kscans

Chapter 867 - The Surrounding Peace

"We haven't seen him around lately, have we, Kasuga-san?"

The young girl, manipulating a paring knife with practiced hands, was smoothly peeling a potato when the maid standing next to her, also peeling a carrot, murmured.

"Yes…? Oh, uh, yes, that's… true…"

And the girl—Sora's—reply was tinged with confusion. Not because there was anything to question in what the maid—Itsuki—had said…

"He's been… well… busy with various things, you see."

…but because she sensed a subtle, faint hint of displeasure in her tone.

Not that it was strange in itself. It was Itsuki, after all, who had somewhat forcefully arranged for “Kasuga-san” to visit the Yotsuya residence for dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. It would be natural for her to be displeased that he “hasn't been showing his face” lately.

—However, that was all under the premise that it was for Sora's sake.

In short, there was only one reason the girl tilted her head.

"If you are content with it, Sora-sama, then I have no particular issue."

"…Um."

It was because the maid herself, with her own emotions, had shown a look of displeasure at the fact that Haru, “Kasuga-san,” hadn't been visiting.

…Knowing her, it probably wasn't something that slipped out by accident. She likely revealed it in her expression and words having judged it was fine for Sora to see.

There was likely no need for strange worries or suspicions. In that case, the proper response was,

"Itsuki-san… you've… taken more of a liking to Haru than I thought, haven't you?"

…the teasing expression of a younger sister to her older sister. And by bringing up the person they both held affection for, the words were meant to summon a pleasant conversation to accompany their cooking.

In response, the words that came back were,

"Fufu, you may be right. Perhaps I've grown fond enough to be like an 'older sister' who can't help but get upset when her aloof 'younger brother' doesn't show his face."

…as if to say she was correct, they were cheerful and lilting.

"Well, he will be my brother-in-law in the future, after all."

"I—…! You—!"

The sisters' daily life is, as always, filled with peace.

◇◆◇◆◇

"Unfair."

It was dinnertime, around a table filled with a lively array of various condiments and side dishes that made the large platter of somen noodles seem like an afterthought. It was, in other words, the chef's special somen.

I had remembered something I forgot to tell them, and the moment I brought it up, the “Princess” sitting across from me puffed out her cheeks dramatically and voiced her complaint.

By my standards, that is. As always, her expression was so blank that anyone not used to her wouldn't have noticed a thing.

Anyway, what was it about—

"You're getting all friendly with just Natsume. You're definitely spending more time with her in the virtual world than with me."

—And that’s what it was.

"Whoa, hang on, wait. Look. In this case, it’s not really ‘with me,’ but more like ‘with Nia,’ if we're being precise about the nuance here."

She seemed to be jealous that I had invited Nacchan-senpai to the third [Starry Paradise] event being held next weekend… no, that's not it.

It wasn't directed at Nacchan-senpai or me. No matter what she said, Ashe's frustration was aimed at the reality that she couldn't be there with us.

If it were Sora, she would have shown her jealousy openly, but according to Nia and Ashe, I am “so crazy about them that there’s no chance I’d look elsewhere.” So, her jealousy wouldn't be directed at others. Their trust is so deep, so intense, so overwhelming, it brings a tear to my eye in many ways.

‘There, there. By the way, Princess, you can't make it this time either?’

"………………"

And here comes the voice of the one person who is a limited-time jealousy target.

While her movements were impressively beautiful as she slurped the somen with gusto, the Princess’s garnet eyes narrowed in a textbook glare.

Slurp, slurp, slurp, and then—

"…Unfair."

This time, it was unmistakably one hundred percent pure jealousy.

‘Eh, I’m sorry. Even if you glare at me like that…’

Meanwhile, Nia-chan, instantly intimidated and reduced to a small animal, was enjoying her somen pasta-style, having apparently given up on slurping it properly.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen her eat slurpy noodles like ramen, soba, or udon before… As I observed this new side of her, I was met with a sharp glare. Apparently, staring at a maiden while she eats is an unforgivable act.

Well, putting the indigo-haired girl next to her aside.

Just like last time, the only reason Ashe can't join us for the event is that she's still trapped in the “great labyrinth” she entered with Ui-san during the first event due to Ui-san’s getting-lost skill. She has yet to conquer or escape it.

Since its second run, the world event [Starry Paradise] has allowed players to choose their “entry point.” This simply means they added the option to either enter a new random location or return to the coordinates where they last finished.

Using this feature to invite new players—the ‘Attend’ system—it became possible to expand raid groups and for desired members to join the event, not just the one person you're paired with.

Which means, of course, we could bring Ashe along, but….

"Don't be so mad. Please take care of my master this time, too."

"I am not Ui's guardian."

Despite her words, Ashe continues to hold a firm vow—she has no intention of straying from her path until she conquers the mysterious great labyrinth with Ui-san.

And that’s precisely why.

She's sulking over a situation that isn’t going her way because of her own decisions.

She rarely sulks so obviously, but once she does, Alicia White can be subtly difficult to handle. Her lightning-fast munching just won't stop.

This is no good. I have no choice—

""…………""

A quick glance, eye contact.

And so, “permission” was returned in an instant with a wry smile. Given how incredibly attached Nia-chan is to the “Princess” under one roof, it was to be expected.

"Um… Ashe-san?"

"What."

Alright, time to cast a spell.

Until the Princess is in a good mood again, three, two, one.

"Tomorrow, if you have time, would you like to go somewhere, just the two of us—"

"I have time. We're going."

And just like that, our plans for Sunday tomorrow were set.

And one more thing.

"…, …………"

Tap, tap, under the table.

Needless to say, as if to demand her turn, someone kept gently kicking my leg, and a future plan was marked with the word “Reserved” to make it up to her.

---

Needless to say, another reservation for one more person was added after that.