Chapter 99: Let's Go See a Movie Together
After buying all the groceries, Vigne decided to pick up some snacks for Kanna as well — a bag of sweet rice crackers, a small bottle of juice, and a pack of colorful candies that made the little dragon's eyes light up. With the shopping baskets full, the three of them made their way to the checkout counter, the soft hum of background music filling the store.
At the register, just as Vigne reached for her wallet, Kouya casually slid a crisp ten-thousand-yen bill onto the counter. "I'll pay for it," he said nonchalantly.
"W-Why are you paying!?" Vigne stammered, taking a step back, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Hey, what's with that defensive stare!? Do I look like the kind of guy who'd demand something in return!?
"Because I have a membership card here," Kouya explained, pulling it out like it was a badge of honor.
Vigne puffed her cheeks slightly, biting her lower lip as she turned away. "Fine. But I'll pay you back later."
Why do you sound so grumpy about it!?
Outside, the bright sun greeted them. Vigne handed the grocery bags over to him. "Here. You carry these."
"Eh?" Kouya blinked in disbelief. "Why me? You're a demon, aren't you? This little weight shouldn't be anything for you."
"Because I need to hold Kanna-chan's hand," Vigne said matter-of-factly. "If you don't carry them, who will?"
Her eyes narrowed again. "What? Don't tell me you're too weak to carry them?"
Who's weak!? Don't underestimate me! I'll show you!
With a deep breath, Kouya hoisted all the bags in both hands, glaring defiantly while Kanna munched happily on her crackers, watching like it was a performance.
When they got back to the apartment, the place was spotless. The curtains were open, sunlight spilling into the room, and the faint scent of citrus cleaner hung in the air.
Gabriel and Takanashi Rikka popped their heads out from the living room as soon as they heard the door.
"Welcome back, Vigne!" Gabriel chirped, now dressed in a cozy pink sweater. Spotting Kanna, she waved. "Hey, Kanna! Good afternoon!"
Maybe Kobayashi had drilled the concept of politeness into her, because Kanna gave a polite nod. "Good afternoon."
"Ah! My eyes!" Rikka suddenly cried from behind Gabriel, clutching her right eye dramatically. "I see it… the great dragon that devours the stars!"
Kanna tilted her head up, blinking with mild curiosity, as if assessing whether the girl was insane or just strange.
"Stare—"
"This is Kouya's cousin, Kanna-chan," Vigne explained, pressing a hand to her forehead in mild exasperation. "Anyway, it's already eleven. I bought some takoyaki. Eat a little first, then help me cook lunch."
"Vigne, you're the best!" Gabriel cheered, arms outstretched. "Hug!"
"No." Vigne pushed her away before she could even get close, then turned to Kouya. "Gabi's room still isn't ready, so I'll use your kitchen. That okay?"
"No problem," Kouya replied easily. The less he had to do, the better.
By the time Gabriel and Rikka finished their takoyaki, Vigne had already transformed the kitchen into a spotless, organized workspace. Once she tied her apron around her waist, her demeanor changed completely—sharp, focused, like a general preparing for battle.
"Gabi, wash these vegetables."
"Rikka, thaw the chicken wings in warm water."
Then she turned to Kouya. "And you—" She paused, sighed, and waved her hand dismissively. "You just sit on the sofa and wait to eat."
Hey, that tone! Do I look like a useless bystander to you!?
The dragon's the real glutton here!
As Vigne prepped the pork, the sound of sizzling filled the room—until suddenly, a sharp cry broke the rhythm. "Ah! My eyes!"
"Gabi? What did you do now?" Vigne turned around and found the angel red-eyed and teary, rubbing at her face. "You touched your eyes without washing your hands, didn't you?"
"They were just itchy…" Gabriel whimpered, voice trembling with guilt.
"Go rinse them right now! Use clean water! And don't touch anything until you're fine again," Vigne said, half stern, half motherly, before muttering to herself, "Honestly, onions make everyone cry… just chill them in the fridge before cutting next time."
