Ten or so minutes later—
After tidying up the kitchen together with Akashiya Moka, Arthur gave her a small smile.
"Shall we head out now?"
"Mm, let's go."
Moka nodded with a bright smile, suppressing the faint reluctance stirring in her chest.
Parting was only so they could meet again.
And besides, she had already taken up so much of his time today.
Leaving the house, Arthur and Moka walked side by side, unconsciously slowing their pace in unison.
Tonight, the stars glittered above and the night breeze was gentle.
Stealing a glance at him, Moka's eyes flickered. She quietly slipped her hand through his right arm and held it tight.
Arthur glanced down at her hand clutching his, then looked at her with a faint smile—as though no words were needed.
Seeing this, the corners of Moka's lips curved upward into a beautiful arc.
Neither spoke. With a silent understanding, they strolled together toward Suginami Ward.
They avoided crowded streets, choosing instead a quieter, emptier path—deliberately savoring the atmosphere of just the two of them.
About twenty minutes later—
On an empty stretch of road, both stopped at the same time, eyes fixed ahead.
"That is…"
Moka frowned slightly, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
"An evil spirit," Arthur said softly.
Just a dozen meters away, a twisted figure drifted closer and closer.
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.
If an evil spirit could appear in their view, that meant Inner Moka hadn't intervened. Was it because he was with her?
"So that's an evil spirit, huh. Looks pretty much like in movies and shows—kinda scary-looking."
Rather than fear, Moka tilted her head and made an observation as the specter crept closer.
The spirit, realizing it was seen, flared with malice and charged at them, intent on tearing them apart.
Arthur's eyes sharpened.
He lifted his right hand, fingers spread, then clenched his fist.
Silver starlight flickered from his palm.
Invisible gravity surged from every direction, crushing down on the evil spirit.
With a sharp crack, the spirit collapsed under the pressure, dissipating into wisps of black smoke.
The Authority of the Silver King—the Silver Domain—granted him dominion over gravity.
In the K world, the Silver King had only ever used it to let himself and others float.
But that was hardly its only use.
That it hadn't been developed for combat probably had more to do with the Silver King's gentle, non-confrontational nature.
The seven Kings each wielded different powers, and after their metamorphosis, they were even stronger. He just hadn't had much occasion to use most of them yet.
Since he usually relied on the Red King's Authority to deal with evil spirits, this time he'd chosen something different.
Next time, he planned to use another.
After all, he had plenty of abilities to choose from.
"Huh? That's…!"
Moka stared in surprise at the scene, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Lowering his hand, Arthur smiled. "That was one of my abilities—gravity manipulation."
"You can manipulate gravity? Arthur, that's incredible!"
Her eyes widened in amazement.
Though she had only lived in the human world for three years, she had studied human science since childhood.
She knew enough about gravity to understand how powerful such an ability was.
And this was only one of his powers.
So how many more did he actually have?
Her curiosity about him only deepened.
"Let's go," Arthur said.
With the road clear, they continued toward Moka's home in Suginami.
Half an hour later—
They arrived at her residence.
"We're here…" Moka looked at him, eyes glimmering with a trace of reluctance.
"Not going to invite me in for a bit?" Arthur raised a brow with a teasing smile.
"Eh?!"
Moka blinked in surprise—then her expression lit up with delight.
"Then… come in for a glass of water. Rest a little before you head back."
"Alright."
Arthur smiled and nodded.
Inside, he looked around. The furnishings were modest yet warm, the kind of place that carried the cozy air of a girl living alone.
"Arthur, you—"
Moka started to ask what he'd like to drink, then remembered she only had tomato juice stocked. A trace of embarrassment showed on her face.
"Sorry… all I've got is tomato juice. Do you want some?"
"That's fine."
He wasn't picky.
"Okay, just a moment."
Relieved, Moka hurried to prepare it. Inwardly, she resolved to stock up on more drinks, so that the next time Arthur visited, she wouldn't be caught off guard.
Outside, the night grew deeper.
Twenty minutes passed quickly.
"Then I'll be heading back," Arthur said after finishing his third glass of tomato juice.
"Mm…"
Moka walked him to the door, her voice soft.
"Be careful on the way."
Even knowing how strong he was, she couldn't help but say it.
Not for any other reason—just because she cared.
"I will."
Their eyes met. Understanding her thoughts, Arthur gave her a gentle smile and nodded.
"Arthur… close your eyes."
Her cheeks flushed, her eyes flickering with shyness.
Arthur blinked.
Not sure what she intended, but he did as she asked and shut his eyes.
The next instant—soft warmth pressed against him.
He felt once again the heat and tenderness of Moka's lips.
"???"
Arthur's mind blanked.
Seriously? This was the second time today he'd been kissed out of nowhere.
And by the same person, no less.
Opening his eyes, he slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
This time—he switched from the passive position to the active one.
"Mmph…!"
Moka's eyes flew wide.
But under his fierce advance, her resistance melted. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the pounding rhythm of her heart.
After a long while, they parted.
Starlight fell, moonlight stretching their shadows long.
Holding the soft, trembling girl against his chest, Arthur looked down at her flushed face, lips glistening, and asked softly with a grin:
"Want to go again?"
"N-no…"
Her gaze hazy, Moka quickly shook her head. Bracing her hands against his chest, she took a step back.
Her pale face burned crimson, her lips glistening.
"T-that's enough. I'm going back. See you next time—bye!"
Like a startled rabbit, she blurted out the words, turned, and darted back inside, slamming the door shut.
Leaning against it, she pressed her hands over her heart.
Thump, thump, thump—her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
Her eyes grew dreamy, her lips curved unconsciously into a smile.
In the Crimson Moon World, Inner Moka's eyes flickered, her cheeks faintly tinged pink.
And outside, Arthur chuckled softly at her retreating, flustered figure before turning away.
What a full, happy day this had been.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
Inside a detached house, Yotsuya Miko peeked out through the blinds at two evil spirits drifting along the street.
Then she climbed back into bed, pulled the blanket over herself, and opened her phone's email contacts.
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