40 Prologue
Part 1
MC's POV
Opening my eyes, I found myself staring at... nothing. White space as far as the eye could see. I have not been feeling as much discomfort as before so I was a bit taken aback, but just took it as something good. I must be getting used to this place, and that should be something good, probably.
Standing up from my position, which somehow I had ended in a bed made of whiteness similar to my surroundings, I turned my head left and right to locate the one who called me. However, I failed to locate He (?) nearby, instead I found it standing a distance away fiddling with something in what seemed to be a whiteboard.
Curiosity pushed me to go and check what was this about, I somehow had a feeling that I would regret it and it was probably nonsense but I still got closer.
My lips couldn't help but twitch when I saw what that was about.
What the heck does He (?) mean with 'Harem (Victims) members'? Not to mention, the other list, 'Future targets'.
Below the first list he even had the gals put one that says 'Confirmed' and one that said 'On hold'.
"Oi." I uttered.
It annoyed me that when He (?) turned to me, He (?) carried a pondering expression on his (?) face. Are you thinking deeply about this nonsense? Really? I wish I could smack his (?) head with something.
Just as my thoughts reached that point, I felt something in my hand. A folded newspaper was in my right hand before I was aware.
That is new, I could not make anything appear by sheer thought before, has anything changed? That aside, I don't think this will be enough so, with another thought, the folded newspaper changed into a large harisen.
"Huh?" He (?) muttered finally reacting properly to my presence.
I took the opportunity while he was still distracted to-
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"Did you have to smack my head that strongly?" He (?) complained.
My lips twitched and I felt like smacking him (?) again, but I took a deep breath and tried to calm down myself. I have limited time here anyways.
"So, what the heck is this board about?" I inquired.
While the answer will make me feel like hitting someone again, I had to question it.
"This is just a simple record I am keeping, you know, to see how many girls you add to your harem in the future, although I might've made a terrible mistake here..." He (?) put on a grave expression.
I got a bad feeling.
"This board is too small! You are a vicious guy who does not forgive anyone, your victims will be countless- ouch, stop!" He (?) whined.
I had smacked him (?) for good again. What nonsense is he (?) saying?
"Aahhh!? Excuse me? Nonsense?" He (?) snickered. "Putting aside your target aside, honestly answer me this. Can you say that none of your acquaintances have 'good will' towards you? Let's say, at the level where a pink aura will surround them. If you can say, that not a single one has even the slightest interest in you in that way... you win."
His (?) smug expression annoyed me to no end, but I couldn't say that he was wrong.
"Ha!" He (?) snorted. "The black and white cat you have been since that incident, the black-haired girls you managed to hoodwink while you saved one of the girl's mother.... lastly, the purple-haired girl you last saved, they all have quite the level of goodwill towards you. Oh, those are the obvious ones. I won't mention the catastrophe your hands caused at Sora's place. As for those others who are working in the shadow, heh."
I shuddered as I recalled that catastrophe, I committed a mistake and now there is no way to fix it. I was too naive, the knowledge contained in that small book from the trials, was not something to play around with. So many victims... wait, in the shadows? I can more or less get the other ones since I am not that dense, but I have no idea what he (?) meant for the last one.
However, before I could ask-
"The future ones are the most worrisome. That Artoria chic is a pretty tough opponent, but I believe you can overcome that wall." He (?) winked at me. "That Rosseweisse chic, she will have no chance to stand against you. I almost feel pity for the girl."
Oi, how rude can this guy (?) be?
"Grayfia and Serafall though... They have quite the difficulty level, my only advice is that if you want to enter their routes you should grow up a bit. You are like those guys who grind as much as they can in the starter village, trying to reach level 99 to beat the demon lord at once. Slow down and take your time to grow, you can't catch all the girls at your age." He (?) advised.
At this point, I was half-listening to him (?), why should I bother?
"Even that woman, Venelana is your target. Jeez, put some breaks there, she is married." He (?) patted my shoulder. "I know that she is very attractive from your point of view, but please keep your hands in your pockets."
Scr*w not bothering.
I raised the harisen again and gave him (?) a good smack.
Jeez, he (?) needs a hobby.
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After quite sometimes of hearing his list of people who obviously had not that kind of interest in me, I started to feel my consciousness fading.
"Oh, you need to go. Too bad, I was going to talk about your childhood friend next after I finished the list with the Gremory Household's maids." He (?) down-hearted said.
I had no strength to smack him (?) again so I instead asked.
"You called me here to speak nonsense only?" I questioned.
He (?) wouldn't, would he (?)?
"Ah, Cr*ap! I forgot. Since I have been messing a bit with your body, I might've attracted the attention of a couple of special beings. Yup, just be careful." He (?) nonchalantly said.
Oi, what the heck?
I only managed to complain inwardly before my consciousness was cut off.
Part 2
MC's POV
Overseeing a certain matter, I sat in the living room, in front of me, several people were also taking their seats. However, the positions were slightly different from usual. At my right, Kuroka-chan was alone, and at my left, there was Shirone-chan, however, a bit further to the left a group was sitting, it consisted of Kunou-chan, Yasaka-san, Alice-chan, and Akiko-san.
"So, we will start this trial. Kuroka-chan, you have been accused of eating everyone's share of cookies at night while no one was looking. Do you have anything to say in your defense?" I spoke.
The accused in question had an indignant expression.
"I did nothing like that-nya!" Kuroka-chan immediately denied indignantly.
Apparently, she had eaten everyone's share of sweets that were left on the table. We were at my new house and we were staying here now, the catgirls had gone back home, but they all wanted to come back and their predatory looks towards me made me consider buying a new place just for Kuroka's friends to stay, my safety (?) was at risk so it was not a joking manner. Back to the trial, it was proposed by Shirone-chan who was influenced by TV lately
"Objection! Judge Nora, she is a bully who ate my stuff, only she could be able to pull that off, she was the only one here at that time." Shirone-chan objected.
Well, they were certainly there early in the morning before I left the house with Shirone-chan to buy groceries. Kuroka-chan stayed to sleep some more, while Alice-chan dragged Artoria-san to look around Urakyoto, while Akiko actually followed me from some distance away after I left. Yasaka-san did not stay here last night, unfortunately, and... Kunou-chan is innocent, she can't reach the table on her own yet and she wouldn't move alone, the kitsune-onee-sans are usually keeping an eye on her. Marion-san had some business to take care of at the Underworld so she left, only arriving after me so that cleans her name. All the facts have been presented to me in a file, which I believe were filled by Shirone-chan, and just for the language used, I believe that Yasaka-san helped her.
"Nya!? I was asleep-nya! You have to believe me-nya!" Kuroka-chan whined.
The way she cutely swung her fists left and right warmed my heart but I cannot show favoritism.
