Published at 31st of August 2019 12:35 pm

Volume 8, Chapter 03: Clumsy Expression of Affection

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

…During my doze, my body was lightly shaken and my vague consciousness awakened.

“Please wake up already. Come on, it is a pleasant morning.”

Certainly, the soft morning light I felt on my cheek was pleasant.

However, yesterday a lot happened like me being made to cross-dress or Kaorun coming over, which I had to explain to the other girls, so I was tired. Besides, I wanted to laze around on a Sunday morning at least.

Therefore, I pulled the blanket over my head with my eyes still closed.

Upon that, I could hear a slightly troubled voice right away.

“Geez, that will not do. If you are like that, I will shake you some more, you know? Are you okay with that?”

When I replied with silence to that soft call, “…Then I will start now, okay?” after that reminder, my body was softly shaken, like she had said.

The one, who waked me up so gently, was without doubt Luna.

So soothing in the morning already. But, it was time for me to get up.

I felt regretful, when suddenly a sad mumbling sounded isolated in my ears.

“…At this rate, I cannot give you a morning kiss.”

Instantly, I pulled the blanket from my face with attitude.

“G- Good grief, you’re such a spoiled blonde big sister. Just to tell you, I’m not getting up, because I was tempted by your words just now— wait, WAAAH!”

Inadvertently releasing a surprised voice from my own mouth, I jumped up backwards.

Before my eyes wasn’t Luna… but Kaorun in maid clothes.

She must have imitated Luna’s voice. It was quite accurate, so I didn’t notice at all. I was perfectly surprised, whereas Kaorun frowned slightly displeased.

“Muh, here I specially came to wake you up gently, yet you give me this treatment?”

“No, no, right back at you, what are you imitating Luna for so early in the morning?”

Kaorun replied to the flustered me, as I didn’t hide my confusion, with her usual inexpressiveness.

“I merely did my best to give you a refreshing morning, Shinobu-sama. I do not think there is anything wrong with it?”

“…Well, it’s not wrong how you woke me up, but your character is wrong.”

“What are you talking about? I am actually the soothing type, just like Luna-sama. Though I do admit that I kind of have the tendencies of a breaking ball…”

“Yeah, just that it broke so much that you’re not longer the soothing type, but the lascivious type. The term sluttish maid suits you perfect.”

“H- How rude. If that is what you think, I will really use a perverted way to wake you up next time, you know? I do not think you would get all that angry, so I will make you feel good plentiful.”

“…My bad. That’s embarrassing, so please spare me.”

I might dig my own grave with my inapt joke. I properly apologized to Kaorun, suppressed a yawn and asked her.

“That aside, what’s up? You need something?”

“Yes. Actually, well…”

Midway in her sentence Kaorun blushed for some reason and continued while stroking her stomach.

“…I am expecting <3” “Ah, expecting me for breakfast? Okay, I’m coming right away.” When I completely brushed it off, Kaorun puffed up her cheeks a bit. However, soon enough she regained her spirits, as she flushed her cheeks once more and this time pulled on my sleeve reserved. “Also, Shinobu-sama, today I am… not wearing any today.” “Ohh, right, you’re not wearing any socks. Your angles are pretty.” “…Thank you very much for your half-hearted praise. That said, I believe there is something wrong with you as a boy your age, seeing as you have such high skills in brushing off these things.” Nah, I just naturally had learned it from Hijiri’s continuous seductions. While I replied so in my heart, I changed the topic along with a smile. “Thanks for waking me up. Sorry, but go on ahead. I’ll change now.” “Let me help you with that as well.” “Not needed. You’re excused, Miss Maid.” “Oh no, please do not be so reserved. Dressing her Master is just another duty of a maid. I have nothing but perverted thoughts on it. So rest assured and entrust your body to me.” “…Hey, you just spilled your true intention. Besides, I’m afraid I’m not your Master. Stop joking around and get out already.” “You are so cold…” Mumbling somewhat sadly, Kaorun obediently left the room. By the way, I kept it a secret that I quite enjoyed our conversation just now… After changing, I showed up in the dining kitchen, where Machina, Elni and Nazuna were. Kaorun and my mother were also there. Everyone sat at the table together and each of them, Machina looking a bit sleepy, Elni and Nazuna smiling and my mother with the newspaper in one hand, gave me a morning greeting. But, on a rare occasion, Luna wasn’t here this morning. While returning the greeting, I asked them, since I found it to be strange. “Hey, where’s Luna? Is she still sleeping?” When I asked so, Kaorun answered while smiling a bit. “Luna-sama should wake up soon. Truth be told, I snuck into her room this morning and put off the time of her alarm clock. Then I played a prank--- no, I mean, I then made breakfast instead of Luna-sama. Please praise me.” “…Somehow, I get the feeling there where some weird words I shouldn’t ignore, but oh well. I want Luna to laze around on a Sunday at least as well…” While saying so, I also sat down at the table and looked at the breakfast that Kaorun made. Snow-white rice that steamed faintly and clam miso soup. A fresh coloured salad and minced Vienna sausages. The scent of the fish main dish really stirred up my appetite. Amidst that, hasty footsteps sounded from the hallway and Luna came leaping into the dining kitchen with attitude. Instantly, everyone, except Kaorun, widened their eyes together upon seeing Luna. For some reason, Luna was wearing a white/black cow-pattern swimsuit. Moreover, she wore a cow-ear hairband on her head and a yellow cowbell around her neck, which brought about an indescribable sex appeal. Furthermore, the size of the swimsuit only seemed to not fit around her breasts, so her plenty voluminous breasts filled out the triangle-shaped bikini-top to the limit with her soft underboobs spilling out. Regardless of this state, Luna wasn’t aware of her own attire, as she lowered her head in a flustered state. “I am sorry! I overslept! I will prepare breakfast right away….wait, huh? It, is already done…” “Y- Yeah. Kaorun made it.” “Ah, is that so. Thank you, Kaoru-san.” Luna smile softly, while we others stared at Kaorun, whereupon she averted her eyes with “Ehm, well…” and clapped her hands to distract. “O- Oh right, Shinobu-sama! This is a good chance, so how about you get some experience on milking by using Luna-sama’s breasts?” “Okay, I’m itching to--- not! You’re the one who made her wear that anyway! You said something about a prank earlier! Geez, the heck are you doing!” Temporarily stopping my words, I then shouted with a loud voice. “Thank you, Kaorun--- wait, no! Someone hurry and get a video camera--- wait, no! What am I supposed to say…” Actually I had meant to reprimand her properly. However I was quite happy at heart, so only my true intentions spilled out of my mouth, whereas Luna tilted her head lightly. “Uhm, Shinobu-san, Kaoru-san, what are you talking about?” “R- Right. You still seem half-asleep, so go take a look in the mirror for a bit. It’ll wake you up without doubt.” “Okay…” As she really was absent-minded after just getting up, Luna gave a dispirited reply and left the dining kitchen. Then she surely looked in a mirror like I had told her. Right way I could hear an embarrassing scream saying “Wh- What is with this outfit!?”. Instantly, Machina lightly glared at Kaorun a bit angry. “Hey, Kaoru, why did you do that to my sister?” “That is, well, Luna-sama was sleeping in her underwear and she seemed to be surprisingly hard to wake up, so I believed that it would make Shinobu-sama happy…and gave in to the temptation.” Kaorun sorrily squeezed herself, to which Elni interjected with a follow up. “Machina, Luna wouldn’t get angry over something like that, so what’s the harm. Besides, there are people who play pranks on someone they like, because they want attention. I’m sure it was Kaorun’s way of fawning on her.” “…Reminds me, Kaoru often plays pranks on Hijiri and Shinobu. In other words, Kaoru likes my sister?”

