As everyone knew, Natsuki Minamiya was an English teacher at Saikai Academy.
She claimed to be 26 years old, but looked even younger—less like a beautiful woman, more like a doll-like little girl.
It was said she had noble blood, which gave her a strange sense of dignity and leadership. Maybe that's why she was such a capable teacher. Students spoke highly of her.
Except for one thing...
"Hey… isn't it hot, Natsuki-chan?"
The voice belonged to a boy around Ren's age, with silver wolf-like hair and a lazy expression that barely masked his sharp gaze.
At the sight of him, Ren raised an eyebrow, eyes sparkling slightly.
The original protagonist—Kojou Akatsuki.
Ren hadn't asked Natsuki about the current timeline. He figured he could investigate alone—and his link with Lucemon still existed. If he needed intel, he could just inform his partner.
Since arriving in this world, he'd basically spent all his time teasing Remilia—like someone trying to find a new "bully target" after losing the old one.
Of course, if Kuroka saw how Remilia was being treated, she'd probably say, "You've got it worse than I ever did."
Ren usually didn't mess with Kuroka too much—it was more fun watching her interact with Fou.
But Remilia? From start to finish, he messed with her nonstop.
Now, seeing Kojou, Ren carefully examined his aura and frowned slightly.
Not a true ancestor. A genuine human.
But… there was something inside him.
Ren thought for a moment, then understood.
During the Gozo Island incident, in order to protect his sister, Nagisa Akatsuki, Kojou Akatsuki had an experience that was no different from dying once. Afterward, he obtained the rib of the twelfth body, Avrora, becoming the "Blood Servant" of the "Fourth Primogenitor."
And that wasn't the end of it—Avrora's awakening led to the escape of the "Primogenitor" from its seal, who then possessed Nagisa.
So after all that, it seems Nagisa had been recovering ever since.
"The soul of the Primogenitor..."
Ren narrowed his eyes slightly. Speaking of which, the manufacturing blueprint he got for the True Ancestor bloodline crystal might actually be able to make use of that...
If that didn't work out, he'd just head to other Primogenitor territories to request some blood samples.
Ren hadn't forgotten his purpose in coming to this world.
First, to complete the time-limited nurturing mission and form formal contracts with Remilia and Flandre.
Second, to experiment with the manufacturing method he obtained. If the research succeeded, he wouldn't have to rely on the system's spin-the-wheel anymore—he could produce pet meals on his own.
Compared to a randomized gacha, making things himself was more reliable.
As for the third reason... Why should the twelve kalied blood be sacrificed to create the Fourth Primogenitor? Wouldn't it be more interesting if he collected them all as his own pets?
"Didn't I tell you not to call me '-chan' when addressing a teacher?"
When they met, Natsuki spoke in a relaxed tone while elegantly fanning herself with a black lace-edged fan.
"This level of heat is nothing."
"...Just watching is already enough to make me sweat."
"Stop babbling. Get inside already!"
Apparently out of patience, Natsuki pushed him in.
Kojou glanced curiously at Ren and the others behind Natsuki, paying special attention to Remilia and Flandre.
Understandably so—compared to the human Ren, the two adorable vampire girls naturally attracted more attention.
Let alone Kojou, even standing at the school gate, passersby couldn't help but glance repeatedly at Remilia and Flandre, whispering among themselves.
Those who recognized Natsuki even began speculating about her relationship with the group.
Noticing the murmuring, Remilia commented dispassionately.
"Humans are such a boring bunch."
"Whoa... There are so many people here. Natsuki-nee, is this where you work?"
Unlike Remilia, who was unimpressed, Flandre curiously leaned closer to Natsuki.
Ren silently moved to shield Flandre from the sun with a parasol.
This thoughtful gesture caused Remilia, who had been about to step forward, to pause slightly. She glanced at Ren, then turned away as if nothing had happened—but the faint smile on her lips betrayed her mood.
Though she appeared to trust Ren, no one could truly ignore the fact that they'd been bound into some sort of pet contract. Flandre was simply innocent by nature, and Kuroka had seen some benefits and understood Ren's character enough to entrust her faith.
But Remilia was different. Suddenly thrown into another world—with her sister, no less—Remilia couldn't afford to make mistakes. She needed Ren's help to solve her sister's problem, but...
If Ren turned out to be a despicable bastard, Remilia would never throw her sister into another pit just for help. She'd rather die alongside Flandre.
Still, based on Ren's behavior so far, she felt a bit relieved. This pet contract might not be entirely unacceptable.
Proud as she was, after imagining an ideal outcome, even she couldn't help but admit: "Not bad."
"Yes, I'm a teacher here. I teach students..."
"A teacher? Teaching? What's that?"
Flandre's innocent question made Natsuki stiffen a little.
Did this child's mental development lag so far that she didn't even know what teachers or classes were?
"Eh? I don't get it..."
"Just imagine a group of people sitting together listening to one person talk. That person is Natsuki," Ren explained with a soft chuckle as he crouched down.
Natsuki twitched at the corners of her mouth. That's certainly one way to explain what a teacher is. It's not exactly wrong...
Surprisingly, Flandre's eyes sparkled. "Wow—lots of people together? Sounds fun! I want to go to class too!"
Natsuki: "..."
Seeing Ren's teasing smile, Natsuki realized—this man did it on purpose!