"Alright, order in the room." I spoke. "My apologies, Kuroka-chan, but the evidence is as clear as water. However, what does the jury has to say?"
Alice-chan had an amused expression and raised a signboard with the word 'Guilty' written in it. Yasaka-san had a sad expression as she looked at a picture, which I found out later was about one of my sweet buffets, before raising a signboard like Alice-chan, you can guess that it said 'Guilty' too. Kunou-chan was innocently trying to raise the 'Innocent' signboard but Shirone-chan stopped her. Putting her smol hand on top of Kunou-chan's tiny hand, Shirone-chan shook her head, and as Kunou-chan cutely tilted her head in wonder, Shirone-chan pointed at the other signboard. At first, Kunou-chan vehemently shook her head and seemed determined to raise the 'innocent' one, but the white cat whispered something on her fluffy fox ears and the smol kitsune immediately raised the 'guilty' one. Akiko-san looked at a loss what to do, but Shirone-chan whispered something in her ears, the girl raised the 'guilty' signboard while blushing slightly and glancing my way.
Shirone-chan is quite the bad cat, where is the justice in this kind of trial?
"Yeah, sorry, but you blatantly bribed the jury in front of me, that is too much for even me to forgive you. Shirone-chan, the case has been dismissed due to inappropriate conduct." I said.
"Kuh, to think my time watching 'Super Corrupt Justice' was useless, none of the tricks were useful at all!" Shirone-chan complained.
Was that the place you learned all this? I think a ban on TV is needed.
"Nyahaha! Justice prevails! Catgirls are unstoppable-nya!" Kuroka-chan cheered.
I think I need to teach this one not to go overboard, she and the catgirls made a mess together while they were here.
"Nooo! I seek justice, please, you cannot let the criminal go unpunished!" Yasaka-san pleaded.
Are you really the adult here!?
"Hehe, too bad that Nee-sama did not feel like participating and went off to train, this is as amusing as I expected." Alice-chan giggled.
This child is...
"If the case is dismissed, then Kuroka-dono won't be found guilty. I won't get the piece of clothing from Milord that way..." Akiko-san depressedly muttered.
Oi, what the heck were you planning to give her, Shirone-chan?
The only saving grace was Kunou-chan who had crawled my way and sat on my lap before grabbing my arms to make me hug her.
I felt moved to tears, this child deserves an extra ration of cake.
As I watched the rowdy bunch causing a ruckus with a wry smile, I heard some footsteps from the hallway and just a second later, Marion-san arrived here.
"Shiki-sama, everything has been finished per your instructions." Marion-san informed me.
I felt dazed for a moment as I saw her in her maid outfit, but I quickly shook my head and got my act together.
Clapping my hands lightly, I garnered everyone's attention.
"Alrighty, that is enough. I left some stuff on the oven for you guys so stop making a ruckus, those who do not behave correctly will not get their shares." I declared.
Like I had changed a miraculous spell, everyone lined up in front of me with eager expressions.
I thought about retorting but gave up right away, what is the use of doing it anyway?
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"Apple pie-nya♪ Such a bliss-nya♪" Kuroka-chan cheered.
Happily eating the different pies I had made, everyone was concentrated on their task.
"Hmph, I think Onee-sama should eat less, she ate everyone's sweets." Shirone-chan complained.
Even Yasaka-san nodded just like the rest.
Oi, you are the adult here, stop being a glutton and act with more dignity. Look, there are some crumbs from the pie at the corner of your mouth.
Jeez.
Walking her way, I wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.
Such actions proved counterproductive because the jealous Kuroka-chan covered her mouth with pie for me to clean her up as well. Alice-chan joined the fun and after hesitating Akiko-san did too.
Goodness, what can I say when Shirone-chan and Kunou-chan are the only ones that I should be expecting such a thing are spotless.
"I keep telling you that I did not eat them-nya! They were gone when I woke up-nya. The spells I put around the place never activated-nya, it's the true-nya!" Kuroka-chan muttered.
Aree-eh? Now that I think about it, she did put such a thing. Who would be skilled enough to enter and steal specifically the sweets?
Somehow, I recalled what He (?) told me and I felt the blood draining from my face. Before anyone paid attention to me, I left the scene.
However, I failed to notice that someone paid attention to my actions and followed after me.
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"Shiki-sama, is there something wrong?" Marion-san asked.
The maid who followed after me immediately asked me as soon as she caught up to me.
"I will give you some money later, could please go and buy a camera? One of the hidden ones, put one in the kitchen, one in the living room, and lastly one in my room." I said. "Make it so the camera sends the recording to a separate place."
If there is indeed another person guilty of the sweets disappearance, I should be careful, this time happened to be a simple matter but next time I could be not. He (?) told me someone would look for me, but they strangely took the sweets and left.
"As you wish." Marion-san bowed.
Not asking anything extra helps me, although I expected at least a question regarding how to set up the devices.
"Eh, Marion-san... you know how to set up the camera?" I inquired.
"Yes, Sir. In the Maid Guild were learn a variety of skills depending on our choice. Unfortunately for me, I did not go for the 'Front-liner' route so my fighting power is lacking." Marion-san replied.
In that case-
"If you feel like learning how to fight, I could lend you a hand. I have some ideas about what you could learn." I offered.
She looked tempted but shook her head.
"I could not take my master's time like that, I shall apply for a course in the Maid Guild." Marion-san said.
I wonder if-
"How about if I ordered you to follow my orders and let yourself be trained by me?" I muttered.
For some reason, she looked happy, but later after pondering for a moment her face turned a few shades redder.
"Shiki-sama, I appreciate the offer but you are still too young for that kind of thing." Marion-san avoided looking at me in the eye. "If you really wish to do like in the book 'Master and Maid, forbidden love, relentless training', I could oblige when you grow a bit more."
Oi!
I immediately jumped slightly and gave her a light chop on her head.
"Argh." Marion-san tearfully rubbed her head.
What is this girl saying?
"Shiki-sama..." Marion-san muttered my name sadly.
Don't do that, it makes me feel bad. However, I must harden my heart and teach you a lesson.
"What is that nonsense? Don't tell me you went against Yasaka-san for something like that?" I doubtfully asked.
If that is true, this girl got some nerves. Wait, in the long run, this might be good for me... Hmmm, ah, no, think of Yasaka-san.
"Oh, no, that is certainly not the case." Marion-san vehemently shook her head. "I happened to get that book recently so my mind went there for a moment, my apologies, Shiki-sama."
Is that so?
"Where did you get that?" I incredulously asked.
I feel like asking will cause me a headache, but as always, curiosity got the best of me.
"Ah? Are you interested in that, Shiki-sama? Hehe, a senior at the Maid Guild lend it to me. It is pretty popular among the Guild, although it is only distributed there." Marion-san cheerfully answered.