Machina blinked her eyes in surprise, whereupon Kaorun turned bright red in a twinkle and stood up, clearly turning away the topic.

“I, I will go apologize to Luna-sama, so excuse me. Also, Elni-sama, I am sorry for interrupting your intense staring at my fish, but please do not eat it on your own accord.”

“Yeah, I’ll leave half.”

“No, no. Like I said, I do not want you to eat it at all…”

“Just kidding. But I’m hungry, so come back soon. Also, Kaorun, you can play pranks on me as well, you know? I like you.”

“…Somehow, I get the feeling that I cannot match you, Elni-sama.”

Leaking these words isolated, Kaorun left the dining kitchen behind her with her cheeks still red.

After watching her leave, Machina then pulled on Elni’s sleeve timidly.

“Hey Elni, Shinobu also teases me a lot, but does it have the same meaning as with Kaoru?”

“Mh? Isn’t Shinobu just teasing you, because you’re cute?”

…Apparently my feelings were exposed to everyone, but Machina. On Elni’s words, both Nazuna and my mother nodded greatly in agreement.

On the other hand, Machina smiled while facing sideways and said by turning bright red.

“…Shinobu, you can tease me some more from now on.”

“I, I see. Okay, then I’ll snatch your side-dish right away.”

“Really? What do you want? Pick whatever you like. Just take it.”

Well, I had said it to hide my embarrassment, so if she gave me such a bright smile, I was a bit troubled on how to react…

To be honest, I was quite perplexed and after some worrying in my heart, I decided to take a single piece of lettuce.

After not even a few minutes, Luna and Kaorun returned and we each enjoyed our meal.

Incidentally, to my regret Luna had changed into casual clothes and ate the food made by Kaorun with relish.

While watching her, I showed a faint wry smile and called out to Luna.

“But I gotta say, you sure don’t get angry at all, even after Kaorun did all that to you.”

“Yes. This is not much. Besides, you seemed happy, Shinobu-san…”

…B- Busted, huh. I might have a greater weakness for girls than I thought. Getting embarrassed, I scratched my cheek, whereupon Luna smiled lightly and softly whispered into my ear.

“Shinobu-san, they will not give any milk, but would you like to try milking my breasts, like Kaoru-san suggested?”

“PFFT!”

As one would expect, I snorted and was completely agitated.

“Wh- What are you saying out of the blue! There’s a limit to being erotic! Besides, you shouldn’t even be saying that!”

I gave her a warning in a flustered commotion, but Luna just smiled while blushing faintly.

Ehm, this reaction, could it be I was teased by Luna?

At the time I realized that, I felt my cheeks getting hot and a touching joy spread in my chest.

…Luna had changed a bit after all.

She appeared more flexible now, compared to the beginning of our reunion, and even started to tell jokes recently. I was sure that was because she opened up her heart.

But it was kind of embarrassing, so I averted my eyes from Luna.

There my vision fell on Machina drowsily rubbing her eyes.

“What’s up, Machina? Did you stay up late yesterday?”

When I asked casually, Kaorun interjected remembering.

“That reminds me, there was a slightly perverted show on TV at midnight.”

“Yes, I stayed up late in anticipation for that— wait, no! I was reading the novel that Shinobu lent me before! It was interesting, so I just lost track of the time…”

“Oh, that’s it? I’m glad. So it was worth recommending.”

I was happy that Machina liked it as well. They say autumn is the season of reading, so I should recommend Machina another novel.

There Kaorun pulled on my sleeve jerkily.

“Shinobu-sama, if possible, would you lend me a novel as well?”

“Mh? I don’t mind, but… I don’t have any erotic novels.”

“…You see, I do not want a perverted book. Or rather, just what do you think of me, Shinobu-sama?”

“Yeah, what indeed. Pick one from the following three choices: 1, a perverted maid. 2, a sluttish maid. 3, a surprisingly bashful person. Okay, which will it be?”

When I gave three choices as a joke, Kaorun replied with a determined expression.

“The correct answer is number four— ‘My angel’.”

“Hey, don’t add more choices on your own. Well, I can lend you as many novels as you want, but what kind of books do you read?”

“Technical or instruction books, light novels, as long as it is a book, I read it.”

…Mhm~, did I phrase my question wrong?

I had intended to ask her for her favourite genre in a novel, but… oh well. Judging by her mode of speaking, she seemed to be versed reader. If she read anything like she had said, I should lend her the same book that I recommended to Machina.

While such thoughts crossed my mind, I felt a bit surprised and opened my mouth.

“But you sure love reading, huh.”

