Chapter 12 - 3
After Kamishiro Rize left, Kanzaki Ryoma remained in the coffee shop, taking his time before heading out.
After all, several key figures from the original story were still present—Yoshimura Kuzen, Kirishima Touka, and Yomo Renji. He figured there was always a chance the system's reward mechanism might trigger again.
That said, Ryoma had no intention of deliberately drawing attention to himself or striking up unnecessary conversations.
Instead, he turned his attention to the bookshelves lining the café. With a fresh cup of coffee still in hand, he figured he might as well pick something to read.
His eyes landed on a collection of novels by Takatsuki Sen.
In this timeline—slightly earlier than the main events of Tokyo Ghoul—Takatsuki Sen was already a highly renowned author.
But Ryoma knew her true identity.
Behind the mask of the beautiful and famous writer lay the SSS-rated ghoul "One-Eyed Owl" of Aogiri Tree—her real name, Eto Yoshimura.
That alone made him all the more interested in her work.
He reached for her debut novel, The Black Goat's Egg. Since the original series never detailed the contents of her books, this was something entirely new for him.
As he immersed himself in the story, hushed whispers filled the café. Even as he read, Ryoma could sense the subtle gazes from nearby ghouls, quietly discussing him.