"Good."
Rei Ao nodded in satisfaction.
"I plan on staying here for about a day. That won't be an issue, right?"
"Not at all! It's perfectly fine!"
He didn't dare disagree in the slightest. In fact, he offered:
"If you'd like, I can serve as your guide while you tour the academy."
"Hmph, I don't need a grown man as a guide."
Rei Ao was a bit picky about that.
"Er"
The headmaster glanced at Mira Yamana and the other three.
Levi Kazama narrowed her eyes.
"Headmaster, are you hoping we'll be his tour guides?"
"Ahem. Ladies, it is an honor to serve as guides for the Demon King."
The headmaster cleared his throat, but behind the scenes he was using a transmission spell to speak privately to the four of them:
(I'm sorry, this is about the academy's survival. This Demon King is unbelievably powerful. Please keep him in a good mood.)
The four fell silent. Even the headmaster said the Demon King was terrifyingly strong, so they had little choice.
Akio Fud was the first to shrug.
"I don't mind being a tour guide."
Mira Yamana, her expression grim, spoke up:
"We'll take turns."
Levi Kazama and Lilith Asami nodded as well. Seeing the four agree, the headmaster breathed a sigh of relief.
"Your Majesty, does this arrangement meet your approval?"
"Haha, sure. It's nice to have beauties for company."
"Your Majesty" the headmaster began again.
"If you've still got something to say, spit it out."
"Ehm the lady flying around in the sky"
He was talking about Hell Fubuki, who was still zooming this way and that in excitement.
"Oh, she's one of mine; don't worry about her," Rei Ao said with a dismissive wave.
"Understood. Wishing you all a pleasant stay."
With that, the headmaster vanished in a flash.
Michiru stared in amazementshe couldn't believe how deferential he was acting toward Rei Ao, practically groveling. Erica, meanwhile, blinked in confusion. She could tell the headmaster was an extremely powerful individual, yet even he seemed to be in awe of Rei Ao.
"If you want to see the academy, let's get going," Lilith Asami said. "But I'm warning youno lewd stuff!"
She made a big "X" with her arms in front of her chest. Rei Ao just shrugged.
"A little canoodling doesn't count as 'lewd,' does it?"
Guided by the four women, Rei Ao and his group began touring the Royal Biblia Academy.
Meanwhile...
"Yukinon, lunch is ready!"
Haruno called out to Yukino from the dining room, where she had just finished setting the table. She was rather puzzledYukino had already taken three baths since morning. What kind of hobby is that?
But the real reason wasn't that at all. When Yukino stepped out of her room, she had a complicated look on her face, one hand resting on her stomach. She had taken so many baths just to double-check her body.
She'd discovered a serious issue: todaywas definitely not a "safe" day in her cycle. And Rei Ao hadn't used any protection, not to mentioneverything had ended up inside her.
The more she thought about it, the more unsettled and anxious she became. Still, it was too late now, and she couldn't exactly go buy a pregnancy test with her sister right there. She'd have to take it one step at a time and hope for the best.
"Whoa, Haruno-nee-san, you cooked so much! It all looks amazing!"
Mabel's eyes were practically sparkling at the sight of the mouth watering spread.
"Haha, Mabel, have as much as you like. Let your big sis's cooking wow you~"
Haruno smiled brightlytruly sincere. In their short time together, she'd realized Mabel was childlike and innocent. (In more blunt terms, Haruno considered her a bit clueless.)
Around this sweet, guileless girl, Haruno didn't even need to keep up her usual act. Plus, hearing "Haruno-nee-san" over and over was enough to keep her in a cheerful mood.
When Yukino appeared, Haruno beckoned her over.
"Yukinon, come wash your handsMabel's waiting for you to start."
""
Yukino couldn't help feeling as if Mabel was now her sister instead. But she said nothing and went to wash her hands. Once she returned, Mabel picked up her chopsticks.
"Mmm! So good!"
"If you like it, have more," Haruno said, placing more food on Mabel's plate.
That gentle smile was such a rare sight that it made Yukino pause in surprise. She did have something on her mind, but seeing the atmosphere, she decided not to bring it up at the table.
~~~
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Chapter 435: The Burden of an Older Sister....
After dinner:
"Mabel, go wash the dishes."
Without warning, Yukino directed this order at Mabel, whose stomach was now quite full.
