Heavy girl? I feel worse than Black Hole Trigger!

"But, is this something that requires Miss Chiori to come and explain specifically?"

"The next step is the key point." Qianzhi sorted out her thoughts, picked up the cup and took a sip of tea. It seemed that her brows, which were slightly frowned and vaguely melancholy every day, suddenly relaxed.

"……tasty."

"Thank you for the compliment. I'm quite confident in my tea-making skills." Zheli smiled and said, "Our specialty is the Earl Grey Tea, which is also on the menu. If you have the chance, Ms. Chiori, you can try it."

Chiori nodded, "I heard about it from Kirara. I was a little skeptical at first, but now it seems that Kirara's description was quite conservative."

Maybe it was because her expression became relaxed, but Zhe Li saw a faint smile on her lips, which matched her still stern eyes very well: Qianzhi was already pretty, but her tone and expression always had a somewhat unkind taste. At this moment, she just smiled faintly, but she left a deep impression on people.

If Kamisato Ayaka is a katana placed in a Japanese-style room and sheathed in a scabbard, it is noble and restrained.

Then Qianzhi is more like a sword that is sharp and cold, but not a bloody weapon. Instead, it is a sword that is danced into gorgeous flowers on the stage, which can be watched from a distance but not played with.

but……

"Qiliangliang 'said'?" Zheli caught the key words.

He thought about the kitten's behavior so far, and recalled Chizhi's serious look now, and suddenly realized: "So the little one can talk? But then suddenly - no. She was able to tell Miss Chizhi about our store, it's not that she suddenly couldn't speak, but..."

"Can't you speak in front of me?"

"Meow!" Qi Liangliang raised his head and nodded rapidly.

Seeing some white milk on her lips, Zhe Li smiled again and took out a tissue to wipe it for her.

"You are more perceptive than I thought." Qianzhi raised her eyebrows, slightly surprised.

When they first met at Hanamizaka a few days ago, she clearly felt that this man was almost as honest and straightforward as Qiliangliang.

"Being good at observation is my only advantage." Zhe Li chuckled a few times.

After wiping Qiliangliang's mouth, he raised his hand and scratched the kitten's chin, receiving a happy purr from the kitten. No matter how you looked at it, it was just an ordinary pet kitten.

"But, being speechless in front of me...it always feels strange."

"We find it strange, too. That's why she wanted to come and talk to you today." Chizhi paused. She suddenly realized she'd omitted a crucial piece of information, so she continued, "Kirara is currently working as a courier in Inazuma Castle. However, whenever you're around her, she loses her human form, which causes some trouble in her life."

Zhe Li pretended to be surprised: "Oh my? So this little guy can turn into a human? And a courier? How amazing!"

"Meow meow!" Qi Liangliang looked smug.

Zhe Li blinked. "Wait. Since the little guy has a job, hum... next time you eat at my place, remember to pay."

"Meow?" Qiliangliang showed me that I was just a cat.

“…” Just by watching the conversation between these two guys, I felt that my IQ was lowered.

Qianzhi felt helpless but also a little funny.

She was about to open her mouth to continue the topic when a low voice suddenly came from beside her -

"Can you transform into a human?"

Nagasaki Suyo cast her gaze over quietly.

Chapter 71: Thunder

When talking about "cat monsters", what comes to Nagasaki Suyo's mind is a big cat with a spiritual aura and difficult words. It looks lazy, but occasionally a wise expression appears on its face.

Therefore, when she first heard Zheli call Qiliangliang a little monster, she didn't think much about it.

After all, Mr. Zheli himself is a slime monster (?), a mere cat monster, there is nothing to be afraid of!

After spending more time with Qiliangliang, Su Shi felt that this little cat was a bit silly. Even if it was a cat monster, it was probably the kind that couldn't deceive humans and would be taken home as a pet cat instead. For example, Qiliangliang seemed to be impressed by the store manager's craftsmanship.

But who would have thought that this kitten would actually turn into a human? And it seemed to be a girl?

No, isn't it the fox monster that transforms into a human form to deceive humans? Are you from the cat monster world also trying to steal the fox market?

"Yes. I was also surprised when I first saw her human form." Chizhi recalled the scene.

In Inazuma, the legends of youkai were well-known, but city dwellers rarely encountered the real thing. However, Kirara's eyes... and the two tails behind his buttocks left a deep impression on her. Furthermore, Kirara had no intention of hiding his identity, so Chiori quickly became acquainted with this curious little cat.

"Oh - I really want to see it with my own eyes." Su Shi said with a smile, casting an "interested" gaze at Qi Liangliang.

Under the gaze of Suyo-san, who was like a defender of the ruins, Qiliangliang couldn't help but raise his tail.

Wow... Why does Sister Su Shi suddenly feel so scary?

"It may be a little difficult for the time being. Of course, that's for the store manager," said Chiori.

"What a strange phenomenon." Zhe Li was puzzled.

