Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

He suddenly froze.

In the kitchen, a beautiful woman with a slender figure was seen cooking while wearing an apron.

Although he couldn't see her face clearly, the familiar silver-white long hair made him recognize who she was.

A mysterious and beautiful woman I met at the Inari Shrine at night.

"It'll be ready soon."

The beautiful woman turned her head, a gentle smile appearing on her delicate, fair face.

Haruhiko was a little unsure of what to do.

If it weren't for the fact that the beautiful woman was connected to Jinguji Fuyumi, he would have really suspected that he had encountered some kind of evil woman or demon.

Even so, this mysterious and beautiful woman still gave me a touch of fantasy.

After thinking for a moment, he directly used the "Secret of a Married Woman" artifact.

Anyway, this thing has limited uses.

[The effect is halved if the target is not a married woman.]

[Yukihime, a close friend of Jinguji Fuyumi, is the sole survivor of the Coconut Sheep Clan and possesses one-third of the Yuki-onna (snow woman) bloodline. She is currently experiencing mental health issues.]

"???"

Haruhiko looked completely bewildered.

What a pitiful woman.

Chapter 10: A Mother's Deepest Love

Haruhiko roughly guessed Yukihime's background and origins.

Most likely, it was because the entire clan was wiped out that they developed mental problems.

Jinguji Fuyumi saved her.

But why would he think he is her child?

She is clearly not a married woman.

"It's done."

Just then, Yuki took off her apron, washed her hands, dried them, and hugged Haruhiko, saying, "Welcome home."

A soft yet heavy touch rested on his face.

Fortunately, they separated quickly, preventing him from suffocating.

It's a mail item!

Haruhiko offered his own judgment.

The meal is served.

Yuki handed over the chopsticks and said, "Eat."

"Thank you."

Looking at her up close, Haruhiko could better appreciate the whiteness of her skin.

No wonder she's called Yukihime (Snow Princess).

He took the chopsticks, picked up a piece of fried shrimp, put it in his mouth, and his eyes lit up.

"It tastes great."

Haruhiko praised her sincerely.

Among the people he knew, he was only slightly less accomplished than Hoshino Rin's mother, Hoshino Aoi.

"As long as you like it."

Yukihime rested her chin on one hand, her magnificent body resting on the table, already deformed.

"Um...aren't you going to eat?"

Haruhiko felt a little uncomfortable under her gentle, warm gaze.

"It's a rule in our tribe."

Yuki said softly, "Mom needs to watch the children eat."

Haruhiko didn't know what else to say.

After the meal, he stood up and said, "I'll wash the dishes."

"No, you're too young."

Yuki grasped his wrist and said, "Leave it to me."

Eighteen years old is, in the eyes of a monster, just a newborn baby.

Haruhiko was determined to retort.

But Yuki had already taken the bowls and chopsticks into the kitchen.

He sighed.

Although he enjoyed it, he always felt a faint sense of guilt.

Yukihime is not a normal person in a certain sense.

Haruhiko sat cross-legged on the sofa, channeling his spiritual energy into prayer.

In theory, one can gain ten points of spiritual energy per day.

But theory is one thing; it's impossible to meditate for a whole day without eating or drinking.

Reality is not like a game.

There's no way to leave the game running in the background.

Moreover, meditation is not the same as sleeping; one must concentrate on controlling the assimilation and fusion of new spiritual energy with the original spiritual energy.

It is very energy-consuming.

Therefore, on average, it takes three days to increase spiritual energy by ten points.

Yukihime arrived at the hall and saw Haruhiko meditating.

She leaned closer, and their bodies pressed completely together.

"do not move."

Yukihime's gentle voice reached Haruhiko's ears.

"..."

Haruhiko was speechless.

He wanted to stay still, but some parts were out of control.

Because they were so close, he could feel the other person's steady heartbeat and warm, soft body.

[Due to Yukihime's talent, the meditation effect is increased by 20%.]

The sudden game notification startled Haruhiko.

It has this function too?

Faced with the prospect of becoming stronger, he suppressed his wandering thoughts, closed his eyes again, and channeled his spiritual energy into prayer.

The speed of the psionic energy I sensed had indeed increased considerably.

time flies.

Haruhiko ignored the friction and breathing sounds and spent two hours very attentively.

He opened his eyes.

Yukihime was staring at him without moving.

Her light blue eyes were full of tenderness and love.

Haruhiko felt a little awkward, gently pushed her away, and said, "I'm going to take a shower."

"I'll help you."

Yuki reached out and grabbed the zipper of the school uniform shirt and pulled it down. "Giving the child a bath is what I should do."

"Need not!"

Haruhiko quickly grabbed her wrist and fled in fright.

Yukihime stared at his retreating figure, somewhat puzzled.

Haruhiko closed the bathroom door and let out a sigh of relief.

Good heavens, this situation is unbearable!

But his conscience wouldn't allow it.