for a little bit. "
In response to the silent command, Metatron came forward. Matching that, Ayano also raised Enraiha.
She won"t give him the time to use such a gliding motion. From the beginning, that trick could only work once. And, with only pure
might, she will cut that fire sword with Enraiha----
"--haaa!"
Just as she expected, in a moment the fire sword vanished. A continuous diagonal flash obliquely sliced Metatron"s body.
From the cross-section of the bisected fire angel, dumbfounded and rock-still, Catherine"s expression could be seen.
Facing her way, Ayano proudly declared.
"If I get kind of serious, this is the result"
"Ah, what are you talking about? ", came the reply immediately.
In that instant, Ayano realized. That Catherine"s mouth, whose protecting spirit was supposed to have been destroyed, was still
smiling. And then, the bisected Metatron, without having healed his injury, made a stab with with his left hand holding the sword.
In Ayano"s brain the previous deduction was revived with the speed of lightning.
Metatron"s human form was only skin-deep. His insides didn"t imitate those of a human, it was dangerous to employ battle tactics that
would work against a human. The way she moved, also aiming for his vitals.
"Am I an idiot or what----!"
In her heart, Ayano was abusing herself. The opponent wasn"t even a life form. Whether she bisected him or shredded him julienne
style, it was theoretically impossible for it to die.
She couldn"t imerse herself in the reverberation of victory until after she defeated Catherine McDonald.
"Kuh--"
There was no more time to raise Enraiha. Without hesitation Ayano let go of Enraiha and intercepted Metatron"s hand with her empty
right hand clad in flame.
Crash - ignoring the heat and impact transmitted whole through her right hand, she swung her arm with all her strength.
The girl"s fist smashed the hand holding the sword and his entire left arm.
As expected she couldn"t offset erything -- her hand, for the first time was lightly burned -- but it wasn"t bad enough to disable
her from holding her sword.
Compared with taking a direct hit, it was nothing more but damage that could be ignored.
"--Return"
In a low voice, Catherine made Metatron fall back. And then, while she restored the damaged part, looked at Ayano with a damp gaze
"You"re really obstinate, geez"
"---?"
Ayano slightly tilted her hand to the side in confusion at the enemy"s appearance abruptly loosing it"s composure.
That woman was still supposed to hold the advantage even now.
But, while observing Catherine, she realized. That what was reflected in her eyes was the feeling of fear.
In spite of commencing many lethal attacks, Ayano was still going strong.
She wasn"t unhurt but she still had plenty of combat ability left in her.
Faced with that reality, Catherine felt fear towards the existence of an enemy who could evenly fight against her.
Perhaps, up until now she never fought someone stronger or even.
That"s right, she was the same Ayano was before meeting Kazuma.
If so, now it was the time to attack.
"What am I supposed to do?"
Ayano too, didn"t discover the way to beat Metatron. She understood the extent of it"s power but even so she couldn"t find the weak
spot to give it a decisive blow.
Or perhaps, it was pointless to attack that thing. So to speak, he was similar with the paper something was stamped on so even it it
was torn off, as long as the stamp template remained, it could be reproduced as much as one likes.
"If Metatron"s flame can burn through everything, before he can do so next time I"ll attack the Jutsushi itself"
She considered the idea that came to her head randomly. But before she could reach a conclusion, she received the right answer from
outside.
"It"s impossible"
"---!?"
At the murmur she heard from behind, Ayano jumped extremely surprised.
Peeking behind a little but still keeping her eyes on Catherine, she saw Kazuma"s figure sitting down on top of the table in a
perfectly relaxed manner.
"You.....where have you been until now......"
Beginning to speak, Ayano stopped in mid-sentence. There was no point in knowing that.
Rather, it was possible he had been there the entire time sightseeing or sneaked behind Ayano only to frighten her.
At any rate, it was impossible for her to grasp Kazuma elusive presence in the middle of the battle.
"What"s impossible?"
"Different from the flame as a natural phenomenon, even for you it"s impossible to burn the flame bent by another"s spell. Give up",
declared Kazuma as if reading Ayano"s mind.
