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The earlier talk about getting food wasn't just empty words.
So ten minutes later, at the familiar barbecue restaurant in central Itogami Island—
"You know... we've got quite the crowd for barbecue tonight."
The aroma of grilled meat filled her nostrils, the sizzling sounds reached her ears. In the private booth, Asagi sat somewhat awkwardly beside Bokue, glancing around at the others at their table.
She meant "awkward" in the purely physical sense.
After all, last night there'd been three of them—just herself, Bokue, and Tokoyogi Yuuma. That number was more than comfortable for the booth—downright spacious, really.
They could've laid down to eat if they'd wanted.
But tonight, besides the three of them, there was also Nagisa, La Folia, Kanon, Sayaka, Natsuki, and Astarte, plus some unknown classical beauty in elaborate twelve-layered robes.
Even Yukina, who should've been at the apartment, had been dragged along.
Ten people total at one table. Good thing the booth was roomy with L-shaped sofas wrapping three-quarters around the table—each side could fit three adults.
Since Astarte and Natsuki were both petite, the two of them together counted as one adult, which just barely let everyone fit.
"Isn't it nice though?"
Bokue was still studying the menu, responding casually to his girlfriend's complaint.
"You only had a bowl of noodles for dinner anyway. That amount for you... I mean, it's been a while, you're probably hungry by now. You should eat something more, or sleeping on an empty stomach will be uncomfortable."
He'd almost said "that amount wouldn't even count as an appetizer for you," but after catching his girlfriend's "gentle" gaze, he diplomatically changed course.
"Still, I didn't expect we'd be included too~"
La Folia clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling happily.
"Right..."
The Sword Shaman narrowed her eyes in dissatisfaction.
"So what exactly happened?"
Yukina genuinely had no idea. Tonight had been like any other—she'd simply eaten dinner, gone to her room to read, and stayed there until Bokue suddenly dragged her out for a late-night meal.
She hadn't noticed anything about witch invasions or spatial chaos.
Pretty sudden.
"Well~ it's a bit of a long story. Better to explain properly when we get back."
Nagisa, back in her original body, smiled.
"I see. Then what about Miss Natsuki?"
Yukina remained puzzled, turning her gaze to the two witches at the table.
"And this woman who looks so much like Miss Tokoyogi is..."
"She does look alike, right? Right?"
Before the Sword Shaman could finish, Yuuma made a cute peace sign with a grin.
"Of course she does! Don't be too shocked, but she's actually my mom... Right, 'Mom'?"
The short-haired girl leaned affectionately toward the silent Tokoyogi Aya beside her.
Sensing her daughter's movement, the Witch of Notaria's body trembled beneath her kimono.
The two packets of crackers at the Special Security Force building had barely restored her ability to think. After all this time to calm down, she'd recognized her current situation clearly.
As the former Grand Librarian who'd controlled the entire Library, she'd naturally been able to control Tokoyogi Yuuma through her magic and methods—whether granting power or having her execute the prison break plan.
Yuuma had been nothing but an obedient puppet to her, with no possibility of resistance.
But now Yuuma had completed their contract and could live freely for herself, no longer needing to follow orders. Meanwhile, she herself had become a mere mortal with her witch powers completely sealed.
Tokoyogi Aya knew exactly what she'd done to her "daughter."
She'd never been a good mother—couldn't even claim the title of mother.
Now the tables had turned. With their positions reversed, she was the lamb to the slaughter. Tokoyogi Aya couldn't imagine what kind of reckoning and revenge her daughter would exact.
What was going to happen to her...
Just thinking about it made Tokoyogi Aya bite her lower lip and tremble slightly.
Fortunately, her loose kimono concealed her distress. Yukina didn't notice, simply nodding after receiving a reasonable answer without pressing further.
"So she's Yuuma's mother. She certainly looks young... And Miss Natsuki? You haven't said a word since we sat down."
"...What do you want me to say?"
After a brief silence, Natsuki who'd been mute since sitting down finally raised her head, revealing ice-blue eyes filled with either resignation or complete surrender.
"Whatever. None of it matters anymore. My life is over anyway."
Eh?
Was it really that dramatic?
The Sword Shaman was startled by the bleak tone, but before she could ask more, Bokue's voice rang out.
"Waiter~ Yes, we'll start with these... Please hurry, someone here is about to faint from hunger."
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The late-night meal was actually pretty lively overall.
Ten people at a table wasn't small, and with chatty girls like Nagisa, Yuuma, and La Folia present, there was no risk of awkward silence.
Even Asagi, busy catching up on dinner, and the shy bunny-like Kanon would occasionally chime in.
By comparison, the low pressure emanating from the two former witches, Natsuki and Tokoyogi Aya, could be completely ignored.
And so time passed to after the meal.
Outside the barbecue restaurant on the commercial street in central Itogami Island—
"Well then, we'll head home first."
Nagisa waved goodbye with a cute smile, standing beside Yukina who was also ready to go home and sleep.
"See you... later, Big Brother~"
"Sayaka and I should probably return to the hotel too."
La Folia tilted her head with a smile.
"Let's call it a night here."
"Um... yeah."
Sayaka hesitated briefly but ultimately just nodded without saying more.
"Do whatever you want. I'm definitely going back—I have tons of reports to write."
Natsuki exhaled lightly and turned away, hiding her expression.
"Let's go, Kanon, Astarte. And just so we're clear, Astarte, you disobeying my orders today isn't over. Once this busy period ends, I'll punish you properly."
"Master..."
No sooner had Natsuki issued her threat than the blue-haired maid appeared at Bokue's side, looking up at him with eyes that, despite showing no emotion, somehow appeared pitiful as she tugged at his sleeve.
"Don't worry, she's just talking."
Bokue's palm fell gently, ruffling the blue-haired maid's head.
"Oh right, I'll come help recharge you tomorrow, Astarte."
"Mm...!"
With an emphatic nod, Astarte's tone revealed complete anticipation.
Finally, Tokoyogi Yuuma approached the youth with her young, silent "mother" behind her.
"Oh, Bokue, um... actually, never mind. It's nothing. Anyway, good night. We're heading back too."
"??"
Bokue formed two question marks.
Her hesitation had been so smooth it seemed rehearsed.
This was obviously her way of telling him to come find her later!
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