In the corridor, you could hear a pin drop. When he heard the sensitive word 'fiancée,' Sajyou Izaya involuntarily stiffened. The words he'd been preparing were instantly stuck in his throat. Looking at the sweet smile on her beautiful, porcelain face, a cold sweat began to drip down his back.
"I was just chatting with a few Lords when Lord El-Melloi happened to give me some student information about you,"
Koyanskaya said, her sweet voice echoing in the silent corridor, each word ringing in his ears like thunder.
"It included details about your life, and also introduced your fiancée—Sajyou Manaka."
Of course, in his profile, there was only one line about his fiancée… but that was enough to arouse Koyanskaya's curiosity and concern.
Sajyou was an adopted child of the Sajyou head, yet he felt more like a 'foster child.' Originally, the family head had engaged Sajyou Izaya to Ayaka, the younger daughter… but for some reason, the engagement was later canceled and transferred to the eldest daughter—the genius of the Sajyou family, Sajyou Manaka.
Although she'd only glanced at the girl at the Clock Tower entrance, Koyanskaya had immediately sensed something 'abnormal' about the blonde. That girl seemed like a special existence, not unlike herself. Was this man born to attract Beasts…? Even Koyanskaya couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
"Koyanskaya…"
Sajyou Izaya finally recovered, lifting his head, instinctively wanting to explain.
"I'm not angry, Izaya-kun~"
Her uniquely alluring voice sounded first.
Koyanskaya took elegant, catlike steps to his side, her golden eyes gazing straight at him.
"You were born under another's roof, and your engagement was arranged by your adoptive father. You didn't have a choice, did you?"
She paused.
"But, I'll still be very jealous."
They had done what all lovers do, but now, a fiancée had appeared out of nowhere. Judging from the girl's reaction, she clearly cared for the man. Just thinking about it, Koyanskaya felt something indescribable—'jealousy'—stir within her. But unexpectedly… there was no anger. Rather, the fact that the man before her, while not hers in name, had blended with her in body… just thinking of his fiancée made her jealous, and excited.
Why? She thought she'd understood humans thoroughly, but even she couldn't explain it. But—there was no need to figure it out so quickly. As long as she knew, as long as he still belonged to her, that was enough.
Thinking this, Koyanskaya pursed her delicate lips, a seductive smile quickly appearing.
"I don't care about your engagement, but I want to know—"
"Izaya-kun, between your fiancée and me… who would you choose?"
At the end, her golden eyes locked on his.
Sajyou Izaya didn't answer in words. Instead, he gently and firmly held Koyanskaya's soft, fair hand. The warmth of his palm passed into her.
"My love for you… can't be measured by something as cheap as 'liking'."
"To the world, you are a Beast, a natural disaster… But to me, you are Koyanskaya—the one I must protect for the rest of my life."
Koyanskaya's smile froze, then a flash of panic crossed her face. After a century of rebirth, she was no longer the Beast she once was, but when facing this man—his heartfelt confession—she still panicked, and a blush spread across her cheeks.
At this moment, Sajyou Izaya spoke at just the right time.
"You just arrived at the Clock Tower today. You probably won't leave so soon—go back and get some rest."
"I'll come find you tomorrow."
Seeing Koyanskaya's shy, soft "mm," Sajyou Izaya breathed a sigh of relief, turned, and tried to leave. He couldn't keep talking here; it was best to leave quickly…
But as soon as he turned, his whole body froze, like a white marble statue.
At the end of the corridor, a beautiful blonde girl stood, watching Koyanskaya with a smile.
…Manaka?! Isn't she supposed to be working on her thesis at my place? Why is she out here?!
A cold sweat broke out on Sajyou Izaya's young forehead.
But, having seen much in his life, he managed to keep his composure, smiling as he greeted her.
"M—Manaka… Why are you here?"
Sajyou Manaka did not answer him, her gaze passing over his shoulder to the woman behind. Time seemed to freeze. Their eyes met—golden eyes reflecting Manaka's refined face, dark blue eyes reflecting Koyanskaya's playful smile.
In a sense, neither were truly human; both were 'calamities' to this world. Though both were smiling, their eyes radiated coldness.
"No wonder…"
Koyanskaya finally spoke first, her smile growing more radiant as she looked at Manaka.
"No wonder I felt so 'uncomfortable' when I stepped into the Clock Tower. So that's why… Even in this era, a magician with a Root connection and Beast potential still exists…"
With a charming smile, she extended her slender right hand.
"Nice to meet you… Miss Sajyou Manaka."
"Good afternoon, Ms. Koyanskaya."
Under her steady gaze, Sajyou Manaka stepped forward, shook her hand, and quickly let go. She ignored Koyanskaya after that, instead lovingly taking Sajyou's arm.
"I just felt an unpleasant atmosphere outside, so I came to check."
"I hope I didn't trouble you, Izaya-kun?"
Looking at the smiling blonde, Koyanskaya's eyes narrowed. In Japan, only those who are extremely close use first names. The girl's actions—and her choice of address—were a blatant statement: He's mine. Don't interfere.
Before Sajyou Izaya could react, Manaka let go and performed a graceful aristocratic bow.
"Let me introduce myself again…"
"Sajyou Manaka, eldest daughter of the Sajyou family—and his fiancée."
"May I ask, Ms. Koyanskaya, what business do you have with my fiancé? Could you give me a reasonable explanation?"
At the girl's sudden display of affection, Sajyou's heart skipped a beat. A bad feeling crept up on him. Sure enough, in the next instant, a dangerous smile appeared on Koyanskaya's lips.
"Fiancée, is it?"
Not to be outdone, Manaka met her gaze with a smile.
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"A problem?"
Koyanskaya chuckled, her laughter seductive.
"A 'fiancée' is, after all, just a contract not yet fulfilled."
"Didn't he tell you that our relationship is already confirmed?"
Under Manaka's cold, hostile stare, Koyanskaya's lips curled into a faint, possessive smile, her voice echoing through the corridor.
"Do I really need to give you a reason, when I'm by my lover's side?"