In various local legends, it's common for yokai and spirit beasts to only appear or transform under certain conditions. But now, the opposite is true: under certain conditions (near Zheli), they can't transform? Zheli, while believing themselves to have many unique qualities, is in no way related to this traditional Japanese yokai.

Chizhi took another sip of tea and said softly, "Anyway, because life is a bit inconvenient, Qiliangliang wants to solve this problem. What does the store manager have in mind?"

"Nothing."

After all, even the cause of this phenomenon is unknown, so Zhe Li naturally has no idea.

"Well, for now, we can only trouble the store manager to cooperate with Kirarayoshi's daily life." Chizhi looked at Zheli, thought for a moment, and suggested: "For example, try not to visit Inazuma Castle on weekdays, and confirm with Kirarayoshi in advance when and where you will go, etc."

"Meow." The kitten nodded.

As long as she knows where the store manager is, she can ensure that the express delivery business is not affected.

"It's no problem for this little thing." Zhe Li agreed readily.

Inazuma was an interesting place, but Zheli didn't have a strong desire to explore. It would be bad to affect the little guy because of himself. Simply agreeing on a time to go out with the little guy was not a big deal for him, who usually stayed at the store.

"By the way, will my presence in the store affect Qi Liangliang?"

"Meow meow." Qi Liangliang shook his head.

As long as you don't push the door open, even if you stand directly outside the door, Qiliangliang will not suddenly turn back into a cat.

"Really? That's good."

As expected, the "door" has the function of separating two worlds. This also proves that the abnormality of Kirara is more related to Houto Oreki himself than this shop. But why is this?

"Because of the summer festival recently, I'll be going to Inazuma Castle with everyone from CRYCHIC for the final rehearsal." While thinking about this, Zheli said, "And then, yes... I should go to the three-day festival as well. I'll have to let the little one down for the next few days."

Although I feel a little sorry for Qiliangliang, this was something we had agreed on a long time ago after all.

Qi Liangliang jumped lightly onto the counter and rubbed Zheli's hand, as if to express that it was okay.

"Hehe, thank you." Zhe Li scratched her neck. The kitten squinted its eyes happily.

Seeing this, Su Shi's mouth twitched. Xiangzi noticed that the woman looked uncomfortable and was a little confused at first, but then he thought about it and suddenly understood what she was thinking. He couldn't help but smile - and then Su Shi glanced at her with a slightly indifferent look.

Seeing the interaction between a person and a cat, Qianzhi's thoughts were much more ordinary: "You two have a really good relationship."

"Didn't I tell you? I've always been popular with cats."

This wasn't just a joke. Even if you left out Kaname, he'd always been very popular with cats. Unfortunately, in his previous life, he'd come to the city alone to work, and with his busy schedule, he hadn't had the luxury of pets. In his previous life, he'd been an undocumented resident in Build's world, making it impossible for him to legally adopt a pet.

As for bringing stray cats and dogs home on the street… I always feel sorry for the animals if I keep pets in Battle Rabbit’s dangerous laboratory.

Qianzhi blinked, "Now that you mention it, I think I'm the same."

There are many cats, both domestic and wild, on Narukami Island. When Chiori was out in the wild seeking inspiration, a few would always come and rub her legs or try to claw at the fabric in her hands. Kirara was one of them.

"Does Ms. Chiori have a cat?"

"No. I don't have that much time to take care of a pet." Chizhi shook her head. Looking at the ripples in the teacup and her own face reflected in the water, the girl took another sip of tea and said, "Besides, it wouldn't be good if the fabrics and needlework at home were messed up by a kitten."

Chizhi has always been the type who likes to prevent accidents before they happen.

Humans and animals can't communicate, and Chizhi doesn't want to educate her pets after they've caused trouble time and time again. Unless she has a cat monster like Qiliangliang who can communicate with her, it's better not to have a pet.

"Oh? I heard earlier that Ms. Chiori is a tailor. Could it be that she has already opened her own shop?"

In the brief introduction of Kamisato Ayaka, Zheli and others got to know Chiori and knew that she was a tailor.

In older agricultural societies, where men farmed and women wove, it was not uncommon for women to have some fabric at home. However, Inazuma has become significantly urbanized, and those who live in Inazuma Castle and can still weave and sew at home are mostly experts. Even a young girl like Chiori, even if gifted, is often still an apprentice.

Hearing Qianzhi say this, did she also open a tailor shop at home?

"Eh?...No. It's just practice." Chizhi waved her hand.

Chiori was born into a merchant family, and her parents were very tolerant of her, even willing to buy her cloth and a loom as "toys" at home. This is why she was able to change tailoring teachers frequently - after all, she didn't need their resources to practice, so asking them to take the time to guide a little girl wasn't too much of a burden.

But, my own shop...?

Somewhere in the girl's heart, a thought like thunder shattered the dark clouds that had been lingering in her mind.

Perhaps, I never need anyone else, but——

Could she herself stir up the unchanging sky hovering over Inazuma?