She naturally agreed with him but but she had no other plan. Spontaneously, while sulking, she asked.
"Then, what are you telling me to do?"
"You"re confusing what you should be burning with what you see"
An incomprehensible answer was returned. Ayano wanted further clarification, but with a ill-natured smile Kazuma shook his head.
"That"s the only hint you get. It"s also tasteless to interrupt other people"s brawl with conversation"
Declaring so, irresponsible to the limit and saying do your best, for the second time he entered the watch the game mode. It
was obvious he had no intention of saying anything anymore.
Ayano resigned her questioning and confronted Metatron. Naturally all the damage it received up until now disappeared without a
trace.
"I won"t be going easy on you anymore", said Catherine obviously having lost her composure.
"Be destroyed here, Kannagi Miko Hime!"
In response to her loud shout, Metatron approached promptly.
Also determined, Ayano met the enemy.
"The refresh rate rose!?"
Realizing that fact, her face turned pale.
Because Catherine gave it her all to manage it, the guardian spirit shaped like an angel clearly increased its power.
His regeneration speed was especially uncommon.
Even if she bisected it"s torso, by the time the sword came out, the cut on the opposite side was already beginning to heal.
No matter how many times she cut him it was pointless.
"Kuh----what am I supposed to do------?"
While tiding over Metatron"s fierce attack, Ayano recalled Kazuma"s words.
"You"re confusing what you should be burning with what you see"
Certainly not ignoring Metatron and aiming for Catherine. If that were so simple there would be no difficulties and if she were to do
it by brute force it would require enough caloric value to use almost all her ability.
Total annihilation - she was reluctant to do that.
If so, what exactly was she supposed to burn of Metatron - of the spirit beast. There"s no point destroying only a part of him.
The spirit beast - the virtual persona binding the spirits that did no more that imitating human form.
Therefore he had no vitals and even if she were to behead him, like a headless knight he would easily continue to fight.
"Aah, if that"s the case, is it hopeless burning the virtual persona?"
In a flash thought Ayano she had a good idea but the next moment it was discarded.
Even if theoretically it was possible, Ayano didn"t have the experience for such a fine technique.
"That baka, he didn"t tell me what he himself would do, right?"
While silently abusing Kazuma, she avoided Metatron"s flaming sword.
As a matter of fact using this spirit beast was foul play.
When it was was nothing but fire to injure her body, because of that strange alteration the flames were fully blocked off.
"Che--- huh?"
In response to that truth that suddenly dawned upon her, Ayano forgot she was in the midst of battle and stood rock still.
"Is that something that works?"
Following that break Metatron approached urgently but without even noticing it, Ayano was immersed in her own thoughts.
And then, just before the sword was about to pierce her forehead, Ayano manifested a golden flame and purified Metatron.
Once she became aware of it, it was a very simple thing.
Because it was altered, all she had to do was revert it to it"s normal state.
No matter what Jutsu formula was used to make the spirit beast, no matter where it was - all of it didn"t matter.
She simply used the natural phenomenon called flame as a denominator and got rid of all the extra noise.
Thus, the Kannagi flame was a purifying flame - exorcising everything that wasn"t natural, the flame that crushed evil.
It didn"t matter how strong the the spirit beast Catherine McDonald was using was.
Because the Kannagi Clan was the natural enemy of all those employing Spirit Beasts.
Ayano"s flame instantly burned through the Jutsu that configured Metatron.
In a moment, the fire angel"s delicate modeling crumbled away and for the time being lost it"s human shape and was reduced to a
child"s molding.
Pa.s.sing by that powerless thing, in a sprint Ayano ran towards Catherine.
She won"t give her the time to make another Metatron.
She obviously wouldn"t kill her so she put the sword away. Instead, tightly grasping her fist she turned it to that composed face.
But it seemed it wasn"t necesary. Dumbfounded, absolutely dumbfounded Catherine was standing still as if fossilized.
It was obvious the battle finished.
