Chapter 7. From Mountains to Modernity

Tokyo Prince Hotel

Tokyo, Japan

"Are you ready, Kiyohime?" Satria asked as he adjusted his casual clothes, already prepared to head out.

"Just a moment, Danna-sama," Kiyohime replied, fidgeting with her kimono. "I'm still fixing my outfit."

Satria tilted his head. "Do you ever wear casual clothes? I noticed you're always in the same kimono."

Kiyohime gave him an apologetic smile. "No, Danna-sama. I lived in the mountains most of my life, so I never needed casual wear."

He smiled warmly. "Alright, let's grab some after breakfast. It'll be a little shopping spree."

Her eyes sparkled as she clung to his arm. "Does this mean we're going on a date, Danna-sama?"

He chuckled softly. "Sure, if that's what you want to call it."

After packing their belongings, they headed to the hotel's breakfast buffet. As they entered, a loud grumble erupted from Kiyohime's stomach.

Her face flushed with embarrassment. "I... I'm sorry, Danna-sama."

Satria burst into laughter, patting her head affectionately. "You're a funny girl. Go ahead and eat as much as you like, Kiyohime."

"But..." Her gaze darted nervously around the elegant setting. "This place looks expensive. I don't want to waste your money."

He waved off her concerns. "It's a buffet, Kiyohime. You can eat as much as you want. No need to hold back."

At his reassurance, Kiyohime finally relaxed and hurried to fill her plate. Moments later, she returned carrying two plates, placing one in front of him.

"Danna-sama, I got this for you too," she said, smiling shyly.

"Thanks, Kiyohime." He looked at her with gratitude. "What would you like to drink? I'll grab it for you."

"Green tea, please," she replied. "And... thank you, Danna-sama."

After fetching their drinks, they began their meal. Satria observed her enjoying the variety of food with childlike wonder.

"Is this your first time at a buffet?" he asked, amused.

She nodded. "Yes, it is. Everything here feels so luxurious."

Satria smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Can I ask something? Why are you so interested in me? We barely knew each other when you decided to follow me."

Kiyohime's expression softened. "Because you're honest. When I ask you things, you never hide your intentions or try to deceive me. You're different from others, Danna-sama."

He chuckled. "You're such a strange girl. Don't regret your decision later, okay?"

"I won't," she said resolutely. "I'll follow you wherever you go, Danna-sama. Forever."

Satria and Kiyohime were seated at their table, enjoying the breakfast buffet. He couldn't help but marvel at how much she seemed to savor every bite.

"You're really enjoying this, huh?" he remarked, smiling as she happily nibbled on a piece of tamagoyaki.

"Yes, Danna-sama! Everything is so delicious," Kiyohime replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

A playful thought crossed his mind, and he decided to ask, "By the way, Kiyohime, how old are you?"

For a moment, everything seemed fine—until her cheerful expression froze. A chilling aura enveloped the room, and her usual gentle smile turned unsettling.

"Danna-sama," she said sweetly, though the eerie pressure in the air suggested anything but sweetness, "Are you saying I look old?"

Satria instantly felt a shiver run down his spine. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he waved his hands in panic. "N-no, no, no! That's not what I meant at all! I was just curious, really! I swear!"

The oppressive aura intensified for a moment before she let out a soft giggle. The tension dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. "Fufu, I'm just teasing you, Danna-sama. But… a lady doesn't reveal her age so easily."

Satria slumped back into his chair, visibly relieved. "Note to self—never ask Kiyohime her age again," he muttered under his breath.

She tilted her head, smiling innocently. "Did you say something, Danna-sama?"

"Nothing! Nothing at all," he replied quickly, resuming his meal while Kiyohime giggled softly, clearly enjoying his reaction.

•

Kuoh Academy

Kuoh, Japan

In the bustling halls of Kuoh Academy, 17-year-old Issei Hyoudou lounged with his two best friends, Motohama and Matsuda.

"Issei, snap out of it!" Motohama nudged him. "You've been spacing out ever since you started playing those eroge games."

Matsuda laughed. "Yeah, the day you get a real girlfriend is the day pigs fly."

"Hey, shut up!" Issei retorted, flustered. "I do have a girlfriend—her name's Yuuma Amano!"

His friends exchanged doubtful looks. "Sure, and I'm secretly dating a supermodel," Motohama quipped.

Before Issei could argue further, the sound of girls swooning filled the hallway.

"Kyaaa! Kiba-kun is here!"

"Why is he coming to our class?"

"Obviously to see me, you delusional fool."

Their whispers stopped when Kiba Yuuto, Kuoh Academy's golden prince, stepped into the room. He smiled politely at Issei.

"Issei-kun, can I speak with you? Rias-buchou wants to see you."

The entire room froze.

"What does the Prince of Kuoh want with him?"

"No way... has Kiba-kun fallen for Issei?"

"Unacceptable! I refuse to lose to that pervert!"

Issei sweatdropped at the wild speculations. "What do you want, Bishounen?" he asked bluntly.

"Our club president, Rias-buchou, has something important to discuss. Please come with me to the Occult Research Club."

The mention of Rias immediately wiped Issei's skepticism. Wait, Rias-senpai? The Rias Gremory? Is this the start of my dream harem?!

With a goofy grin plastered on his face, he followed Kiba out of the classroom.

"Uh, Kiba-san," Issei said as they walked. "Isn't the clubroom in the main building?"

"No," Kiba replied, pointing to an older, gothic-style building. "This was the original school building. Buchou managed to acquire it for the club."

Issei's excitement only grew as they approached the mysterious structure.

•

Harajuku

Tokyo, Japan

"Danna-sama, what do you think of this one?" Kiyohime twirled in front of him, wearing a modern yet elegant outfit.

Satria smiled approvingly. "Beautiful. Pick two more outfits, but make sure they're within budget and preferably discounted."

Her face lit up. "Of course, dear!"

As she wandered off to browse, a shop employee approached Satria.

"Shopping for your girlfriend? You're so considerate for someone so young."

"Don't ask me," Satria replied with a shrug. "As long as she's happy, I'm good."

The employee chuckled. "Fufu, if only I'd met you sooner. I might have tried my luck."

Suddenly, a chilling aura emanated from Kiyohime, who was glaring daggers at the woman.

Satria sighed and walked over to her. "No need to get mad, Kiyohime. We're here to enjoy ourselves." He patted her head, instantly melting her icy demeanor.

"Danna-sama..." She hugged him tightly, ignoring the stares of other customers.

"Alright, alright. Let go—we're in public," he said, his cheeks slightly red.

She grinned mischievously. "Okay, but remember, Danna-sama—no cheating behind my back."

"You're such a troublesome girl," he muttered, though there was a fondness in his voice. "Have you picked everything?"

"Yes! Let's go pay and return to our love nest," she said, clutching his arm.

At the register, Satria handed over his card, paying for the items.

"Thank you, Danna-sama," Kiyohime said, her voice brimming with gratitude.

"Yeah, yeah," he replied. "As long as you're happy, it's worth it."

Holding hands, they left the store and headed back to Kuoh, ready for whatever awaited them.

To be continued.