Akiyama and Benzai never thought about pursuing relationships, having kids, and living a generally peaceful life. Working with the Blue Clan was extremely arduous, and remarkably few members actually had a life outside of the compound. For some people, many would have been put off by the lack of female companionship, but the two high ranked members didn't particularly mind. They were dedicated to their jobs and their purposes in life. The two men were both quite calm and tranquil, a far cry from their extroverted colleagues.

On this particular day, Akiyama and Benzai decided to take a break from their paperwork and go out for a walk. For the most part, the compound had settled into a new routine: do as much work as possible, procrastinate, and have fun. After all, who would dare enforce the rules when the King and his Lieutenant were no longer there to supervise? In vain, Akiyama had tried his best to stop all this lollygagging into lazy bums, but he too, felt the need to let loose and party for once. Hence, his reasoning to just go outside and stretch his legs out for a bit.

They were wandering around town with no particular destination in mind as they did so. Suddenly, as they crossed a crowded intersection, Akiyama felt a slight prickling sensation at the back of his neck. The young man swiftly turned his head slightly and felt his jaw clench in apprehension as he took in the presence that caused him to react negatively.

"Benzai?" He prodded softly.

Confused, Benzai looked towards his friend, concern etched in his features. "Hmm? Did you need something, Akiyama?"

"It appears that the Red King has refrained from conquering Scepter 4 for today."

"What is she doing out here? By herself?"

The duo exchanged a quick glance before heading towards the female.

Instead of her usual regal ensemble, the Red King was dressed in deceptively casual clothing. Light blue jeans, a pink sweater, and a cute backpack adorned her figure—a far cry from her usual conservative clothing. If anything, she looked like a regular middle schoolgirl going to school. There was simply nothing extraordinary about her in a normal person's eyes—except for the hair, of course. Like a blinding beacon of light within the technologically advanced city, her tresses positively gleamed and blinded innocent passerby.

She was standing in front of a display of puppies rolling around each other. All of them were paying the young girl no mind except for a brown spotted beagle. The lonesome puppy encountered the window with a hopeful light in his eyes. Even his tail wagged in excitement!

"Cute," Anna mumbled.

"He sure is," Akiyama agreed. He approached her slowly, careful as to not cause her any fear.

Behind him, Benzai tried to tug his friend back because it wasn't in their jurisdiction to talk to the young girl. She wasn't immediately in danger or causing any trouble—there was simply no need to approach her. As Akiyama stepped closer to admire the puppies along with the child, Benzai couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation. Out of all the things that could have taken up his friend's attention it was—

"Benzai! Come and look at these little guys! Aren't they adorable?"

Beside the young man—a fully grown young man, Benzai mentally added—the girl gleefully nodded. Her eyes were eager and lit with happiness that was not previously seen in their last few encounters. Maybe it was because the Red King had managed to evade him once before, but Benzai hesitantly stepped forward to observe the rambunctious puppies.

Holy Mother of God, they were gorgeous.

"We should really get back to headquarters," Benzai breathed worriedly. Even so, he kept his eyes fixated on the puppies. "I mean…these guys aren't cute."

"Definitely not cute. But there is the matter of the Red King."

"So we should, obviously, skip our duties in case there is suspicious Red Clan activities."

"And it would probably be against our morals to leave the Red King without supervision."

"Affirmative."

Anna lightly snickered at the absurdity of the situation.

For a couple of hours, all the trio could do was stare at the young things in wonder and delight.