CLUES AND JEALOUSY

Leyla and Naru arrived at the place where they expected to find a new clue—a long-abandoned garden that, according to legends, held ancient secrets of the yokai world. However, as soon as they stepped inside, they realized they weren't alone.

Three figures emerged from the shadows—tall, humanoid yokai with sharp claws and glowing red eyes. Their bodies were covered in black armor made from an unknown material, and the sinister smiles on their faces didn't promise anything good.

— "We have guests," Leyla muttered, instinctively reaching for something, even though she had no weapon.

— "Obviously, they didn't come for tea," Naru added, narrowing his eyes.

One of the yokai warriors spoke in a deep voice:

— "The prince is not allowed here. And humans even less so."

Leyla rolled her eyes immediately.

— "Okay, seriously, is there any place in this world where I'm not unwelcome?"

Naru didn't waste time. He pulled her back and raised his hand, releasing a wave of energy that sent the first yokai warrior flying several meters away.

— "Let's go with the good old method—break everything in your way!"

The fight broke out instantly. Naru engaged in combat with two opponents, while the third one advanced toward Leyla. Although she didn't have powers like they did, she was quick and agile, using everything at her disposal to dodge attacks.

But just when it seemed like she was about to get into serious trouble, a familiar voice rang out:

— "Need a hand?"

Out of nowhere, Akihiro appeared—Naru's cousin, the very one who had flirted with Leyla before, always making Naru seethe with jealousy.

— "Of course, you have to show up right now," Naru muttered, dodging a sharp strike from one of the yokai warriors.

— "Don't worry, cousin, I'm just here to save the day. And, of course, to see Leyla," he added with a wide grin, throwing himself into the fight.

Together, they managed to fend off the attack, but when they searched the garden, they realized that the clue they were looking for—wasn't there.

— "Great," Leyla sighed, wiping the sweat off her forehead. "We found nothing, and we barely got out alive."

— "At least we got to spend some time together," Akihiro chimed in, approaching Leyla with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

— "And I must say," he added, letting his gaze travel down her figure, "you look... fascinating tonight."

Naru could practically hear the last thread of his patience snapping.

— "Can you act normal for five minutes?" he hissed through clenched teeth, watching Akihiro stand way too close to Leyla.

— "What can I say? You married the most beautiful woman in both worlds," Akihiro said nonchalantly.

Leyla blushed but quickly pulled herself together.

Naru instantly pulled Leyla closer to him, his gaze on Akihiro sharp like a predator guarding its prey.

— "Don't get too close to her," he warned.

Akihiro just smirked, and Leyla realized that this night was going to be very long.

The journey back to the palace was quieter than usual—at least on the surface. Leyla could feel the tension in the air, even though no one spoke about it.

Naru walked beside her, still fuming over Akihiro's behavior, while Akihiro strolled a few steps behind them, clearly enjoying the situation.

— "So, this is your daily life?" Akihiro teased, arms crossed behind his head. "Traveling around with a beautiful woman, fighting monsters, and then returning to a magnificent palace? I can't believe I'm jealous."

— "I can't believe you're still here," Naru muttered, rolling his eyes.

Leyla said nothing, but she noticed Akihiro glancing at her again.

— "So, Leyla," he continued with a smirk, "have you ever thought about changing husbands? Maybe someone a little less jealous?"

Naru came to an abrupt stop and turned toward him.

— "Do you want me to teleport straight into your bed and burn it to the ground?"

Akihiro chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

— "Alright, alright, I'm just joking. Unless, of course, she accepts the offer."

Leyla shook her head.

— "You yokai really have no filters, do you?"

— "Not when it comes to beautiful women," Akihiro replied, far too confident.

Naru was already beyond furious but let it slide—for now.

When they arrived at the palace, the staff greeted them with curious looks. Leyla was exhausted, but she could still feel the way everyone was staring at her.

— "Why is everyone looking at me?" she asked, glancing around.

— "Probably because you look like a warrior, and everyone here is used to women wearing silk kimonos," Naru replied, letting his gaze sweep over her figure.

Akihiro jumped in again.

— "Or because it's the first time they've seen someone this stunning in this palace. Honestly, even I'm impressed."

Naru growled immediately.

— "Get out of my palace."

— "Okay, okay, I'm going, but you know I'll be back, cousin."

Akihiro winked at Leyla and disappeared in the next instant.

Leyla sighed, looking at Naru.

— "You know, if you keep reacting like this, you're only going to encourage him to tease me even more."

— "Don't tell me how to act when someone openly flirts with my wife!"

Leyla felt her face heat up.

— "On paper. And paper can burn."

Naru chuckled.

— "Oh, love, are you suggesting a passionate night with candles? How romantic."

After an exhausting day, Leyla just wanted to relax. When they reached their room, she immediately grabbed a towel and disappeared into the bathroom.

— "Don't come in, don't peek, don't comment," she warned before closing the door.

Naru raised his hands in surrender, smirking.

— "Leyla, Leyla… do I really look like someone who would do that?"

— "Yes."

— "Okay, but I could at least bring you a towel—"

— "I have a towel!"

Naru just shrugged and lay down on the bed, waiting for her. When she finally came out, she was dressed in long pajamas, completely covered from head to toe.

— "This is getting fun," Naru murmured, watching her with amusement.

Leyla just rolled her eyes and climbed into bed.

— "Your turn. Go shower."

— "Yes, princess."

As he showered, she lay on the bed, enjoying a rare moment of silence. But when he returned, she realized she had made a mistake. Naru was wearing only his underwear, stretching casually.

— "Seriously? Like this?"

— "Leyla, it's time to get used to it. If you can sleep next to me, you can handle this."

She scowled and quickly turned her head away.

— "Just wait. I'll find a way to get back at you for all these situations."

Naru laughed and pulled her gently toward him.

— "Slow down, slow down. Aren't we going to talk first?"

— "About what?"

— "Well… everything. How do you like being here? Are you happy?"

She sighed and turned toward him.

— "I don't know if I'd use the word happy, but… it's not the worst. You're all a bit crazy, but it's not boring."

— "Did you just say you like me?"

— "Naru."

He laughed, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face before kissing her.

— "Goodnight, princess."

— "Goodnight, idiot."

---

In the middle of the night, Leyla suddenly woke up. A sharp pain twisted in her stomach—a familiar, unpleasant sensation she hadn't had since arriving in this world.

— "Oh, no."

She carefully slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. When she looked down, it became clear—she had gotten her period.

— "Fantastic."

But then she heard the door creak open. Naru stood there, sleepy but concerned.

— "Leyla? Are you okay?"

She hesitated, unsure how to say it.

— "Uh… well… I got my…"

He blinked, tilting his head.

— "You got… what?"

Leyla sighed and blurted out:

— "My period. There."

Naru was silent for a few seconds—and then… he laughed?

— "Oh. That."

Leyla flushed.

— "Don't laugh!"

Naru shook his head, stepping closer to hug her.

— "I'm not laughing at you, just… I'm glad you told me. It means you trust me enough not to feel awkward about it."

— "No, it means I had to tell you, or else you'd keep pestering me with questions."

He smiled, resting a hand gently on her stomach.

— "Don't worry, princess. I'll take care of you."