"Was loosing her protective spirit she boasted about that much of a shock? No--"
The expression of that woman was pure fear. And her gaze was slightly turned away from Ayano to where Metatron once was.
"Eh? Huh? Wait, no way--"
Slightly later, Ayano too noticed. The reason Catherine was terrified.
The protective spirit, the flame spirits packed tightly within an angel template was a high density ma.s.s of flame.
If so, if that model were to be unfastened without following the proper procedures----
"Wait a minute-------------------------!"
It already became the case where Catherine wasn"t the opponent anymore. If she couldn"t control that flame and let it be dispelled,
the calorific value and shock wave released would turn this building to nothingness.
Putting herself together, Ayano stretched out her hand and consciousness. But---
She didn"t make in time.
A thunderous roar instantly paralyzed her eardrums. The crimson flame filled the floor. That thing itself represented no particular
problem.
The flame already returned to its natural state was unable to harm an Enjutsushi.
But she had no way of resisting the shock wave that accompanied that flame.
The blast swept away her body together with that of the girl who was her antagonist just now and expelled them ten meters above the
ground.
The feeling of floating for an instant and then obeying the law of gravitation, Ayano"s body started to fall.
"Kyaaaaaah!"
"Shut up, you"re noisy"
That high scream was silenced by a sullen low ba.s.s. Before she knew it, Ayano was embraced by Kazuma"s arms, standing still in the
air.
"Aah.....Kazuma.....thank you"
"You"re welcome"
Saying so in a posture she couldn"t calm herself down and while blushing, Kazuma replied in a blunt tone.
While thinking his att.i.tude was unusually cold, Ayano first inquired:
"That woman?"
In silence Kazuma jerked his jaw. Following that, she saw Cathrine seeming to fly in the sky on a brand new Metatron she somehow
managed to make - holding onto him and overlooking them.
It was difficult to grasp the distance in mid-air but she seemed apart by ten meters. But even at this distance, that odious smile
was in place as she loudly declared.
"Kannagi Miko Hime! I"ll be so generous and recognize today was a draw!"
"Wha--"
At that shameless way of speaking, Ayano was at a loss for words. But completely pulling herself together after a few seconds,
yelling with bare rage, she retorted:
"Don"t kid me you dunce! No matter how you think about it, it"s my victory! If you are so inclined I"ll purify that puppet right here
and right now and let you experience a parachute-free free fall!"
With a start, Catherine"s shoulders began to tremble she understood they were too far apart.
Little by little, but steadily her silhouette drew further and further.
"A- anyway, today I"ll grant you forgiveness. Next time I"ll thoroughly whip the floor with you so look forward to that!"
"How fussy, don"t ever come back, or rather die here!"
Screaming so, Ayano raised Enraiha overhead but before she managed to swing it down Kazuma stopped her.
She turned around furiously seeing Kazuma"s face even more displeased, she gulped down her words.
"That woman doesn"t matter. The problem is here"
Saying so, Kazuma shifted her body. In Ayano"s field of vision the building they have been in until now was reflected.
It was a miserable sight. the top floor where the battle took place was blowing up flames and smoke even now and because of the last
explosion the rooftop was shaking ominously.
"Huh--? But surprisingly the damage is not very bad, I almost expected it"s entire destruction"
"......Because most of the explosion was directed outside. By me", spat out Kazuma as if saying he needlessly expended effort.
He pouted dissatisfied.
"What"s with the att.i.tude? Haven"t I acted according to Kazuma"s advice?"
"Because I never thought you wouldn"t notice that"
About what would happen after dealing with Metatron---
"Uuu...."
Beyond doubt, that was her own mismanagement. Ayano mumbled without any words to retort.
"Well, it"s in the past so don"t worry about it. The problem is that"
Kazuma pointed to the rooftop of the building.
"Still, I wasn"t able to deflect all of it. A big part of the shock went up. The rooftop will collapse pretty soon"
".......eh?"
"Because the top floor"s floor is done for, it"s unable to support the double weight. So, it will fall down. And it will cause a
chain reaction"
".......Whait, that"s....."