“Yes. It is entertaining to increase one’s knowledge. Besides, right now…”

Suddenly dropping her gaze, Kaorun spoke quietly.

“…I want to distract myself, if only briefly…”

These words that sounded like a monologue wouldn’t have been heard if one wasn’t attentive.

But me included, everyone heard them without doubt.

Yesterday night, Kaorun told us about her reason for coming over. That was why everyone stopped their hands on the meal for a moment and Elni wordless put a Vienna sausage from her side-dishes on Kaorun’s plate.

Upon that, Kaorun changed her expression and smiled softly.

“Thank you very much, Elni-sama.”

“Nah, no need to thank me. Let me hug you instead.”

“…Eh? Uhm, that would be a bit troubling— wait, Elni-sama!? Please listen to me! You cannot!”

The instant Elni clung to her with a smile, Kaorun flushed her cheeks in an agitated state. Seeing that, Nazuna imitated Elni and softly put a Vienna sausage on Kaorun’s plate.

“Ehm, Nazuna-sama, you are a good girl, so please do not do the same things as Elni-sama.”

“WHO’S BAD!”

“Y- You cannot be a bad girl! Wh- Why are the two of you clinging to me!? It is embarrassing, so please stop it!”

While Elni and Nazuna smiled, Kaorun instantly turned bright red, as she wasn’t used to this kind of physical contact.

Moreover, Luna, who loved physical contact, followed after Elni and Nazuna and together with even my mother they started to cling to Kaorun… More lively than usual, the morning went by slowly and enjoyable.

After breakfast, I chose a novel for Kaorun in my room and holding it in one hand, I headed to the living room, where Nazuna was studying with a serious face. Next to her was Kaorun, who seemed to look over Nazuna’s studying.

Watching over them, I called out to Nazuna a bit surprised.

“How rare for you to be studying so early in the morning…”

“Well, I got loaded with homework.”

Saying so, Nazuna lightly dropped her shoulders, but soon enough continued with a “But” and a smile.

“Thanks to Miss Maid, I’m about to finish. She’s really good at teaching.”

“Hee, is that so…”

I made an agreeable response and shifted my gaze, whereupon Kaorun puffed up her well-shaped chest proudly.

“As you can see, I am a perfect maid with a keen mind, pretty looks and no flaws whatsoever. I will solve any problem.”

“…Hoo, so confident. Then, try solving this.”

Taking Nazuna’s math textbook, I gave a random question to test her.

“asinA=bsinB+csinC— When this equation applies, what kind of shape does this ABC triangle take?”

“The Bermuda Triangle of love. That is how the love gears A, B and C started to circulate. Yes, just like a cup of coffee…”

“Quite the poetic answer. By the way, do you know the famous words from Professor Clark?”

“Of course. Boys be lecherous, right?”

“Hey, Professor Clark didn’t say something so indecent. It’s, Boys be ambitious. Actually, you’re doing that on purpose, aren’t you?”

“No, that is not the case. Now, please keep questioning me.”

For some reason Kaorun was motivated, so I decided to play along a bit longer.

“The word impossible is not French— who said these words?”

“—Naporitan.”

“Ohh, he got a delicious name. Well, the correct answer would have been Napoleon…”

Showing a wry smile, I raised the level of the problems and continued.

“What happens to litmus paper when you soak it in acidic fluids?”

“I- If you do that, Master, it will become wet…”

“…W- Well, it certainly will get wet, but it also turns red. Also, don’t make a strangely erotic voice. And lastly, what’s the antonym for Gentleman?”

“—Pervert.”

“Yeah, I wrote that during a test in the past as well, but the correct answer seems to be Lady.”

Showing a vague smile, I shifted my gaze and rested my hand on Nazuna’s shoulder with a pop.

“Hey Nazuna, should I help you with your homework instead of Kaorun?”

“Mhm~ Thanks for the offer, but the Maid is helping me today, so I’ll pass. Right now she’s only fooling around, but she’s actually quite smart. I mean, she explains better than a teacher at school.”

Nazuna praised her to the skies with sparkling eyes, whereupon Kaorun quickly averted her eyes from us, as she got embarrassed.

“I- It is nothing special. I gained most of my knowledge through self-study…”

“Self-study? Then you studied a lot, Miss Maid?”

“Yes, that is correct. I like studying after all.”

As Kaorun replied with a small nod, Nazuna widened her eyes and responded.

“You’re amazing, Miss Maid. While I like music and arts, I’m not really a fan of studying. You don’t even know if it’ll be useful.”

“Indeed. Even if you increase your knowledge, it might not be all that helpful for your every day life. But I believe that getting to know about various things will open up your horizons.”

With an usual serious expression, Kaorun continued with a “Therefore,”.

“It is a very fortune thing to be able to study. That said, for some people school can become a place of dislike and harshness, but I heard that you learn a lot of things and meet all kind of people at school.”

Slowly changing her tone in which a bit of envious resonated, Kaorun said softly.

“It might sound selfish, but if you have the chance and place to be able to study, I would like you to treasure it.”

…Just at whom were these words directed?

Kaorun’s eyes were coloured quite gently, yet somewhat sadly, so I couldn’t stop myself from petting her head softly.

Kaorun was a bit surprised and flushed her cheeks.

“Uhm, Shinobu-sama? Why so suddenly?”

“Well, you were helping Nazuna with her studies. I just wanted to show you that I’m grateful.”

“…Well, thank you very much. Should I pet your head as well as in thanks, Shinobu-sama?”

“Not now. But if you insist on it, then pet Nazuna in my stead.”

When I brought up the matter, Nazuna started to smile and gave Kaorun a hopeful glance.

On the other hand, Kaorun timidly opened her mouth in a perplexed state.

“…Are you really fine with someone like me petting you?”

“Of course. Or rather, I’ll hug you again if you don’t pet me. Got that?”

Nazuna smiled prankish, whereupon Kaorun showed a wry smile and replied.

“That would be troubling, so I have no other choice…”

While saying so, Kaorun gently and carefully, like handling a fragile object, petted her head, whereupon Nazuna narrowed her eyes pleased and clung to Kaorun with a smile, as she couldn’t hold back.