"Eh?"
Mabel was just about to refuse, but the moment she met Yukino's cold gaze, she shrank back and scurried off to the kitchen to do the washing up.
"Yukinon, don't bully Mabel for no reason."
Haruno gently chastised her.
""
Yukino paid her no attention. She'd deliberately sent Mabel away. With just the two of them left in the living room, she decided not to hide anything anymore. She fixed Haruno with a sharp look and abruptly asked:
"What happened between you and Mother?"
"Oh my, Yukino, what are you talking about? What could possibly have happened between me and Mother?"
Haruno acted innocent, but Yukino wasn't fooled by her sister's pretend cluelessness.
"If nothing had happened between you and Mother, there's no way she would have stayed so calm when she found out about what you did yesterday."
"If nothing had happened between you two, you wouldn't have tried to drown your sorrows in alcohol and gotten that drunk."
"I don't believe our dignified mother or my 'perfect' sister would behave so out of character otherwise."
Yukino's questions came rapid-fire, each supported by clear logic. She was determined to dig the truth out of Haruno.
""
Hearing Yukino's accusations, the smile on Haruno's face gradually faded to a calm, self-deprecating expression.
"I never imagined that in your eyes, I was this 'perfect sister.' I'm not sure if I should be happy or not."
"Sister, tell mewhat exactly happened between you and Mother?"
Yukino was certain now that there was more to this story.
"All right. Since you're asking so earnestly, I guess it can't hurt to tell you."
Haruno crossed her right leg over her left in a casual motion.
"Yukino, how would you feel about having an older brother?"
"An older brother?"
Yukino frowned. Her first thought was of their mother. But her mother and father, if she remembered correctly, hadn't seen each other for a long time.
"Haha, I misspoke. I should have said 'brother-in-law.'"
"?"
Yukino was taken aback, staring at Haruno in disbelief.
"A brother-in-law?"
She was sure her sister didn't have a boyfriend. Suddenly, she thought of their mother, and a bad feeling rose in her chest.
"Don't tell me"
"Looks like you've guessed it. Heh, who'd have thought that even I'd end up in a position where I have to go on these marriage interviews."
Haruno sounded lighthearted, but a deep sadness glinted in her eyessorrow that she couldn't rid herself of.
This was the burden that came with being born into a family heavily involved in politics. In a world like theirs, arranged marriages for political reasons were common.
Just as many other sons and daughters of powerful families had limited freedom in love, so too did she. At the very least either Haruno or Yukino had to be the one to marry for the family.
As the ultimate "siscon" (big sister who dotes on her sibling), Haruno had chosen to shoulder that duty herself rather than have Yukino forced into it.
And so, the responsibility of an arranged marriage fell on her shoulders. Now the time had finally come. Yesterday, their mother had told Haruno about all the plans for her upcoming "marriage meetings," involving potential suitors from distinguished families or powerful corporations.
Realizing the day had arrived, Haruno had indulged in one last flinghence her drunken escapade. That was also why their mother, so strict under normal circumstances, had uncharacteristically refrained from scolding her.
""
Yukino wasn't stupid. Just from that brief explanation, she could deduce a lot.
"Sister"
At that moment, she had no idea how to comfort Haruno, because she herself
No. Their situations were still different. In Yukino's case, everything that happened with Rei Ao was a trade. Yet, one thing was certain, no matter how much she wanted to deny it:
Compared to her sister's impending marriage to a total stranger, Yukino's situation with Rei Ao was different.
She knew him wellhis power, his personality, his faults and strengths, his flirtatiousness, and even his desires. She was familiar with every inch of his body, too. And she didn't dislike him.
Otherwise, she never would have gone through with last night without any resistance. As much as Yukino hated to admit it, her feelings for Rei Ao were complicated.
She wasn't exactly "in love," but she held more than a little fondness for him. After last night's deep physical and emotional exchange, that bond had grown another step.
But as for Haruno, if she went through with a political marriage, she'd only ever see the part of her partner they showed on the surface. Even after marriage, she might never really get to know the other person. Arranged marriages like these were a sad reality.
At the same time, Yukino realized something else. With hesitation, she asked:
"Sisteris this happening because of me?"
""
Haruno's eyes narrowed slightly, and she let out a small laugh.
