Chapter 7: Rio?

But Shido was sure about one thing: Neither Rinne nor Rio had any ill intent toward him.

There was still too little evidence to back up his claim, however, he just knew it. In fact, he felt close to them for some reason, he just didn't know why.

When he thought about what Haruno mentioned earlier, about how she was told to make him fall in love with her, could it be…

"That's everything I know. Anything else you wanna ask?" Haruno asked softly.

"Dreamy short plum hair, wearing a light purple kimono, and small round cheeks. It's really hard to describe, but in short, she's very cute!"

Haruno thought for a while and replied.

Shido and Kotori looked at each other and nodded at the same time. What Haruon Yukinoshita said was indeed the girl the Spirits met.

"If you have any more news about her, please let Shido know."

Kotori asked earnestly.

"Well, I understand, but in my opinion, the possibility of her finding me again is relatively low..."

Haruno nodded and said.

"This might be a good thing for you!"

Shido said with a smile.

"One thing to say, indeed!"

Haruno chuckled softly.

The two exchanged contact with each other. Although Haruno Yukinoshita was a rather scheming girl, she wouldn't play tricks in a matter as serious as this, so Shido did not need to be cautious with her.

Haruno also let out a light sigh of relief. There was one thing she didn't reveal, and that was: This girl attached great importance to Shido. If she and her little sister remained good friends with him, she probably wouldn't do anything to them!

After Haruno Yukinoshita left, Shido and Kotori also left. Although they learned a lot, it was of little practical significance and could not help them, unless the girl named Rio or Rinne appeared in front of them, otherwise...

"Yo, Shido Itsuka, long time no see!"

A girl appeared in front of the two, with long plum hair and a dark purple kimono. Although the image was a little different, her identity was certain.

"Are you Rio?"

Shido asked cautiously.

"Indeed, as you already know."

The girl said with a coquettish smile.

"You talk pretty maturely for a little girl..."

Kotori couldn't help but comment.

The girl was startled for a second, but she soon regained her composure and crossed her arms, saying:

"I am older than I look, that's all you need to know."

Then, she turned her gaze to Shido.

"Anyway, what do you think of me? About teleporting you to this world?"

Rio asked with a light smile.

"I suppose I should thank you."

Shido replied earnestly, ignoring the fact that it surprised both girls. For him, although he didn't know her true purpose, he felt that it was indeed a good result for him.

"Why?" X2

Rio and Kotori asked in unison.

"Before I was teleported to this world, I had to make sure I maintained the happiness level of 11 Spirits. If I spoiled one of them too much, the others were bound to get a little jealous, whether they could help it or not."

"Before Tohka came back to me, I didn't have to worry about their reiryoku losing control; after all, they had lost all their powers. But after Tohka came back, so did their reiryoku, and I knew that I had to keep their mentalities steady just like before."

"They were all good girls, and they had accepted each other's company. They even helped out with chores and everything. I was truly grateful for them. But, overtime, I started to feel overwhelmed, considering how often I needed to go on dates with them, and I needed a break."

"Suddenly, you summoned me to this world. I felt like I could finally take a breather, but soon, I realized how precious they were to me, and I missed them so much. Fortunately, they were able to travel to this world as well, and I was so happy. I also learned to treasure them more than ever."

"Of course, to be fair for everyone, we decided to have them take turns coming to see me. In this way, I don't have to be overwhelmed, and they can spend quality time with me. So, although it's inconvenient that I can't go back yet, I still thank you."

Shido expressed his true feelings, his hand on his chest, proving that he had had this withheld in him for a long time.

"..."

Rio and Kotori were silent the entire time as they listened. There were no apparent emotions on the former's face, but the latter had started shedding tears.

"Baka Oni-chan…" Kotori's tears welled up in her pretty eyes, shining like a crystal. "How come you never told me this…"

"Sorry Kotori, I just didn't want to worry you." Shido looked down apologetically.

Kotori leaned against Shido and grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly.

"Well, it's inconvenient to tell you the details for the time being." Rio said suddenly and seriously. "In short, you can understand that I have no intention of harming you. You can always trust me, understand?"

"OK..."

Shido nodded blankly.

"Can I ask a question?"

Kotori asked with a frown.

"No."

Rio responded firmly.

"No? Do you mean that I can't ask, or..."

Kotori asked with an embarrassed expression.

"The answer is no, at least not now." Rio said with certainty, then turned around. "That's all for today. We will meet again soon, Shido Itsuka. I hope you feel the same way later as well!"

Before Shido and Kotori could say anything, the girl quickly disappeared.

PS: Happy weekends.