"I see." I replied.
I honestly do not what to say to that, but I can tell that the Maid Guild is a unique place.
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Having satisfied everyone's cravings for sweets, I was about to leave the house when Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan were walking towards me, along with Akiko-san who looked like an abandoned puppy.
"Nora-nya, we are going to visit Sora-nya, would you like to come with us-nya?" Kuroka-chan offered as soon as she caught up to me.
Shirone-chan did not say anything but she had an eager expression. Her tail said it all, but her face was rather hyped as well.
"Sorry, I have some business to take care of with Takeru-san." I smiled wryly.
I feel a bit reluctant to go to Sora-san's place given that the ladies there can be quite affectionate, and I am mean too much, in particular-
"Nora-nya is an idiot-nyaaaa!" Kuroka-chan sulkily exclaimed that as she left the house at full speed.
Now then, how should I fix her mood later?
"Onee-sama only wants to hang out with you more, she does not really think you are an idiot." Shirone-chan muttered as she left the house.
I wanted to ask, what about you but she stopped her footsteps and spoke.
"I also want to spend more time with you, Nora will travel without us soon so we want to make use of the time left the best we can." Shirone-chan said. "But, we are good girls, so we know that we can't play around with you all the time."
Finished with her piece, she turned around, her tiny figure said a lot of things that did not fit her age, but I know that she has a good head on her shoulder so she always tries to be considerate. However, she is still a girl a lot younger than me so I can't just let her go after saying that.
In a couple of steps, I caught up to her and hugged her from behind. Rubbing my chin on her forehead, I then kissed her on the top of her head.
"You are right, you two are indeed good girls, a pair of cute and well-behaved ones." I gently spoke. "However, I like the way you two usually act, do not restrain yourself around me. Don't be a stranger, I will do my best to make you girls happy."
Perhaps, my feelings for them started as pity or something along those lines. Their fate in the Canon was not something nice so I wanted them to have a good life after changing their fates. However, in that hellish place they became my light, I managed to resist all that was thrown at me because they were there for me. Right now, my feelings for them are not something related to the canon, that much I am sure so I will take care of them as much as I can.
"Nora is unfair, if you are this nice, it will make us want to be spoiled more. Despite being always spoiled, we will want more. We will become greedy kitties, and greedy kitties are bad kitties." Shirone-chan said.
What a silly girl.
"That is ok, if you think that letting me spoil you makes you a bad kitty, then you can be a bad kitty with me all you can... Oh! *cough* You should catch up with your sister of she will be angry." I faked some cough.
Sometimes I forget that I should be careful of my wording.
After releasing Shirone-chan, I thought she would follow her sister, but she turned around and hugged me. She rubbed her face in my chest for a while, and when I thought that she was going to cuddle for a long time, she let me go and went after her sister. The smile hanging on her lips despite her lack of words put me at ease.
Everything is ok as long as the kitties are happy.
"Milord likes those two a lot, they told me that they are not his siblings so there must be a story behind that." Akiko-san murmured in a low tone.
Holding her chin with her hand, she carried an intrigued expression as she observed me.
"Do you really have to call me that way?" I smiled wryly. "You can call me Nora, like the rest. Even Artoria-san does it."
I chose to ignore the rest and let the girls decide if they ever want to share the story with Akiko-san, however, her way of calling me is a bit-
"No can do." Akiko-san shook her head. "I should be addressing you with '-sama' as a show of respect, but Milord has vehemently told me not to. Even the other ways I used to address you were no good, so I have to settle with this. To begin with, you are my benefactor so I need to show my gratitude."
Using a strong tone, Akiko-san did not back down.
"You are also the owner of this mansion, and as such, I must show courtesy. I also decided to work for you to pay my expenses in food and lodging, not to mention the troubles you went through to keep me safe from that place." Akiko-san looked at her hands. "You also gave me back what was taken from me."
Offering me a smile, she happily opened and closed her hands.
"...Milord, this is just something I want to add because it bothers me, but it is not really important." Akiko-san pouted. "Please, do not think of me as someone like that gluttonous and shameless girl. Artoria became your retainer but she only shows interest in eating, and not only that, she eats so much and never shows signs of gaining extra weight."
The last one seems to bother Akiko-san quite a bit, and it might be actually the thing she dislikes the most. Well, Artoria-san is special, and she is in the middle of treatment so her appetite is bound to be boosted. After I am done with her treatment, she will go back to normal rations of food, I think, probably, perhaps? No, why do I feel like someone is laughing at me when I said that?
"It is ok, you girls need to eat and rest for now. You are also my guest so you don't have to work, feel free to get your energies back. I did fix the damage you received, but even if I made it like there was no damage, you still need therapy so you can properly recover." I advised.
It is important to do a follow-up after you go through a procedure, you never know what kind of issue might present itself at a later time so you can never be too careful. I did fix her perfectly, but I am still not as skilled as Kaa-san so I am extra careful when I treat people in difficult situations.
"Milord is too kind, and that is worrisome. Allow this Akiko to guard your side to prevent someone shameless like Artoria to take advantage of you." Akiko-san said.
That would explain why besides the purple hakamas, she carries a katana tied to her hip.
"Sure, do as you please." I shrugged my shoulders.
I am just going to deal with something I had been working with Takeru-san so it will be a quick business. This could be good for her, to go out for a while is good. She has been staying in her room quite a bit, and she does not interact with others more than necessary, well, other than me that is. She is kind to the younger ones and respectful to Yasaka-san but it is like there is a wall she erected around her that keeps those others than me away. Perhaps I should invite Tomoe-san to hang out sometimes, she and Akiko-san also got along so it will be good for the purple-haired girl.
"Yes! I will keep any danger far from you!" Akiko-san vigorously exclaimed.
I smiled wryly, she is the serious type huh.
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"I think that's it for today. I will have prepared the places as you asked, and like last time, I will need the proxy to sign the contracts. Should I ask Yasaka-sama?" Takeru-san said.0
Sitting in an office inside a certain building, I was having a chat with Kaa-san's old friend, Takeru-san the Kesaran-pasaran. As someone who had a business selling and buying properties, along with the construction of buildings, I had several things to discuss with him. One of them was to buy a few properties to build a few things I had in mind and the other one-
"No, I would like that you signed them for me. I have spoken with Yasaka-san about it and she gave me her approval." I replied.
She seemed a bit lonely when I told her that but she smiled wryly when I said that it was so I could be a reliable man and marry her. Well, I had some other reasons to do so but I indeed had thought that I should start a business without her help. At some point when I grow, I will get called things because I only used her to make money and that is not my style.