Instantly, Kaorun flushed her cheeks once more.

“N- Nazuna-sama? I did pet you, so you would not hug me, right? That is not fair.”

“Playing unfair is a virtue. Rules exist to be broken.”

“No, no! Please keep the breaking limited to your coin bank! Besides, where did you learn these words? Good grief, whose influence is that?”

“…It’s not me.”

While retorting instantly, I smiled faintly.

This should distract Kaorun a bit. Actually, being hugged by Nazuna, Kaorun looked somewhat happy, albeit embarrassed…

* * *

In the afternoon I immersed myself into training my body and after finishing dinner and my bath, I reviewed and made preparation for classes, then enjoyed a novel as a break and in no time it had become midnight.

…About time I got to sleep.

Going to the bathroom while leaking a yawn, I was then back on my way to my room, when I suddenly noticed that the lights in the living room were still on, so I casually opened the door.

There Kaorun sat crouched on the sofa and absent-minded watch TV.

However, even though her eyes faced the television, it was more in a zoned out state and she seemed kind of down.

…She might be thinking about Hijiri.

Unable to keep watching in silence, I softly called out to Kaorun.

“Yo, what’s up? Can’t fall asleep?”

“…Yes. Once I thought about my beloved Shinobu-sama, I just could not sleep anymore.”

As soon as she looked at my face, Kaorun regained her usual inexpressiveness. Sadly enough, even her usual joke wasn’t all too funny. However, I concealed that and dared to suggest “Well then,” with a bright tone.

“How about you have a date with your beloved Shinobu-san now? I don’t have any money, so we can only go to a park, but for that I’ll present you plenty of romance.”

“Fufu, a midnight stroll, it is? That sounds fun, but you have school tomorrow and are busy with practicing for the sports festival, right?”

“Aw, well, I can’t sleep either because my body is on fire. So if you want, come along.”

“…Such a gentle lie.”

Leaking a faint mumbling, Kaorun smiled and stood up.

“Well then, let us go to the beach together. I want to play tag flirtingly on the shore. When you catch me, I will give you a kiss.”

“No, no, if we go all the way to the beach, the sun will be out. Sorry, but you’ll have to make do with the park.”

Rebuking softly, I left the house together with Kaorun. And on the quiet street at night, I walked side by side with her.

The gentle wind stroking my cheeks was pleasant, the bugs could be heard clearly and the vivid full moon gently shone upon us. Until we reached the park I didn’t really talk with Kaorun, but it wasn’t awkward, rather quiet atmosphere felt peaceful.

Amidst that, both Kaorun and me sat down on the bench in the park and doing nothing, we watched the moon floating in the night sky.

“…It is, kind of elegant.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Fufu, the moon is pretty as well.”

“You’re even prettier.”

“Shinobu-sama, even if you have to lie, you ought to say ‘You’re even prettier’… H- Huh? I get the feeling you said something unexpected…”

In the nonchalant atmosphere, Kaorun blushed perplexed and after a small pause… she once more opened her mouth quietly.

“Shinobu-sama, are you not cold?”

“I’m fine.”

“You are not thirsty?”

“Nope.”

“I am… not a bother?”

“I never considered you one.”

While watching the moon, I reached out my hand and petted Kaorun’s head, continuing with a strong tone.

“With you around it’s lively and fun. You can stay with us as long as you want.”

“…Thank… you…”

Faintly cracking her voice, Kaorun softly leaned her cheek onto my shoulder. And while I continued to pet her head during a long silence, she then said hesitant.

“Even on a peaceful night like this, the exorcists have to work. While most people sleep, they confront devils, sometimes get injured gravely or at times even lose their lives…”

“It’s a dangerous job.”

“Yes. Therefore, I believe that it is really desirable if Hijiri-chan is to quit her job as an exorcist.”

“…Does Hijiri want to quit?”

Not answering my question, Kaorun averted her eyes from me and began to talk with “…Lately, I have been thinking”.

“Until now, Hijiri-chan could not invite friends over due to her family’s occupation. And she cannot keep one of her beloved dogs, since the Mistress has an allergy. But for all that, if Hijiri-chan were to quit her exorcist job, go to university and live alone in an apartment apart from the Gogyou Household, she would be able to call over her friends and keep a dog.”

Opposite to her lively voice, she kept a sad expression and continued calmly.

“Knowing Hijiri-chan, I believe that she will surely take me along to that apartment. And then the Gogyou Household would need to employ a new maid to replace me. Most likely the Master will not be against it, since from the beginning, he had planned to have the young master take over the house.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. I believe you already know it, Shinobu-sama, but as a child, there were cruel rumours about Hijiri-chan at school when her family’s circumstances got exposed. At that time Hijiri-chan was in low spirits, but the young master is different.”

As she remembered about Hijiri’s little brother, Kaorun said somewhat proudly.

“The young master attended the same school as Hijiri-chan and even though he was just a first grader, even though his friends left, even though he was being left out at school and even though he must have actually been sad, he behaved normal in front of Hijiri-chan.”

“What a tough guy…”

“The young master merely wanted to protect his beloved sister. So the Master made the young master his successor. Therefore Hijiri-chan should have already been released from the dangerous job…”

A bit at a loss for words, she lightly clenched her fist.

“…Right now, I perfectly understand the reason why the young master hated me in the past. My existence made Hijiri-chan aim to be an exorcist. She promised me to change the exorcist organisation. She told me she would make them accept me as her family.”

Kaorun lovely picked her words carefully, but regret was mixed into her voice.

“That promise is more important than anything else to me. But, I get the feeling that it restrains Hijiri-chan. It is not certain yet if Hijiri-chan will quit her job as an exorcist. However, I am thinking about it a lot recently.”

Biting on her well-formed lips, Kaorun let her voice tremble…and showed an awkward smile.

“If I just were to separate myself from Hijiri-chan, even were to get her to hate me, then she no longer would have a reason to be so obsessed with the exorcists. And thus, she would not have to face any danger in such a peaceful night and could live as a normal—”

“Are you fine with that?”

I couldn’t help, but cut into Kaorun’s words.