When she turned again, her expression darkened. "Rikka! What are you doing!?"
The girl had just finished washing the chicken wings—and was now pouring cola over them straight from the bottle.
"This is the legendary secret recipe from the mystical side—Cola Chicken Wings!" she announced with pride.
"That has nothing to do with the mystical side!" Vigne barked. "And you're not supposed to soak them like that!"
"Ehh!? Really!?"
"Go. Sit. Down."
"But I wanted to—"
"Sit."
After exiling the two troublemakers, Vigne worked alone, knife flashing with precise, practiced movements. Before long, the kitchen filled with rich, warm aromas—soy, garlic, sesame—and the sound of simmering sauce filled the air. Even Kanna's tail began to twitch at the smell.
An hour later, the table was set.
Braised pork with shiitake mushrooms, glossy and tender. Grilled saury with a light drizzle of lemon. Cola chicken wings cooked properly this time, golden brown and sticky. Seaweed egg soup, crisp salad, and the final challenge: stir-fried pork with green peppers.
Because there weren't enough plates, they shared dishes, using communal chopsticks like a family.
"Eh? Why so many green peppers?" Gabriel asked, already pouting.
Rikka nodded gravely. "Yes. This is the food of demons!"
"It's not cursed food!" Vigne huffed, rolling her eyes. "Try it first. I used a special recipe I found online."
"Really?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"You'll see. It's delicious," Vigne said confidently, glancing at Kouya. "Bring the rice cooker."
Hey, didn't you say I could just sit and eat!?
"Gabi and Rikka helped too," she reminded him sweetly. "You can at least do this much."
"…"
Finally, everyone sat down. "Itadakimasu!" they said in unison.
"Mmm! Vigne, your cooking's amazing!" Gabriel exclaimed, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Eat your green peppers," Vigne said calmly, eyes glinting with quiet authority.
"Ugh… fine." Gabriel reluctantly lifted her chopsticks.
"And you too, Rikka. Don't think I didn't see you hiding them."
"Ehh—! You're so cruel!" Rikka whimpered, but obeyed.
Both girls hesitated before biting into their peppers—and then froze.
"Huh? This is actually… good!?" Gabriel blinked in disbelief.
"What have I been eating all these years!?" she yelled, slamming her fist on the table. "The world deceived me! People who made bad green peppers deserve judgment!"
You're an angel! Stop threatening the apocalypse over vegetables!
"It's delicious!" Rikka agreed, eyes shining. "There's definitely holy magic in this dish!"
"Don't shout," Vigne said softly, smiling as she turned to Kanna. "How about you, Kanna-chan? Do you like it?"
"Good," Kanna said simply.
"Then eat plenty," Vigne said warmly before looking at Kouya again, expression hardening. "And you. Gabi and Rikka both ate theirs. Don't tell me you'll lose to them?"
Kouya's face darkened.
Why do you sound like the head of the household!?
…
After lunch, everyone leaned back, satisfied. Gabriel slouched lazily on the sofa, sipping the tea Vigne had just poured. The TV flickered with some variety show in the background.
"Hey, Vigne," Gabriel said suddenly, her tone light. "Let's go watch a movie this afternoon."
"Eh? A movie? Why so suddenly?" Vigne asked, blinking.
"B-Because we've never gone to a theater together! We have to go at least once! Otherwise, what's the point of living here?" Gabriel said, hands waving excitedly.
"Well, when you put it that way…" Vigne smiled softly. "Alright."
"Right? And you're coming too," Gabriel said, turning toward Kouya and giving him a light kick.
Kouya, still sipping his tea, nearly choked. "Me!? Why me!?"
You're up to something, aren't you? You never include me unless there's a catch!
Even Vigne looked puzzled.
"W-Well," Gabriel said, scratching her cheek nervously, "if we're going, we should invite Rikka and Raphiel too. The more, the merrier, right?"
She nodded to herself, then added quickly, "But! If it's just us girls, we might get harassed! You know, perverts on trains, creepy guys in theaters… Having Kouya there is for safety! Totally practical!"