"If Leader-sama has given her approval, I have no reason to refuse. That said, this is the end of our talks with you as my client. Next should be..." Takeru-san paused. "Our talks as business partners, right? In that regard, I must say that turning you down would be what you would usually hear. You barely reached two digits in age, and despite your connections to the Great Leader, it is until that point, a simple connection, you cannot dictate what she does so it is hardly appealing to have you as a business partner."
His blunt speech was something I expected, after all, I am everything he said. Behind me, my 'escort' was grinding her teeth angrily so I raised my hand to prevent her from doing something foolish.
"Then again, I can't turn down a request from you. We Kesaran-pasaran owe too much to your mother, and it is a simple request about teaching you the ropes of the business, helping you get connections is easy, but keeping them will be up to you." Takeru-san commented. "I can profit when you get older since I heard you have connections with two high-class devil houses so this is a good deal for me."
Well, I also expected this much, Rias-chan, Akeno-chan, Grayfia-san, and Shuri-san were rather eye-catching so people could easily distinguish them.
"Then, are we good?" I asked.
I had several ideas after considering what I can and cannot do, this was one of the ones I considered given the possibility of having someone teaching me in the process. Nevertheless, I can't deny that since I knew someone related to this business, I felt like giving it a try. There is also what Venelana-san offered me to do, and when things are done on her side she will call me. Although there is one part I will have to rely on Yasaka-san after all, she does have the right to my light novels so I need to discuss some new ideas I have with her. Most of that money has been left alone for her sake after all.
"Sure, I will call you when I have material for you to start with." Takeru-san nodded.
Now that the negotiations were going well, Akiko-san remained silent with her eyes closed. What a strange girl.
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After leaving the building, I wandered a bit. The catgirls were at Sora's place, and going home will only lead me to Artoria's grumpy face if I interfere with her training. The girl had also received treatment for her eyesight. I had to spend quite a bit of time fixing the damage. Since she was blind because someone damaged her eyes, I had just to repair the damaged parts. However, while I could easily heal my body, hers was a bit too complicated to mess around. The skin around her eyes was severely damaged, and the burn scars were similar to those made from acids, but I could not tell what kind since it had been a long time since they were made. The eyes though, were a different story, even though I have a bit of confidence in my Ki pools, I ended up emptying twice to fix them. I can only blame my lacking skill for this, it was the first time I tried to heal a pair of eyes and I might've been awkwardly using my Ki.
What left me speechless was her body itself. She went through some modifications like me, but her body was on the verge of failing her. The biggest issues are her heart and lungs, they were artificially made by modifying another creature's flesh to adapt to a human body. However, I can't exactly tell which one yet. The organs have been through several alchemy processes, way too many to use the regular ways to identify their origins. There are many ways to find out, but they are not the kind-hearted type and they require you to do stuff that could harm the person to who you perform them. The girl in question seemed to know about those methods because she offered me a piece of advice about what to do. It goes without saying, I gave her a chop on the head for being reckless, and send her to her room to reflect on her actions. She needs to take care of herself better. That said, I feel like her attitude towards me softened a tiny bit, but it is probably my imagination.
"Oh! Young lady, are interested in my goods? They are perfect for beginners, although I am not sure what to feel when a girl with such tiny arms wants to use these. Will you be able to lift them?"
A voice pulled me out of my musings. Turning to one side, I could see my 'escort' Akiko-san standing in front of a store. The clerk there, a small and chubby blue Oni was engaging in a conversation with her. However, her eyes were not on the clerk, but on what was inside the store. From hammers used for smithing or fighting, to swords and shields, but her eyes were not on the swords but a particularly sturdy hammer and the anvil it was resting on.
I recalled the moment I healed her hands and feet.
-Flashback starts
As Akiko-san was lying down on her futon, I had my hands holding her right one. I was concentrating and using my Ki to deal with the injury she got from her captive days. I was sweating slightly but I did not let anything stop me. We were the only ones in her room, and no one else tried to disturb us. With my eyes closed, my other senses were heightened so I could feel people standing outside the room and their nervousness, but the one more restless one was the one in bed. She was anxious but she stayed in place not moving a muscle.
Last time, I had noticed that the wounds in her hands and legs had closed after her transformation, but it seems they just closed, the regeneration was lacking so it did not properly fix her.
A white glow covered the place where our hands were touching, but it soon faded.
"Please, move your hand, tell me how does it feel." I released her hand.
Exhaling a large breath, I wiped my sweat with my sleeve.
"I-It's moving like before." Akiko-san nervously said.
No, no, you could move it before, remember that you were even able to throw crates back then.
"Hold my hand, grip it with all your strength." I said.
She did as I said, yes, she technically did but-
"I can't put strength into it." Akiko-san cried out.
"...if you use the right one, instead of the left one, we could actually try." I muttered half-heartedly.
This girl is so overwhelmed that she made such a simple mistake, or she could be a klutz a heart.
"...sorry." Akiko-san blushed in shame. "I ...can do, I CAN! SEE! I WASN'T ABLE BEFORE!"
After blushing, she put on a surprised expression when she used her other hand. The strength she can put is not that much, but it is a lot more than before. The spirited girl was excitedly swinging her arms wildly, and while her hands lacked grip strength, her arms were perfectly healthy so when she acted that way, she pulled me as well.
It goes without saying, this world probably interfered and I ended up straddling her. Just my luck, the door was opened and a bunch of girls came pouring.
"Congrats-nya! I told you that Nora-nya could do it...?" Kuroka-chan came in a happy mood but her eyes widened upon entering.
"Congrats...?" Shirone-chan tilted her head.
"So that is why you wanted to heal her alone..." Artoria-san commented with her eyes closed.
"Awawa." Alice-chan covered her face with her hands, but she still peeked through the gap of her fingers.
"Shiki-sama..." Marion-san muttered my name and shook her head.
Ah, jeez. Why did this kind of thing happen?
"Look, Milord, look, I can grip harder if I make an effort!" Akiko-san exclaimed. "I can try smithing again!
The girl had started to cry at some point but she kept trying to hold my hand in a tighter grip. Akiko-san ignore the ruckus that she caused and had her focus on her hand.
I couldn't scold her given her situation so I just sighed.
-Flashback Ends
The purple-haired girl liked to smith, that is something I heard from her so it is no wonder she showed interest in it.
I stood at her side.
"Hey there, could you prepare the best set for blacksmithing you have here? I would like you to deliver it to this address." I directed my words to the clerk. "Please prepare the ingots as well, I am not well versed in smithing so I will leave the choice of materials to you."
"Shiki-sama!? Is this lady your friend? Sorry for my rude words from earlier, I will have it prepared for you. Do not worry, I will give you the best of the best, I will also make sure it is delivered shortly."
Without even waiting for me to hand him any sort of payment, the clerk ran off inside the store enthusiastically.
