Kifu casually took out several small dried fish from the broken virtual space, as a reward for Kirara.
"Eh? Boss, is this for me?"
"I am not a cat who would casually eat other people's things, oh."
At this moment, Kirara suddenly remembered the teachings of the Eight Grand Shrine officials.
She kept her eyes fixed on the golden, crispy, baked small fish while still stubbornly speaking.
"If you don't want it, then fine."
"Wa-wait a moment!"
Kirara hurriedly corrected herself.
"Grandma told me, wasting food is bad behaviour! So… so…"
Kirara embarrassedly tiptoed, her tail anxiously wagging back and forth.
"…."
Such a stubborn little youkai.
Kifu was speechless and simply shoved all the small dried fish in his hands directly into Kirara's arms.
"Wah~ thank you, Boss—"
Snap!
Kirara, unable to contain herself, picked up a piece of dried fish and bit into it.
She felt the golden coating crumble in her mouth, and the fresh sweet taste of the fish instantly filled her whole mouth.
"Mmm… so delicious!"
Kirara let out a satisfied sound.
The cat's tail quickly transformed into a heart shape, symbolising joy and delight.
"This one… Kafuka, have you finished dealing with your matters?"
Kifu wiped the oil stains from his hands and asked the approaching Kafuka and Ginrou.
"Heh~ everything is prepared, just waiting for the beginning of the subsequent act…"
Kafuka covered her cherry-colored lips and smiled lightly.
"We're ready to leave now. Director Kifu, do you want to come along?"
"The people of the Star Rail train may arrive soon, you know."
"No rush."
Kifu shook his head, looking at Kirara, who was happily eating the small dried fish.
"There is a child at home I haven't seen much. This time I plan to take her to see more."
Hearing this, Kafuka subtly glanced at Kirara.
Pure, joyful, full of curiosity…
The many emotions floating visibly on Kirara could easily be perceived by Kafuka.
This cat-eared girl's mind seemed simpler than many children Kafuka had encountered.
In this company called Komaniya Express, are all the employees strange people?
This thought lingered in Kafuka's mind for only an instant before quickly disappearing.
She smiled and nodded, saying goodbye to Kifu.
"…Then, Director Kifu, may we meet again if fate allows."
"Mm, we will surely meet again soon. Bon voyage."
...
"Phew… phew…"
"Hee-yah!"
A rainbow-colored arrow shot out, brushing past Danheng's shoulder and precisely hitting the throat of the phantasmal soldier behind him.
Cracking ice shattered, freezing the phantasmal soldier into a translucent ice sculpture.
"Danheng, come quickly! Why are the phantasmal soldiers increasing here… could it be that something is attracting them?"
March 7 stood at the narrow passage, pulling back her bow, calling toward Danheng behind her.
"…Wait a moment."
Danheng ran to March 7's front, spun on his feet, and faced the phantasmal soldiers closely pursuing him.
His long spear swept across with a clang-clang sound.
Whoosh—!
The spear tip swept, the surging strong winds roared and intersected, cutting several phantasmal soldiers into pieces.
"March 7."
"Got it! Got it! I'll close the door now!"