“Right, before introductions, one thing. The reason I gathered everyone — nothing else. Things were decided while I was abroad…… I have some unresolved feelings.”
The warm air switched instantly.
A born presence. Even at her small size, enough to convey she’s a ducal-house blooded child.
I realized — Cerecia gathered us to be hunted.
How did it come to this.
I’d expected a fun tea party with Ouga’s sister…
“Frankly. I do not recognize you all as my brother’s wives.”
"""Wha……!?"""
“I love Onii-sama. He must be happy. Do you have love worthy of it——”
She narrowed her eyes.
As if appraising.
“To be Onii-sama’s wives…… let me confirm myself now.”
The angel-seeming girl now looked like a devil.
To explain everything, rewind a little——
Ouga and Alice went to the bath — I really wanted to wash him too! Next morning training, I’ll insist — and I walked beside Cerecia in the corridor.
Nerves made it feel long.
Uu…… though healthy, my stomach hurt……
“Miss Liche? You don’t need to be so nervous.”
“Fweh!? Th-that obvious!?”
“Yes, at a glance. Anyone seeing your arm and leg swing on the same side, not alternating.”
“That was me!? E-embarrassing……!”
After Morina drilled me…… I still made this mistake……
Uu…… sorry, Morina!
“No need to be that embarrassed. My first social party had many mistakes too.”
Comforted by younger Cerecia…… I wanted to look like a proper older bride; ruined.
“I want a good relationship; for now (the time being) be yourself.”
”…… Cerecia-san is kind, like Ouga.”
“Not really. I imitate Onii-sama.”
”…… You really love your brother.”
“Yes. None better exists.”
…… I’d thought cute siblings, but Cerecia’s family love is heavy.
Like Ouga’s father — Veret family’s love-intensity for the precious is huge.
I have a slight heavy-love streak too; I felt sympathy.
…… Right! Telling Cerecia about Ouga’s wonderful episodes might make her happy!
Nice plan! Genius me.
“Listen, Cerecia! I want to tell you something!”
I gave her tales of Ouga’s academy life, openly.
Picked just my-and-Ouga episodes to fit corridor talking.
She listened with unwavering smile.
She must be happy to hear about Ouga.
“——So that’s how Ouga saved me.”
”…… I see. Kind Onii-sama wouldn’t leave you alone, Miss Liche.”
“Yes! Didn’t expect a noble to save a commoner — I was so surprised. Now I’m sure Ouga would save anyone.”
“And the other bride candidates fell for Onii-sama similarly?”
“That’s…… mn, I think so.”
Karen’s incident, Reina’s, Alice’s…… all saved from life-and-death by Ouga.
Of course they’d love him!
“I see. ……Also, while I was away, an Onee-sama appeared. And Miss Lebetsenka returned……”
”……? Cerecia-san?”
“Nothing. ……Mashiro-san, I’ll go prepare to welcome everyone; guide me to my room. Asking a servant should suffice.”
“You won’t come with me?”
“No. I want to settle in for our first meeting.”
Cerecia-san…… you cherish the introduction that much……!
That feeling makes me so happy……!
“Thanks! I’ll bring them quickly!”
“Still early; take your time.”
After being seen off, I went around and got Reina and Karen, then a maid guided us to Cerecia’s room.
Her room was pink, an age-appropriate cute girl’s room.
A central table had Veret-territory’s signature sweets — said to be Ouga’s invention — set up.
Everyone seated around — a fun tea party should begin…… cue chapter opening.
”…………”
This air, what do I do! Even my magic doesn’t chill things this much!
Save me, Ouga!!