"Heh, Yukino, what are you talking about? You'll have an arranged marriage in the future too, you know. We're both daughters of the Yukinoshita family. This is the price we pay for enjoying what that name gives us."
Her words seemed to imply that Yukino was in no way at fault. But Yukino wasn't about to be misled. Connecting the dotslike why her mother had so easily allowed her to move outshe could guess her sister had taken on everything behind the scenes.
Haruno clearly didn't want to dwell on the topic. She stood up.
"I should be going now. I just got my phone fixed, and I see Mother's left me a bunch of missed calls."
"Sistertake this."
Not knowing how else to comfort her, Yukino took out two protective charms Rei Ao had given her.
"What's this? A necklace?"
Haruno studied it curiously. At first glance, it just looked like a simple black crystal pendant.
"They're protective charms. One's for you, and one's for Mother."
Even with all that talk about arranged marriage making things awkward, Yukino still wanted to give her the charm. She reminded her sister:
"Please, make sure to keep it on you at all timeseven in the bath."
"Oh?"
It was rare to see Yukino so serious. As a sister who adored Yukino, Haruno felt warm inside, despite it all.
"If it's a charm my beloved Yukino made for me, of course I'll wear it. But as for giving one to Mother, I can't promise she'll actually wear it, though I'll pass along the message."
"All right then, I'm off. Yukino, don't miss me too much~"
And with that, Haruno was gone, leaving Yukino standing there, lost in thought.
"An arranged marriage"
Those words weighed heavily on her mind. She knew Haruno was doing this for her sake, and she didn't want it to end up like that.
"If it were Rei Ao"
She trailed off, caught in her own complicated feelings.
~~~
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Chapter 436: Mother's Worries...
The Yukinoshita Residence
""
Back at her family home, Yukinoshita Haruno felt far from cheerful. Even though she'd only left Yukino's apartment for a short while, she already found herself missing that brief, easygoing time with Yukino and Meiberu.
By contrast, just standing at the front gate of the Yukinoshita residence now made her feel stifled.
"Haruno-san, Madam is waiting for you in the sitting room."
A female housekeeper stepped up to remind her.
"Yes, I know."
Haruno's face resumed its usual calm mask as she entered the house.
Inside the sitting room, Mrs. Yukinoshita was calmly sipping tea in front of the sofa. Hearing the crisp sound of Haruno's footsteps, she lowered her teacup and opened her eyes.
"You're back."
Her voice was cold and collected. Before her stood her eldest daughter, Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Yes, Mother."
Haruno answered succinctly.
"Has your little indulgence come to an end?"
Rather than scold Haruno, she seemed almost concernedbut Haruno knew this was her mother's way of delivering a final notice.
"Yes."
Haruno nodded.
"Next week, I'll arrange your first marriage meeting."
"All right."
Haruno had resigned herself. As long as Yukino was free, that was enough.
The two exchanged words in a simple question-and-answer fashion, with no extra conversation.
"Go rest."
""
Yet Haruno did not leave. Instead, she produced a protective charm necklace and placed it on the table.
"This is from Yukinoshe asked me to give you this amulet, and said you need to wear it at all times, even in the bath."
She doubted her proud mother would really wear it, but she had promised to pass on Yukino's message.
Mrs. Yukinoshita glanced at the necklace, which was plainly no expensive jewel, and remarked coolly,
"Has Yukino recently become devout?"
"Not sure. She didn't seem to be practicing anything like that at home."
Haruno answered honestly.
"I'll be going to rest now."
She turned and left.
""
Silence filled the sitting room for a while. Mrs. Yukinoshita picked up the charm necklace. Her nearly wrinkle-free fingers brushed lightly against it. Her eyes flickered with a barely discernible emotion.
Then, very carefully, she slipped the necklace around her neck and adjusted her clothes so it was covered.
After that, she gazed out the window at the peaceful view, her eyes tinged with faint sorrow. She murmured in a voice only she could hear:
"I'm sorry, Haruno Yukino Being born into the Yukinoshita family is my misfortuneand yours. We haveno other choice"
Meanwhile
"I'm so powerful!!!"
Fubuki shouted in exhilaration as she soared through the skies. She'd dreamed countless times of a day when she might become truly powerful. And here it was: she finally felt she had achieved that goal!
But just as she was imagining going back and showing off in front of her sister, she suddenly felt herself weakening.
