Guests

Yomo's expression changed drastically in an instant.

He would never forget that black-clad Investigator from before!

But why was he here now?

Had the secret of the Anteiku already been exposed to the CCG?

Yomo felt a deep unease, but what puzzled him most was the fact that the man outside was embracing a girl right in front of the café. That didn't look like someone who had come to exterminate ghouls.

"Manager, that guy..."

Yomo was about to warn Yoshimura.

However, before he could finish, Touka suddenly spoke up:

"Mom, is Big Bro and Big Sis here to visit us?"

Hikari frowned in confusion. "But how did they know we were here?"

Only Yomo had informed them about their work in Anteiku, and especially about its hidden nature. None of them had shared this information with outsiders.

"...Wait a minute. Sis, Touka... You two know him?"

Yomo was stunned for a moment, his tone filled with disbelief.

"Yeah! We already met Big Bro and Big Sis before. They're really nice people"

Touka replied with a bright smile.

"Touka's right" Hikari added.

"T-That's impossible..."

Yomo was completely baffled.

That black-clad Investigator — if there were no surprises — was most likely a special class investigator from the CCG.

And yet, his sister and Touka not only knew him but seemed to have a good relationship with him?

But then again... Maybe it was because that Investigator didn't know that his sister and Touka were ghouls. Otherwise, they'd be in danger.

"Yomo, you're acting weird. What's going on?"

Hikari had noticed the change in Yomo's demeanor.

"It's nothing... Sis, Touka, you don't know this, but that guy outside — he's the Investigator who defeated me and Uta before."

Yomo decided to reveal the truth.

"Huh…?"

Hikari was momentarily stunned, almost thinking she had misheard him.

That young man was a CCG investigator? And not just any investigator — but a formidable one?

Touka, on the other hand, didn't immediately react since she wasn't too familiar with Investigators and their ranks.

"In any case, he won't always be your 'friend.'"

Yomo didn't have time to explain everything to his sister and Touka. Instead, he turned to Yoshimura.

"Manager, what should we do now?"

Meanwhile, Arata and Ayato had already gone outside.

Yoshimura's expression grew more serious. He, too, would never forget the young man who had once severed both his arms.

Koma and Irimi were beginning to sense that something was off, their eyes turning toward the café's manager.

Roma, on the other hand, silently slipped into hiding, watching the situation unfold from the shadows.

Since her persona in Anteiku was that of a weak, ordinary Ghoul, she hadn't discussed the Investigator with the other staff members.

If that Investigator showed any signs of hostility, she'd be the first to flee.

"..."

Yoshimura was silent for a moment before calmly stepping toward the entrance.

"Would the two guests like to come in for a cup of coffee?"

Yoshimura asked Byakuya and Eto with a warm smile.

Since Eto had her back to Yoshimura and was still in Byakuya's embrace, he hadn't recognized her yet.

It was only when Byakuya released his hold that Yoshimura got a better look at her. However, Eto still seemed unwilling to let go and continued holding onto him.

"Shall we go inside for a drink?"

Byakuya asked Eto.

"..."

Eto hesitated for a moment before softly replying, "Mm..."

She could tell that Byakuya still hoped she would meet with Yoshimura.

And while the resentment in her heart hadn't completely faded, it had lessened somewhat. Though reluctant, she accepted.

Finally, Eto loosened her grip and turned around to face Yoshimura, her expression cold and unreadable.

With her current demeanor, no one would be able to tell that she and Yoshimura were father and daughter.

Seeing her face, Yoshimura's expression shifted slightly.

There was something both familiar and unfamiliar about this girl...

A memory surfaced in his mind —his wife's face.

This girl... bore a resemblance to Ukina.

Could it be...?

For a brief moment, a thought crossed his mind. Could she be Eto?

But he immediately dismissed the idea.

He knew for certain that the black-clad youth was a top Investigator of the CCG, possibly even connected to V.

He also knew that Eto was the infamous One-Eyed Owl of Aogiri Tree.

There was no way the One-Eyed Owl would be walking the streets arm-in-arm with the CCG's top Investigator like a couple.

Not to mention, given how the Owl had repeatedly attacked the CCG, it was clear that she harbored a deep hatred for them — especially V and the Washuu Clan.

So, Yoshimura quickly dismissed the ridiculous thought.

"..."

Eto didn't say anything to Yoshimura either. She simply stared at him with cold eyes.

She had once thought of so many things she wanted to say to him.

But now, her mind was blank, and she had no idea what to say.

"Let's go inside"

Byakuya spoke up, taking Eto's hand and leading her into Anteiku.

Eto followed him in and found a random empty seat to sit down.

Byakuya pretended not to recognize Yomo and the others, but he still casually waved at Touka and Hikari. 

Touka waved back, though she quickly noticed something was off.

"Big Sis doesn't seem to be in a good mood today..."

She commented to Hikari.

That older sister was always so cheerful and full of charisma, but today, she seemed distant and cold.

"Adults have a lot on their minds. You'll understand when you grow up."

Hikari patted Touka's head, assuming it was a personal matter.

"Hmm... okay..."

Touka pouted slightly, feeling a little dissatisfied with that answer.

Meanwhile, Yomo forced himself to pretend he didn't recognize Byakuya.

He figured the Investigator probably didn't recognize him either — after all, he had worn his mask properly during their fight.

Since Byakuya didn't seem to be here to hunt ghouls, Yomo decided not to act rashly.

For now, it was best to wait and see how the manager handled things.