In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 49

"Be careful," she whispered to the little girl, her voice unusually gentle.

Higashino watched this scene thoughtfully. After the little girl ran away, Kanzaki's expression returned to its usual coldness.

“Kanzaki,” Higashino suddenly said, “did you know that Tower Bridge in London can be opened?”

Kanzaki looked up in confusion: "I know, but there's no time to open it yet..."

“Now it is.” Higashino snapped his fingers.

The roar of machinery could be heard in the distance. Amidst the exclamations of tourists, Tower Bridge slowly rose, its massive span splitting in two to make way for the ships waiting to pass below.

Kanzaki's eyes widened in surprise.

"You can even control this?"

"It's just a temporary modification of the staff's memories," Higashino shrugged. "It's allowing them to activate it ahead of schedule."

Kanzaki's expression turned complicated: "This... is too dangerous. What if there are people up there..."

"Don't worry, the person left beforehand, and you're here to supervise me, so there won't be any problems," Higashino said half-jokingly.

Kanzaki nodded earnestly: "I will." Her eyes hardened again. "If you dare use your abilities to do bad things..."

"You're going to use seven cuts to cut me over seven days?" Higashino replied with a smile.

"No." Kanzaki's voice was soft yet firm. "I will stop you in my own way."

Higashino suddenly felt that Kanzaki was more beautiful at this moment than ever before.

At breakfast time, the hustle and bustle of Chinatown was quite different from other parts of London. Kanzaki stood in front of a tea restaurant, her brow furrowed slightly: "It's...too noisy here."

"But it's better than British food." Dongye had already pulled her into the restaurant. "Want to try the shrimp dumplings?"

Kanzaki nodded in agreement; British cuisine and Chinese cuisine were indeed from different worlds.

The two quickly went into the restaurant to dine.

"Is it good?" Higashino asked.

Kanzaki took a small bite and nodded seriously: "Hmm, it tastes pretty good."

Higashino also took a bite, and the taste was indeed authentic; the chef must be from China.

As she was leaving the restaurant, Kanzaki suddenly stopped. "Thank you," she said softly, but clearly. "Today... was a very happy day."

Higashino raised an eyebrow: "You didn't think the date was over, did you?"

Kanzaki's expression froze instantly: "W-Where are we going?"

She started thinking in strange directions again.

“Of course, I’ll buy souvenirs.” Higashino pointed to the gift shop on the corner. “And give Indy a gift too.”

Kanzaki visibly relaxed and followed Higashino into the shop. She showed restrained interest in the shelves full of dolls and keychains, but her gaze lingered on a hairpin.

"Buy it if you like it." Dongye had already taken out his wallet.

Kanzaki hurriedly shook her head: "No need, I just..."

Higashino had already had the hairpin wrapped up by the shop assistant, and also picked out an extra reindeer plush toy: "For Index."

As they walked out of the shop, Kanzaki suddenly spoke up: "I...we should get ready to head back too." She glanced at her watch.

Higashino nodded: "Okay, let's go back then."

On the subway ride home, Kanzaki sat upright in her seat, her hands neatly placed on her knees. Even now, she was still somewhat reserved and wouldn't initiate any intimate gestures.

In situations like this, it's definitely necessary for men to take the initiative; waiting for women to make the first move won't allow things to progress further.

Without hesitation, Higashino pulled her into his arms, and as expected, Kanzaki did not resist. They leaned against each other, their faces flushed.

They were still holding hands when they got back to the hotel.

"Thank you for today..." she hesitated for a moment, "...thank you..."

Higashino suddenly turned around and gently kissed her forehead before she could react: "I enjoyed today's date. Goodbye, my dear wife."

Kanzaki froze instantly. By the time she finally came to her senses, Higashino had already walked away, leaving only a dashing waving back view.

Chapter 63 A Kiss on the Way Home

The moment Higashino Yu pushed open the hotel room door, he was greeted by a resentful gaze.

Index was sitting on the edge of the bed, exuding the aura of a puppy abandoned by its owner.

After getting up and waiting for Higashino to feed her, Index felt like the sky had fallen when she found the note he left. She was in a daze in her room for the whole morning, and she didn't even feel like eating the cake that Higashino had specially saved for her for breakfast.

"Yu!" She jumped up, her bare feet stomping on the carpet as she rushed to Dongye. She looked up, her teary eyes filled with grievance and accusation. "Why didn't you call me when you left! And," she stood on tiptoe, trying to shorten the height difference in their imposing presence, "didn't you write that you'd be back soon? Now it's past lunchtime!"

Seeing her cheeks flushed slightly from anger, Higashino Yu's small sense of guilt about "sneaking out on a date" instantly amplified.

He habitually reached out and ruffled her cute little head; Index's hair did feel very comfortable to touch. "Sorry, sorry, Index, something urgent came up..."

