"I see. So pets contracted with you can grow stronger by eating this stuff."
Natsuki stared at the small crystals in her hand, face filled with complex emotion.
Honestly, when Ren handed her a whole bag of these mini crystals, her mood was all over the place.
Especially when she saw the label on the bag: For Witch Pets Only.
She immediately wanted to throw Ren into the dimensional prison using the Laeding.
If this wasn't specially prepared for her, she'd serve as Ren's maid for a whole day!
No doubt, Ren had anticipated she'd ask about these, which is why he had prepared this especially for her.
Even the writing on the bag was obviously directed at her.
—There was only one witch on the whole island. Who else could it be for?
"You really have terrible taste, you know that?"
"This isn't about taste. I seriously want to form a contract with you, Natsuki-chan!"
"I haven't fallen so low that I'd give up my dignity to form that kind of stupid contract!"
Remilia: ???
Just as she finished helping Flandre move boxes, Remilia emerged and tilted her head in confusion.
Why does it feel like you're throwing shade at me?
"Really now? What if some witch comes crawling back later, begging for a contract? Wouldn't that be so embarrassing?"
"I, Natsuki Minamiya, would rather jump off a rooftop than form that kind of contract with you!"
She declared with absolute confidence.
Seeing this, Ren's face broke into a brilliant smile.
"Flandre, did you get that recording?"
"OK! Flandre recorded it all!"
Cheerfully hopping between them, Flandre stood with hands on her hips, radiating pride. She pressed a button on her recorder—
"I, Natsuki Minamiya, would rather jump off a rooftop than form that kind of contract with you!"
As the line echoed again, Natsuki's face twitched, and she turned away.
What now? There's evidence!
If she ends up eating her words, the embarrassment would be a hundred times worse. Especially if anyone she knew was around… social death.
But... I definitely won't form that contract with Ren, she reassured herself and relaxed.
Since she wasn't going to, there was nothing to worry about.
Meanwhile, Ren high-fived Flandre with a beaming smile. The two looked so satisfied that even Remilia showed a hint of sympathy.
Haven't you realized yet? These two won't stop until you're socially ruined.
Even if you refuse the contract, they'll make it so you have no choice.
"Ahem... you really can't teach Flandre something better?"
Natsuki coughed and pulled Flandre close.
Her sharp eyes stared down at her, and she reached out like a strict teacher.
"Flandre, hand over the recording. Or else you're being naughty."
"Uuuu... I'm sorry, Natsuki-oneechan... No, Natsuki-sensei, Flandre was wrong..."
Flandre lowered her head and obediently handed over the recorder.
Natsuki accepted it with satisfaction and gently patted her head.
"Natsuki-sensei, is Flandre still a good girl?"
"Of course, Flandre is the most well-behaved child I've ever seen."
With kids like her, Natsuki knew the value of balancing scolding with reward.
Especially for someone like Flandre, who didn't need micromanaging.
Her occasional mischief didn't mean anything. After spending time together, Natsuki had long seen her good nature.
In fact, it was exactly as she said—Flandre was one of the most obedient kids she'd ever met.
Because Flandre was willing to be guided by those close to her.
However, when she was mischievous, she really could be a handful. For example…
Flandre exchanged a glance with Ren, and a faint smile quietly appeared on her face.
Sorry, Natsuki-sensei, Flandre was wrong. She'll definitely dare to do it again next time!
In fact, Flandre had even prepared backups… Who told Natsuki-sensei to be so stubborn? And all of this was clearly seen by Remilia.
Poor Natsuki… Remilia mourned in silence for less than a second, then got ready to watch the show.
She didn't know when her little sister had become this twisted.
Is it really true that one becomes tainted by proximity?
Remilia threw the blame entirely on Ren.
Unbeknownst to her, Flandre's personality had always been prone to messing with her sister. Ren had only helped draw it out.
"Heave-ho~~ Heave-ho~~ Heave-ho~~"
The sudden sound made everyone in the store subconsciously look over.
Ophis appeared in everyone's view, clearly looking relaxed, but imitating Flandre's cute voice while moving things.
After moving everything out, Ophis slowly walked to Ren's side, tugged at his sleeve, and—just like Flandre—stuck her head over.
"Head pats…"
"You never disappoint, Ophis."
Ren chuckled as he gently patted her head.
Ophis showed no expression on her face, but she rubbed against his hand like Flandre did.
In those calm, still eyes, a ripple finally appeared.
A strange feeling… never experienced… not unpleasant…
A sensation Ophis had never felt before gradually rose within her.
"Hmm… this little girl…"
Seeing Ophis, both Remilia and Natsuki instinctively became alert toward one another.
Honestly, both were shocked when Ophis appeared—especially after hearing that she was also Ren's "pet." Ophis, with her twisted logic, didn't deny it either.
So Remilia decided to test just how strong this so-called senior really was.
And then, with Ophis' casual mocking tone, Remilia challenged her to a duel on the spot.
The result? Ren's phone now had several new pictures of Remilia squatting and holding her head in defeat.
Natsuki also secretly tried to test Ophis a little, only for her "Laeding" to be blown up again and again.
And that was just when Ophis stretched.
Laeding: "???"
Why me again?
If the Laeding had self-awareness, this would be its reaction.
After witnessing Ophis' terrifying (yet casual) power, both Natsuki and Remilia fell completely silent.
Another monster had arrived...
On the other hand, Flandre got along great with her. Ophis even started mimicking Flandre's behavior.
Watching the scene, Natsuki couldn't help but sigh.
With this many monsters at home, maybe one day, Island Itogami will just blow up by accident!