Chapter 197- Plans

Everyone in the Fujiwara family was gathered around the dining table for dinner.

In just two days, it would begin—the day when the beasts would invade the human realm.

Their goal wasn’t to kill, but to spread fear.

“I still can’t believe people are finally going to learn about the supernatural world,” Shiori murmured, setting her chopsticks down after finishing her meal. Her thoughts drifted to the uncertain future humanity was about to face.

Meanwhile, Minoru, still chewing, sneakily reached his chopsticks toward his mother’s bowl to grab a few pieces of chicken. He thought no one noticed, but everyone did—they either smiled or sighed at his antics.

“I hope you haven’t told anyone about it, dear,” Mira said to her husband, knowing how emotional he could be.

Seraphina had strictly forbidden Minoru from sharing any details about the upcoming ambush with anyone outside the family.

Kosuke’s office was near the area where the attack would take place. Even though the day after tomorrow was a weekend, a few people would still be working there, trying to finish up before their vacation.

When Kosuke lowered his head, Shiori grew anxious. “Dad?” she called softly.

He quickly reassured them, “Don’t worry, I didn’t tell anyone… but I did suggest to my subordinates that they take the day off and go have some fun instead.”

Mira let out a quiet sigh. She couldn’t bring herself to blame him.

Those people were like family to her husband, and knowing that they might die while being unable to warn them… it must be eating him up inside.

Minoru rested his hand on his father’s and said, “Dad…it’s not like they would surely die. The vanquishers are quite strong. They would handle things well.”

While Minoru said that….he himself doesn't have much hope.

That area is immensely populated, especially on a weekend. There would be far too many people to protect.

Kosuke nodded at his son, “I understand. Well, let’s talk about something else now.” Leaning back, he asked, “Have you invited your friends…and lovers home?”

Minoru blushed, “Lover, singular, Dad. I am dating only Akisu.”

“Oh~and what about Naoko and Koori?” Mira teased.

Minoru's eyes widened as he hurriedly turned towards his traitor sister.

Shiori raised her hands, "I just told them about Koori..."

Minoru huffed, crossing his arms on his chest he said, "Noako isn't my lover nor a friend. He just sits in the same classroom as me."

"Oh, but you two were so close in the past," Kosuke asked with his brows raised.

Mira further asked, "Minoru, you are going to invite him over that day, right?" There was a trace of worry in her words.

Minoru heaved a sigh before nodding, "Yes, I will."

His past grudge against the boy was one thing, but here things were about safety.

While Minoru couldn't bring everyone, he could at least protect those whom he knew.

And it wasn't just him, Shiori, Mira, and Kosuke also invited a few people over.

And the reason for this all?

"Minoru's birthday! We are going to cut a cake." Shiori chimed, a happy smile on her face.

Naturally, it couldn't be a coincidence that Minoru's birthday was on the same day as the ambush.

However, other than the family members and Akisu, no one knows about it.

So, this could work as a reason to have them over.

Minoru turned eighteen a few months ago, but he was going to turn into an adult again.

"There is no harm in having a grand feast again. Your father's salary is enough to have the whole neighbourhood over." Mira teased, twirling the wine in the glass.

Kosuke wryly smiled before he said, "Well, I hardly believe anyone would be focusing on the cake or the food once they hear the news of the ambush."

They need to keep the people within the barrier until the ambush begins. After that, they themselves would be unwilling to leave.

Minoru leaned back in his seat. Looking at his family he asked, "I am pleasantly surprised that my family members aren't worried at all, even though the situation surely could escalate and lead to us."

The three of them shared a glance before Mira fondly smiled and said, "It's because we trust you, Minoru. We know you won't let anything happen to us."

Minoru was rendered speechless for a moment.

Looking at them...he saw only warmth in their eyes.

His shoulders slumped, a thin smile on his lips as he nodded, "Well, you got that right. Even if the world gets destroyed, we will still be sitting here and having a peaceful meal."

That's a promise which Minoru would do anything to protect.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. I am having some down time these days. I need a spark to continue this story. Let's see...would you guys like a side story? And if you do, what scenario would you like?

I was thinking of a scene in the school with a random teacher...male or female, I dunno.