Chapter 33: Joyful Breakfast
The next morning, as the sunlight shined through the curtains of the Itsuka household, Shido lay lazily on his bed, the exhaustion from the previous night was still weighing on him. After barely escaping Kurumi's relentless pursuit, he decided to call back his clone when he arrived at their house.
...
Inside Fraxinus, Shido's clone had thought of a random excuse so that he could get back, but the severity of his situation didn't go unnoticed.
Kotori just waved her hand and let him go back as she focused on her work to deal with the aftermath of the battle.
Meanwhile, Reine who was perceptive despite her sleep-deprived expression, had stepped in to assist. "Let me handle it." she had said calmly, before accompanying Shido's clone to the Transport Chamber.
As they made their way down the ship's pristine corridor, Reine turned to him with quiet concern. "How's your original body holding up?" she asked in her characteristically soft voice.
Shido had smiled bitterly, rubbing his temple. "Not too bad, but honestly, I feel like collapsing. It's like my whole body weighs a ton."
Reine's expression remained mostly blank, though her drowsy eyes betrayed a flicker of worry. Shido, noticing this subtle shift, gave a reassuring chuckle. "Don't worry, Reine-san. I'll manage it. You're tired, you should rest too."
Satisfied by his response, Reine gave a small nod but she stayed by his side until he reached the chamber.
As the transporter activated, a soft light enveloped his body, transporting him back to the familiar sight of the Itsuka residence.
When his clone arrived, Shido, who had transformed back to his human form, examined his body, which had faint bruises visible on his skin.