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Chapter 78: Tearing Apart The So-Called Ghoul Restaurant Of Gourmet Society [1]

Perfect

That was the reaction Tsukiyama Shuu had been waiting for.

Seeing the innocent, infatuated look on Kanzaki Ryoma's face filled Tsukiyama with satisfaction. That dazed, lovesick expression — he was certain now that Ryoma had fallen for Kamishiro Rize's manipulations.

That vile woman, always playing with others like pawns.

'I'll steal her prize right out from under her nose.' Tsukiyama thought.

Concealing his excitement, Tsukiyama smiled politely.

"Then it's settled. The banquet is tonight. I'll come back around evening to pick you up," Tsukiyama said smoothly.

For now, he had to prepare things at the Ghoul Restaurant.

The so-called "banquet" he had invited Ryoma to was just another twisted feast for the Gourmet Society.

---

After Tsukiyama left, Ryoma returned to his book, sipping his coffee as if nothing had happened.

Kirishima Touka had been watching the whole time. She couldn't hear the details of their conversation, but Tsukiyama's mannerisms made it clear enough.

She knew exactly what Tsukiyama wanted, and seeing Ryoma sit there so casually just didn't sit right with her.

Ryoma might have been strong enough to take down Gecko, but if he wandered into the Ghoul Restaurant unaware, there was no telling how things would end. Even someone strong could be overwhelmed if surrounded.

Remembering how Ryoma had saved her, Ryoko, and Hinami, Touka couldn't just stand by and ignore it.

After some hesitation, she finally walked over.

"Do you even know who that guy is?" she asked bluntly.

"Isn't he... a friend of Miss Rize?" Ryoma answered casually.

"...Idiot."

Touka's irritation spiked.

"Miss Kamishiro barely knows that guy. Do you believe everything people say?"

"Really? Well, it's fine. He said he could tell me more about Miss Rize, so I figured I'd go," Ryoma said lightly.

Touka stared at him in disbelief.

"You're seriously this dense? You're supposed to be a ghoul investigator, right? Aren't you supposed to be one of the smarter ones?"

"Why? Is something wrong?" Ryoma asked innocently.

Touka pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling in frustration.

"Tsukiyama's a ghoul. A dangerous one. He's part of the Gourmet Society," she said firmly.

Hearing this, Ryoma's expression shifted slightly, but he kept his voice calm.

"A ghoul...?"

"Yeah," Touka said, crossing her arms. "And he's targeting you. It's obvious."

Ryoma paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Thanks for the warning, Miss Kirishima, but you don't have to worry. After all, I am a ghoul investigator."

Touka narrowed her eyes at his confident tone.

There was something about his expression — calm, certain, and entirely unfazed.

"...As long as you know," Touka muttered.

She turned and walked away, annoyed but also... slightly reassured.

What was with this guy?

He acted like some clueless idiot obsessed with Rize one moment, but then had the same calm, calculating look he'd shown when confronting Gecko.

Was he pretending to be clueless the whole time?

Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ryoma had been completely taken in by Kamishiro Rize. If Ryoma was that sharp, why was he so blind to Rize's true nature?

Whatever the case, Touka decided not to interfere anymore. If Ryoma wanted to throw himself into Tsukiyama's trap, that was his problem now.

---

By evening, Tsukiyama Shuu returned to the café, dressed in a sleek new suit. He smiled brightly, as if he had no ulterior motives.

"Ready, Kanzaki-kun?" Tsukiyama asked cheerfully.

Ryoma nodded and followed him out.

Touka watched from behind the counter, sipping her coffee without a second glance.

If Ryoma was dumb enough to walk into a trap knowingly, then there wasn't much else she could do.

Meanwhile, Tsukiyama was practically buzzing with excitement. His mind raced with thoughts of the perfect revenge on Kamishiro Rize. Stealing her prey, savoring that incredible scent, and making Ryoma the main course of the night — the thought filled him with twisted delight.

But Tsukiyama didn't notice the faint smirk tugging at the corner of Ryoma's lips.

Ryoma knew exactly what was waiting for him at that "banquet."

The system rewards were one thing, but the Ghoul Restaurant itself was another opportunity altogether. A gathering of elite ghouls, all arrogant enough to see themselves as untouchable.

He was about to walk straight into their den — and planned to tear them apart from the inside.