Hiding one’s own feelings, turning one’s back to one’s dream, separating oneself from a precious person and only hurting oneself, such a lifestyle…

“Are you really fine with that?”

“…I am.”

Putting on a crying-like smile, Kaorun nodded faintly.

“If I were to insist on it, Hijiri-chan would give me everything. Not swayed by the defamation she receives from the exorcist organisation due to treating me as a human, Hijiri-chan might fulfil her promise, even if it distorts her own life. However, I am scared of that.”

This small voice mysteriously loud echoed through the park at night.

“Even if Hijiri-chan should keep her promise, I have nothing to give her in return. I love Hijiri-chan. I love her very much, so more than anyone, I want her to be happy. Thinking so is only natural as an older sister, is it not?”

With a forced smiling face, Kaorun smiled again.

“When Hijiri-chan is considering about attending university, then it is a good opportunity. I believe that if I take my distance and get hated, Hijiri-chan will abstain from pursuing the path of the an exorcists. To be honest, if Hijiri-chan were to go to university and live in an apartment, I would like to accompany her, but I already received so many things from her. I cannot wish for any more.”

Still clenching her fist and even trembling her lips, she still didn’t break her smile.

“I am not a tool like in the past. As long as Hijiri-chan is happy, I do not mind if she hates me. They will hire a new maid and on the right time, I will return to the exorcist organisation.”

—That won’t do.

Kaorun’s expression enlightened by the moonlight was just too sad that I inadvertently was about to spill out these words.

Kaorun didn’t know how to act spoiled—

She told me herself that ever since she could remember, she was used as a tool in the exorcist organisation and didn’t know how to act spoiled.

So what she did to Luna this morning must have been her own awkward way of acting spoiled, just like Elni had said. And the previous prank and seducing me might also have been done from the desire to act spoiled, a cry for attention.

Because it must have been hard for her, even if she wanted to separate herself from Hijiri.

But Kaorun was trying to endure it and take action as Hijiri’s older sister.

That was the reason for her change and I didn’t know if her decision was right or wrong. Since I didn’t know… I couldn’t say anything.

But I couldn’t stand that and unable to stop my feelings, I tightly embraced Kaorun.

Kaorun didn’t resist in particular. She just twined her arms around my back.

“Shinobu-sama, you are trembling.”

“…’Cause I’m cold. Warm me up.”

“Again such a gentle lie. If you do that… I will be unable… to hold back…”

Finally Kaorun started to cry with hics and tears wetted my chest.

“…I apologize for always fawning on you and Luna-sama. But please let me stay at your house for a little while longer. I will properly sort out my feelings…”

If she sorted out her feelings, then she would separate herself from Hijiri?

Turning one’s back to one’s dream and continuing to walk alone, what was in store for one then?

Was it okay just to wish for someone’s happiness?

I couldn’t accept that. But I didn’t know what I should do, so I still couldn’t say anything to the crying Kaorun…

* * *

It had been a week, since Kaorun started living at our house.

During that week, she had been sleeping in the guest room and while she sometimes showed a sad expression, she usually got along well with the other girls.

And while living together with Kaorun, I got to see all kind of sides of her.

For example, how she surprisingly did all house chores perfectly. How she funnily turned bright red, when she received physical contact from Nazuna or Elni, as she was indeed shy. How she was a more intense reader than I had imagined and finished all the novels that my mother and I lent her in no time.

Also… how she liked my bed?

—The afternoon of a holiday. After finishing lunch and watching TV in the living room, I was going to return to my room, whereupon I noticed that my door was slightly open.

…Was someone inside?

When I wondering opened the door quietly, Kaorun laid on my bed sideways and was hugging on my pillow with an exceedingly blissful face.

“Ahh… Shinobu-sama’s scent…”

On a rare occasion, Kaoru, who was sensitive to presences, didn’t notice me yet. She started to rub her cheeks against my pillow in a spellbound state.

“Mm… *kiss*… Hah…”

Lightly kissing the pillow, she made an erotic sigh. Moreover she flushed her cheeks and rubbed her thighs together.

“Uhn… Even though I know… I should not be doing this…”

Kaorun slowly… let her fingers move down her abdomen.

There Kaorun looked my way and perfectly met my eyes.

Instantly, Kaorun turned bright red up to her ears and raised a hysteric voice.

“M- Meeooow!”

“Ohh, I heard another meow from Kaorun. Fufu, you sure love that word.”

It was quite cute. While I naturally smiled, Kaorun shook both her hands flustered.

“N- No! I have not done anything yet– wait, no! This, well, right, it is marking! You know, cats often do it to their favourite things or owner! So I just tried to raise a cat’s purring! That really is all to it!”

“…Well, our cats does it often too, but didn’t you come here to air the sheets?”

“*snore, snore*”

“Hey, stop your obvious sleep-feigning. C’mon, get up.”

“…No. It is impossible. I am so embarrassed I could cry. Today I will stay in bed in defiance for the whole day.”

I- If she did that, Kaorun might really end up marking my sheets with her scent. What if I couldn’t sleep from all the excitement then?

When I made a slightly weak sigh, Kaorung leaked a giggle.

“Shinobu-sama, you do not need to make such a troubled expression. I was joking about staying in bed all day.”

“…Not really a funny joke.”

“Fufu, my apologies. I will give you some little sister play as an apology, so please forgive me.”

“Huh? Why little sister play?”

“Well, over the past few days I understood that you are even more soft on Nazuna-sama than I had believed, so I wanted to get treated gently by you as well…”

Midway in her sentence, Kaorun cleared her throat with a cough. Changing her tone, she spread both her hands with a smile.

“Dear Brother, let us sleep together. Meow.”

“…I’m going out for a bit.”

“Does your composure know no limit after all!?”

Kaorun made a heart-broken expression, but it was embarrassing, so I quickly left the room.

…Somehow, I got the feeling that Kaorun strangely spend her time with me, ever since the stroll at night the other day. Well, not that I minded, but I hoped she would spare me the little sister play. If I took a nonchalant attitude like this, even Kaorun should give up.

Was what I thought, but she apparently still continued the play.

After getting down to the living room, I enjoyed a game with my real little sister Nazuna upon her invitation while my mother watched over us.

