Happy Valentine's Day in advance lovely people <>

I applied the prepared mixture of herbs onto my hair. When I looked in the mirror, my characteristic silver hair had turned bright red. If this was the case, people probably wouldn't be able to recognise me at first glance. 

Then, I finished my normal morning routine and went down to the first floor. The eyes of the Lotos, who came to help me prepare for the store opening, rounded in shock. But of course, they weren't the only ones who were surprised.

「Uwah! What happened to you, Rhonya? I couldn't recognise you at first!」

The customers got a shock as well. 

「I thought of changing the colour of my hair for a change in pace. What do you think?」

「You look really different. But it's very cute!」

I was very satisfied with the customers' reactions. If this was the case, my brother's subordinates wouldn't find out as well even if they came. After that, I was asked why I was running around the city yesterday. To which I smiled and gave vague replies. As I was receiving the incoming customers——

「It doesn't suit you!」

Such shocking words came out of the mouth of Serensan who was drinking her tea. I received a lot of damage from her words as I was on cloud nine. 

「I-Is that so?」

I looked to the other customers, wondering if it really didn't suit me. And they all shook their head. However, only Serensan expressed her thoughts straightforwardly.

「I prefer the usual Manager Rhonya!」

「Serensan is so frank......」

「I can't calm down if I'm not used to it......」

Serensan muttered to herself and turned away dejectedly. 

「......I'd like some black tea and cake to-go.」

And then, she went on her way.

......I was deeply hurt by her reaction. Although I was scared of my brother's pursuit, I didn't actually know if he's investigating the demon's movements. If he was actually tracking, he probably would've sent his men over with instant teleportation. In this case, the pursuers would probably be in town today. 

Should I change my hair back tomorrow?

I finished the morning service with this timid feeling and soon, it was 12 pm.

Come to think of it, I kept feeling like I had forgotten before I went to sleep last night. What was it? When I tried to recall, the door bell rang.

「Mama's cake! One please.」

An adorable voice resounded as a little boy came through the door. It seems he's here to run an errand. Speaking of which, I think I had a birthday cake reservation today.

「I'll get it for you right away.」

I was worried if he can bring it back by himself. As I packed the cake in a box, the door bell rang again. When I turned to the sound, the Beastmen squad was standing by the door. Just to add, s.h.i.+ze-san was the first to enter today.

A big black lion and a little boy.

The boy raised his head to look at the Beastmen and stiffened on the spot.

......I wonder if he'll cry.

Though I wanted to run over to the boy, s.h.i.+ze-san already had started moving. s.h.i.+ze-san glanced at the boy and walked straight past him, like he was uninterested. However, his black tail gently stroked the boy's face.

......Frankly, I was very envious. 

All the members of the Beastmen squad sat down with their backs to the child. While Ryuse-san was the only one swaying his tail like he was showing it off to the boy. 

「Sorry for the wait, your cake is ready. I shall bring it out the door for you.」

I told the Beastmen 「Please give me a moment.」 and moved towards to door. The boy clung to my ap.r.o.n and waved to everyone. And they all waved back with their tails at the same time. Once we got off the porch, I handed the box to the little boy. His little cheeks were flushed as he silently paid for the cake and went on his way, careful not to shake the box.

I returned to the store giggling. 

「What are you laughing at, ojou?」

「I just thought it was funny.」

「......What, was it that weird?」

Ryuse-san cupped his cheek and leaned on the counter like he was holding his head. When I tried to take a peek and ask 「What's wrong?」 he hid his face.

「This is so strange. The Manager's head.」

Chise-san commented suddenly. 

「It's hair, BakChise.」

「Are you trying to change your image with the bright red colour hair? This is too sudden, what happened, ojou?」

Ryuse-san finally raised his head.

「......Is it very weird?」

「Un, I prefer the usual ojou better.」

「We, Beastmen, don't have the habit of dyeing our hair.」

Sensan added.

「I can't calm down when you're like this......I just want to see you in your usual, familiar hair colour, can't I?」

I thought about it for a while and decided to change my hair colour back. I focussed all my attention at my fingertips while undoing my hair. Then, there was a faint glow of light and my hair colour changed. 