Faced with such a serious situation, Ayano turned pale. In the worst case scenario the building will collapse in its entireness.
"Even if the other party initiated aggression, all the same it"s bad if an entire building gets destroyed because of your private
matter. Besides there will be a lot of casualties. "
"Wha.......what am I supposed to do? "
With an expression about to burst into tears any second, Ayano looked up at Kazuma.
As expected in such circ.u.mstance not even Kazuma would tease Ayano and directly suggested his plan.
"Thoroughly burn the roof and top floor with Enraiha. "
"----ha?"
"Not just blow it away. there"s no point damaging the lower floor. The explosion, the shock, all of it, burn it all to nothingness."
Having it explained so clearly, even Ayano understood it. In other words, that the main catalysis for the chain caving in should be
eliminated before it can happen.
It was a terribly coercive feat of strength but there was no time to dwell on it.
Her decision reflected in her pupils, Ayano drew Enraiha.
"I"ll support you. Don"t hold back"
Influenced by Kazuma"s voice, Ayano brandished Enraiha with all her strength.
"Ah, geez, I"m so tired!"
Vigorously dropping herself on a perk bench, Ayano shouted in a tone loaded with emotion.
"Why do I have to experience this kind of thing even in one of my off days!? "
Kazuma, soundlessly sitting down next to her, murmured with a cigarette in his mouth.
"Isn"t it because your usual behavior is sinful? "
"That"s not something you could say to me! ", retorted Ayano in a flash.
But, instantly calming her anger, she entrusted her body to the bench in a dispirited manner.
"Aah--aah....."
A murmur void of energy leaked out. Casting her eyes down she spontaneously saw her own appearance.
To speak frankly it was shabby. The brand-new one-piece dress was dirty here and there and torn, she had no choice but to throw it
away now. Because she went on a rampage her hair was disheveled.
Ayano couldn"t suppress her sigh.
No matter who the other party was, this was still her first date. Even if she didn"t approve of him, even so, she spent time selecting
her outfit, carefully arranging her hair and even if it was light, she wore make-up.
And yet---
"Aah--aah....."
You overdid it, G.o.d -- she couldn"t help but think like that.
But faced with humans who disrespectfully tried to push the cause of their own unhappiness onto him, G.o.d obviously wouldn"t help.
Rather, he would bestow another blow just to make sure.
Kyururu......
In the dark park the girl"s stomach rumbled. Properly speaking it was a small sound but in the quiet s.p.a.ce it roared like a thunder.
"..........."
In the world that once more grew quiet, bright red to the ears, Ayano curled herself.
Because of too much embarra.s.sment, she couldn"t even look up.
But even so.
".....................I"m hungry"
That"s all she could think of to say.
If she thought about it, she didn"t get to eat her precious full meal, little of the hors d"óeuvres, she didn"t get to enjoy the
delicious wine she was looking forward to and was dragged into battle.
Her hunger already pa.s.sed the level where it could just be ignored.
Everything is this guy"s fault - with unjustified resentment through misunderstanding, Ayano scowled at Kazuma.
Unusually gentlemanly Kazuma was smoking pretending he didn"t hear her stomach and,when feeling her gaze, stood up with a wry smile.
"Wait a minute"
Saying so, he disappeared from the park. And several minutes later --
"There you go"
Having returned, Kazuma tossed something in Ayano"s hands.
"Kyaa!? Wh-what? "
By reflex Ayano caught it and observed the unexpectedly hot beanbag.
A large lump of faint violet color. The packed contents seemed thick and heavy. The aroma rising from it was sweet.
"---roasted sweet potato?"
"Yeah"
Not affected by that critical gaze, Kazuma resumed sitting on the bench.
Ayano was still looking at him a critical gaze as if he was the enemy of her parents.
"Why did a French full course turned into a roasted potato?"
"With that appearance we can"t go to another restaurant, right? If you don"t like it, there was a ramen cart behind the park?"
"........it"s fine"
Burying her dissatisfaction, Ayano tore the sweet potato right in half and bit into it.
