In Ran's room, she lay on the bed with a diary in her hands.
"A beautiful girl with a good figure… So that's how Ren sees me."
Being complimented on her figure—described as just right, plump, and healthy—felt like the highest praise a girl could receive.
Ran would usually accept compliments with a polite smile. If someone dwelled too much on her body, though, it started to feel like harassment.
But it was different when it came from someone she knew.
Ran had never really been concerned about her figure. Ever since her body began developing, her shape had been on the fuller side. Compared to her peers, she even felt like she'd developed a little too much.
But now, the recent spike in her weight was starting to become a serious source of anxiety.
She understood that strength and explosive power came from a strong physique. Still, as a girl, she cared more about having a healthy figure rather than visible muscles.
And now, a familiar boy—someone she had feelings for—had told her she wasn't fat at all, that she looked healthy and beautiful, not particularly strong, just right.
Ran closed the diary and rolled off the bed.
She stood in front of the full-length mirror, studying her reflection, especially her legs. She raised one slightly. Her fair, smooth thighs were flawless, and there weren't even any visible muscle lines.
"They're definitely a little thicker than before, but… this must be what Ren meant by just right."
Even though they were thicker, Ran didn't feel the anxiety she had before.
Having a guy she liked say they were just right felt much more reassuring than anything she could tell herself.
Still, clothes made it hard to tell how her body really looked.
Ran glanced at the window, then quickly walked over and drew the curtains to block out any view from the outside.
Once she was done, she returned to the mirror and began removing her clothes piece by piece until she was down to just her underwear.
Now she could see her entire body clearly.
She reached out and pinched her lower abdomen. Her core was firm, with barely any fat to pinch. She could control the tension and relaxation of her abdominal muscles at will.
Relaxed, it was soft. Tensed, it felt as solid as steel.
She posed in front of the mirror, one graceful stance after another, carefully observing herself.
"Yeah… it's a healthy figure. Not fat, and no muscle definition. And Ren said this weight is already at its limit. My figure should stay at this level going forward."
[A beautiful girl with a good figure.]
Suddenly, as if hallucinating, she heard Ren's voice echoing in her mind.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Ran's face turned red. She shyly tapped the floor with her toes.
"If Ren said so, then there's nothing to worry about."
At that moment, Ran finally let go of her anxiety about her weight.
Meanwhile, in the Suzuki family's screening room, the four members of the household were watching a video that Hayasaka had distributed.
On screen, Kaguya appeared in her Ice Queen form, landing gracefully and freezing the ocean surface instantly.
Not only Kaguya's abilities but also those of Nagi and Maria lit up the screen. It was mystery made manifest.
The scenes looked like they were produced with top-tier special effects, but Shiro, Tomoko, and Ayako all knew better. The people in the footage truly possessed mysterious, extraordinary powers.
The combat portion of the video ended quickly, and the lights in the screening room turned back on. For a moment, the entire room was silent.
"Completely beyond imagination…"
Shiro was stunned. At the same time, his expression revealed an intense desire.
He'd always been fascinated by the mysterious. Unfortunately, he had never had the opportunity to truly engage with it. But now, that door had opened. How could he possibly turn away?
"I always believed mystery existed, but I never expected it to be so overwhelming. Especially Kaguya… She's mastered powers beyond human understanding."
Tomoko nodded in agreement.
"Power that defies reason is enough to overturn everything. In a normal world, only concentrated military force might pose a threat to her."
Shiro nodded subconsciously. But Sonoko shook her head.
"Mom, even heavy firepower won't work. Shinomiya can turn into an elemental form. Even if Sanzenin and the others focus all their firepower on her, they still wouldn't be able to do anything."
"Not just Shinomiya. Her maid, Hayasaka, can open doors to other dimensions. Heavy firepower can't reach her there. It's too easy for them to escape."
Even large-scale firepower likely wouldn't land a direct hit on Kaguya or Hayasaka.
The Door-Door Fruit was just that powerful, especially when it came to repositioning. It was nearly impossible to hit them directly.
Once again, Sonoko's explanation helped her parents grasp the massive gap between the mysterious and the ordinary.
They realized that the wealth and power of the mundane world were ultimately meaningless in the eyes of those who walked in mystery.
The moment the mysterious was even partially revealed, wealth would rush in on its own. There would be no need for control or management.
Ayako, who had remained quiet all this time, finally looked at her sister with curiosity in her eyes.
"Sonoko, what ability did you gain?"
It was a question that also interested Shiro and Tomoko.
Even if Sonoko hadn't said anything, they had already seen the footage from her recent trip. It was obvious she had stepped into the mysterious world.
Sonoko smiled proudly and took out a contract card from her chest. It depicted her as a young lady of a noble house.
"This is the ability I obtained. This contract card represents my power—'The Rights of a Young Lady.' As long as I wish it, I can meet anyone, no appointment needed."
"And also, Mom, Dad… I think I've fallen for someone."
Shiro and Tomoko looked at each other. They had been expecting something like this, but they were open-minded about whoever Sonoko chose to date.
The reason was obvious.
"Is it because he's handsome?" Tomoko asked, testing the waters.
"Mmhmm, he's super handsome."
Hearing her daughter's response, Tomoko couldn't help but cover her face with her hand. It seemed her daughter's taste hadn't changed at all.
(To be continued.)