Inaba Tsukiyo gently stroked Mikazuki Munechika's head. It seemed that although Mikazuki Munechika had been by her side for hundreds of years, her emotional maturity was still developing.
But thinking about it, that made sense. In human terms, she had only just been 'born,' so such strong emotional expression was understandable.
Just as Inaba Tsukiyo and Mikazuki Munechika were about to learn more about the situation, a clear, cold voice came from behind them.
"Tsukuyo, who is she?"
Inaba Tsukiyo turned around and found that Tachibana Koneko had woken up at some point.
Tachibana Koneko looked at Mikazuki Munechika in Inaba Tsukiyo's arms with vigilance. Seeing the intimacy between Inaba Tsukiyo and Mikazuki Munechika, her gaze towards Mikazuki Munechika became somewhat hostile.
Where did this person come from? Last night when she went to sleep, there was no one else in the room besides her and Inaba Tsukiyo.
Mikazuki Munechika also remembered Tachibana Koneko sleeping on the bed when she came to find Inaba Tsukiyo last night.
Under Inaba Tsukiyo's stunned gaze, Mikazuki Munechika's demeanor changed. She left Inaba Tsukiyo's embrace and stared back at Tachibana Koneko.
"Who am I? I am the most important person to Master, besides the one she loves. A mere stray cat who secretly climbed into Master's bed, what right do you have to say such things?"
"You... Tsukuyo is my best friend. I don't want any strange people around Tsukuyo."
Tachibana Koneko's face was a bit unsightly. She didn't know the identity of this Little Loli wearing a kimono, but from how she addressed her, it seemed she had a very intimate relationship with Inaba Tsukiyo.
Master... Although she had long guessed that Inaba Tsukiyo was no ordinary person, this person... is very strong.
Don't think Mikazuki Munechika has no combat power. She has fought alongside Inaba Tsukiyo her entire life. All the techniques Inaba Tsukiyo displayed using her, she can also use.
Coupled with the Herrscher of Thunder's core that Inaba Tsukiyo bestowed upon her, it granted her the power of lightning, making her even stronger.
"You're talking about yourself! Always running to Master's house and such, what do you take yourself for? Even if Master taught you combat techniques, is this how you repay Master?"
"This is Tsukuyo's request, and Tsukuyo hasn't said anything. As a servant, what right do you have to criticize Master's decisions?"
"I'm just worried you're taking advantage of Master's soft-hearted nature. Master always finds it hard to refuse friends' requests. Because of this personality, Master has suffered many losses. Now that I have appeared, I will not allow such things to happen again!"
"Wait a minute... both of you, stop arguing."
The strong tension between Tachibana Koneko and Mikazuki Munechika was naturally felt by Inaba Tsukiyo.
This left her a bit bewildered. Mikazuki Munechika and Tachibana Koneko had many similarities, so why was their first meeting so unpleasant?
However, Tachibana Koneko and Mikazuki Munechika ignored Inaba Tsukiyo's persuasion, glaring at each other, as if they could start fighting at any moment.
Eventually, with Inaba Tsukiyo's mediation, the two did not come to blows.
Because she had to go to school, Tachibana Koneko didn't stay here for too long. After breakfast, she changed into her uniform and got ready for school with her backpack.
"How were the results last night? Did you manage to defeat those devils well?"
Inaba Tsukiyo reached out and touched Tachibana Koneko's shoulder-length short hair, asking gently.
"Mhm! Those guys were easily dealt with."
Tachibana Koneko raised her small, pink fist, a faint smile on her delicate face as she spoke.
"I see. It seems you've made good use of my gift to you, Koneko. However, I hope you don't rely too much on that experience. Transforming it into your own is the most important thing."
"So... the memory I saw yesterday wasn't an illusion?"
Tachibana Koneko recalled the memory that suddenly appeared in her mind during the battle, connecting it to what Inaba Tsukiyo had done to her.
Due to her line of sight, Tachibana Koneko couldn't see her back properly. Even when bathing, trying to see her back through a mirror was useless.
When not in combat, the stigmata were hidden. This was to prevent them from being exposed to others if Tachibana Koneko wore clothing that revealed her back.
Although she couldn't see the stigmata, Tachibana Koneko also realized that the appearance of this memory was very likely due to something Inaba Tsukiyo had done to her.
"Indeed, Tsukuyo, you are not human. At least, you are not an ordinary human. Ordinary humans can't do such things."
"How many times have I told you? I'm just an ordinary human. At most, I'm a human with a bit of special power, nothing else special about me."
Once again using the excuse of being an ordinary human to fob off Tachibana Koneko—whether Tachibana Koneko believed it or not, she herself certainly did.
Tachibana Koneko was used to this perfunctory manner of Inaba Tsukiyo; she simply pouted and didn't say anything more.
"This time... thank you for the gift, Tsukuyo. I really like it, thank you."
"No need to be so polite; we're friends, aren't we? Since we're friends, what kind of friend would I be if I couldn't even help with a small favor like this?"
"This isn't exactly a small favor..."
If this could only be considered a small favor, Tachibana Koneko truly couldn't imagine what would qualify as a big one.
Just as Tachibana Koneko was about to leave, she suddenly remembered something and turned back.
While Inaba Tsukiyo was wondering what Tachibana Koneko wanted to do, Tachibana Koneko threw herself into Inaba Tsukiyo's arms, cupped Inaba Tsukiyo's face in her hands, and pressed her lips against hers.
"This is my thank-you gift. I think you'll like it, Tsukuyo."
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/SolyuraMT
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"