Shirou, who returned from the Fairy Kingdom

Even with the sharpest intuition, it would be impossible to react in such a critical situation.

Shirou spoke with a serious expression, as if he were joking.

"Hmm, I've killed as many shadow-like monsters as mountains and as many as the sea."

Those creatures were significantly different from the shadow monsters from before, which is why I was able to sense something was amiss; their true forms were something else entirely.

Even if the boy claims it was just a lucky coincidence, Ritsuka Shuse can't believe it.

Because what Shirou just demonstrated was not just his eyesight; the sword strike that the boy casually swung also possessed a level of skill beyond human comprehension.

Ritsuka Shuse couldn't help but think about that flash just now...

If it were the Aozaki sisters' senior brother—the man who killed the mage—could he be cut out?

Shirou and the others were so drawn to the trap that they didn't notice.

Besides them, there was another person present who witnessed the entire event.

She was the woman who came to catch up with her old friend, the woman who set a trap at the door.

"That time in the forest, that time at the amusement park... this is the third time already, does it have a grudge against me?"

Standing in the parking lot below the apartment building, the red-haired female magician, Aozaki Touko, revealed a cunning and dangerous smile.

"Never mind, I might as well go over and say hello."

Volume 2, Chapter 132, "The Difficulty of Women EX" is still going strong!

Even without relying on the characteristics of the "Enma Sword" itself, Shirou's slashes are still incredibly skillful.

The severed metal bird-shaped familiar was intact, except that it was cut in two, forming an incredibly smooth cross-section.

That way, we can take it back and have Aoko and Ayumi authenticate it.

With that thought in mind, Shirou put the familiar into his pocket and then went into the apartment.

"Huh? Is Ash still planning to continue cleaning?"

Seeing the boy roll up his sleeves, Ritsuka Shuse asked in surprise.

"Hmm, because we made a promise... Does that mean I can go back now?"

"No, that's not true~ I'll leave it to Asi today, and I'll help with the cleaning too."

As Ritsuka Shuse smiled and spoke, as if afraid that Shirou would run away, she quickly brought over a mop, a bucket, a broom, and a rag.

Next, the two began a thorough cleaning of the apartment.

"Ashi is so earnest, haha, I like boys who work hard the most."

Please do not harass.

"It's not harassment at all. If Ash were a little older, I would have made my move without hesitation."

While cleaning, Ritsuka Shuse excitedly talked to Shirou.

Shirou suddenly had a feeling that she was also forced to do these tedious and tedious jobs, just like him.

"Thank you so much, Ash. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known that my place had been a trap."

"...Oh, that's really dangerous. If I had money, I could move to a luxury apartment with an elevator."

"I might have done something unnecessary."

Zhou Se Ritsuka asked, puzzled, "Why do you say that?"

Shirou replied, "I think the trap was not malicious."

"What trap in this world is without malice?"

The woman was scrubbing the floor vigorously while complaining incessantly when Shirou suddenly asked her a question.

"Is Sister Ritsuka actually not from the church, but from the Magic Association?"

Ritsuka Shuse paused for a moment, then gave an awkward smile: "Sigh... have I been found out?"

I was discovered by a middle school student! My infiltration attempt was a complete failure—the second blow I've suffered today!

Shirou received an explanation from her.

Ritsuka Shuse once went abroad to study against her family's wishes—specifically, to London.

She didn't have to worry about accommodation by staying at a friend's house in London, but she still had to work to earn her own food expenses. It was during that time that she became skilled at physical labor.

And now, she has returned to her hometown—

As the eyes of the association, they monitor the magic family that governs the Misaki Spirit Land, preventing them from secretly conducting any strange magical research.

"It's such a heavy responsibility," the woman said, stroking her cheek. "It's completely incompatible with my pitiful salary."

"Is the second half of the sentence the key point?" Shirou smiled wryly.

The cleaning lasted an hour and a half.

Since the apartment itself was small, and both Shirou and Ritsuka Shuse were very good at cleaning, the job was done quickly.

While I was cleaning, Ritsuka Shuse mentioned that the coffee he made was delicious.

Now that she had some free time, she told Shirou to stay and watch TV while she went to the kitchen to make coffee.

As luck would have it, just then, there was a knock on the door from the entrance.

"Sister Lawyer, someone is knocking on the door."

Frantic sounds came from the kitchen.

"It must be the landlady coming to collect the rent! Please, Ah Shi, find a way to help me deal with this!"

"Ugh~ No way~"

Shirou is the type of person who would help others clean, but wouldn't easily lie for others.

