Chapter 23: Weekend Moments

After school, Doroshi, for the first time in a while, asked Ren to bring out the car, hoping the demon god’s stellar driving skills would take her for a spin.

Ren, of course, didn’t refuse, though the sleek new sedan she pulled up in—one Doroshi had never seen—made her lips twitch.
Just how much wealth did Ren have?

Under the sunset, the car glided smoothly along a wide highway, the surrounding scenery painted in orange-red hues, exuding a unique beauty.
The horizon burned like fire, and Doroshi found herself entranced by the sunset’s aesthetic.

In this serene atmosphere, neither master nor maid spoke.

The cool early-autumn evening breeze prompted Doroshi to pull out her phone from her skirt pocket.
Opening her usual map app, she entered the address of Takapan’s home, which she’d gotten from Taki-sensei.

“Hmm, let’s see… Taki-sensei mentioned it was in a nearby residential area, right?”
She paused, realizing Takapan’s apartment was surprisingly close to her own.
“Takapan’s place is, like, super near my house.”

Ren glanced at the rearview mirror, briefly meeting Doroshi’s eyes.
“Would you like to go there, Lady Doroshi?”

“Hmm…”
After a moment’s thought, Doroshi shook her head.
“Nah, she lived alone, so it’s probably empty now. What’s the point of going?”

“Understood.”
Without objection, Ren continued along the planned route, deliberately taking the long way to extend their drive.

Ding.
Doroshi’s phone chimed with a notification.
She opened it and froze.

[Yokohyo City residents, please avoid going out at night. A dangerous animal is loose in the city. A search and capture operation is underway. Those living alone, please lock doors and windows.]

Frowning, Doroshi felt a storm brewing.
“What’s wrong with this city? It’s suddenly gone to chaos.”

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to push it aside.
“Ugh, forget these annoying things. Focus on what’s important.”
“Hey, tomorrow’s Saturday, right? We’re going shopping for your clothes, Little Ren. Let’s spend the whole day at the mall, relax, and have fun!”

Ren’s lips curved slightly.
“Yes, Lady Doroshi.”

“Get ready, Little Ren! I’m gonna pick out a ton of cute clothes for you!”
Thinking of her modest savings, Doroshi felt a spark of confidence.

“As you wish. I’ll look forward to it.”

As Ren said, she was in high spirits back home, even humming while cooking.
Doroshi didn’t recognize the tune—maybe a song the human Ren once knew?
Thanks to her mood, that night’s dinner felt like the most delicious and joyful since Ren arrived.

Doroshi had fully embraced life with her demon god maid.

★

Another chilly night.
A young woman walked through a dark alley untouched by streetlights, her gaze fixed on a charred orphanage in the distance, eyes glinting with menace.

Clenching her fist, her phone screen glowed, displaying a photo.
It showed a black-haired girl carrying a brown-haired girl out of a burning orphanage.
The frozen moment captured the brown-haired girl’s soot-covered face.

“So, you’re this close.”

★

The front door closed softly, Ren muffling her footsteps to avoid waking Doroshi.
Unbeknownst to her, Doroshi’s bedroom door was slightly ajar.
Through the crack, Doroshi watched Ren, her expression complex.

In the night’s darkness, her face blended into the shadows, unreadable.
“Little Ren…”

The night passed.

Morning sunlight streamed in, bright and refreshing.
Waking naturally on a Saturday—no school—felt amazing.
Last night, Doroshi had told Ren not to wake her early.

Stretching lazily, she loosened her muscles, feeling invigorated.
As expected, Ren, who didn’t need sleep, stood by her bedside, ready to help her dress.

“No need today, Little Ren,” Doroshi said with a smile.
“I’ll change myself. After breakfast, we’re heading to Sogo.”

Sogo, Yokohyo City’s famous shopping center, was perfect for a fun day out.
With plans to shop and enjoy, Doroshi was ready to let her wallet bleed.

She’d decided, despite their short time together, that Ren had transformed her life, bringing joy and happiness she’d never known.
As her master, she had to repay her adorable maid.

This trip wasn’t just for clothes—whatever Ren needed or wanted, they’d get.
Last night, Doroshi had even borrowed money from her aunt overseas to fund it.

Kicking off her blanket with glee, Doroshi hopped out of bed, dashed to her wardrobe in her pajamas, and rummaged through it.
“Let’s see what I’ll wear today…”

Halfway through, she glanced at Ren—specifically, her maid outfit.

“Lady Doroshi?”
Ren, confused by the stare, thought something was wrong with her appearance.
As a maid, perfection was non-negotiable, so she began inspecting her outfit.

“No, no!” Doroshi waved her hands.
“I mean, we’re going out to have fun today. You can’t wear that maid outfit all day, right?”

Ren’s maid outfit was stunning—probably her own design—but imagining her trailing behind in it while shopping or playing felt… off.
It wouldn’t be relaxing, would it?

“But I’m your maid, Lady Doroshi…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Doroshi interrupted.
“Today, go with the vibe. You’re not my maid—you’re my friend, shopping with me. Cool?”

Grinning excitedly, she dug through her clothes while Ren gave a helpless smile.
Feeling Doroshi’s care, Ren’s smile grew brighter than usual.

With gentle anticipation, the demon god watched Doroshi rifle through her wardrobe.
Even this autumn morning felt a little warmer.