According to the system, once the Infinite Tsukuyomi was successfully achieved, it could transform all the world's ghouls into humans.
Or rather, it would simply change them back to humans, since ghouls were originally transformed from humans in the first place.
"What do you mean? Will you make my taste and smell like a human's, or will you turn me directly into a human?"
Rize asked with some confusion.
"Directly into a human. If the plan succeeds, I can make that happen."
Byakuya said.
"...I don't want that."
Rize directly refused—though she hesitated for a moment before refusing.
"I don't want to become human. I think being a ghoul at the top of the food chain is better. Besides, becoming human would definitely make me much weaker."
Rize voiced her true thoughts directly to Byakuya.
"Well... I certainly won't force you on this point. But if that day actually comes... I'm afraid you won't have a choice either. Because all the ghouls in the world will be changed back to humans."
Byakuya said plainly.
That Rize didn't want to become human wasn't surprising to him. After all, Rize enjoyed that feeling of doing whatever she wanted at the top of the food chain.
Though if Rize truly did whatever she wanted, given her situation, it wouldn't be long before something went wrong.
Without his protection, something like the "construction site steel beam incident" might not catch Rize a second or third time, but eventually...
"So after that... there would only be humans left in the world?"
Rize said with surprise.
At this moment, she wasn't thinking about whether she'd like it or not—she was more surprised that Byakuya was claiming he could turn all the world's ghouls into humans.
"Yes. When that happens, conflicts over species won't exist anymore. The Washuu Clan 'traditions' you despise will fade away, and the tragedies between humans and ghouls will cease to exist."
Byakuya said. "At the same time, the power that RC cells give you will disappear too. But didn't you learn martial arts from Shachi? Actually, with martial arts under your belt, you'd still be at the 'top of the food chain' in a certain sense."
"..."
Rize fell into silence.
If it were just her alone becoming human while everything else—like the Washuu Clan's affairs—remained unchanged, she definitely wouldn't be happy about it.
Even so, when she'd refused just now, she'd hesitated. The reason for that hesitation was Byakuya...
Now, because she cared more and more about Byakuya, she was becoming less and less like the self-serving, self-centered person she used to be.
After thinking it over, Rize said, "If what you're saying is all true, then I guess I can barely accept it."
"Of course it's true. Assuming it succeeds, anyway. Though personally, I'm absolutely confident."
Byakuya said.
"I remember you mentioned wanting to create the 'Akatsuki' organization before. That should be related to this too, right?"
Rize suddenly recalled the Akatsuki organization. Byakuya had mentioned that the purpose of Akatsuki was to achieve world peace.
"That's right. Speaking of Akatsuki, it's about to be formally established soon. Tsukiyama Shuu might be an oddball, but he seems fairly reliable."
Byakuya said.
"If you think there's no problem, that's fine. I certainly won't give that guy a pleasant attitude."
Rize said.
"That's fine. You don't need to be nice to him anyway—otherwise that guy might start getting ideas."
Byakuya laughed.
"Let's set that aside for now. Eat first, or it'll get cold."
Rize brought the topic back to the curry.
"Mm."
Byakuya then mixed the curry with rice.
This was the flavor he'd helped Rize adjust, so naturally it wouldn't taste bad.
And the ingredients were generous too. After all, this was them cooking at home, not eating at a restaurant—they could add as much beef and other ingredients as they wanted.
"I know it's a bit pointless to ask this now, but the taste should be pretty good, right?"
Rize sat beside him wearing her mask, one hand propping up her chin, watching Byakuya eat the entire time.
"Mm, the taste is quite good."
Byakuya said honestly.
Rize was a beginner after all, and a ghoul at that. Being able to produce this flavor was already quite impressive.
Though this was with him assisting on the side...
It wasn't particularly delicious, but it wasn't bad either—that was roughly the situation.
"And whether it tastes great or not isn't that important. What matters is... this was made by your hands, Rize."
Byakuya added to his assessment.
This wasn't just consolation—it was his genuine feeling.
Think about it: Rize had such a massive obstacle in being a ghoul, yet she'd still personally made curry for him. Add to that the fact that she was a girl he liked, and the significance was completely different.
If it were, say, a hired chef—some hairy middle-aged man—would it be the same?...
"That's disgustingly sappy... but I don't hate it."
Rize smiled. "Since the taste is good, I'll trouble you to finish it all."
"Mm... I'll try my best..."
Since he'd already eaten some late-night supper before coming home—barbecue and beer—even though he'd controlled his portions, this much curry was still a bit challenging for Byakuya.
...
After finishing the last bite, Byakuya was completely full.
In theory, eating this much right before bed wasn't ideal, but for him, it didn't matter.
"Since you're full, rest a bit and then take a bath and sleep."
Rize said.
"Mm."
Byakuya nodded slightly.
But when he came out of the bathroom after his shower, he found Rize already sitting on his bed.
"Aren't you going back to sleep?"
Byakuya couldn't help but ask.
"I am about to sleep."
Rize smiled slightly.
"But this is..."
Before Byakuya could finish, Rize spoke up: "What's wrong? Even now, you still won't let me sleep in the same room as you?"
"It's not that I won't... I just didn't process it for a moment. After all, I'm used to the usual routine..."
Byakuya said somewhat awkwardly.
By now, he really could trust Rize enough. Even if Rize got restless while he was sleeping, his reaction speed was fast enough.
Though he was a bit surprised—was Rize really this eager to sleep in the same room as him?
"Since it's not that you won't, then I'm sleeping here tonight."
Rize declared.
Not a trace of shyness on her face, nor the domineering tone of refusal she used to have.
She'd already changed into a thin nightgown and was sitting on the bed. It seemed she was determined to claim Byakuya's bed this time.