"Milord!? You don't have to do that, I was looking at them, I did not want you to buy them for me when I get some money I..." Akiko-san panicked slightly.
I smiled wryly at that, where was she going to get money from? Not to mention, she would need a large sum of money to buy all that. It is not easy to start from zero. When you have nothing, you struggle a lot, even getting food becomes an issue. After losing my parents, there was a time I ended full of debts because of their treatments, many times I had trouble with loan sharks.
She being naive, but I can't just tell her that so bluntly. I took this girl under my care so it is my responsibility to provide her with a suitable environment.
"You hate blacksmithing?" I inquired.
Akiko-san stopped speaking, and after biting her lips and hesitating briefly, she shook her head.
"No, it is one of the things I liked to do when I was still a princess." Akiko-san meekly replied.
Dear, you are still one. The guys in the imperial family had plans for you even if you didn't have the Ame-no-Murakumo. Suzaku-san complained that those guys were annoying, but that sweet girl still helped me out despite the inconvenience I caused her. Which reminds me that I had to go to meet her tomorrow.
"Then there is no problem." I said.
No, I think I need to prepare a place for her to do her stuff. There are some vacant slots located around the property I got. I feel like Yasaka-san intervened after I started to leave there, by kicking out the previous people but I chose to not comment, she has her reasons for that. Perhaps she is worried about Kunou-chan's safety when she stays, and the guys had a strange background so she kicked them out. They did look sketchy so it might be the reason.
"Milord! Of course, there is a problem!" Akiko-san called out.
"Yeah, I know. You need a place to work, right? I will have Takeru-san prepare the place nearby so you don't have to go far away. It might take a while so be patient." I muttered.
That guy is pretty swift when he gets a commission, even the thing I asked won't take more than two days. Even though he has to buy the plot of land d and build what I asked for, he will finish quickly.
"That is not the problem, my debts keep growing, I do not think I can ever pay you back..." Akiko-san said.
"You don't need to do it though, I did this because I felt like it. Don't you know? Cats are whimsical. Besides, at times like this, you just have to obediently accept other's goodwill." I spoke. "You don't have to feel burdened with any debt, I am not expecting you to pay me. You are finally free from those responsibilities that were imposed on you, don't go putting shackles on yourself."
She is a serious girl, and that will cause her to feel like she needs to give me back something, along with the mentality she has developed with the imperial family, she is bound to feel like she has to offer whatever she can to me. However, that is wrong given that I had no plans of asking for something back. Different from Artoria-san who foolishly made that contract with me, Akiko-san has the option to freely leave my place when she feels like it. Well, as soon as Artoria-san is healed, I will present her with that opportunity. That said, will she even leave? She has gotten awfully used to the food I make. Although it was not my intention, I might've put some shackles (food and sweets) on her.
The girl bit her lips, she probably had more stuff to speak, but I am a selfish guy. I will stick to my decision no matter what.
Now then, I should go back to Takeru-san at once, he should be able to deal with my problem.
Part 3
3rd Person POV
Using an abandoned western mansion located at the outskirts of a certain town, two figures were looking at the scenery outside with bored expressions.
"How did the plan to release those sealed creatures go?"
One figure that was around 150cm in height asked, the voice had a strange allure to it and it belonged to a female.
"I have to say that we underestimated the techniques used to seal those. Minor ones sealed in books or magic times were not an issue since the easiest way was to destroy the book, but there are plenty of the most threatening ones that have complex arrays of spells keeping them trapped. Not to mention the security that has been set around them is tricky to break through without being found out."
The other figure was around the same height, but the voice was that of a male, and he spoke after the female figure. Although both of their figures were wearing cloaks and hoods, you could spot silver hair peeking from the female figure's hood, while the male one did not allow anything to be seen because a black fog was in the way.
"Ara, so you are saying that you can't do anything? That is such a shame."
The female figure mocked in a playful tone.
"I never said that, I just require a bit more time. What is given me trouble is that organization that keeps getting in our way, they are not going at full force but they are certainly interfering with my actions, this I had to delay my schedule. That said, even them will have it tough to deal with the little surprise I have."
The male figure boasted.
Within the hood, the female figure raised an eyebrow, intrigued. However, she quickly hid any expression of surprise from being shown and an amused smiled hung on her face.
"Is that so? You are confident about it so now I am curious, what did you have prepared?"
"Heeh, you surely have heard about the killing stone, right? Well, I plan to release what is being kept there. It would be amusing how the nine-tailed fox is keeping the peace of the west of Japan but said location will be ravaged by another nine-tailed fox."
The male figure spoke with sadistic glee.
"Is that so? That sounds scary."
The other figure merely replied as such before they both turned their heads to a certain location.
"Tsk, she found us."
The male figure said before casting a teleportation spell, the other figure was even faster as she did not even complain, before long, their figures had vanished. One second later, the room they were staying in was smashed apart two new figures stood among the destruction.
"They escaped-nya. The mistress will not be pleased-nya."
With long brown hair, cat ears on top of her head, and a voluptuous figure a young girl said.
"Chen, we were only told to startle them not apprehend them. If the mistress wanted, they wouldn't be able to run away."
A figure that landed near the first one nonchalantly commented.
"Ayee-nya~ Ran-sama~" Chen half-heartedly replied.
With a hand on her forehead, Ran restrained herself from chopping the catgirls head.
"That said, just like the mistress expected, they are after the killing stone." Ran shook her head. "Nevertheless, it is not our business. Chen, fix this place. Even if it's abandoned, the damage looks way too unnatural, humans might make a fuss about it."
Nodding at those words, Chen started to happily hum while she wrote several symbols in the air, and a few minutes later, she activated a spell that restored the mansion's appearance.
"Let's go back, our job is done." Ran said.
"Yes-nya!" Chen cheerfully replied.
As soon as the catgirl spoke, they both left the scene.
------------------------------------
MC's POV
"I shall go tomorrow then, don't worry I will get there in time." I lowered my phone when I said that.
After dealing with the matter of making a workshop for Akiko-san, I got a call from Suzaku. She wanted to coordinate the details of the meeting tomorrow. I had several things I had to ask of her so I was going to meet her to talk in person. Before I go to visit my sudden fiance, I wanted to check up on some details that I recalled from the canon.
"Milord, should we really be going this way...? Thi-is i-is the infamous Red Light District, do you have some business here?" Akiko-san who had been silent since our chat at that store suddenly spoke.
Oh, yeah. She has never accompanied me or the girls when we check upon Sora-san... and it is not like it has been long since she has been living here anyways.
Shrugging my shoulders, I raised my hands to wave at the Onee-sans walking around the street. I became kind of famous thanks to my massage practice and not only the girls at Sora-san's place, but some of the Onee-sans from other establishments had shown up during those times. This is how I became acquainted with them. However, I was not sure what to say when they giggled shyly and waved at me with eager expressions. I recall giving a simple message, nothing more.