"Please don't do that! Just say you're a relative's child, and that Sister Lujia is out today!"

“…Haha.”

Shirou sighed helplessly, turned off the TV, and walked towards the entrance.

Open the door.

"........."

Shirou was completely stunned.

He was surprised that the landlady who came to collect rent from this old-fashioned apartment was so young...

Uh, why does she look a year or two younger than Ritsuka-nee?

She is about 165cm tall, with a slender figure and a dashing appearance. Her hair and pupils are both bright red.

Wearing a gorgeous green dress that looked like it stepped out of the Victorian era, the form-fitting cut unabashedly emphasized her mature feminine sex appeal—

Her full breasts and hips, slender waist and long, beautiful legs are very eye-catching.

Her glasses gave her a sharp and shrewd impression, but her eyes and brows also revealed a touch of gentleness.

Her beautiful red hair only reached her neck, which made the stunned Shirou feel a little sorry for her.

Looking at the dazed boy, the woman gave a faint smile.

The Shuse sisters are also renowned beauties from the Goda Church in the town, but the charm of the person in front of him goes beyond appearance.

I couldn't help but recall what Aoko had said:

"Shirou recognizes her immediately the moment he sees her; Touko-nee is such an annoying woman!"

...This person is Aozaki Touko.

Although only 4 years older than Aoko and Arisu, she is already the Clock Tower Color Position, the world's strongest puppeteer.

Indeed, it was instantly recognizable.

This person possesses a presence that is no less significant than that of "future Aoko".

"Um... may I ask who you are?" Shirou still pretended not to recognize him.

"Good afternoon, is Lvjia there?"

Aozaki Touko asked with a big smile, but her eyes were fixed on Shirou, as if he were the key.

“Sister Lu is not here right now; I am her cousin.”

Upon hearing this, Aozaki Touko let out an "Ah!" and covered her mouth with a mischievous smile, saying, "How could you make up such a fake lie? Did you learn bad habits from Aoko?"

A sense of oppression emanated from the red-haired puppeteer.

This feeling is very similar to Shirou and Aozaki Aoko's first meeting.

Ah...it really looks like it.

You can see the shadow of the "future younger sister" in the older sister.

That being said, this level of pressure was no different from a gentle spring breeze to Shirou.

Shirou was about to speak—

"...Could that voice be Xiao Cheng!?"

Ritsuka Shuse's voice came from the kitchen.

"Hello, it's been a long time. I just happened to be passing by and thought I'd say hello, Ritsuka."

"No way, it really is Xiao Cheng! You're back!"

Ritsuka Shuse ran out with a coffee pot.

The sound of high heels echoed through the entryway.

As Aozaki Touko walked into the apartment, she naturally put her hand on Shirou's shoulder in a very friendly gesture.

"Yes. Not long ago, he came back stealthily, like Santa Claus breaking in through the window."

Ah, my goal is to destroy this city. I've made thorough preparations this time to clean up my past completely.

Therefore, we must strike first before the troublesome associations and churches discover it.

"Wait...they're innocent! They have absolutely no connection to the association!"

Because I haven't been working properly all year!

Ritsuka Zhou begged for mercy with a sob in his voice.

However, these are all unnecessary worries.

In Shirou's view, the murderous aura that Aozaki Touko was releasing at that moment was all a disguise.

Aoko's older sister probably has a habit of teasing others for fun.

The three sat down at the table, and the women began catching up while drinking coffee.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they had a very pleasant conversation, since Shirou couldn't find a single opportunity to interject.

Incidentally, he wanted to go sit with Ritsuka Shuse, but Aozaki Touko held his shoulder, so he couldn't slip away at all.

"Judging from your appearance, you really don't have anything to do with the association. You're also protecting your beliefs... Hmm, you're seriously helping Aoko."

"Of course, Xiaoqing is still a novice~ I'll keep a distance and remain neutral. Even if Xiaoqing's life is in danger, I'll just watch from afar."

"That's enough. Aoko is so lucky to have a confidant like you."

Aozaki Touko smiled, then changed the subject: "Although I really want to warn you, if you tell Aoko that I was here today, be careful that something might pop out from under your feet and eat you up..."

But, um… “that” was just dealt with.

After saying this, Aozaki Touko turned her meaningful red eyes to Shirou.

Upon hearing this, Ritsuka Shuse complained loudly, "So, it was you, Orange, who made that Shadow Familiar?!"

"Wouldn't I have suffered if I hadn't captured Ash to clean for me?! A devil! Inhuman! A genius devil!"

Aozaki Touko sighed: "That was a trap I spent a whole week setting up..."