"Mm…" Early the next morning, Kagami Ren opened his eyes, feeling a dull headache—the classic aftermath of drinking.
Looking down, he saw Yae Miko curled up in his arms, her soft body incredibly pleasant to hold.
Five fluffy tails draped over him, warm, soft, and faintly fragrant, making it all too comfortable.
On the other side of the bed, Fox Saiguu lay sprawled out, sleeping without any regard for her image.
"Yawn~" Sensing his movement, Miko slowly opened her eyes and stretched lazily. "Ah Ren, you're awake?"
"Mm." Kagami Ren nodded, holding her soft body. Honestly, he didn't want to get up at all. No wonder kings skipped court for beauties.
"Alright~" Miko gently stroked his cheek. "I'll go make you something to eat."
"So diligent?" Kagami Ren was genuinely surprised. Who said she was a mischievous fox? Clearly, she was a gentle, caring, and virtuous wife.
"Mm-hmm~ Of course. You're my head of the household now," Miko said with a smile. "If I don't cook for you, I might get punished by my dear master."
"…"
Kagami Ren's lips twitched. Yes, she was more caring—but still the same sly fox.
"Alright, get some more rest," Miko said as she withdrew her tails. She wasn't about to let others see them casually.
"Okay." Kagami Ren nodded, watching her leave.
"System, I'm already together with Miko. Why haven't I gained her abilities?" Kagami Ren suddenly asked.
"Master, you haven't confessed yet," the system replied. "As Teyvat's Most Devoted, how can you not formally confess to the one you love?"
"…"
Kagami Ren nodded thoughtfully. A confession… it had to be done properly, in a grand and meaningful setting. Miko definitely cared about that kind of thing.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Saiguu's voice sounded beside him. She walked over and sat down.
"Nothing much," Kagami Ren said. "Now that Miko and I are together, I'm thinking about when to give her a proper, formal confession."
"Oh, that?" Saiguu nodded. "That girl does like that sort of thing. You'd better plan it well."
"Of course," Kagami Ren said. "Why don't you help me think of something?"
"Sure," Saiguu said, immediately interested. She wanted to see if Miko would be moved to tears.
The two leaned in, whispering as they discussed timing, location, and details.
"What are you two plotting?" Miko's voice interrupted as she walked in with a tray, eyeing them suspiciously.
From last night, she had already realized that although Kagami Ren was a god, he was still like a young man—without the aloofness of divinity. It made sense. Only younger gods would still have such thoughts about love and beauty. Unlike Ei, who was entirely devoted to eternity.
"You guess," Saiguu said with a grin, exchanging a look with Kagami Ren.
"Hmph." Miko pouted slightly but didn't press further. "Come eat."
"My special recipe—Fukuuchi Udon!" She placed three bowls on the table.
"You both drank a lot last night. Something light will be better."
"It smells amazing!" Kagami Ren immediately jumped out of bed and walked over. As expected of Miko's specialty—perfect in both appearance and aroma.
"Not bad. After all these years, your skills are impressive," Saiguu commented approvingly.
"Of course. Do you think I'm like Ei, that cooking disaster?" Miko said smugly.
"If Ei hears that, she'll strike you down," Saiguu replied, picking up a piece of fried tofu and savoring it. "Mm~ this taste… nothing beats fried tofu."
"Eat up, Ah Ren," Miko said, ignoring her.
"Alright." Kagami Ren picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.
"Delicious!" He quickly began slurping it down. The flavor was rich and balanced—truly excellent.
Seeing him eat so enthusiastically, Miko smiled in satisfaction and began eating as well.
Before long, they finished, and a shrine maiden came in to clear the dishes.
"Ah Ren, what are your plans today?" Miko asked.
"I'll go take a look around Inazuma City. I haven't explored it much yet," Kagami Ren replied. He was curious to see how it differed from the game.
"Sounds good," Miko nodded.
"Wait, I'll go with you," Saiguu quickly said.
"You? Forget it." Miko grabbed her arm, her eyes narrowing. "Now that you're back, you think you can slack off?"
"You're not the Guuji anymore, but you still have to help with shrine affairs."
"Why?!" Saiguu protested loudly. "Kagami Ren is also part of the shrine. Why doesn't he have to work? Why can he go out but I can't?"
"You think you can compare to Ah Ren?" Miko sneered. "I won't let him get tired. As long as he's happy, I'm fine with it."
"You—you—" Saiguu was speechless, completely stunned by her shameless logic.
"Be good and get to work," Kagami Ren said with a grin, patting her shoulder.
"As expected of my Miko. Come here, let me give you a kiss!"
"Ugh! You two are unbearable!" Saiguu gritted her teeth, watching them act all lovey-dovey.
"I'm off then. I'll bring back something tasty tonight," Kagami Ren said before turning into a streak of golden light and flying toward Inazuma City.
"Ah—!" Miko suddenly realized something, her expression changing as she grabbed a pouch of Mora.
"Ah Ren! You didn't take any Mora—"
But he was already gone.
"Hahaha!" Saiguu burst out laughing. "No Mora? He won't get far like that."
"Is that so?" Miko glanced at her calmly. "As the High Priest of the Grand Narukami Shrine, he can just put everything on our tab."
"…What?" Saiguu blinked. "Since when do we have that kind of system?"
"Mm-hmm. I made a special exception for him," Miko said lightly.
"…"
Saiguu stared at her in disbelief.
And then, with a face full of resentment, she was dragged back to work by Miko.