「Un, it's the usual ojou. So cute.」

Ryuse-san broke into a smile. Maybe it's just in my mind. But it felt like the atmosphere became more relaxed when my hair returned to its original colour. 

「Come here, Rhonya, I'll tie it for you.」

「Eh? I can do it myself......」

「It's ok, just leave it to me.」

Since it's a rare opportunity, I decided to sit on the chair next to him and let him tie my hair. Thirteen years ago, when they lost their home, I heard that he would take care of the children who lost both parents. There were probably some girls amongst those children he's taken care of. Sensan took the hair that was split into two parts and wound them round each other before securing it with a hair tie. 

(lilies: 10/10 mom!! also i don't really know what hair he tied for her... so erhm just know that it's tied that's it >.<>

「Thank you.」

「Don't mention it. It's nothing much.」

He tied my hair in a style that wouldn't get in the way when working and I went back waiting on them. After that, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. 

——That night, although I was still concerned about the issue with my brother, I think it'll turn out fine in the end. As I lay down on my bed with a peace of mind, ready for bed.....

I suddenly jumped up.

I was supposed to come clean to them about my ident.i.ty as a former aristocratic lady. But I completely forgot about that! Due to the demon's appearance, it had totally slipped my mind. I couldn't help but feel ashamed by my own carelessness. 

......It's alright, I'll definitely tell them tomorrow.

I rea.s.sured myself and went to sleep.

Chapter 5 Demon and Angel

1 Making Drinks

The sky today was a refres.h.i.+ng blue. I wore a similarly blue dress and a white ap.r.o.n on top of it. 

A letter from Gray-sama had arrived this morning. I was going to send him one soon but Orphedoto seemed to have eagerly explained the situation to him. Since this was a great opportunity to deal with the demon, he'll try to deal with it. I wrote him a letter to express my apologies and thanks, and pa.s.sed it to Laclain. 

The Lotos seem to be in a good mood this morning, seeing that my hair had returned to its original colour. When they first saw it, they were shocked but soon, their relief was clear to see. I guess my original colour was better.

「Aye! Aye!」

They marched around energetically as they helped me with cleaning the store. Ah, I feel healed just watching them work, wiggling their adorable little b.u.t.ts as they do. 

(lilies: shake that bootay ;))

After that, I opened the shop as usual and began the morning service. Everyone smiled when they saw that my hair colour had reverted back to normal right away. Eventually, when the flow of customers stopped, someone appeared. 

A man with navy blue eyes and dark hair. It was Ramo, my former guard and caretaker. Now, he serves as my grandfather's guard. 

「Welcome, Ramo! Are you here alone today?」

「Yes, ojou-sama. Sorry to bother you. I saw that you're on a break so I came in Ronard-sama's place regarding the tasting as promised before. May I try it?」

Ramo asked sincerely. 

「Fufu, of course! Please give me your honest thoughts.」

The menu for the Beastmen squad today will be beef stew. I let the stew steadily simmer on the stove powered by magic flames. And started making a c.o.c.ktail in the area next to it. 

Other than a c.o.c.ktail made with rich and thick chocolate. I also made some experimental desserts with liqueur. I carried all the prototypes to Ramo and had him try them immediately.

「Ramo, how is it?」

「......It's really delicious. The richness of the chocolate......is very nice. I think that it's ok if you serve it in the cafe.」

「That's great......Ah, but I won't be serving this in the store. This is an item that's only limited to my friends.」

「Ah, the new friends that you've made? I'm sure they will enjoy this.」

Ramo's words gave me a confidence boost.

「Next, try this c.o.c.ktail as well.」

「Understood.」

Ramo was all smiles as he tried the c.o.c.ktails. And gave me the seal of approval, saying that they were all delicious. 

「......So, how is my older brother recently?」

I casually asked about my brother's activities.

「......He seems to be quite busy recently and hasn't been coming to look for Ronard-sama.」

「I see.」

「Instead, Lexi ojou-sama and friends have been visiting frequently......Ronard-sama recommends that you avoid coming into contact with them for the time being.」

Lexi and Hansel. A wave of nostalgia washed over me when I heard the names of my beloved friends.