Before she could finish speaking, Index suddenly sniffed hard with her small nose. She moved closer to Higashino Yu's chest and shoulders, like a puppy searching earnestly.

"Huh?" Her brows furrowed even more instantly, her mind racing as she recalled the owner of the scent. "This scent... belongs to Kanzaki!"

Oh no! Higashino Yu's heart skipped a beat. He'd forgotten that while this nun was naive, her memory was unparalleled, and her sense of smell seemed terrifyingly strong. She'd gone to the hot springs with Kanzaki yesterday; she certainly wouldn't forget Kanzaki's scent.

"You smell like Kanzaki!" Index's face immediately fell, her previous sullenness instantly turning into intense jealousy, like a spilled vinegar jar. "Yu! You...you were secretly with Kanzaki! What...what 'urgent business' were you doing?" She deliberately emphasized the words "urgent business," her eyes filled with suspicion and hurt, as if she had been betrayed by the person she trusted most.

Higashino Yuuto felt a headache coming on.

Explain that you went to a hot spring with Kanzaki alone after you fell asleep last night and made plans to go on a date this morning? If I told you, Index would definitely freak out!

After thinking it over, Higashino decided not to tell the truth and could only resort to evasive tactics while changing the subject.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat, trying to make his expression appear sincere and innocent, "It really was just handling some... well, official details related to the Puritan Church. Kanzaki accompanied me as a bodyguard. Look, I even brought a gift for a certain glutton!" He magically produced the adorable reindeer plush toy he had bought at the gift shop from behind his back and waved it in front of Index.

Sure enough, Higashino's gift instantly distracted Index. Her eyes lit up and locked onto the furry reindeer.

"Wow! So cute!" She immediately reached out and practically snatched it into her arms, a pure smile blooming on her little face. Her previous jealousy was greatly diminished by the surprise.

Although some people are prone to jealousy, they are quite easy to appease if you use the right methods.

She buried her face in the soft fur of the doll and rubbed it against it, but then looked up at Higashino Yu suspiciously: "Is it really just official business? You didn't secretly go out to play with Kanzaki?"

“Of course it’s true!” Higashino Yu said without changing his expression, pressing his advantage. “Besides, now that we’ve finished our business, we should head back to Academy City. Our flight is this afternoon. Now…” He deliberately dragged out his words, looking at Index’s stomach, “Is your stomach already protesting? Come on! I’ll take you out for a big meal today!”

The word "feast" finally reminded Index's stomach that her master hadn't fed her yet, and the immediate protest shattered Index's last trace of doubt and jealousy.

"A feast!!" Her eyes instantly lit up with a light ten times brighter than when she saw the doll, and her mouth seemed to be watering.

"I want roast goose! Shrimp dumplings! Barbecue pork buns! Braised pork! Mapo tofu! Peking duck!..." She counted the dishes on her fingers at lightning speed, while her stomach continued to rumble loudly in protest.

"Okay, okay, I'll eat it all." Higashino Yu couldn't help but chuckle, seeing her instantly brighten up and become full of energy, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Go pack your things, we'll check out, and then we'll go have a big meal!"

"Mmm!" Index nodded vigorously, hugging the reindeer doll that Dongye had given her, and ran back to the bed like a happy little girl. She began to clumsily but earnestly pack her meager belongings (mainly a few spare clothes and some snacks that Dongye had bought for her).

As for the jealousy and questioning about Kanzaki earlier, they have been completely swept away by the upcoming delicious food and the joy of returning home.

For Index, being able to go back with Yu and immediately enjoy a delicious meal was the greatest happiness at that moment.

Watching her busy little figure, Higashino Yu quickly tidied up his own belongings.

The check-out process went smoothly. The money had already been paid before check-in, and the two simply returned the room key and left the hotel.

Stepping back into the bustling Chinatown, Index excitedly looked around, her nostrils flaring as she greedily inhaled the various food aromas wafting through the air.

She hugged the reindeer doll tightly, while her other hand gripped Higashino's clothes firmly, as if afraid of getting lost or missing any of the fragrant little shops.

Higashino Yu chose a restaurant that looked pretty good.

As soon as she sat down, Index couldn't wait to point to the tempting pictures on the menu and ordered a whole table full of food: translucent shrimp dumplings, glistening roast duck, plump char siu buns, steaming hot mapo tofu...

Her small body seemed to contain boundless energy as she devoured the food in front of her with lightning speed, her cheeks bulging, her face radiating a pure, almost pious, glow of happiness.

Watching her eat with such satisfaction, Higashino simply observed quietly. He had no intention of continuing his lunch; all he wanted now was for the nun he had neglected to eat her fill.

He carefully wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth and poured her a glass of orange juice.

After eating and drinking her fill, Index patted her round little belly, let out a satisfied sigh, and leaned back in her chair like a lazy cat.

