Chapter 293: Shinobu’s Enquiry

The sun was still high in the sky, a stark contrast to the nighttime setting we had just left.

As Mitsuri and I emerged from the portal, the familiar sight of the Butterfly Mansion greeted us. But it wasn’t long before the peace was interrupted.

The first to arrive was Shinobu. She rushed forward the moment she saw us, her typically calm demeanor replaced by visible relief.

"I was so worried! I thought you were... dead," Shinobu said with her usual smile-filled face.

Mitsuri hugged Shinobu with a sheepish smile. "I’m fine, Shinobu-san. Sorry for worrying you."

Shinobu then turned her gaze to me, her expression shifting into something more serious—bordering on stern, but her face is still smiling at me.

I could almost feel the weight of her unspoken words. Was she angry with me?

"After your fight with Akaza, you and Mitsuri disappeared without a word," Shinobu said. "Everyone thought something terrible had happened to you. If Yuki hadn’t arrived with news from Shalltear, we’d still be panicking."

Her pointed words made it clear she wasn’t exactly thrilled with how things had unfolded. I opened my mouth to respond, but Death’s voice echoed in my mind before I could.

"She’s angry with you because you didn’t think to let anyone know where you were going," Death said with an amused tone. "Honestly, I can’t blame her. You’re not exactly winning points for consideration, dear."

I sighed inwardly. "Noted," I replied to Death, then turned my attention back to Shinobu.

"I apologize for causing such worry," I said sincerely, meeting her gaze. "It wasn’t my intention to alarm anyone. I’ll be more mindful in the future."

Shinobu regarded me for a moment before nodding, though her expression didn’t entirely soften. She was still wary, but at least she seemed willing to move past the immediate tension.

As we began walking toward the Butterfly Mansion, I noticed Mitsuri lagging slightly behind, her steps slower and more measured than usual. It wasn’t long before Shinobu noticed as well.

"Mitsuri, are you alright? You’re walking funny," Shinobu said, concern evident in her voice.

At that, Mitsuri’s face turned as red as a ripe tomato. She glanced at me briefly before looking down at the ground, clearly flustered.

"I’m fine!" she said quickly, her voice higher-pitched than normal. "Really, nothing’s wrong!"

But her attempt to deflect only made Shinobu more curious. Her sharp eyes flicked between Mitsuri and me, piecing things together in an instant. Slowly, her gaze settled on me, and her eyes widened slightly. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and dawning realization.

"You..." she began, her voice trailing off as her brows furrowed. Then, comprehension dawned fully, and she fixed me with a look that was half disbelief and half exasperation. "Alex-san, is this why Mitsuri is having trouble walking?"

Before I could respond, Mitsuri let out a small squeak, covering her face with her hands. "Shinobu! Please don’t say it like that!" She mumbled, her embarrassment palpable.

Shinobu sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if to stave off a headache. "Mitsuri, go inside and rest."

Mitsuri hesitated for a moment before nodding and hurrying toward the mansion, though her awkward gait didn’t go unnoticed. As she disappeared through the doors, Shinobu turned back to me, crossing her arms over her chest.

I pretended not to hear Mitsuri and Shinobu’s conversation as I tried to follow Mitsuri.

"Where do you think you are going?" she said, blocking the entrance. "You and I need to talk."

I raised an eyebrow, curious but not particularly worried. "Alright. What’s on your mind?"

Shinobu’s eyes narrowed slightly as she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone. "Alex-san, I hope you realize that Mitsuri is incredibly dear to all of us. She’s not just a colleague; she’s family. If you’re serious about being with her, you need to understand what that means."

Her words carried an undeniable weight, and I could see the protective affection she held for Mitsuri shining through. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability from someone as composed as Shinobu.

"I do understand," I said, my tone equally serious. "Mitsuri means a lot to me, and I intend to make her happy. I wouldn’t have brought her home or shared so much with her if I didn’t feel that way."

Shinobu studied me for a moment as if assessing the sincerity of my words.

"But what about your other three lovers, whom you share your bed with?" Shinobu asked.

It seems Shinobu concluded that I only have three lovers. Of course, I am not a fool to correct that. Since Uzui also has three wives, I think Shinobu didn’t mind having multiple wives, which is good for the future.

"Just like Mitsuri, I love them too," I said.

It seems around me she couldn’t keep her usual smiley face; I wonder why. Maybe my charm is so great that even Shinobu couldn’t help it.

"Stop being a narcissist, dear," Death said.

"I am only saying the truth."

"I don’t know what to say," Shinobu continued without my minding my inner debate. "But remember, actions speak louder than words. If you ever hurt her—"

"I won’t," I interrupted gently but firmly. "You have my word."

There was a moment of silence before Shinobu nodded. "Alright. I’ll trust you for now. But don’t think for a second that I won’t step in if necessary."

Her words were a clear warning, but there was also a hint of begrudging respect in her tone. She cared deeply for Mitsuri, and I could appreciate her protectiveness.

"Understood," I said with a small smile. "Oh, by the way, I met Doma, the one who killed Kanae Kocho, your older sister," I said as if saying nothing serious, then I was about to go but suddenly caught my hand.

"What did you say?"

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