The moment Yuzuki spotted the figures, she recognized them.
Before they even reached the end of the alley, Power sprinted ahead, waving her arms and shouting about wanting meat!
The first to arrive were Makima's group, followed by Kamishiro Rize and Kirishima Touka with her friend. Kasumigaoka Utaha usually came early too, but she seemed absent today—likely because of last night's chaos. The school had probably asked students to stay home for a few days.
"Welcome, everyone."
Yuzuki stood up, opened the door, and ushered them inside.
"I'll get things ready." Tohru hopped up and headed to the kitchen.
Kamishiro Rize, absorbed in her book, barely glanced around as she entered.
But when Makima's group reached the doorway
Hayakawa Aki froze the instant he saw Tohru's back, her dragon horns, and tail.
"This…" He turned to Makima, uneasy. "This isn't cosplay, right, Makima-san?"
After studying Tohru, Makima was 90% certain: the humanoid girl in front of them was the dragon responsible for last night's Ghoul massacre.
Interrogation reports had revealed that the attacking dragon vanished in the blink of an eye. Still, someone had sketched its form based on Ghoul testimonies.
The most recognizable traits? Coral-like, branching dragon horns and green scales.
And the girl before them matched exactly.
Even in human form, the horns and tail were identical.
Hayakawa Aki broke into a cold sweat.
If this was real, then according to last night's records…
This young dragon girl was the colossal, unstoppable beast that had torn through dozens of Ghouls from Class C to Class S!
And reports claimed the dragon had been mortally wounded back then with a giant sword impaled in its back!
Compared to Power's carefree excitement…
Aki was terrified.
After a brief pause, Makima's gaze flicked to Yuzuki, who was leading the way. Without a word, she stepped inside.
"Hah?" Confused, Aki could only follow.
Only Power remained as cheerful as ever.
Outside, Kirishima Touka and her friend were still chatting.
"Yoriko, this place is amazing so, so good!" Touka gave a thumbs-up. "It's a hidden treasure I found near the café where I work."
"Really, Kirishima-chan? That's rare. Didn't expect you to have a gluttonous side, haha~"
Yoriko Kosaka Touka's round-faced, orange-haired classmate grinned. Her surprise was understandable.
Touka had never been able to eat human food before, always disciplined and avoiding unnecessary indulgences.
Yet today, she'd insisted on bringing Yoriko here.
Facing her friend's teasing, Touka smiled sheepishly.
"Mmm… It's just too delicious. You'll see once you try it, Yoriko."
"Then I'll hold you to that!"
Noticing everyone else had gone in, Yoriko grabbed Touka's hand. "C'mon, the door's open!"
Inside, Yoriko gasped at the shop's blend of medieval materials and modern decor.
"Wow~! This place is gorgeous~!"
She whipped out her phone, snapping photos and even dragging Touka into a selfie.
Meanwhile, Tohru had already grabbed a menu and notepad, taking orders one by one.
She started with Kamishiro Rize.
The moment their eyes met, Rize felt like she was staring into the gaze of a prehistoric predator.
Her voice sharpened. "Thick-cut sirloin steak. And coffee."
"Thank you~"
As Tohru walked away, Rize's mind raced.
Why was there a new staff member overnight?
And one this terrifying?
Tohru's aura felt at least on par with a Class-S Ghoul if not SS.
And such a being was working here as Yuzuki's waitress?
Why?
Did this ruin her plans?
While Rize spiraled, Tohru reached Makima's table.
Power went first: "Pork bowl this time! And lemon tea!"
Aki avoided even looking at Tohru, pretending to admire the decor as he muttered, "Same as her."
Only Makima kept watching Tohru intently. When her turn came, she simply nodded. "Same."
"Mhm, mhm." Tohru scribbled +3 next to pork bowl + lemon tea.
Finally, she stopped before Kirishima Touka.
Touka stared, momentarily stunned until Yoriko nudged her. "Quit zoning out! Order already."
"Oh! Uh, curry rice, and…" She blinked. "Same drink as her."
With all orders noted, Tohru cheerfully dashed back to the kitchen, handing Yuzuki the list.
As for the customers?
Tohru recognized a few but didn't care.
Yuzuki had told her: Just do your job. If anyone causes trouble, refuse service—or even hit them!
So when facing non-humans, Tohru leaked a sliver of her aura.
A warning.
Underestimate her, and regret it.
If anyone ruined her home here…
She'd erase them.
In the kitchen, Yuzuki scanned the orders and nodded.
"Got it. Wait by the door for now."
Tohru raised a hand. "Yuzuki-san, can I… learn beside you?"
"Learn? Of course." Yuzuki brightened.
Once Tohru reached [Internal Employee] contract level, she could even assist with cooking making things much easier.
So in the restaurant, some were lost in thought, some were excited, and some were utterly traumatized.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Yuzuki cooked while Tohru watched in awe, eagerly learning.