Her experiences with the Washuu Clan had left Rize with an intense hatred of being controlled.
That's why she lived so freely now. Her brutal, excessive hunting was really just an outlet for all that past suffering.
Most ghouls only needed to feed once a month to stay healthy. Rize hunted two or three times a week.
She consumed far more humans than necessary—eating purely for pleasure.
That's why they called her the "Binge Eater."
Yet despite all that indulgence, she never pursued power. A waste of her supremely pure Washuu bloodline.
But even with her hatred of "control," her obsession with Byakuya's body was winning out. She'd accept restrictions just to taste him again.
Though she'd only said she'd consider it—not a definite yes.
[Ding! Host has activated a quest. Initiating Divine Selection!]
[Option 1: Refuse Rize Kamishiro's demand and stop interfering with her hunting. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
[Option 2: Refuse Rize Kamishiro's demand but forcibly restrict her behavior. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]
[Option 3: Accept Rize Kamishiro's demand. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!]
"You've got it backwards. If you listen to me first, then I'll let you have a small taste."
Byakuya began negotiating.
He intended to pick Option 3, but that didn't mean he couldn't set terms.
He'd agree—provided she cooperated first.
Plus, decent Fusion Points. As long as the System's options weren't too outrageous, he was willing to consider them.
"Listen to you first?"
"Yeah. For example..."
Byakuya thought for a moment. "For the next two weeks, don't hunt any humans. After that, I'll fulfill your request."
He knew Rize typically hunted at least two or three times weekly. If she could hold off for two weeks, that would be a start.
Otherwise, Furuta would easily find another opportunity. Then saving her would have been pointless.
"Ehh? Two weeks is too long~ How about three days?"
Rize's voice turned almost wheedling.
Byakuya was unimpressed. "...That's meaningless. Normal ghouls only need to feed once a month. You're the only one with such a huge appetite."
"Besides, you could be ambushed again anytime. I might not be able to save you next time. Think carefully."
Rize had been about to continue bargaining, but the second half of his statement silenced her.
He was right. If the Washuu Clan had really found her, her situation was dire.
If they captured her, her fate would be...
Considering this, Rize smiled faintly. "Fine. I'll agree to your terms. But first—let me have just a little taste~"
"Taste what?"
Byakuya assumed she wanted to bite him. Absolutely not.
"Relax, I won't bite you here. Too many people watching."
Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she bit down gently on his earlobe.
Not hard—just a light nibble.
Even that small contact was delicious. Like licking a lollipop.
Byakuya had never experienced anything like this. Ears were a sensitive spot for most people. His body shivered involuntarily.
Rize had only meant to "satisfy a craving," but his obvious reaction was an unexpected bonus.
Her lips curved. Finally found this guy's weakness.
His complete non-reaction last night had been bothering her. Now she felt like pushing further—a little revenge.
Meanwhile, other customers noticed their display. Quite a stir.
"I remember that human boy. He's actually still alive? Must be the longest-surviving 'prey' Rize's ever marked."
"Yeah, and since when does Rize get this intimate with prey? If I didn't know better, I'd think they were actually dating."
"Could Rize genuinely be interested in that human? Unlikely, but not impossible..."
Behind the counter, Touka witnessed the scene with widening eyes.
That vicious woman is doing this*? To a human?*
Even for toying with prey, this seemed excessive.
Plus, their flirting was bad for the café's image.
At that exact moment, Kaneki walked through the door.
He froze mid-step at the sight, rooted in place.
Hide, right behind him, noticed immediately. "What's wrong?"
Just as Rize was about to escalate things, Byakuya pushed her away.
"Don't overdo it."
He wasn't about to lose his composure in public.
"Fine, fine. But I'm satisfied."
Rize licked her lips contentedly, voice teasing: "Besides... I finally discovered a certain someone's weakness~"