"I am going to pick up the kitties." I replied.
I braced myself for any danger that might come my way, but it was probably going to be alright. Kuroka-chan will be happy, probably.
"Milord, you look tense... is there some kind of dangerous individual you felt threatened of?" Akiko-san asked in concern.
I almost said Sora-san's name aloud. In the end, she is kind of dangerous. A true shotacon that likes younger boys, that is perilous for little guys... I think. In this kind of world, she can find a legal shota, since there are legal lolis, there are probably shotas as well. Praying slightly, I mused for a moment about how much nonsense course through my head. Nevertheless, it is a safety mechanism to deny the hard and scary truth, what am truly afraid of is in a way not something I can actually fight against.
"...everything will be ok. Things couldn't get any worse, I will stay behind and stall them here while you go on ahead, when I get back home I will marry that girl." I invoked an arcane power.
"Milord! Do you wish for a gruesome death!? How many death flags do you plan to gather?" Akiko-san asked with a pale look.
So she knows what death flags are, I thought she would look at me strangely but it seems I underestimated the Imperial Family's education, they were very thorough.
"This way, I will know that I caused my luck to go down and will be ready to face the harshest of the challenges that will get in my way." I spoke in a determined tone.
I wasn't just spouting bullsh*t, uniques Youkais are in a realm of their own, so I need to be careful of that particular one. Sora-san's picked up that child from somewhere and-
"I have no idea what Milord might be saying but I will do my best." Akiko-san gripped the handle of her sword.
No, no, I don't think you need to go that far... probably.
...
...
...
Even before arriving at the building, I used my ability to scan everywhere. Every time I saw a shadow or any dark place where someone could hide, I would use my ability.
My vigilant gaze swept everywhere but I failed to find that particular Youkai so I sighed in relief. Akiko-san walked in front of me and glared at everyone that tried to get close to me, even though I told her that it was not necessary since I knew how the person I was cautious about would look like. Although it was hard to reproach her when she looked proud when people backed away.
Soon, we found ourselves standing in front of the place I looking for. The familiar cat-eared bouncer greeted me when she saw but tilted her head in wonder at the sight of Akiko-san's glare of hostility.
"New girlfriend?" The Onee-san nonchalantly asked.
As expected of her, she spouted nonsense as soon as she saw me with another girl. I do sometimes helped the girls working here that while they are young and do not work as courtesans, they do chores and take care of maintaining this place neat. Simple tasks as helping them to carry their groceries are one of the most common scenarios and not every time I lend a hand to the same girl since they take turns, thus this Onee-san who is playful always jokes around.
"She is a child I am taking care of so please don't joke like that." I rolled my eyes.
If I let her, she will joke around the whole day.
"I don't know, she looks pretty bashful to me." The Onee-san smirked.
"She is just shy, here, have this and leave me alone." I threw her a small pouch.
A pouch pulled from my pouch was thrown and she caught it midair with no problems.
"Yay~ I luv you the most, Shiki-sama!" The Onee-san hugged the pouch on her bountiful chest. "Sweets~ Hehe~"
My eyebrows twitched at that exaggeration display. They were candies I make often, while they are rather simple, I make sure that they have vitamins and other simple stuff to make them healthy. My goal is to modify Kaa-san's pills and replace them with edible ones, but for now, these candies are the best I can do. It is nothing much, I just make a bunch with the things I consider they might lack in their organism. In the beginning, it was a bit difficult to consider every individual at the time of making custom sweets, but now it is relatively easy.
Before she began acting strange again, I signaled Akiko-san who had a speechless expression, and walked inside, Kuroka-chan and Shirone-chan are on the top floor along with that shotacon.
However, I failed to see the Onee-san apologetic expression when she pulled out her phone.
...
...
...
I advanced without anyone stopping me and gave simple greetings. Thanks to Akiko-san's powerful glare, I did not get dragged into any room again. Then again, I won't be as naive to follow them again, there is hardly anyone I can trust here. Those ladies are kind of... no, they are too fortnight about their interests.
It did not take long to find myself in front of Sora-san's room where I could hear several voices coming from. Although I paused a moment since I was a bit curious about what that shotacon was talking about with the catgirls. Those children sometimes keep part of their chats with that lady a secret so my surely reason to die, curiosity, pushed me to eavesdrop for a bit. I signaled to Akiko-san to remain silent, and the girl silently nodded while also getting close to the door, like I had done, although she got a bit too close to me.
"Nora-nya is mean sometimes-nya! He leaves us in our room and says that we have to get used to sleeping without him-nya." Kuroka-chan's voice sound upset. "We always slept together since we started to live together-nya, but now he is going stray-nya. He won't listen to me either-nya."
I smiled wryly at that. I really feel empty whenever they sleep far from me, but it is something that has to be done. Kuroka-chan is growing and will soon start to become a young lady. She is around two years older than me, and I wish that she stops relying on me too much. No matter how uncomfortable that makes me feel, overreliance on another person is not good. No matter how much I love those two and how happy I am to spend time with them, their healthy growth is more important.
"Fufu, is that so? That sounds terrible." Sora-san's giggles were heard clearly. "Maybe he is just shy because his dear Kuroka is becoming prettier. I told that it might happen, and it is not necessarily a bad thing."
Hmmm? I am not shy about that but I guess that is a normal deduction given my physical age. If you look at what Kuroka-chan spoke with my appearance in mind, you can reach that conclusion. Nevertheless, those last words-
"Nya? What do you mean-nya?" Kuroka-chan's confusion was the same as mine.
"Nee-sama, you already forgot? It is the plan to seduce Nora." Shirone-chan's nonchalant voice said something crazy. "Onee-sama, what do you mean by seducing him?"
Her bewildered and curious tone was a mirror image of what I felt at the moment. What is this kitty saying?
"*Cough* You girls don't need to know yet, or you could end up telling him. Just think of it as Nora paying attention to you with more fervor if you manage to seduce him. He will always want to be together with you." Sora-san's nonsense made clear the culprit.
Alrighty, I think that is enough.
"I will get the torch, you get the rest. It is time to hunt down a heretic." I said.
After my words were directed at Akiko-san who nodded with a puzzled expression, I pulled a torch from my pouch and lit it up with a simple Youjutsu spell.
Time to hunt down that lady.
...
...
...
"Nora-kun, when I imagine us doing something rough, this was not what I have in mind- ouch." Sora-san's covered her forehead.
Using both of her hands, Sora-san rubbed the place I had flicked using my fingers, her forehead. Since it looked slightly reddened, she probably received some damage.
"Stop your nonsense, I heard what you were teaching those girls." I sighed. "What in the world?"
