Under the night curtain, the nightclub remained noisy and hazy as expected.
Mutsuki Tooru's distinctive temperament successfully drew the attention of "Mayu Clips."
The other party proactively extended an invitation for her to "work."
The mission achieved a breakthrough, and Mutsuki Tooru immediately reported the progress to Mado Akira.
Upon hearing the news, the team members all let out a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere instantly relaxed.
Since the disguise had gone smoothly, everyone decided to make the best of it and blend into the night, taking the chance to rest briefly.
However, they did not know that in an inconspicuous corner of the venue, two gazes had long since locked onto them.
"Nico-nee, those people are from the CCG, right?"
A petite girl wearing exaggerated sunglasses, Roma Hoito, tilted her head and asked in a syrupy voice.
Nico casually swirled the red wine in his glass. "Who knows. I've never seen them before."
Roma Hoito pushed her sunglasses up slightly, her eyes closely following Mado Akira in the crowd.
"But that woman leading them... I've seen her in Cochlea."
Nico followed her line of sight and glanced over, responding noncommittally. "Is that so?"
A twisted curve lifted at the corner of Roma Hoito's lips, excitement impossible to conceal in her voice.
"Seeing them so happy is really irritating. Struggling in pain is when they're most beautiful."
Nico gave a light sigh. The wine in his glass shimmered dangerously under the lights.
"You really haven't changed. So self-centered." He paused, then added meaningfully,
"But the moment red wine splashes is indeed beautiful."
....
The next morning, Mado Akira and Associate Special Class Investigator Suzuya Juuzou went together to the director's office.
They reported last night's operational progress and the follow-up plan to the current CCG Director, Washuu Matsuri.
Washuu Matsuri sat upright behind his large desk, eyes lowered as he browsed the mission report in his hand.
His fingers tapped lightly against the tabletop. "The exact time of the auction?"
"November eleventh." Mado Akira's voice remained characteristically calm, carrying professional distance.
Washuu Matsuri inclined his head slightly. The glare on his lenses concealed his gaze. "Have Third Class Investigator Mutsuki infiltrate alone."
"Alone?" Mado Akira's brows drew together slightly.
"Does that require explanation?" Washuu Matsuri's tone was unquestionable.
"Under strict security checks, quinques cannot be brought inside. Why do you think I established the Quinx Squad?"
Mado Akira was about to argue when Suzuya Juuzou suddenly lifted a faint smile and interrupted.
"Director Washuu, please allow me to participate in the auction as well. With one more person coordinating, the margin for error will be higher."
Washuu Matsuri raised his eyes and stared expressionlessly at Suzuya Juuzou's ever-smiling face. After a moment of silence, he finally relented. "Approved."
At that moment, the office door was knocked upon. After permission was granted, the door opened, and two investigators stepped in neatly.
"This operation will be carried out jointly by Division II, the Mado Squad, the Suzuya Squad, the Hirako Squad, and the Shimoguchi Squad."
Washuu Matsuri's voice echoed clearly in the office. "We will now begin the full operational briefing for the auction sweep."
....
Amano Hiro woke once again naturally from deep sleep. Still half-asleep, he habitually reached out to the side, but grasped only empty air.
He fumbled over the bedding a few more times, still not touching the familiar warmth.
Rubbing his bleary eyes, he looked beside him. Rize had unexpectedly not slept in.
A glance at the clock confirmed it. As usual, it was already noon.
He lazily put on his clothes, yawned, and pushed open the bedroom door. A rich and enticing aroma immediately greeted him.
Amano Hiro inhaled deeply, recognizing the scent of a carefully simmered soup, thick and comforting.
Following the fragrance into the kitchen, he saw Rize wearing an apron, focused on adding seasoning into a clay pot on the stove.
Her virtuous appearance was completely different from her usual lazy and seductive demeanor.
"What are you making? It smells amazing." Amano Hiro leaned against the doorframe and asked with a smile.
Rize turned at the sound of his voice and smiled brightly. "Morning, Hiro. It's a secret for now. You'll know when it's ready."
She set down the ladle and gently pushed him out. "Go wash up. It'll be ready soon."
By the time Amano Hiro finished washing and returned to the dining area, Rize was bringing out the bubbling clay pot, steam rising vigorously.
Curious, he reached to lift the lid. "Let me see what mysterious delicacy you've made."
Rize smiled without answering, a sly glint in her eyes.
When the lid was lifted, the fragrance grew even richer. The soup was astonishingly abundant in ingredients.
Various meats and medicinal herbs intertwined together, clearly a carefully prepared tonic.
Amano Hiro could not help laughing. "What is this? A ten-ingredient random stew?"
Rize smiled sweetly as she explained, "It's called Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup. I even added some extra materials."
She leaned closer and added mysteriously, "I thought Hiro has been... working hard lately, so I made something to nourish you."
As she spoke, she pointed lightly at the ingredients in the pot. "This is tiger. This is deer. This is donkey. This is ox..."
She listed a string of rare ingredients as if counting treasures, finishing with a hint of pride. "It took a lot of effort to gather these."
Looking at the pot of "Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup," Amano Hiro's mouth twitched involuntarily. For a moment he did not know whether to feel touched or amused.
Now he finally understood why Rize had been acting mysterious these past few days. She had been collecting these precious ingredients.
He found it rather funny. With his body thoroughly transformed by Slaughter, he had long surpassed the physiological limits of ordinary organisms.
Calling him vigorous as a dragon and fierce as a tiger would be modest. Even if he engaged in continuous "exercise" for seven days and nights, he could remain expressionless.
Still, it was Rize's heartfelt effort. Seeing the anticipation in her eyes,
"Alright, I'll drink it." He took the bowl, a teasing smile flashing in his eyes. "But... don't regret it."
Since his "beloved wife" was so concerned about his "condition," he naturally had to properly demonstrate what true vigor meant.
In the afternoon, after finishing that "fully nourishing" lunch together, Amano Hiro and Rize headed as usual toward "Cafe Hope."
First to see if there had been any recent developments, second for a walk to aid digestion.
As for demonstrating that vigor, there was no need to rush. After all, he was not some unrestrained stud.
Pushing open the café door, the wind chime rang lightly. Hiro swept his gaze across the interior.
At a seat by the window, he saw a somewhat unexpected figure.
"Ah, Amano Hiro, long time no see."