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Momiji: I came, Reiji~
Right at 11am------
The doorbell rings, and when I open the door Satomura is there looking as excited as ever.
Reiji: You actually came at the exact time.
Momiji: Eheeheehee. The truth is that since we were going to meet here, I wanted to come to your house even sooner.
Momiji: I wanted to come over an hour ago, and I went through a lot of effort in how best to look cute for you~
Reiji: You are cute, but I don't think a lot of effort went into thinking about it.
I run my hand through my hair, as I think of Satomura's impish nature with a wry smile.
Momiji: Actually, I had to get ready earlier, in case you thoughtlessly went ahead and used your "Power" like last time.
Satomura sulks and complains as she mentions how I summoned her the other day with Da Capo.
I can guess that Satomura doesn't want me to see her again with her guard down so much.
Reiji: I told you that I was sorry back then. It won't happen again...Probably.
Momiji: Probably...Well, it's fine. Let's head inside, I don't want to spend even one more second waiting out here!
As she says that, Satomura looks up at me with a smile so radiant that it could compete with the sun.
Her unconscious ability to look so cute robs me of being able to see anything else for a couple of seconds.
Reiji: Well that's because we stood here for so long talking. Come on in.
I cough lightly to hide the embarrassment I'm feeling and abruptly motion her inside.
Momiji: Ehee...You're right. Well than, I'll let myself in now that I have your permission~
Satomura's reply has a bit of an impish air about it as if she knew she got me, and she follows me into the house.
Anyhow, Satomura and I arrive in the living room.
While I wouldn't have minded showing her my room, I decided that here would be alright considering the context of today's date.
Momiji: What, we're not going to your room, Reiji?
Reiji: The reason for today's date was so that you could show me your cooking skills, right Satomura?
Than there's no reason to show you my room.
Momiji: You're wrong. It's training for married life, Reiji.
Reiji: You can call it bridal training if you want. It won't matter what it is once I've eaten your food.
Momiji: It's not different at all, jeez!
While I pretend not to notice what she's talking about, Satomura cutely puffs out her cheeks in an attempt to appeal.
Momiji: Don't just ignore it. We'll be heading to your room one way or another eventually.
...We can have some Dolce (sweet) there together, right?
Now I'm wondering just what exactly she's refering to by Dolce...I doubt I'll get much of an answer if I ask though.
Momiji: And by Dolce, of course I - mean - me~
Or I won't even need to ask...
With a completely cheerful smile, she leans forward and winks at me.
It seems that Satomura was looking as forward to today's date as I was.
Momiji: Just kidding~ ...Eheehee.
Reiji: Why are you blushing yourself when you say that.
Momiji: Because, because...Eheehee~
Satomura's smile becomes a little loose as she apparently starts to imagine something strange.
I'm starting to think that she's already started our date in her head.
Sayuki: It's exactly as you said, Nii-san. A remark like that makes her seem somewhat like a perverted old man.
Momiji: ---Nuh! You came out, Kurobane Sayuki!
Sayuki suddenly appears and says so with a frosty voice.
Sakura: Even I truly don't know what to think right now...
Momiji: Eeh?! Even Reiji's Mahou-chan is here. (magical weapon)
Sakura: Since I'm Master's magical weapon, I'm with him anytime and anywhere.
Sakura: Even when he's in the toilet, we're still linked in our minds!
Reiji: No, our connection doesn't work like that.
Sayuki: Since I'm Nii-san's younger sister, my heart is always with him, even in the toilet---
Reiji: What is that supposed to mean, Sayuki...
Momiji: Gununu...
It seems Satomura is once again useless around her rival...
And how the hell did my partner and younger sister steer this conversation towards toilets...
Reiji: Well, never mind. They're both family and we live together, so I guess something like this is normal.
Sayuki: Yes. Therefore, stop acting like you're a part of this family when you're merely an uninvited guest in the house, and a nuisance for Nii-san.
Reiji: No, I don't really mind. In fact, I was the one who called her here.
Sayuki: ...E-Eh...?
Sayuki: N-Nii-san, what do you---
Sayuki doesn't appear to be fully convinced. Than again, whenever Satomura is around, she's always unreasonable.
Though it'll be hard to get them to get along so suddenly, I'm sure their relationship can improve.
Because, Satomura isn't just another person to me anymore.
That's why if I can just explain the purpose of today's date to these two---
Momiji: --------- (Oh god, that laugh)
Sayuki: S-Satomura...Momiji...?
Contrary to the mortified look Sayuki was expecting from her, Satomura has a bold smile on her face before I know it.
Momiji: "Not part of this family" you say? How disappointing.
Sayuki: ? Apart from the fact that Nii-san called you here, I don't see anything wrong with what I said.
Momiji: Heeheehee, but you did make a mistake~
Momiji: Because Reiji and I aren't just friends anymore. We've already vowed to spend our future together,
so our relationship is more special than family!