"Wah......it"s delicious"
The sweetness that spread inside her as if melting. The warmth that reached her core, her cold body and her heart that grew wild -
becoming relaxed was irrepressible.
"Do you want some?"
In a tolerant mood after her hunger subsided, Ayano held out to Kazuma part of the potato but--
"No, I"m fine"
Kazuma declined and took out a small bottle from his bosom.
The moment he removed the cork, a rich flavor stimulated Ayano"s nose.
"Eeh, wait a minute, is that...."
With a backward glance at Ayano, frowning as if she realized something, Kazuma nimbly gulped from the bottle.
And then let out a long breath of satisfaction.
"Yeah, it"s delicious"
"Wait, you.....this is, no way "
"Hmm, yeah, because the bottle was already opened so it would be wasteful not to drink it. If I didn"t take it out, I would very
much regretted it"
As expected - thought Ayano amazed by Kazuma"s shrewdness.
At that time there was an uncorked wine bottle on their table.
In the middle of that chaos, Kazuma pilfered a small bottle from the kitchen and secured part of the wine.
""You......when someone else is fighting for her life, why are you behaving so selfishly? "
"That"s fine. This is very expensive after all"
"But it"s not like you payed for it!"
"........."
As if he realized it just now hearing Ayano"s reply, Kazuma stared in wonder.
"---I see"
Pan - And then he clapped his hands.
But of course, he wasn"t the kind of man to reform his att.i.tude because of that ---
"Aah, in that case it"s excellent. Free of charge is a lovely expression"
Spouting a thoroughly self-centered remark, he was about to drink from it a second time.
But Ayano roughly clutched the bottle.
"It"s not excellent at all! Besides who decided you ca drink by yourself!? Give it to me too! "
"No, I don"t think sweet potatoes go with wine"
"Just do it!"
While shouting Ayano tore off the bottle by brute force. Next she was about to try the wine when suddenly realizing something she
stiffened.
Fleetingly throwing a side-glance Kazuma"s way she lightly blushed.
"This.....Kazuma"s mouth....."
Several seconds of reticence. Kazuma peeked with a look of complaint at Ayano, whose movements stopped while staring at the bottle.
"Wha--at? If you"re not going to drink give it---"
"I- I"m drinking it!"
Relying on the force of her shout, Ayano gulped down from the bottle with all her strength. But, because she was a bit too forceful
most of the wine flew in her trachea.
Ayano magnificently choked.
Staring amazed at her coughing so violently her body seemed to break, Kazuma murmured:
"........what are you doing. This is wasteful"
"le......leave me alone......"
Taking great pains to normalize her breath, Ayano wiped her her mouth. But droplets of spilled wine were still remaining on her
cheeks and neck.
About to tell her that, Kazuma suddenly showed a broad grin full of mischief.
Stealthily he came near Ayano"s face who was still somewhat short of breath --- and using his tongue licked the cheek where red
droplets of wine still remained.
"Waaah Hyaaaaaaa!"
Ayano jumped up while screaming hysterically.
"Wha- wha- wha- what are you--!?"
"Hmm? I just took the wine droplets stuck to you, that"s all. ", replied Kazuma calmly at Ayano"s confused cry.
And then he sucked the rape of her neck.
Raising a soundless scream, Ayano flew from the bench.
With one hand she pressed down the clearly red mark on her neck and glared at Kazuma with just as red a complexion.
"Wha-what are you doing, you s.e.xual hara.s.sment b.a.s.t.a.r.d! s.e.x offender! Rapist! "
The accusation was heavy but even so, it didn"t disturb Kazuma.
Rather, Ayano"s anger was some sort of appetizer served with drinks and before one knows it he s.n.a.t.c.hed back the wine bottle.
Glaring with teary eyes at this cannibal-like man, Ayano yelled.
"Bakaaaa! The likes of you, the likes of you, I haaate you sooo much! "
Next day.
"Aah, a hickey on your neck! Geez, Ayano-chan, you took one step on the road to adulthood, huh? "
"Wrong! Don"t say such disgraceful things! "