Frankly speaking, Koyomi had never expected Ren to appear beside her.
Both the Witch of the Void and the Third Primogenitor Giada had clearly sensed her presence, yet neither cared. After all, the Lion King Organization keeping an eye on the Blazing Banquet was not unusual, so someone watching was nothing strange.
But Ren showing up beside her as if wanting to speak to her completely caught her off guard. She quickly tried to regain composure.
Adjusting her breathing, Koyomi forced herself back to her previous state.
"Is there something you wish to instruct me on?"
She lowered her posture. She understood her position clearly.
Even putting aside that this human seemingly came from another world, the people close to him alone were not to be underestimated—the current Fourth Primogenitor, the Third Primogenitor, the Witch of the Void, and those vampires with strange powers…
And this was only what the Lion King Organization had managed to investigate.
On Itogami Island, this human even sold food capable of boosting a demon's magic power through external means. Although the increase was very small, to the Lion King Organization, it was already dangerous.
Even the smallest increase, accumulated over time, was still an increase. And now that Itogami Island had become the Fourth Primogenitor's Empire, if this man wished, he could easily assemble a powerful demon army. War would no longer be impossible.
Of course, if Ren knew what they were thinking, he would mock them—wondering why they all liked to overthink so much. He was simply selling failed products for money to avoid freeloading at Natsuki's house every day. And even those failed products were getting fewer.
In truth, the items were one-time products made from fragments of Ophis's snake. Once used, the power boost disappeared, offering no true long-term strength.
"I'm just here to say hello."
"Say hello?"
"That's right. You investigated me and Remilia's group, and even leaked our information to Giada. If I didn't greet you, I'd feel impolite… wouldn't you agree, Paper Noise?"
His tone shifted, becoming increasingly odd.
Suddenly, Koyomi's expression grew heavy. She thought Ren had come to settle accounts.
The moment Ren finished speaking, she felt the hand on her shoulder grow heavier.
A terrifying aura washed over her, making her breath freeze. She couldn't breathe… her body felt unbearably heavy… she couldn't move… It felt as if a natural predator were standing beside her.
Cold sweat dripped down her forehead.
"Perhaps my actions offended you, but I hope you can forgive this foolish act from a small person."
Ren said nothing, only tracing her shoulder lightly with his fingers.
The silence made her sweat even more.
This was the greatest pressure she had ever felt in her life.
Finally—Ren spoke.
"It's not an offense. Even without you, Giada would've come."
Which was true—Giada had long sensed the angelic presence on Itogami Island. She had already planned to ask Koyomi about it. Ren would've been found sooner or later regardless.
Koyomi's words merely pointed the way.
If anything, without her intervention, Giada might've run into Lucemon first—probably resulting in a beating.
Lucemon was nothing like the gentle Ophis.
The victims Sirzechs and Vali were proof enough.
Relieved, Koyomi's body finally relaxed, nearly collapsing on the spot from the sudden release of pressure.
The pressure Ren had exerted felt no different from facing the full might of an Evil God.
"Thank you for your forgiveness… I am deeply grateful."
She said this while panting lightly, though her mind was still racing.
"My lord, may I ask one more question? If it is rude, I will withdraw it immediately."
Unconsciously, she had already begun addressing Ren as "my lord."
She spoke cautiously, worried about making any mistake.
But despite her fear, there was not a trace of panic in her tone.
Truly worthy of the Lion King Organization's Three Saints.
"It's fine. I can answer. Ask what you want."
Ren withdrew his arm and smiled mischievously.
"My deepest thanks."
Koyomi bowed lower and spoke.
"Regarding the Fourth Primogenitor, Lady Remilia—will she take this nation as her 'Empire'?"
"Her stance is her own. I won't interfere. She may take over the country just because she feels like it one day—or she might erase it from the map if someone here irritates her sister… Whether cruel or gentle depends entirely on her mood."
Ren only raised her. What she became was up to Remilia.
"Thank you for your answer."
Koyomi kept her head lowered.
"My lord, our Lion King Organization has one final question—may we make contact with Lady Remilia?"
Ren's eyes changed slightly—amused.
Anyone else might misunderstand, but Ren, who knew the story well, understood perfectly.
A curved strategy—saving the nation indirectly.
This was the Lion King Organization's specialty.
If softness worked, why force things?
"You really are worthy of the title Lion King Matchmaking Organization…"
Koyomi: "???"
She didn't understand at first.
But soon, it clicked.
A bitter smile flashed across her face.
If force worked, who would want to be a matchmaking service…
"So my lord means…?"
"I permit it," Ren said with a smile.
"But the contact must be made by the people I appoint."
"You… know members of the Lion King Organization?"
She was shocked, but recovered quickly.
"Just coincidence…"
Ren straightened, thinking for a moment.
"If I remember correctly… their names were Himeragi Yukina and Kirasaka Sayaka. Have them come."
"Yukina and Sayaka!?"
She was stunned. These were Yukari Endou's most prized disciples. They were supposed to be training in the High God Forest. How did Ren know them?
"How about it?"
Ren looked amused.
"We won't disappoint you…" she said, bowing deeply.
This was their only chance to approach the Fourth Primogenitor.
They must seize it.
Ren sneered.
Yes, their approach might work—if Remilia could actually be controlled. That girl looked innocent, but her mind was sharp.
If she were that easy to influence, she wouldn't be Remilia.