Chapter 46: Irina Shidou

The Second Arc: The Red Dragon Emperor's Wives \\\\ Two weeks passed since the Gremory Peerage beat Riser at Rating Game. Peace and stability overcome again as everyone went on living their normal lives. However, while Mitarai's girls were living the best days they could've ever dreamed of, there was a girl in complete reverse, she was sad and alone in this world. Irina Shidou was the name of this girl and she was plunged into deep despair. She had trained as an exorcist from a young age, following in her father's footsteps as a warrior of the Church, dedicated to slaying devils. Her aspiration to become a warrior wielding the sword for her Lord was a driving force throughout her life. Finally, she had proven herself worthy of wielding one of the seven Holy Swords, a moment that brought her overwhelming joy. She believed that her efforts had not been in vain and that her Lord had been watching over her. However, this joy was fleeting. By chance, Michael, a high-ranking angel from Heaven, visited her Church for an inspection. Michael, known to be the closest to the Lord, was someone Irina hoped to speak with. As she eavesdropped, she overheard something shocking: the Lord she worshipped was no longer in this world. Her behavior became erratic after hearing this. She could trust no one, not even her blue-haired partner, whom she rejected before fleeing the Church. Recently, a significant event occurred in the Church: one of the treasured Holy Swords was stolen. The thief was reported to have fled to Kuoh Town in Japan. Irina and her partner were dispatched there with only a ticket and a small amount of money. More despair awaited the blonde girl. She had come to Kuoh, hoping it would bring her peace, only to increase her sadness. She wanted to abandon everything. With the little money she had, finding a hotel was impossible, and she resigned herself to die on the streets. As she closed her eyes in resignation, a voice called out to her; "Um... are you alright?" Irina, now wearing a black hood, looked far from normal. Her eyes, visible from under the hood, were dull and lifeless, a sight that would make most hesitate to approach. Yet, this guy stood before her, speaking to her. She decided to ignore him, thinking that talking to him would not benefit her. She had already given up on everything. "Do you have nowhere to go? If that's the case, please come to my place. It's a small apartment, but it's warmer than staying out here on the street." The boy took her hand and led her somewhere without waiting for a response. Irina, too weak to resist, let herself be taken to his home. She resigned herself to the idea that she would now be at his mercy. She felt that if it would benefit this kind boy, she could offer herself to him, a last prayer that she hadn't completely given up. However, things didn't go as she imagined. He brought her to his home and started boiling water in the kitchen since she was cold. "It's not raining, but it's a bit chilly today. I'll make some tea. What do you prefer? I have green tea and black tea." "I... I'll have black tea, p-please." "Alright. Feel free to watch TV or read the magazines lying around." The room he brought her to was surprisingly tidy. For Irina, who had spent most of her life in the Church, being alone with a boy was a rare experience since her childhood. Blushing unconsciously, she picked up a manga nearby to hide her flushed cheeks. "Oh, this..." By chance, she picked up the manga "Drag-so ball." Tears welled up in her eyes as memories of her childhood resurfaced. This was the manga her childhood friend loved, and they often read it together. She realized she could never return to those days, and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. "Um... are you okay? The tea is ready." The brown-haired boy said. "I'm fine. Thank you... for taking in someone as suspicious as me." Irina said. "No problem. We help each other in times of need. Be careful, it's hot." She took a sip from the cup. Despite being close to the rainy season, it was a bit chilly today. Even with a hooded coat over her clothes, she felt cold. The cup, emitting warm steam, brought a gentle warmth to her hands. "... It's delicious," Irina said as she took a sip. "I'm glad to hear that. Thanks to a certain senior, I've gotten better at making tea lately. Their tea is delicious, and they've been teaching me. I'm glad it suits your taste." He said laughing. "Um... my name is Irina Shidou. May I ask your name?" "Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Takashi Mitarai. Why were you on the street, Shidou-san?" "Do you believe in Gods, Takashi-kun?" "Hmm, I guess so, why are you asking?" "Well, I'm related to the church, and recently I've been betrayed and left alone by the most holy being I believed in." "I see. So, you have nowhere to stay tonight, right? Well, if you're okay with staying with a guy you just met, you're welcome to stay here until you get back on your feet." "You are so kind Takashi-kun I guess you hear this a lot, but thank you so much!" How many men would invite a woman they just met to stay without any ulterior motives? Even Irina, who had been trained to suppress desires beyond her means, could see that this boy was kind-hearted. Despite her current dull eyes, Irina Shidou was undeniably a beautiful girl. With a face that could rival idols, her glossy flaxen hair was usually styled in twin tails but now hung straight because of the hood. Her body, trained as a warrior yet soft with feminine curves, included a bust size of 87 cm, impressive for a high school girl. Her thighs, muscular yet feminine, and her slightly tanned skin from training enhanced her delicate beauty. What kind of person was he, this boy who spoke to her without any lecherous thoughts, not even glancing at her chest? Irina felt a spark of interest in this guy, Takashi Mitarai, the sole light in her darkened heart. What kind of life did he lead? What made him happy or sad? What's his core? Despite her still-dull eyes, she silently watched him, hiding her curiosity. "Hmm, I don't recall being told that often until recently. Besides, I don't talk to many people except for a few." "Is that so... But thank you. Oh, if I'm going to stay here, I guess I shouldn't keep the hood on. Well then... I look forward to staying with you." Irina bowed her head slightly. This was the beginning of her and Takashi's acquaintance and the start of their shared life. ----------------------------- Read Early at: [email protected]/Cid_Kun 20 Advanced chapters already published at:[email protected]/Cid_Kun