At my words, Sora-san turned her head away and started to whistle a simple tune, but Akiko-san who was glaring at her and had her hand in the handle of her sword made Sora-san turn her head to the front again. Raising my hand threateningly made her tremble for a moment and look at me fearfully. She is so exaggerated, how much can it hurt? I am just a weak cat. Nonetheless, the big kitty who also has been mischievous in the past and has received the same treatment but lighter was covering her forehead with teary eyes as well.
"Tsk, to discover the plan when it is only at the early stages, what a miscalculation." Sora-san lamented. "However, you seem to be mistaken about something."
I lowered my hand that had unknowingly raised to flick Sora-san's forehead again and gestured her to speak. She gulped loudly and waited until my hand had lowered completely while staring at it fearfully.
What an exaggeration.
"Ahem, as I was saying, you are mistaken about something. I am not doing anything sketchy, I am just teaching these pair of girls about the ancient art to attract the attention of the guy they like." Sora-san used a righteous tone along with an expression free of her usual nonchalant air. "I heard that you have been neglecting them lately so I thought that as her Onee-san, yes, O-N-E-E-S-A-N."
She emphasized the last word strongly.
I closed my eyes at her words, she has a point... sort of. While Kuroka-chan is grateful to Yasaka-san, she gets along better with Sora-san so it is normal to come here as soon as she feels troubled. I briefly felt jealous of Sora-san for being someone that catgirl choose to rely on.
"I am not guilty here. Of course, I tried to teach them a long-term plan to make you their partner but it is all for their sake. I did not consider this matter amusing at all, I never imagined you being restless by their advances." Sora-san said.
I ignored what she said... for now. Instead, I turned my head to the catgirls. Shirone-chan looked nonchalant, but Kuroka-chan avoided my eyes and acted nervously.
I silently stood up and walked to the nervous kitty, she kept opening and closing her mouth, unable to find the right words. That is until-
"Don't leave Kuroka-nya..." Kuroka-chan weak mutter was spoken in such a soft voice that you think that you imagined it.
Nevertheless, I have senses that are beyond that of a human, and I was paying attention to the black kitty so I did not miss it.
In on swift motion, I pulled her into my arms and hugged her. I tried to transmit my warmth, and I took hers. She is insecure, just like Shirone-chan earlier. I who used to fawn on them and only them as soon as we left that hellish place is now taking his distance and has even brought more people to live with them. Their time with me has been reduced for such reasons along with my busy schedule.
"Never, I will never do that. Kuroka-chan's place is right beside me, nowhere else." I bit my lips as I said that.
Can I be selfish and say that? I worked hard to free them from their fate, she no longer has to be bound by her status as a criminal. She can go out to the world... and probably cause chaos, but more importantly is that she will have the opportunity to do what she wants, and to not get restrained. If I continue my words, I keep repeating them, she will be bound by none other than me.
Kuroka-chan first shook in surprise but soon let her weigh rest on me. I decided to ignore the fact that she started to sniff my body odor a bit too much... I don't smell, do I?
Glancing to one side, I saw Shirone-chan's envious look so before she was aware of it, I wrapped my tails around her and pulled her close to me. She had shared her thoughts earlier, and she told me that she was lonely. Feeling left out is something I do not wish her to feel.
Gently embracing them, I remained silent, unsure what to say. Depending on my words, I will restrain them. Perhaps, right now they are just simply being affectionate towards me, but later, these two who know nothing about other people will develop feelings for me because I am what they know. While I can't say I am the most charming person out there, they will know the plain ol' Nora, although even then, I am being conceited by thinking that they might fall for me.
A moment went by, and no one said anything, perhaps out of consideration.
"My house will always be open for you, I will always receive you with open arms." I muttered.
Anything more and I would be crossing a certain line, and I did not want to cross it because I was afraid of it, or because I wouldn't take responsibility. This matter does not have to escalate more than it has.
I stayed in silence while waiting for their answer, and my eyes closed as I enjoyed our position. It has been a while since I have cuddled them like this. There is still some more before I have to meet my fiance so I will spoil these two a bit. Suddenly, a strange feeling overwhelmed me. I could feel my ability activating, and my field of view was similar to when I had my eyes open. This much is not surprising, I had already tried this before and it was possible, but there was something strange on this opportunity. My field of view was much wider, I would dare to say that it was now 360 grades. However, I had no time to dwell too long on it, a splitting headache started to affect me, and just like it had suddenly appeared, my vision when black again. I could almost swear that I had imagined it, but there was a certain proof, and when I turned my head backward, Sora-san was watching our exchange with warm eyes. Akiko-san looked slightly envious but she also had the same look. Nevertheless, Sora-san changed her expression as soon as she noticed me. The big idiot started to fan her face with her hand and open her kimono bit to let the air flow as well just like there was a high temperature and she was sweating. Her uselessly ample cleavage and alluring underwear could be seen peeking through the gasp of the kimono, and while I secretly saved that image for future generations, her next words made me want to chop her head.
"Well, well, ain't it hot in here? You love birds should get room to do that kind of thing. I could lend you a special soundproof room, or if you are really into it... you can do it here with an audience. I could also join in..." Sora-san suggested with a vulgar smile.
This dammed shotacon. What is she saying in front of these children?
A little afraid of what they were hearing, I checked on them, but the girls were snoring softly in my embrace. I smiled wryly at that but then turned to glare at the pervert.
"Could not say stuff like that? They are still too young for that." I spoke in a low tone.
Holding her ching with her hand, Sora-san smiled alluringly at me despite the glare that could kill that she was receiving from Akiko-san.
"Stuff like what?" Sora-san teased.
Does this woman think I will get embarrassed? Hah! She knows nothing, that said, Akiko-san is here so I should tone down a bit my response.
"I am talking about when you suggested that we were going to have sex, and how you suggested us to do it here and then to join the fun for a 4P." I spoke.
Her smile froze, and she was left speechless. Akiko-san turned red, she covered her face with her hands, oh my, how pure.
"...That surprised me, I did not expect that Saya's child would speak like that. Did you pick up that from the people from the district? I think I will have to 'teach' the guys around here again to not say anything unnecessary." Sora-san narrowed her eyes as she glared in the direction of the main street.
I rolled my eyes at that, I did not learn from them, I am experienced in those matters and the number in that P I experienced has been pretty high.
"Just don't joke like that with them, if they want to learn about it when they grow up, they can do as they please, but let them have an innocent childhood. I have no other wishes." I requested.
Sora-san sighed.
"Alright, I won't joke like that with them present. Is that good enough?" Sora-san said.
She was about to pull her smoking pipe but my glare narrowed again at that. She noticed my glared and she pointed at her cleavage with a teasing smile, but I was not amused and kept glaring at the pipe that she pulled from her cleavage. It did not take her long to understand my intentions, she wistfully stared at her pipe before sighing and putting it back, no before suggestively looking at me.