"Are you full? Then we should head to the airport," Higashino Yu reminded him with a smile.

"Yes!" Index nodded vigorously and stood up.

Before leaving the restaurant, she gazed longingly at the roast duck hanging in the window, muttering softly, "Yu... this roast duck is so delicious... can we take some with us? To eat on the plane..."

Looking at her pitiful yet greedy little face, Higashino Yu smiled helplessly and indulgently: "Okay, I'll pack one for you."

Carrying the fragrant roast duck takeout box, Index happily took Higashino Yu's hand and skipped towards the subway station, embarking on her journey back to Academy City.

Amid the bustling crowds at the airport, Higashino Yu and Index were preparing to head towards the security checkpoint.

"Yu!"

A familiar voice came from behind them. Higashino Yu and Index turned around at the same time.

It is a divine fire weaving.

She stood there, her gaze somewhat flickering, a thin blush on her fair cheeks, as if hesitating whether to approach.

"Kanzaki?" Index's eyes narrowed instantly, like a wary kitten. She sniffed the air again, and her little mouth immediately pouted in dissatisfaction. The jealousy that had just been soothed by the food returned in an instant, even more intensely.

Higashino hadn't expected Kanzaki to come to the airport to see him off. After all, given her personality, it was more like her to quietly watch him from a place where no one was looking.

A slight thought crossed his mind. Higashino patted Index's back reassuringly, then released her hand and smiled as he walked towards Kanzaki: "Have you come to see us off?"

"Hmm..." Kanzaki responded, her gaze sweeping over Higashino Yu's face. Images of the two being intimate flashed uncontrollably through her mind, and her cheeks flushed even more.

"The Supreme Archbishop's order... to ensure your safe boarding... be careful on the road." Actually, she hadn't received such an order. After all, according to the original plan, Higashino was supposed to stay for another day or two. She felt empty after receiving Higashino's text message.

He inexplicably went to the airport to wait for the two of them, and only came over when Higashino and Index were about to go through security.

"Just say you care about me, don't be so awkward. In my memory, you're a valiant female swordsman!" Higashino Yu suddenly leaned closer, and before she could react, he quickly lowered his head and gently pressed his warm lips to her forehead, like a feather brushing against her.

Kanzaki froze instantly, her mind going completely blank. The familiar body temperature, the breath so close, and this bold, intimate gesture! Even though their relationship was already so close they could practically get married!

But this was in a busy airport terminal! This situation was completely beyond her imagination!

Her face flushed bright red, like a ripe tomato, and her body instinctively tried to back away, but she was held in place by an invisible force.

Higashino secretly got into a mischief! He couldn't resist teasing this seemingly aloof but blushing and shy saint in his presence!

Even though maintaining the awareness of so many people in the airport terminal and preventing them from noticing this place is a bit of a challenge, Higashino felt it was all worth it when he saw Kanzaki's current predicament.

"You...!" she almost choked out, her fists clenched tightly.

Kanzaki really wanted to punch this frivolous guy in the face and knock his smirking mouth crooked.

But she hesitated to make the move, feeling that she was completely under this man's control. She even considered whether the people around would come to watch if she really hurt Higashino and it would affect him.

After all, it's quite embarrassing for a guy to be knocked to the ground by a girl in public.

"You should leave now!" Kanzaki shoved Higashino away half a step, her voice filled with embarrassment, anger, and panic, and dared not look at him again.

She couldn't bring herself to do it, she just couldn't. Even though he had bullied her like this, she was still thinking about him. Kanzaki had completely given up on herself.

Fine, let it be destroyed. Let him do whatever he wants. I'll give up the fight, okay?

Higashino chuckled softly, knowing that if he continued teasing Kanzaki, she wouldn't get a more interesting reaction.

She needs to know when to stop, and if Kanzaki discovers that the people around her are completely oblivious to what's happening due to Higashino's abilities, she might actually punch herself.

Just then, a gaze filled with resentment, almost solidifying into flames, locked onto Higashino Yu.

Index stood a few meters away, her eyes blazing with fury, her face flushed red with anger.

She had just witnessed an epic, explosive scene. It was like being starved for a week and a kind person brought her a delicious meal, only to have it snatched away by the homeless man next door before she could even start eating.

Minotaur deserves to die!

That damn Yu! He lied to me earlier, saying it was business, but the atmosphere after we met was completely different from what he said... and they even kissed! Right in front of Index!

"Yu! You big idiot! You womanizer! You scumbag!" Index screamed, charging over like a small silver cannonball.

Fortunately, no one noticed this, otherwise it would definitely attract a lot of attention in public.

She rushed up to Higashino Yu, and to Kanzaki's astonishment, opened her small mouth, revealing her cute little sharp fangs, and bit down hard on Higashino Yu's arm!

"Crack!"

A sickeningly loud thud of hard objects colliding rang out.