The two enjoyed a tender moment together. Sadly, though, that moment didn’t last. The door to Ikki’s room slid open, causing the pair to flinch in surprise. The newcomer stared at Ikki, who was still cupping Stella’s cheek, then turned to Stella.

“It seems I’m doomed to always have the worst possible timing,” they muttered in a flat, deep voice.

Neither Ikki nor Stella said anything. They couldn’t. This was the last person they’d expected to see here.

“N-No way!”

“D-Dad?!”

Indeed, it was Ikki’s father, Kurogane Itsuki, the man known as the Iron Tyrant.

◆◇◆◇◆

“I-I didn’t know you were here, Dad,” Ikki said.

“It’s the biggest tournament in the country. As the head of the Japan branch of the Federation, it’s only natural that I’d be attending. Especially since three of my children are participating in the tournament.”

“I-I guess that’s true, aha ha.”

Ikki was still flustered at the sudden appearance of his dad. His smile was stiff, but one could hardly blame him. Itsuki had walked in on him and Stella flirting, after all. There was no situation more awkward.

Unsurprisingly, Stella was similarly embarrassed, blushing to the tips of her ears. She was looking down at her knees, her hands balled into fists, and shaking violently. The shame she felt seemed to have her on the verge of passing out. She hadn’t been this red even at her and Ikki’s first meeting, when he’d walked in on her changing.