“Ah, here you are, Dear Brother.”

Kaorun approached me with a smile and sat down besides me. Purring a “Meow” a bit spoiled, she clung to me tightly. Agitated by that soft body sensation, I suddenly felt something amiss and faced Kaorun.

“…Is it my imagination or are you a bit hot?”

“Yes, when I think of you, Dear Brother, my body naturally sets on fire.”

Replying quite erotically, Kaorun begged with “More importantly” and a smile.

“Dear Brother, please play with me too. Okay?”

“…Yeah, okay. I lost to your enthusiasm, Lil Sis.”

Kaorun seemed to have fun, So I would play along with her little sister play for a bit.

When I replied with a nod, my mother, who had kept quiet so far, faced Nazuna and giggled teasingly.

“Trouble, Nazuna. At this rate, Kaoru-chan might steal your little sister position from you.”

“Ehh!?”

On my mother’s words, Nazuna confronted Kaorun with tears dwelling up in her eyes.

“Miss Maid! You can’t do that! I’m the little sister here!”

“Ehm, please rest assured, Nazuna-sama. I am merely playing the little sister. And on a step-sister setting. I do not rival you, the real little sister…”

Kaorun replied so softly, but my mother smiled roguish and interjected with “Is that really true?”.

“Isn’t Nazuna at a disadvantage between a real and a stepsister?”

“Th- That’s not true! Brother is really kind to me! When I cold a caught, he also got a fever for me!”

…Nah, I just simply got infected by your cold.

I retorted so in my heart to Nazuna, who raised a voice in opposition to Kaorun.

Amidst that, my mother smiled again teasingly.

“But, Kaoru-chan is older and sexier, you know?”

“A- And I’m younger!”

“Kaoru-chan is tall.”

“I’m short!”

“Kaoru-chan is smart.”

“I’m stu… I won’t fall for that!”

Slightly puffing up her cheeks and shifting her gaze, Nazua fiercely pointed at Kaorun as to declare war.

“Miss Maid! We’re going to fight over the position of the little sister! I definitely won’t lose!”

“O- Okay…”

Suddenly challenged, Kaorun must have been perplexed. She gave a dispirited reply, then clapped her hands with a “Well then,” as she regained her spirit.

“Nazuna-sama, how about we include Luna-sama and the others on this occasion? And the victor, who claimed the title of the little sister, gets to order the loser anything— What do you say?”

“Yeah! That’s fine! Though I get the feeling that my rivals suddenly increased. But it sounds fun, so bring it on!”

Nazuna readily accepted Kaorun’s conditions.

But somehow… I got the feeling that it wouldn’t end well if dragged into this turmoil.

My mother must have had the same impression. We both looked at each other and quickly retreated from the living room. My mother went to her own room and I left the house, heading for the library…

* * *

After reading an old novel at the library, I returned to the house under the evening sun, whereupon Machina and Elni came to greet me at the front door.

But, the instant I saw these two, I inadvertently opened my eyes wide.

Because their attire was obviously strange.

Machina’s must have symbolized a succubus. A lewd, high leg leotard in black with jet black wings on the back. Her chest was largely exposed and half of her voluminous breasts were shown.

On the other hand, Elni had the image of a princess from a fairy-tale. She wore a pure white dress that exposed her shoulders. Her graceful fingers and arms were covered by white gloves and this mysterious and beautiful appearance made you think it was a picture taken from a wall.

…But, this was my house, not a cosplay fair, right?

While I was certainly perplexed, Machina approached me with her round breasts bouncing largely and smiled charming.

“Fufu, you’re finally home. My cute slave.”

Machina stroked me under the chin with her slender fingers and continued with a long breathing.

“Hey Shinobu, I’m in a really good mood right now. So I specially will allow you to lick my leg. You can lick my thighs, my tiptoes, angles or any place you like all you want.”

“…Did you eat anything funny?”

Machina’s behaviour and words excited me, but my confusion was greater.

When I tilted my head, Machina turned bright red instantly and shouted.

“E- Even I didn’t want to do something so embarrassing! But I lost to Kaoru in the game, so I had no choice! C’mon! You’re next, Elni!”

When Machina urged her with teary eyes, Elni averted her eyes from me and said with a small voice.

“…Have you seen my glass shoe? I lost it at the party last night. Please tell me if you find it…”

“Hey Elni! That aren’t the arranged lines! I also did it, so stopd fooling around and obey Kaoru’s order!”

“Uhh…”

Hearing Machina’s warning, Elni turned bright red on a rare occasion and drew closer. Then, standing on her tiptoes and closing both her eyes, she presented her cheery-like lips.

“O- Only a kiss can awaken me, my Prince— wait, Uwaaah! So embarrassing! Why do I have to do this!”

“—You’re the reason for all of it!”

Machina instantly replied to Elni, who shouting bright red up to her ears, with a rough voice.

“Even after losing to Kaoru numerous times, you kept playing tough with ‘Double or quits’, so we were made to dress like this and even had to say these lines! Mad Dog my ass! Why don’t you change it to Loser Dog now!”

“Y- You don’t need to go that far! I thought I would win! Besides, I certainly lost, but the play-style is important, not the outcome!”

“The play-style? You even lost at that! I only joined in because you said you would cheat! Yet Kaoru saw through it so easily and beat us overwhelming! Besides, why do you even have these costumes! Stupid Elni! Idiot! Fool!”

“Muh! I can still forgive the stupid and idiot, but fool is taking it too far! Also, I told you long ago that I got these costumes from a friend! They aren’t my taste!”

Machina and Elni made a ruckus while each turning bright red.

While listening to their conversation, I could get the gist of things.

Most likely, after I left the house, everyone started to fight about the position of the little sister and it ended with Kaorun standing victorious. Because of that Machina and Elni, the loser, had to obey the victor’s orders by cosplaying and saying strange lines.

Well, a kind of punishment game, so to speak.

There I suddenly felt a gaze and faced the faintly opened living room door.

“Mh? Who’s there?”

“Myself is a cat. I do possess a name.”

“…Which is?”

“The name is Nazucat.”