「I want to meet them......but just as Ojii-sama said, it's not possible for the time being.」

Ramo looked a little troubled.

「Rhonya ojou-sama and Lexi ojou-sama have a close relations.h.i.+p......I'm sorry I can't be of more help.」

「Oh, you don't have to apologise. Fufu, Ramo, when I first met Lexi didn't seem to like me.」

「Eh? Is that so......how surprising.」

I smiled as I recalled my meeting with Lexi.

「I was clearly told that I was hated because I was a Gravizera......because she couldn't tolerate anyone being apathetic to those around them. That's why she felt that way about me.」

「T-That's」

「But after that, as we became friends as we got to know each other better.」

「......Lexi ojou-sama values you more than anyone.」

「......Thank you. The more we reminisce about this the more I miss her.」

We looked at each other and laughed. Then, Ramo who was starting to get a little tipsy, had loosened up from the alcohol and smiled, saying 「I'm glad I was of help.」 Since it was a rare sight, I was really happy. 

(lilies: hehe ramo is secute (˶‾᷄ ⁻̫ ‾᷅˵)

Since Ramo's feedback was great, I shall serve the c.o.c.ktail to the Beastmen squad today. The stew that had been left to simmer carefully was also ready. All I had to do was to wait for their arrival. 

However, when I thought about the cake making tomorrow, I wonder if I have sufficient liqueur left. There's still some time before they reach. Should I go grab some first? 

In case they came to the cafe before I come back, I left a note at the door. I placed Laclain's feather and the amethyst in my ap.r.o.n pocket. The demon had just been sealed so I don't think it'll appear so soon. But it's still good for me to develop the habit of carrying them on me regularly. 

I left the cafe and went to the general store that sells alcohols and liqueurs and got some liqueur. When I left the store, I saw a familiar face. Pure white hair that s.h.i.+mmered under the sunlight, a back that resembled that of a model. It was Ryuse-san in his human form. 

「Ryuse-san.」

I unintentionally called out to him, though he was with some girls. I've never seen these ladies on these streets, maybe they're from out of town.

Apparently, with his personality, Ryuse-san often gets. .h.i.t on by girls when he's in his human form. However, since the people in town know of the Beastmen squad, once they see the uniform they would know his ident.i.ty immediately. So they definitely would not strike up a conversation with him. 

......Did I interrupt something?

「Ah, I'm sorry.」

「h.e.l.lo~, ojou」

Although I tried to leave immediately, Ryuse-san suddenly pounced in front of me. In the next instant, he was enveloped in a plume of white smoke and transformed into a pure white cheetah. Small cries slipped out from their lips as all their blood left their faces and they fled.

「Compared to temperamental people, I'd much rather be with you. Ah, what is that? Looks heavy.」

Ryuse-san said, pointing to my bag without caring about the att.i.tudes of the previous women. 

「It's no problem.」

「Nope~ I'm taking it.」

Ryuse-san said playfully as he took the bag from me.

Despite being such a gentle soul, yet people avoid him just because he's a Beastmen. 

What I started walking alongside Ryuse-san, the people on the streets don't even say h.e.l.lo and just steer clear of us. I somehow had this heavy feeling but Ryuse-san didn't seem to care.

「Oh? It's liqueur. Are you going to make c.o.c.ktails for me today?」

Ryuse-san took out a bottle with a grin and chuckled. 

「Yes, that's what I had planned......Are you free to drink today?」

「I should be. I was pretty free yesterday and was asleep until just now. Plus, Boss is also looking forward to your c.o.c.ktail so he'll definitely drink it.」

Ryuse-san looked really cheery as he said that. 

To think that s.h.i.+ze-san would be looking forward to it that much......I should bring out my 100% to make prepare the c.o.c.ktail. And I've also decided to confess my past to them. I should probably tell them before drinking. 

We eventually arrived at the cafe. I went up the little steps in front of the door first. Then, the moment I stepped foot through the door, the barrier in the store felt strangely discomforting. Although there were various barriers set up in the cafe, this was the first time I've felt this way. And this scent. I feel like I've smelled it before somewhere. When I tried to reach out to the door while frowning——

「Don't screw with me!!」

Ryuse-san roared in rage.

