As the first rays of dawn fell upon Nagazora City, Raiden Mei slowly opened her eyes.
The room was still dark, with only a faint light filtering in through the curtains.
Beside her, she could hear the sound of steady breathing. Mei could feel that she was lying in a somewhat cold embrace, her head resting in the crook of a man's arm.
Mr. Otto...
Though she couldn't see his face, Mei knew who it was.
She didn't struggle.
Instead, she lay quietly in Otto's arms.
Although she couldn't remember what happened last night, she did remember that Mr. Otto had let her see her father, whom she hadn't seen in so long.
For this kindness, she was incredibly grateful to Otto.
Perhaps... she really was developing some feelings for Mr. Otto.
He was kind, powerful, wealthy, and handsome. And while he sometimes revealed a lecherous side, it paradoxically added a roguish charm that young girls found attractive.
The bud of love had broken through the soil. For now, it was just a tiny seedling, waiting for the rain and dew to help it grow strong and tall.
Or perhaps... waiting to experience a life-and-death parting.
Mei's cheeks flushed slightly. She gently clutched the lapel of Otto's clothes and snuggled deeper into his embrace. She closed her eyes, preparing to sleep a little longer.
"Mei... I want you to cook for me..."
Just then, she suddenly heard him murmur in his sleep. She opened her eyes again. Does Mr. Otto dream about me cooking for him even in his sleep?
It seemed she would have to work harder.
She would have to find a chance to ask Miss Fu Hua for lessons.
Mei resolved to become a good cook. When it came to cuisine, she felt Miss Fu Hua was an excellent teacher.
Right, I should get up and start practicing now.
But...
Looking at Otto's sleeping face, Mei was worried her movements might wake him.
Like a sleeping child, he could easily be startled awake by any sound.
However...
More sleepy murmurs escaped Otto's lips.
And a look of slight bliss graced his features.
Clearly, he was having a pleasant dream.
Mei blinked.
So, Mr. Otto talked in his sleep.
Gazing at him, Mei thought for a moment, then lowered her head, bringing her ear close to Otto's mouth.
She wanted to hear what he was saying.
"Mei... wifey..."
Mhm.
Confirmed.
Mei's face turned a faint red.
She was certain Mr. Otto was talking in his sleep.
How could she possibly be his wife?
Still, Mei extended a finger and gently poked Otto's cheek, looking at his blissful expression.
Mei's eyes grew hazy.
Mr. Otto, what kind of beautiful dream are you having?
Do you want me to be your wife that much?
Just...
Mei's lips parted. She snapped back to her senses and covered her reddening face with both hands. The pure-hearted girl's world was being rocked time and time again.
Soon, however, Otto's breathing returned to a steady rhythm, and he spoke no more words that made Mei blush. She let out a sigh of relief.
She carefully slipped out of Otto's embrace. Although the air conditioner was on, Mei felt her body heat up, and she was even a little short of breath.
Honestly, Mr. Otto.
Always saying things that make a girl shy.
Why are you so good at this?
Forget it, I'll forgive you this time. It was just a dream, after all.
Mei tugged at her collar, allowing herself to breathe more easily. She then noticed she was still wearing the same clothes from last night. She must have been too tired and fallen asleep directly.
But... why are there so many holes in my stockings???
Mei looked down at her legs. The black stockings were riddled with holes of all sizes, as if a husky had chewed on them. They were completely unwearable in public.
She shot a reproachful glance at Otto on the bed.
There was no need to guess; the culprit was this man.
Honestly, this was the very first gift he ever gave me.
Mei pouted. She carefully peeled off the Black Stockings: Battle-Damaged Version and placed them in her small bag. She wanted to keep them as a memento.
Perhaps in the future, when she and Otto were old, seeing this item would bring back memories of their youth.
But she shook her head. Why am I thinking about that? I should focus on how to cook first.
Mei looked down at herself. Her clothes were wrinkled from being slept in. She needed to change...
For some reason, Mei's thoughts drifted back to that apron Otto had mentioned.
Already disoriented from just waking up, and now flustered by Otto's words, Mei's expression flickered. She looked at the still-sleeping Otto and took a deep breath.
He even dreams about this.
Mr. Otto must really like it.
The dress fell to the floor, leaving the slender, graceful body clad only in thin undergarments. She didn't take those off; the girl was too thin-skinned. This was her final act of defiance.
Th-this is a return gift for letting me see my father last night!
Mei found a perfectly reasonable excuse for herself. She slipped on her slippers and tiptoed out of the room.
But the moment she was outside, she immediately squatted down and hugged her knees. Even if it was just her and Otto in this home, this state of dress was simply too embarrassing.
Now that she had calmed down a bit, she started to resent her own impulsiveness.
Couldn't I have just cooked normally? Why did I have to do all these fancy, complicated things?
Mei struggled to her feet, leaning against the wall. She didn't go back to the room to put on clothes. What if she ran into a newly-awakened Otto? She wouldn't be able to lift her head for the entire day.
If he wakes up on his own and sees me giving him this fanservice in the kitchen, he probably won't make things difficult or tease me, right?
If he bullies me again, there won't be a next time!
Mei steadied her chaotic breathing, tied her long, amaranthine purple hair into a ponytail, and put on the apron. She began to busy herself in the kitchen.
The moment she left the room, Otto, who had been lying on the bed, opened his eyes. He looked at the closed door, a smile playing on his lips.
What sleep talk? It was all an act.
He hadn't slept at all last night. After the Herrscher submerged her consciousness, he had just held the sleeping Mei in a daze. After all, he was preparing to go online and confront the Will of the Honkai. How could he possibly sleep?
He had only meant to tease Mei a little, but after tasting her shapely posterior, he hadn't expected this delightful bonus.
It seemed that with a little effort, Mei could be made to do anything.
This lightened the heavy mood he was in from his impending showdown with the Will of the Honkai.
A smile spread across his face as he rolled out of bed.
He silently left the room. When he reached the kitchen, he saw exactly what he expected: Mei, wearing only her undergarments and an apron, busy at work.
What a sight for sore eyes.
After snapping a few pictures, Otto put his phone away and quietly approached Mei from behind.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Suddenly embraced, Mei's body trembled.
Then, she felt a cool sensation on her neck.
It was Otto, placing a kiss there.
One of his hands took hold of Mei's left hand, the one not holding the kitchen knife, and their fingers simply intertwined.
"Mei, my darling, I love this gift."
"In exchange, how about I teach you how to cook?"