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Mordred and Lily's closeness was honestly a little too much.
More accurately, it was Mordred who was practically glued to her little sister Lily, so much so that they were almost inseparable. Ryoji had even noticed earlier that when they went to the bathroom, they went in together.
'Could these two be… yuri?' The thought sparked a mischievous curiosity in Ryoji. He was dying to tear away the veil of mystery surrounding these sisters.
Ordinary people probably wouldn't think like this, but having just heard the story of the two lancer-type idiots, Ryoji was particularly sensitive to this kind of thing. Still, Saber and Lady Lartoria both seemed perfectly used to it, like there was nothing strange at all.
No.
That wasn't quite right.
Saber was rather simple-minded; she might genuinely think the sisters were just really close, nothing more.
But Lartoria was their mother. It was impossible that she hadn't noticed how unusual their relationship was. Even he, an outsider, could tell after watching them for only half a day that their closeness was over the top.
At noon break, Ryoji took the initiative to head into the kitchen and help Lady Lartoria wash the dishes.
"How can I let you help out like this? You've already been busy all day…"
"It's fine, I do this a lot at home too."
In truth, the dishes at home were usually washed by his mom or his little sister, he barely ever touched them. But that didn't stop him from scoring some points with the lady of the house.
Sure enough, upon hearing that he helped with housework, her gaze toward him grew more appreciative.
"Auntie, don't you think Mo-chan and Lily are a little too close?" While washing dishes, Ryoji casually tossed out the question.
"Eh? Are they?" Her expression immediately tensed.
"It's normal for sisters to be close, but I'm worried they're too close. That might not be so good, right?" Ryoji continued testing the waters.
"This… Mm, I'll keep an eye on it." Her face grew even more unnatural.
"You really should. If sisters cross a certain line, it wouldn't be good. People will gossip." Ryoji said this with apparent concern.
"Eh…" She suddenly panicked, fumbling the dish in her hand.
It slipped, but Ryoji reacted quickly, catching it midair and handing it back to her. His hand brushed softly against hers in the process.
"Thank you…"
Completely flustered, she didn't even notice.
'Gotcha. There is something going on!'
After all, Ryoji knew from Ahogeless Alter… In this world's setting, Lartoria and Lalter were sisters.
With that kind of background, it wasn't surprising that Lartoria wouldn't be against Mordred and Lily's "development." But this was clearly the sort of thing meant to stay within the family and never see the light of day.
'Heh heh. Oh, Lady Lartoria… You have no idea, do you? Your family's biggest secret is already in my hands! Still, if I made a move right away, she'd probably come to resent me. That wouldn't be good. It's better to take this slow and steady.'
"Wait a sec… Aren't I supposed to be the champion of pure love? Why am I acting like some scummy NTR protagonist?"
Ryoji suddenly had a realization.
'Ugh!'
'I've changed!'
'I'm no longer the innocent boy I once was!'
'No, wait!'
'This is clearly me putting them on the right path!'
Lalter and Lartoria's relationship was yuri at its core. Both of them had to be starving for warmth from the opposite sex. So why shouldn't I have it all? You're mine… and your husband's mine too.
That's not NTR at all, it's a happy ending where everyone's happy!
"I really am such a thoughtful guy!" Ryoji felt enlightened, though he also felt the burden on his shoulders grow heavier.
The day passed quickly.
By evening, Ryoji left Ahoge's house. Today had been a fruitful day, especially considering how Lady Lartoria's heart had been pounding for so long. Though mostly out of fear, Ryoji was still extremely satisfied.
The sky was growing dark.
In the distance, the horizon was covered with clouds that looked like a blazing fire. The sun, half-hidden behind the distant mountains, bathed the earth in a warm golden-orange glow, making the entire small town look breathtakingly beautiful.
Bathed in this evening light, Ryoji left the residential area and headed toward the shopping street.
The shopping street was wide and bustling, made up of more than a dozen connected avenues, the electronics street, dining street, accessories street, and more. It was easily the busiest, most vibrant part of Kinoko Town, crowded with endless streams of people.
Under the usual hushed, reverent stares he drew along the way, Ryoji entered the dining section of the shopping street and found a dessert shop.
"Welcome, Ryoji!"
The voice came from Minamoto no Yorimitsu, dressed in her shop uniform. Her face lit up with joy when she saw him.
"Ryoji's here?"
A delighted voice called out from the kitchen.
Moments later, a beautiful woman with flowing red hair pushed open the curtain and approached him with a bright, affectionate smile.
"Well, well, long time no see, Ryoji! Did you come to visit Auntie today?"
Without hesitation, she hugged Ryoji, pressing his head against her chest and affectionately rubbing it. Her expression was brimming with warmth and motherly love.
This was Lady Boudica.
Once, she had a happy family. But tragedy struck when her husband and several daughters died in an accident. She had been crushed for a long time, barely managing to pull herself together before opening this dessert shop in the shopping district to make a living.
Since then, she'd never remarried. With no children left to shower her motherly affection upon, she grew close to Minamoto no Yorimitsu and started treating Ryoji like her own child, always doting on him, unable to even scold him.
"Ding-ling!"
The bell hanging over the door chimed again shortly after Ryoji entered.
"Welcome!" Yorimitsu quickly stood up to greet the new guest.
Ryoji was here to pick her up from work, but since her shift wasn't over yet, he decided to wait inside. Besides, his presence in the store was good for business.
When the new customer entered, Ryoji casually glanced in their direction.
But moments later, his expression froze slightly.
The newcomer was a striking young woman.
She had short, dark-red hair with uneven ends, clearly trimmed hastily not long ago. Glasses hid the crimson of her eyes, softening the icy aura she exuded.
A green sweater-dress hugged her body, the cinched waist accentuating her impressive curves. The front slit of the skirt revealed her legs wrapped in black stockings, an image of flawless elegance.
Dark-Red Onee-san.
What caught Ryoji's attention wasn't merely her beauty.
'Well… not just her beauty.'
More than that, it was the strange, almost otherworldly atmosphere surrounding her.
"Boss, I'd like to order--- "
She stepped inside, her gaze instinctively sweeping across the room. But just as she was about to speak to Yorimitsu, her eyes fell on Ryoji, and her expression sharpened instantly.
(End of Chapter)