2 Evergrowing feelings of love ＊Ryuse's POV＊

No matter what I did, I won't be able to win against it. While I felt comfortable by her side, my heart would also pound beyond my control.

——Recently, I often find myself at a loss at how to treat her. The turning point was when the bandits attacked. The day she helped us. The day before that, she had told us 「Ittera.s.sai」 such adorable words. So I thought to tease her, asking if she would say that again. I thought she would make even more adorable reactions for sure. But on the contrary, she responded calmly with a smile. Which was unexpected, to say the least.

「Thank you for keeping your promise. Please come tomorrow as well.」

Against such a brilliant smile, what more could I say other than I lost?

After that, even when I tried to play pranks on her to make her blush, I would be struck back by her smile. I could no longer look at her in the face. 

There was an itch in my heart that won't go away. I held my chest like I was going to roll over anytime. I can't take it anymore. 

Before, she would turn bright red just by coiling my tail around her. Nowadays, she dodges with a smile. Ah, there's no way I can beat that.

If I continue to tease her, I'm sure I would be able to get more lovely reactions out of her. However, I don't have the courage to do so. Besides, I don't know where her boundaries lie. I'd hate to be hated by her. 

So I went back to the days where I would turn my face away from her. Yet she continues to show that beautiful smile of hers to me. 

——That day, something rare occurred, I was being hit on in the town of Domuskasa. These women were probably from out of town. The townspeople would run away immediately at the sight of my jacket. I tried to politely refuse their advances, but still ended up being hit on. 

「Ryuse-san.」

Hearing my name, I turned around to see ojou standing there. She must've gone out shopping, seeing the hefty looking bag in her hands. Ojou had an awkward expression on her face when she saw the women standing around me. But once I transformed into a beast, they fled right away. This was the main reason why I preferred being with ojou. 

I took her baggage and walked with her, just the two of us. This alone made my tail wag.

I had monopoly over her for now. Ah c.r.a.p, I'm so happy.

We reached the cafe in the blink of an eye and I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Seeing ojou go up the stairs with light steps, I took a step forward as well. However, I was deflected away without warning.

This is——an amulet to ward off beasts. This is to keep us Beastmen away. I scanned around and saw that it was stuck on the porch railing. 

I can't enter. I can't enter anymore.

I was rejected by ojou, she——hates me.

 The instant that thought flashed through my mind, I blanked out.

By the time I came to my senses, I was already shouting.

「Don't screw with me!!」

The bag that I was holding slammed onto the ground. And of course, all the bottles inside of it shattered.

「What are you trying to do, ojou!」

She turned around, her face covered in shock. I couldn't stop myself. The words just escaped my lips before I could think it through.

(lilies: my free form interpretation lol "そして何かを言い かけるが、オレの言葉は止まらなかった")

「Why did you accept us!! If you're just going to reject us in the end! Then you shouldn't have accepted us in the first place.」

「P-Please wait a moment, Ryuse-san!」

「Don't touch me!!」

Ojou went down the steps and reached out to me. I wanted to shake her off. I was about to flash my sharp claws at her but I stopped myself in time.

I can't do it. I can't anything that will bring her harm.

I yelled with a trembling voice.

「Do you hate us now!?」

「You're wrong!!」

I was surprised by the rare sight of her shouting

omoo one more chapter to go!! then I can go back to being a leech? wahahah 

But aaaaah the random angst attack at the end and cliffhanger wahaha Issok gais one more week to liberation from this cliffhanger and my s.h.i.+tty TL of mattari hehe

In times of distress due to annoying cliffhangers, one must admire handsome young men (idc if they're 2d) 

ngl Rhonya's brother is pretty hot 

Anyways, since I have no valentine to worry about, I was just thinking... Wells, I know a big bulk of readers come from novelupdates. I don't know if I want to continue uploading onto novelupdates. But I don't exactly know how to block bots uwuu... I might as well rename my blog to tech dino at this point lollol

I just want to at least be able to do what I like to do on my blog like the selfish p.r.i.c.k that I am ahaha ∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿ Ah wells, if what I do upsets anyone or something, just get the mods to remove me and reading elsewhere or mtl-ing is always an option lollol

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and have a great day! 

peace lilies~