Sayuki: N-Nii-san...? What does that mean?
While her tone remains unchanged, the pressure behind that question is far different.
Sakura: Feh! That can't mean---?!
I can't help but flinch as I'm pressured by both my younger sister and my partner.
Reiji: What she means is that, well...
Sakura: Master, are you now Momiji-chan's Master as well?
Momiji: Well, it's a little different yet similar to that~...Right, master?
The "master" term Satomura used is completely different than from what Sakura meant by Master.
Momiji: Reiji and I are engaged to be married~
Satomura triumphantly exclaims so to the two of them.
Sayuki: GEH...?!
Sakura: H-How cruel of you, Master! Even though we always played together so intensily and violently!
Reiji: When and where in the hell did I play with you like that, eh?
Sakura: Along with Maota, the two of you were so intense!
Momiji: Eeh?! Maota, that mutt?! S-So you happen to like that kind of play, Reiji?
Reiji: Nothing of the sort! I never played with them like that, only normally!
Reiji: And saying that we're engaged is a little hasty in the first place.
Momiji: Uweh...How mean, Reiji...
Momiji: Even though I didn't like that you were so forceful...To say something so heartless when we made love so passionately...
Reiji: Uh......
Sayuki: "Passionately loved"...?! And, Nii-san choked there...?!?!
Sayuki's face turns pale and she freezes as if in shock.
Sayuki: ...N-Nii-san...?
Sayuki's eyes look at me strongly, silently asking me for the truth.
Reiji: Y-You're wrong, Sayuki---It's just a misunder---
Momiji: Hmm...WRONG.
Reiji: --------- (PRICELESS!)
As i panic to try and clear up this misunderstanding with Sayuki, Satomura looks at me with deadpan eyes.
Sakura: How chaotic...It's like the climax of a love-and-hate drama from TV swirling around at lunchtime...*Swallow*
Off to the side, Sakura accurately describes the situation I find myself in.
But, since the two of us do love each other, the best thing I can do is confess the truth to these two family members of mine.
Besides, if I keep trying to hide what's going on, than I might hurt Satomura's feelings...
Reiji: ......
After hesitating for a moment to gather my words, I quietly open my mouth and speak to the both of them.
Reiji: ...Well, it's true that I do like Satomura, and we are in fact dating now.
Sayuki: !!
Momiji: Reiji~
Satomura ties her arms around mine, seemingly glad that I finally told the two of them the truth of our relationship.
Sakura: I see. So that's your answer than, Master...
Reiji: Therefore today we're...Sayuki?
Sayuki: ...I can't believe it.
Sayuki: Satomura Momiji is the enemy we have to be most careful of! And now you say you're going out with her...!
What in the world are you thinking, Nii-san?!
Unusually letting her feelings boil over, Sayuki seems to tremble with barely contained anger as she grills me.
Sakura: She's right. I can't help but agree with her on this matter...!
Reiji: Sakura, even you...
Sakura: While I don't hate Momiji-chan, with things as they are, I don't believe this is good.
Sakura: ...Momiji-chan is a dangerous opponent.
Sakura gives Satomura a stern glare as she says that.
She's probably recalling how she tried to kill me before.
Reiji: Haa...It's true that your words make sense.
Sayuki: Nii-san...
Sakura: Master...I knew you would understand.
Reiji: However, because of this situation, I think that the more friends we can rely on, the better.
Sayuki: Eh...?
Reiji: Chasing away allies or refusing help seems to be part of Odin's plot.
He hopes that we'll quarrel amongst each other, and it's proven effective so far.
Reiji: That's why I made my "Decision". I will not fight against Satomura---
Of course, I won't fight against you either Sayuki, and we'll end this war...
Sayuki: That's...But---!
While though I use positive examples, Sayuki still doesn't seem convinced.
Even if I could convince her in theory, her emotions still haven't caught up.
Reiji: Of course, I'm not going to relax my guard completely.
Momiji: Oh no, Reiji. Don't look at me with such passionate eyes in front of everyone else...
Reiji: ...Yeah, I guess. There was no plot or trick to it, I just fell in love with some parts of you.
Momiji: *Gasp*
While she had been pretending to be embarrassed up until now, Satomura's eyes go wide and she blushes furiously.
Momiji: Wha, Wh-Wh-Wh...What are you saying? I have no intention of fighting you or anything like that, Reiji!
Satomura quickly lets go of my arm and begins to protest with both her hands in front of her chest.
Reiji: That's why I included going out with you in my "Decision", so what are you talking about?
Momiji: Auu...Reiji, you can be really stupid sometimes, jeez.
Though she's normally vocal about us going out together, it seems she suddenly throws things in reverse and truly becomes shy when in a pinch.
But it was only after we started going out that I was able to discover that she could be this shy.
Sayuki: ......
As she watches Satomura and I, Sayuki seems to be deeply disappointed.