Chapter 72: Frost Flower

Time flies by in the girls' passionate music.

"Ms. Kamisato." Baodō Zheli waved to the other side of the road.

I saw Kamisato Ayaka slowly approaching the festival venue under the protection of several shrine servants.

She was looking around, occasionally nodding and smiling at the enthusiastic crowd, until she heard Zheli's shout, then she seemed to have determined the direction, and led her subordinates to walk quickly towards them.

"Mr. Zheli, Ms. Xiangzi." Princess Bailu greeted the two present. Then, after looking around for a moment, she asked, "Is Ms. China already here?"

"Ah, everyone's already gone to prepare. There will be a simple live rehearsal at the end, right?"

After the instruments and the speakers brought in by the clerk are positioned, they will need to test the volume. Xiangzi will also go over to meet them later.

"I see." Linghua nodded, then bowed slightly to the two of them and said, "Well, I'll go inspect the venue next. I'll excuse myself for now."

"It's really hard work." Seeing her going to the next place without stopping, Zhe Li couldn't help but sigh.

"No. I'm just doing my job." Linghua paused, then smiled and shook her head. "Besides, being able to take this opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the celebration is also a good thing for me. I wish you all a happy time."

In previous years, the afternoon of the festival day would be Linghua's last appearance on site.

In fact, she did not regard this trip as a job in her heart. Instead, it was a rare opportunity for her to "enjoy" the short time of the festival in her capacity as a society minister.

The open space of Hanamizaka started out with just scattered mobile vendors, then the stage was built, and then the fences and torches were positioned one by one, and finally the colorful ropes and flags were decorated one by one. Even though it was still broad daylight, just looking at this scene, it was not difficult to imagine how lively the scene would be when night fell, the flames rose, and people came and went.

Xiangzi raised his eyebrows slightly after hearing this. "It's a rare celebration, but Miss Linghua still has official business to attend to?"

"Yes. More or less... Hehe, it's probably because of the festival that I finally have some free time to take care of the housework."

"Really?" Zhe Li looked at her face which was half covered by a folding fan.

Zhe Li did not see any unnecessary emotions in those eyes that seemed to contain the winter snow scene.

This seemingly young girl—in fact, very young—had already shouldered the unimaginable responsibilities of a Zheli years ago. It seemed that for her, her family and her country were more important than her personal likes and dislikes.

"It's a festival hosted by the shrine's magistrate, but we can't enjoy it properly. Don't you think it's a pity?" Xiangzi asked.

Since leaving the Toyokawa family and gaining a brief moment of "freedom," Xiangzi has come to resent her past life more and more: it's not that she doesn't understand the responsibilities that come with wealth, status, and power, nor does she intend to resent her family. After all, being able to grow up safe and prosperous, without the worries of food and clothing, is undoubtedly the benefit that comes with the Toyokawa family name.

However, she felt that she could not give up the right to "choose".

People cannot choose what kind of family they are born into, but they should have the opportunity to "choose to change."

Whether it is to repay the benefits suffered so far, to abandon the responsibilities imposed on him since childhood, or to choose to maintain the status quo after weighing the pros and cons... No matter what the cost, Xiangzi feels that he should have and should make good use of this "opportunity for change" and should not think that everything is "taken for granted."

I was so hopelessly stupid for being so content with the status quo in the past.

Linghua smiled disapprovingly, "Haha. Miss Xiangzi, it would be more appropriate for you to say this to my brother."

The girl paused for a moment, folding her folding fan. With her white hair and blue eyes, she stood like an icy crystal in the sunlight, yet she never let the resilient heart of her heart bend in the summer heat.

"—We are entrusted by the General and are born with power far exceeding that of others."

Her eyes fell on the noisy crowd around her. The smile on her cheek remained, but it was gradually covered with a layer of solemnity.

"In the ordinary world, those who are capable take the throne. Even small vendors like this do their best to secure better locations and more customers, just to face the real battle when the 'test' comes. This is true even for merchants, and it goes without saying for farmers and laborers... But..."

As the "Three Bugyos", they are in charge of all matters big and small about Inazuma. For hundreds of years, they have inherited this "heaven-given" authority safely from generation to generation.

"Even with my humble talents, I am still called 'Princess' by everyone, like the moon surrounded by stars. Therefore, I must fulfill my obligations."

Only by working hard and being cautious can she be worthy of the general who entrusted such power to her and the people who live diligently on this land.

“……” Xiangzi blinked.

The world is completely different, but the children living in wealthy families still share common feelings.

She had believed this before, no, she still believed this now: enjoying the privileged circumstances she was born into, she should shoulder the corresponding responsibilities. Similarly, when she wanted to abandon these overly heavy responsibilities, she naturally had to pay the corresponding price. Toyokawa Shoko chose to pay the price in exchange for freedom, and if Ye Mu chose to continue carrying the responsibility, it was just another choice.