Replying to my question with a weird verbal expression, Nazuna showed up from the living room.

She probably must be doing the punishment as well. Nazuna wore cat-ears and a tail with a tube top and lowrise hot pants. Her small navel was in plain view.

…She was the cat Nazucat.

I showed a faint wry smile and called out to Nazuna.

“Could it be, Kaorun ordered you to say something to me?”

“No. Not to you, Brother, but Miss Maid requested that I call her ‘Kaoru-san’. So when I fulfilled her request, she happily petted my head. So I decided to always call her Kaoru-san from now on.”

“Hee, I’m sure Kaorun will like that. So, where’s the Kaorun in question?”

When I asked her a bit curious, Elni put her quarrel with Machina on hold and answered my question.

“Kaorun was singing ‘Creating a harem, that was my dream in the past~♪‘ while holding us round our shoulders, but she seemed kind of tired, so she went back to her room.“

While explaining so, Elni rested her hand on my shoulder.

“By the way, Shinobu, how do you feel right now?”

“I feel bad for you, but to be honest, it’s awesome.”

“I see. But the problems starts now. The ultimate weapon is waiting in the house. Go into the living room.”

Elni said profound and pushed my back. Pushed forward, I went into the living room together with the others, whereupon there was Luna.

But, once more I opened my eyes wide.

Luna wore a black bondage suit high on exposure.

S&M. A Dominatrix. Quite maniac.

Her chest was boldly exposed, showing the shape of her voluminous breasts well. I could also see her tight waist and beautiful legs.

Without exception, Luna was also acting the punishment. When she recognized me, she showed me a soft smile.

“Welcome home, Shinobu-san. Will you take a bath? Will you have dinner? Or.do.you….”

Midway in her sentence, her smiling expression changed completely. Luna raised her chin a bit and tinted her eyes in a sadistic colour, then declaring with a bewitching smile.

“—want a spanking?”

D- Dominatrix alright. A shiver ran down my spine. I never experienced anything like this before. While I was scared, my heart just wouldn’t stop beating in excitement. So mysterious.

While I was somewhat excited and perplexed, everyone else was lightly trembling and each leaked a lamenting voice.

“L- Luna-oneechan turned into a Dominatrix!”

“Ssh! Nazucat, you have to call Queen Luna by her title.”

“El- Elni is right, Nazuna. I’ll call my sister Queen from now on too.”

On Nazuna, Elni and Machina’s words, Luna instantly turned bright red. She surely just tried her hardest to act like that. She protested with teary eyes.

“I am not a Dominatrix! Kaoru-san just requested it from me! Shinobu-san, tell them something… wait, Shinobu-san? Why are you rubbing your hands together in the corner of the room?”

“No, no. For an underling like myself it is unthinkable to address my Queen Luna, yes.”

“Wh- Why did you become so submissive!?”

Well, the panicking Luna was cute, so I just ended up teasing her on reflex. However, the others, either truthfully or jokingly, were still trembling and

“W- Well, calm down, Sister— I mean, please settle down, my Queen.”

“Yeah, Brother is just fooling around, Luna-onee…. Queen Luna.”

“…Scary. I won’t play weird pranks on Queen Luna anymore.”

said stuff like that. Luna shouted sadly with still teary eyes.

“You are all so mean! If you say all that, I really will become a Queen!”

Looking down along with her words… Luna raised her head after a small pause, whereupon her expression had perfectly become that of a bewitching Queen. She ordered with a low voice.

“—Everyone, sit down formally right away. You will be punished.”

Instantly, the girls with pale faces and I on a reflex sat down formally to Luna’s feet. Except me, everyone was looking down and trembling again, whereas Luna looked to be in shock.

“… Am I, really that scary…?”

She mumbled. Cute indeed. When I made a stifled laugh, Luna puckered her lips a bit.

“Muh, Shinobu-san, what is so funny?”

“No, well, I was thinking how I gladly would like to receive your punishment, Queen Luna. You know, just try it if you can.”

“—I understand.”

“Yeah, I knew it, you can’t… wait, you understand?”

…Huh? That was a different remark than I had expected.

I, I might have made her angry by teasing her too much. Luna moved in front of me, put her hands on her waist and stared at me by bending over.

On that occasion, her plenty voluminous breasts bounced and with a sadistic glitter in her eyes, Luna declared while sweetly smiling.

“As you wish, I will give you punishment now, Shinobu-san. Please lay down face-up.”

“Uhm, I’m sorry. The joke went too far. I’m scared, so please forgive me.”

“No. I will not forgive you. Please lay down already.”

“…Y- Yes, as you command…”

I had no other choice. You reap what you sow. When I laid down like I was told to, Luna looked down at me and licked over her lips with the pink tip of her tongue and a “Fufu”.

“I will tease you plentiful, Shinobu-san. First I will step on your cute face.”

As she had said, Luna slowly lowered the back of her foot towards my face, but… suddenly her expression returned to the usual soft one and she smiled prankish.

“—Just kidding. There is no way I would ever do something like that. How was it? Were you surprised? It was all a lie.”

“…I- Is that so.”

I made a big sigh of relief.

“Wow, I was really surprised. You were the perfect Queen. Flawless and without doubt. You could become a Queen any time. Ahaha.”

There I carelessly spilled my true thoughts, whereupon Luna raised her voice while moved to tears.

“Uh! You are so mean, Shinobu-san! Queen this, Queen that, it is too much! I am angry now! I will really step on you! Please prepare yourself!”

…Ehm, it might be Luna’s idea of anger, but gently rubbing my cheeks like this didn’t hurt at all. And from this position, I could see the movement of Luna’s breasts well.

The two breasts with an overwhelming volume bounced up and down, which unconsciously made me follow these movements with my eyes. Then the door of the living room opened suddenly.

Instantly, my mother showed up and shouted bright red upon seeing us.

“L- Luna-chan…No, Queen Luna finally awakened her super sadistic side! Stop it! Don’t drag Shinobu on the path of abnormal!”

“T- Tomoe-san! I am not a Queen! To begin with, what do you mean by super sadistic side— wait, why are you all averting your eyes from me!?”

