Chapter 78 78 – Happy Atmosphere

A day had passed since Kai had a love-making session with Ibaraki. Their interaction was now better than before, and they got closer.

Just… something out of his control happened last night after he took a bath and got dressed. Amber suddenly told him that everything was ready, much to his confusion. Then she proceeded to tell him about what she had found out while he was having sex.

Then today, his grandfather was nowhere to be seen since morning, and he was forced to tend to the restaurant kitchen by himself.

"Finally! It's over!"

After grueling hours of cooking alone, he was finally able to rest. Because his bond with Ibaraki was also increased, his physical abilities were enhanced once again, and he could understand how to use the properties of her Spirit Power.

Still, even so, cooking alone was still demanding on his mind, and he slumped on the chair in front of the kitchen while trying to catch his breath.

"Ugh… I want to try my new mastery over Ibaraki's properties, but how dare grandpa leave me alone like this?!"

There was also the matter of New York City being in danger that old man John talked about. Thankfully, Amber managed to hear what had happened from his grandfather. The old men were surprisingly well-informed about it.

"Unknown people destroyed the cornerstones, huh? And there are three left before the seal that keeps the ghosts and demons in New York City in the Astral Plane is destroyed."

That sounded dangerous and all. He understood why John warned him not to get involved now.

Because of what he had heard in Oni Village and the Alchemist's interest in him, he understood his own position. The title of Ruler wasn't given to any random person. Only one person had ever been recorded to have this title beside him, according to Ibaraki, who had lived for more than a thousand years.

"The strongest man. He was also able to contract with Mythical Creatures."

Yes. His talk with Ibaraki last night wasn't just about advancing their relationship; he also asked her about what made the Ruler title because she seemed to know about it.

According to the Mythical Oni, Ruler was a title given to a person who managed to form a contract with a Mythical creature and survived.

Usually, a human wouldn't be able to handle the sudden increment of their Spirit Power reserve from creating a contract with a Mythical creature, making them explode to bits.

However, Ruler was special. They could unlimitedly increase their Spirit Power reserve without exploding their bodies. That was the special constitution Amber talked about when they first met.

'And I have that constitution.'

Then the reason why the Ruler was a special title returned to the one called the strongest. That person said the next Ruler, the person who had the ability to form a contract with a Mythical creature, would inherit all his will and treasure.

Kai was confused when Ibaraki said that.

Because obviously, he didn't inherit any treasure at all, which Ibaraki shot down quickly with a kiss on his lips. Then she smiled widely and told him that the treasures the strongest talked about were bonds and connections with Mythical Creatures the strongest had a contract with.

All Mythical creatures that previously served under the strongest would willingly offer themselves to Kai if he met them. They would help him, under the condition that Kai didn't use their power to do wrong in the world.

That included Shuten Douji. Apparently, the leader of all Onis also contracted the strongest and served under him.

'That explains why she did that. Such a cheeky woman.'

The position of Ruler was that important, and he came to understand it. And he understood why Prophet Chigusa, the one with the highest position in Japan, wanted to prostrate to him when they first met, though he stopped her and the others because he was uncomfortable with it.

As he proceeded with information he got from Ibaraki and Amber last night, the door at the end of the hallway was opened, and Mai and Anna, the two waitresses, entered. They had changed their clothes already.

"Ah! There you are, Kai!" Mai exclaimed as she entered the inner side of the restaurant.

"Hmm? Is there something you need from me?" Kai asked curiously as he looked at them approaching him and stopping right before him.

"Yey." Mai nodded, then nudged Anna with her elbow. "Come on, say it."

"I know." Anna replied in a low voice, but he could hear what she said thanks to his sharpened senses.

Then Anna looked at him seriously.

"Umm, is it possible to take a month off from work?" She said, fidgeting nervously.

"Huh? Is there something urgent going on?"

While Kai would definitely allow Anna to take a month off because he already got Amber and Ibaraki helping the waitresses now, he was still obliged to ask for her reason.

When one was about to take a day or even a month off from work, one needed a clear reason to do so. If not, then that was a sign they were already tired from working or had some problem in the workplace.

If the former was her reason, he would give her a recommendation letter so she could find her next job more easily. But if the reason was the latter, then he would find the problem and fix it.

'Communication is important.' He added in mind.

"A-Actually, my boyfriend proposed to me, so…" Anna looked down shyly as her face blushed slightly.

"Ah!" Kai exclaimed as he stood up. The edge of his lips curled up as he looked at Anna.

It wasn't strange for her if she was already married at her age. She was already nearing her mid-twenties, after all.

"Congratulations! I see. Alright, I will allow it. Amber and Ibaraki are also here to help the restaurant, so it will be fine. Feel free to return to work anytime, Anna."

"Really?! Thank you, boss!" Anna beamed after Kai allowed her. She then turned to Mai, her friend, and hugged her. "Thank you, Mai! I will bring something for you next time. O-Oh! Of course, I will bring you something too, boss!"

"Hahaha, just enjoy your honeymoon."

The three of them talked for a while before the door opened again. Ibaraki and Amber appeared, and they also congratulated Anna on her marriage and honeymoon.

Out of curiosity, the five of them moved to the front of the restaurant, which was already closed, to talk more about it. Kai prepared some simple dishes, so they had a better time talking.

Anna, who was usually quiet except for when she was working, talked a lot that evening. Amber was especially up to the task of teasing the waitress with Mai. Ibaraki was listening quietly while asking a few things when she was interested.

The atmosphere within the restaurant was merry and happy, oblivious of the bleak atmosphere in the other part of New York City.

***

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