Lirina was a little unhappy.

Why? Even she didn’t really understand.

All she knew was that there was a faint, sour feeling in her chest.

But today… today should have been a happy day.

There were so many things that should have made her happy.

Right… I should be happy.

So why…?

“ Lirina, Lirina.”

Anya called out to her, worried she might walk straight into a utility pole.

Ever since school ended—leaving the Light Novel Club, leaving the campus, riding the bus together with Etsuyuki… and even now, after getting off— Lirina had been wearing that same absent-minded expression.

Well… during club time, everyone had been chatting nonstop. Mostly, it was Anya responding.

There were moments when it felt like Lirina had been left out a little.

But overall, that was just part of getting along with people in this world—building relationships, learning more, settling in…

Still—

Why had she been so quiet this whole time?

“Ah…”

Hearing her name again, Lirina paused, her drifting gaze finally returning to Anya.

“I’ve been calling you for a while now… are you okay?” Anya waved a hand in front of her face.

“Mm… I-I’m fine…”

 Lirina frowned slightly, forcing a small smile.

I don’t even know if I’m fine or not…

Everything feels so messy…

At first, when Anya showed up at school, she was surprised—confused, even.

But after hearing the explanation, she understood.

And honestly… She was happy.

Having someone to go to and from school with—

That alone made her happy.

And since that someone was Anya…

That made her even happier.

Then at school—seeing Anya surrounded by classmates…

She had been a little worried at first.

But when she realized Anya was holding back just to avoid causing her trouble…

That made me happy too.

Eating lunch together secretly on the rooftop…

And then Anya saying she would join the Light Novel Club—

Even though it all happened so suddenly that she couldn’t process it at first…

That was something that made her happy too.

And after that…

Everyone started chatting with Anya, laughing together—

And Anya blended in so quickly.

Everyone seemed to like her.

And she looked like she was enjoying herself too.

Yes… that’s when it started.

That faint, sour feeling.

…!

W-what?

Isn’t this a good thing?! Everyone is getting along… becoming friends…

But still—

Her chest felt tight.

A little sour.

And a little… restless.

Ah—what is this?!

“Lirina! Lirina!”

This time, Anya tapped her shoulder.

“Ah!”

She jumped in surprise.

“What’s going on with you? I was just calling you, and now you’re zoning out again,” Anya frowned.

“Mm…”

 Lirina bit her lip and looked away. “I’m fine.”

“Are you really? You almost walked into that pole.”

Anya pointed—just two steps ahead stood a utility pole.

“Ah… s-sorry…”

 Lirina quickly stepped aside.

“There’s nothing to apologize for… honestly, you’ve been like this ever since we left school.” Anya scratched her head. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Mm.”

 Lirina nodded. “I’m fine… um, did you want to say something?”

“Yeah… I was just going to ask what we should eat tonight,” Anya said with a small smile.

“Ah.”

 Lirina glanced around. Home was still a bit far, but if they took a short detour, they could stop by a nearby convenience store and buy ingredients.

But—

I don’t feel like cooking.

…I don’t know why.

“I… let’s just buy something to eat today. I don’t really feel like cooking,” she said softly.

“Mm…?”

Anya blinked. “Ah… okay.”

Yeah, something’s definitely wrong with her.

Did I do something to upset her today?

She quickly replayed everything in her mind—

No… nothing, right?

So then what?

Anya rubbed her chin, then shook her head.

Not like I can read minds… if she doesn’t say it, I won’t know.

“Then what should we get?” she asked.

“…Is there anything you want to eat?” Lirina hesitated before asking back.

“Huh? How would I know? I’ve barely tried food from this world,” Anya laughed.

“Oh…”

 Lirina’s cheeks flushed slightly.

Ah… what’s wrong with me…? I keep acting weird…

“Hmm… then how about burgers?” Anya suggested.

“…Mm. Oh, I think there’s a place nearby…”

 Lirina took out her phone to look it up.

…Huh?

Anya stared at her.

She just… agreed?

Didn’t she say before that burgers shouldn’t really be eaten as a proper meal?1

She’s so out of it that she even forgot that…

But… with the way she looked now, it didn’t feel right to point it out.

In the end—

Anya had a large burger, two fried chicken legs, and a big cup of cola.

 Lirina had a regular burger… and barely finished half of her small cola.

Then they returned home.

The moment they opened the door—

The instant Anya sensed the presence of a demon sitting on the living room sofa, dressed in a black coat—

BOOM

Her entire body snapped into a combat stance.

“…W-wait, Anya!” Lirina panicked, sensing the surge of hostile energy beside her. “That’s not an enemy—”

“…Little angel, no need to be so tense.”

Kasa stood up.

“…It’s not what you think.”

Anya’s brows furrowed tightly, her body still slightly crouched, ready to strike.

To be honest—

The strange atmosphere from the entire afternoon had already left her irritated.

And now…

I’ve been set off.

“Mm… Kasa, really—why did you suddenly appear in front of Anya like that…” Lirina stomped her foot lightly.

That tone—

It made Anya relax slightly.

From Lirina’s voice alone, she could tell—

She’s already a mess emotionally.

Her body chose, instinctively, to prioritize Lirina instead.

“Mm… then let me introduce myself.”

Kasa rubbed the back of her neck, looking a bit troubled.

“My name is Kora Kasa. I am the guardian of Lady Lirina Hayur—the young princess of the succubus race.”

Anya still stared at her cautiously.

This person… could kill me effortlessly.

Even though she didn’t feel any hostility—

She was still a demon.

Anything could happen.

“Let’s talk inside. Standing here isn’t ideal,” Kasa said.

With Lirina’s reassurance, Anya finally stepped inside—

Though she still watched Kasa with clear hostility.

“You don’t have to glare at me like that, little angel,” Kasa sighed.

“I’ve been here since the moment you first came to Lirina’s home… I know pretty much everything that’s happened between you two.”

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