…Because no one could deny the fact that Luna had a sadistic side?

I retorted with that in my heart…

Afterwards everyone apologized to Luna, then I returned to my room, but

“U- Uhn~ Shinobu-sama… You cannot…”

once again, Kaorun was sleeping in my bed.

As she was having a bad dream, she leaked weird sleeping talk while frowning.

“Please stop with… the S&M play already… It grosses me out…”

“Hey, why are you only having weird dreams about tentacles or S&M play?”

When I approached the bed and lightly slapped her cheek, Kaorun opened her eyes and curiously looked around the room, making a small sigh.

“…Just a dream. In my dream, you were whipped by Luna-sama and Machina while showing an ecstatic expression and claiming ‘I’m a dirty pig. More. This pig wants more’—”

“No one asked for a detailed summary of your dream.”

Cutting into Kaorun’s words, I wearily continued with “Anyway”.

“You sure do love my bed, huh. Were you sniffing my scent again? You damn perverted maid with a scent fetish.”

“…I only like your scent, Shinobu-sama.”

W- Was she still half-asleep? She said quite the man-killer remark.

Actually, Kaorun’s head was strangely red. Her eyes were dizzy and her breathing seemed rough…Mh? Wait.

“Sorry, but let me see your forehead.”

When I softly touched Kaorun’s forehead, it was hotter than I expected. Without doubt, she had a cold. Reminded me, when she hugged me at noon, I thought she was a bit feverish. Her fever might have gotten worse while she played with the others. I should have noticed it at noon.

“…Why didn’t you say anything when you had a fever?”

“Because it is a girl’s day. You also sometimes have a boy’s day, right Shinobu-sama? It is the same, so please do not worry about it.”

Speaking in riddles like that, she actually wanted to hide it forever? Kaorun returned to her usual inexpressiveness and quickly tried to straighten up her upper body.

But, I grabbed her by the shoulders and stopped her.

“If you’re sick, rest. Don’t overexert yourself.”

“…I am fine. I do not have a cold. I have to work in the house, since you let me stay here. I will go prepare dinner, so excus… Auh.”

Kaorun tried to escape, but increasing the strength on my grip on her shoulders, I made her lay down on the bed. Kaorun tried to resist, but it was too weak and while I held her down, I rebuked softly.

“Seeing you like this makes it hard for me too. Please, just rest.”

“However…”

“No buts, sleep. And give up. I’ll watch over you, so you won’t be able to get away from here.”

When I cracked a joke like that, Kaorun slowly relaxed her body, as she had given up, and tried to respond to my joke.

“Shinobu-sama, please do not get excited… by seeing my sleeping face.”

“That’s an impossible request. I’ll take all the pictures I want.”

“Fufu. Well then, please make me look cute.”

“Leave it to me. You have a photogenic body, so no problem. You’re pretty after all.”

“…You are sly, Shinobu-sama.”

“Eh? How so?”

Averting her eyes from the perplexed me, Kaorun faintly blushed.

“Even though I know it is a joke… I am so happy… It is frustrating…”

Leaking unclear words with a small mumbling voice, she covered her mouth with the blanket.

…Could she be bashful?

The moment I realized that, I inadvertently showed a smile. Then I gently stroke her head to stay by her side until she fell asleep…

After that, I told everyone about Kaorun’s cold and decided to sleep on the sofa in the living room, surrendering my bed to Kaorun. And before going to bed, I absent-minded watched some TV together with my mother… whereupon she said isolated.

“…Somehow, you and Kaoru-chan are quite alike.”

“Me and her? How so?”

“How you are usually aloof, surprisingly shy and sweet and forgiving to the little sister. Also…how you lack self-confidence, I guess.”

Catching me off guard, my mother continued with “Let me ask you on this occasion” and a serious expression.

“You have no intention to take over your grandfather’s dojo, right?”

“…You noticed?”

“I’m your mother after all. I plan to understand that you have another goal, but I don’t know yet what you’re aiming for. Because you don’t talk about it to anyone.”

Staring into my eyes, my mother rebuked softly.

“You’re afraid of being rejected, since you lack self-confidence, right? Well, in the past you were often called a ‘failure’ or ‘weak’, so it might be inevitable, but isn’t it about time to tell Nazuna about the dojo?”

Temporarily stopping her words, my mother then said while still looking into my eyes.

“You and everyone else at the dojo believes that my husband forbid Nazuna to attend the dojo, but actually Nazuna herself said she wanted to quit.”

“…Really?”

“Everyone had high expectations of her, so it’s just an excuse that my husband stopped her. It seems she thought that she stole your place, that you were suffering from the comparison with her and the bullying. Actually Nazuna would have become the successor of the dojo at that rate…”

“In other words, Nazuna surrendered the dojo to me?”

“Indeed. She herself quit, so that you could take over the dojo. Because you didn’t properly talk about it with her, it turned out like this. Even if you’re scared from your lack of self-confidence, at times it’s important to convey your own feelings.”

Softly shifting her gaze, my mother told me gently.

“I could say the same to Kaoru-chan. I don’t know what happened, but she came here without telling Hijiri-chan anything, right? I believe it’s wrong to hide one’s own feeling from a precious person, when making an important decision.”

“…Even if it’s done for Hijiri’s sake?”

“Properly think about how you would feel in Hijiri-chan’s shoes.”

Softly resting her hand on my shoulder, my mother then left the room. I, left behind, looked up to the ceiling of the living room and ruminated my mother’s words.

“…Me in Hijiri’s shoes, huh.”

For example, if Luna, Machina, Elni, Nazuna, my mother or my dad left without a word, I would likely be unable to bear it. Even if the days after that were peaceful, the sadness would not be cured.

Still, I couldn’t deny the solution Kaorun came up with. If I were in Kaorun’s shoes, I might make the same decision as her.

That was why I couldn’t say anything back then.

But I got the feeling that I would come to know what to do, when I also confirmed Hijiri’s feelings, not just Kaorun’s.

With that hunch, I fell asleep at some point— The next morning. I went to check upon Kaorun. She leaked a mumbling,

“…Hijiri-chan.”

as she was thinking of her even in her sleep, and was damping her long eyelashes…

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