Suddenly remembering how this student had handled the cursed ring without incident, Madoka asked, anxiety lacing her voice.
"You really have it, don't you?"
"I do," Kurosawa Ren replied calmly, raising his finger.
Dark, swirling cursed energy danced at his fingertip.
Even though Kirisu Madoka couldn't see the power directly, the sheer pressure radiating from it hit her like a wave, making it hard to breathe.
"Gulp…"
The beautiful teacher swallowed hard.
In that moment, the handsome student she'd started to grow fond of suddenly felt... unfamiliar.
"Ms. Madoka, you should rest for now. Once you're fully recovered, I'll teach you how to handle supernatural powers."
Looking at her dazed expression, Kurosawa Ren knew she'd need time to process everything.
She wasn't born with the natural aptitude of a sorcerer, but he had a hunch. There was potential in her to become a mage—if she chose that path.
After helping her settle down, he closed the door behind him and returned home with Yukino Shindong.
Thus ended one chaotic, restless night.
"Wow, so this is your home, Master?"
As soon as she stepped through the entrance, Yukino Shindong shed her disguised form and looked around with curiosity in her bright eyes.
The memory of her fleeing the monster realm—fascinated by the bustling, vibrant human world—was still fresh in her mind.
Even though she was now bound to Ren, her fascination hadn't faded.
"Yes," Kurosawa Ren nodded. "This is your new home from now on."
He slipped off his shoes and picked up a blur of fur that raced toward him from the corner.
Mr. Pan, the little black cat, was family. After a bit of magic infusion earlier that day, he seemed healthier and livelier than ever.
"Aww, what a cute little guy~~" Yukino cooed, her icy-blue hair swaying as she bent down to reach for him.
But Mr. Pan instantly sensed the cold supernatural aura surrounding her and darted further into Ren's arms, trembling slightly and refusing to look up.
"Ugh… Seriously…"
Yukino's expression fell.
She bit her lower lip, eyes dimming with disappointment.
"Even a cat won't come near me… What's wrong with me...?"
"Xue Nao—uh, I mean… actually, that name's kinda awkward," Ren muttered, scratching the back of his head.
This morning, he had barely established a formal bond with the younger, timid version of Snow Girl. And now, he was sharing his home with her full-grown, stunning adult form.
"Anyway," he said, switching to a more authoritative tone. "You're my maid now, and that means you've got some responsibilities."
He raised an eyebrow.
"First, all the daily chores—cleaning, laundry, helping me get ready, cooking. That's your department."
Yukino nodded obediently, her icy beauty glowing with newfound purpose.
"Second," he added, his voice dropping just a bit, "as a Ring Spirit, you have certain… physiological needs. As your Master, I'll take care of those."
"Thank you, Master…"
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked shy but deeply moved by his blunt honesty.
She had been so worried about being a burden, and now, her heart felt lighter.
How lucky she was… to have a Master who was kind, attentive, and unafraid to meet her needs head-on.
The evening passed quickly.
After dinner, Kurosawa Ren tucked Mr. Pan into his cat bed. Then, with Yukino's help, he slipped into a soft robe and followed her to the bathroom, which was already warm and filled with steam.
"Let me undress you, Master."
Yukino, dressed in a snow-white bathrobe, looked like a noble lady from an ancient painting.
Ren stayed composed, even as her cool, delicate fingers slid down his chest.
Soon, he was sitting in the massive bathtub he'd installed—big enough for six people, easily.
Suppressing her nerves, Yukino untied her robe, revealing skin as pale as porcelain, and stepped gracefully into the hot water.
Her face, framed by loose blue hair and veiled in steam, looked like a dream.
Her long hair floated in the water like silk threads. Her body, a masterpiece of curves and soft snow-colored skin, was breathtaking.
"Xue Nao… are you ready?" Ren asked softly, his hand already around her waist.
"Yes, Master," she whispered, biting her lip. "I belong to you now. Use me as you wish."
She closed her eyes, breath trembling, heart racing.
She was the Snow Woman—cold by nature. But now, something inside her was melting.
She was no longer frozen.
Chapter 27: Satisfied Snow Girl, Rising Rivals
The stormy night gave way to morning light.
The once-clear bathwater was stained with a deep, faded crimson. Boundaries had been crossed. Hearts and bodies joined.
Kurosawa Ren awoke slowly, stretching under the warm blanket.
His hand sank into something soft, springy, and very much alive.
He smiled to himself, remembering everything.
Yukino's body was exquisite—no wonder she was ranked so highly on those "secret" adult websites. She had impressive endurance, flexibility, and grace.
Ordinary people would've been frozen just trying to touch her.
But not him.
He had the heart of a red dragon—a fire that melted her ice, claimed her, and held her core.
"Good morning, Master…"
Yukino stirred against his chest, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled softly, glowing with quiet joy.
That night had changed everything.
She wasn't just his servant anymore. She was his woman.
"It's late. Go make breakfast."
Ren smacked her firm butt with a casual pat.
She gasped softly, then nodded, rising from the bed and heading for the kitchen.
Her cooking was decent. Not expert-level like a maid bot, but enough to satisfy daily meals.
While she prepared breakfast, Ren brushed his teeth and washed up. Then, he crouched by Mr. Pan's bed and offered some treats.
The kitten leapt into his arms happily, purring as it nibbled away.
After finishing breakfast with Yukino, he had her return to the cursed ring. He tucked Mr. Pan into his school bag and headed out.
It was rush hour.
The city buzzed with noise and motion.
He turned the corner and spotted Jian Qi Ming, walking with a small backpack. She brightened up when she saw him.
"Good morning, Kurosawa!"
"Morning, Jian Qi."
Before he could react, she grabbed his hand and pressed her tiny figure against him, snuggling close.
"Well, you're definitely cute and confident," Ren thought, amused.
Even though Jian Qi Ming didn't have Yukino's bombshell figure, her petite build and soft, delicate skin made her irresistible in a different way.
But today wasn't just about her.
Her older sister, Jian Qi Misaki, had taken charge.
Apparently, Misaki had finally talked her little sister into letting her tag along—to spend some "fresh air time" with Ren.
Cherry blossoms floated on the breeze as they neared the school gates. The sidewalk shimmered with soft petals like a manga come to life.
Naturally, the sight of Ren walking with a cute girl clinging to his arm attracted plenty of attention.
"Whoa, another hottie?! What's Kurosawa's secret?!"
"Isn't that the girl from Class C? Scumbag's got no shame!"
"Man, even Kasumigaoka-senpai doesn't seem to care... Is he immune to drama?"
"Say what you want, but Kurosawa's living the dream. If you want to learn how to pull, study from the master!"
"Misaki, aren't you worried Ming will get mad if she sees this?" Ren asked dryly.
He didn't mind the gossip.
But if Jian Qi Ming saw her older sister glued to him like this, there would definitely be fireworks.
"Hehe, she won't be that mad," Misaki said with a mischievous grin.
Still, the guilt on her face suggested otherwise.
"Anyway—more importantly," she said, eyes twinkling, "when did you start carrying a kitten to school, Kurosawa?"