She has a lot of energy, that is for certain.
Pondering for a moment, I used my tails to grab my pouch and started to pull out blankets and pillows to accommodate the girls. With extreme care, I put a pillow on my lap before letting their heads lay there, but when I was going to cover them with a blanket... the two somehow worked together in their sleep to throw away the pillow and rested their heads on my lap with a smile on their faces.
I could only helplessly smile at giggles from Sora-san and Akiko-san.
I was not sure if it was the initiative of the girls working here or Sora-san had called her somehow when I was not looking, but a young girl that was around Kuroka-chan's age brought some tea for us. Her bright smile despite Akiko-san's rather unfriendly stare made me think about a certain matter.
"Say there, Sora-san. I am aware that you take care of those girls by making them do chores around here." I spoke as soon as the young girl left.
Sora-san nodded.
"You take in girls that are abandoned by their family due to their half heritage or the death of their parents at the hands of exorcists. I respect you for that." I continued. "But, don't you think that this ambiance is not adequate for girls of their age?"
"There isn't much I can offer them in terms of job, and not many like to take people of unknown origin under their wing." Sora-san smiled bitterly.
She probably has her circumstances, it wouldn't hurt to come here and listen to her problems one day.
"How about you leave those girls to me?" I asked.
My wording might've pushed some strange buttons on her because she gave me a knowing smile.
"You can't accept that they might work on the same of work as me...? Fufu, there are a good number of girls under my care, yet you asked for them. You sinful cat." Sora-san smiled.
I wanted to flick her forehead but I had two cats on my lap so I carefully lowered them. When she noticed my actions Sora-san began to sweat coldly.
"It is a joke, a simple and harmless joke." Sora-san said.
Having already lowered the catgirls, I sighed again.
"I was thinking about having them WORK for me, I was thinking of hiring some human hands to help me out with a certain project but these girls are better suited. They are cute, well mannered, and know about this side of the world, not to mention that they are quite strong, at least more than a regular human." I explained.
For this lady who will use any slip of tongue to tease me, I have to be pretty clear. Not like I dislike her personality, but I sometimes wish that she stops playing around.
My simple offer is not such a grand project, it is a simple bakery and sweet shop, I plan to open one in Urakyoto, and I will see how it goes. It might be my own delusion but I think that what I make is tasty since it has Yasaka-san seal of approval. Even on the devil side, I got a top grading from people like Venelana-san and Grayfia-san whom I believe have spent a large amount of time- I mean, they got to taste good stuff on their definitely young and short life. I had to correct myself due to a chill I got, I suddenly feel that they are scary, although I do not know why.
No, wait. This chilling sensation... damn it, it's her.
Before Sora-san could answer me, I hastily made my way to the window and jumped but I was a step too late. A lump of darkness was waiting for me and I crashed straight into it. Before everything went dark, I glimpse at the bouncer Onee-san's apologetic look and understood that it was her who called this child.
"Tee hee~ I found you~"
The lump of darkness, or rather, the unique Youkai inside of it spoke cheerily before I was swallowed.
I will remember this, bouncer Onee-san!
--------------------------------------------
3rd Person POV
A figure could be seen in the backyard of a certain property, the girl, who was wearing a blue hakama and was repeatedly swinging a strange wooden sword that looked like the branch of a tree, was Artoria. Her blonde hair looked shiny due to the sun rays raining on her, or perhaps it was simply her sweat that glistened with the light.
Finally stopping in place, Artoria turned her head to face the reason that made her stop.
A similarly blonde girl, who had the same outfit as she was nearby observing her. In her hands, she had a water bottle and a towel. When Artoria stopped, the girl closed into her sister and extended her hands to present the other girl with what she brought.
"Are you tired, Onee-sama? Please, use this." Alice smiled.
With a happy expression, the girl observed her older sister who had taken care of her before, on her face, the hideous scars that were left in that place were no longer there. Their savior and owner of the Japanese-styled mansion was the one who had taken care of it. Along with the fact that he saved their lifestyle before, he even treated her dear sister, Alice couldn't be more thankful, while her sister was not the type to express it outwardly, she knew that she thought the same thing.
Grabbing the towel, Artoria wordless stared at her sister smile for a moment before wiping her sweat.
"...thanks." Artoria muttered.
Feeling like her sister had something to say, Alice pressed for an answer.
"Is there something wrong?" Alice inquired.
Artoria looked at the sky for a moment before she stared at Alice once again.
"It is nothing." Artoria shook her head. "I just never thought that I would see your face again with these eyes of mine. You have changed quite a bit since that time."
Raising her hand, Artoria gently caressed her sister's head, to which the other girl responded by rubbing her head on the hand.
"We were lucky to have met him." Alice said.
The younger girl truly thought so. She was honestly surprised when her sister accepted his offer to follow him, and while her sister and he said it was simply because of a contract they made, Alice knew that it was not that simple. Her older sister only made a verbal agreement, just like him. Any of them could've gone back on their words, but they kept their part of the deal. The two might bicker sometimes, and disagree often over silly matters, however, Alice understood one thing, they actually enjoy each other's company, it is not obvious, but they act like friends.
"Lucky? He is the guy who caused me to get chased by those jealous girls back then, I had just slipped but he just fanned the fire until it escaped to the point where I was chased around the whole Inn." Artoria retorted.
Doing her best to not laugh, Alice recalled what happened that day. It was the first time she saw her dear sister, who was always courageous and cool-headed, panicking with a shy expression. It seemed that even her sister, despite trying to act like a boy for long and getting used to that persona, still had her girly side intact.
"He did apologize later though, and he made you a special buffet only for you. You ate until you were full, and that is not an easy feat." Alice retorted.
Alice's words stabbed her sister and she groaned.
"Still, he went too far with his joke..." Artoria was still unwilling to let the matter go.
"Eh? Really? You say that, but you still keep eating what he cooks without bringing that up, you only complain to me." Alice smiled mischievously. "Well, you still rebuke him often for other things."
Tapping her chin with her finger, Alice thought that her sister liked to bicker for pointless things such as Nora's interest in maids.
"The food has no sins." Artoria replied.
Smiling wryly, Alice just kept her mouth shut.
"Do you like this place?" Artoria asked.
Her gentle gaze was directed at her sister, and Artoria silently awaited an answer. Alice had a surprised expression on her face but she pondered seriously until a bright smile hung on her face.
"Yes!" Alice energetically spoke.
"I see, then regardless of anything else, let's stay here for now." Artoria muttered.
Before her body cooled, Artoria went back to train.
"Now that my sight is back, I need to get used to it again..." Artoria low tone escaped Alice's ears. "They might come looking for her again..."