Reiji: Sorry, Sayuki. I------
Sayuki: You're definitely being tricked, Nii-san...When she betrays you, you'll surely regret this.
Reiji: Yeah. I'll take your advice as your older brother, Sayuki. Therefore, you don't have to worry so much.
Sayuki: ......
Not answering me, Sayuki instead glares at Satomura and speaks to her.
Sayuki: If you do anything to hurt Nii-san, I'll shoot you without a moment's hesitation---!!
Sayuki: Even if Nii-san comes to hate me for doing so, I will protect him no matter what...!!
After telling Satomura that she'll come after her should anything happen to me, Sayuki turns her back to us.
Sakura: Wawa, where are you going, Sayuki-chan?!
Sayuki: ...I'll only spoil their precious holiday together as long as I'm here---I'm leaving.
Momiji: ...Hmph. That's my line...
Sayuki says that before walking past us towards the door, and Satomura replies with a unhappy look.
Reiji: Oh dear. It seems it'll take a while longer before she consents to us...
After running my hand through my hair, I turn and look at Sakura.
Reiji: I'm full aware that what I'm doing may be foolish. However, I want to protect the people important to me so that we can all survive this ritual---
Reiji: My resolve hasn't changed. The only thing that has is that the number of people I want to protect no matter what has increased.
Sakura: ...I understand your feelings, Master. But...
Momiji: Ah, geez, in other words, you're worried that I don't really love Reiji and I'm drawing him into a false sense of security, right Sakura?
Momiji: Well, as long as Reiji and I are going out, you'll be an inseperable edge between us...Yeah...
Momiji: Since you don't exactly seem to be in the same boat as that woman when it comes to our relationship,
how about I loan Reiji to you every now and than?
Sakura: ...Momiji-chan...
Reiji: H-Hey hey, Satomura...
When she starts to provoke Sakura, I try and insert myself into the conversation to make peace.
Because she's so concerned about me, Sakura won't get a joke about something like that.
Sakura: Momiji-chan, you understand perfectly!
Reiji: Hey, how did this situation just turn serious all of a sudden?!
Momiji: I understand, Sakura~ Well, you're just another part of Reiji after all, so my best regards!
Sakura: Well, while I'm a little jealous, if Master outright says that he likes you, than I'm willing to respect his decision. Nn, it can't be helped!
As soon as Satomura declares that she won't hog me to herself all the time, Sakura seems to cheerfully accept our relationship.
While I suppose I should be happy that as my partner Sakura accepted us, for some reason my heart seems full of complicated feelings.
Reiji: ---Than, now that that's settled, let's get cooking!
Momiji: Indeed. The reason I came today was to practice for married life!
Now that the trouble with Sayuki has been put behind for now, the mood changes, and I can't help but get caught up in Satomura's carefree pace.
Momiji: So, what should I make? What materials do you have?
Reiji: ...Eh?
I hear words that I'm sure I mistook, so after a moment I ask her again.
Reiji: Wait a second. Weren't you the one who wanted to show off your cooking skills, Satomura?
Momiji: Eh, of course I did. What of it?
Reiji: Than, you can't make anything if you don't have any ingredients prepared to use.
Momiji: Is that so...?
Reiji: Why you...That's why I already thought you had stuff picked out to create something.
While I was worried when I saw her show up empty-handed, I didn't expect to be right on the money about it.
Sakura: Eh, what is it? Are you and Momiji-chan going to cook together, Master?
When she sees us act like so, Sakura asks me that with a carefree tone.
Reiji: Well, it seems that way now...
I glance towards Satomura as I say so.
Momiji: Hm, it's true that I wanted to show off my homemade cooking to Reiji...But I guess it's impossible to do it so suddenly by myself...
Reiji: But like this we can make something good, right?
Momiji: Y-You're probably right...While I can't do it today, someday I'll be able to make you a wonderful lunch as your wife.
Reiji: Anyhow, we can decide on what the menu will be while we head out to shop, okay?
Momiji: Nn, alright. I'm getting a little excited now!
Reiji: If you have something in mind you want to make, let me know, Satomura.
As long as it's not something strange or unreasonable, I'll be happy to try it.
Momiji: Nah, how rude! I wasn't going to request something strange. Um, how about...
Sakura: CURRY!!
Momiji: C-CURRY!!
Reiji: .........
Curry again...Not that I don't like it, but...
Sakura: I'll come shopping with you. That way I can help.
Momiji: How reliable! I'll be counting on you, Sakura.
Reiji: ...Nothing reliable comes out of her mouth...
While I suddenly have a bad premonition with the two of them cooperating like this, I'm glad that they are getting along,
and I'm not going to be a stick in the mud.
Well, if Sakura gets out of hand than I just have to scold her, even though I might unknowingly kill the mood.
Reiji: Well than, let's hurry and get going, you two.
Sakura: Roger~
Momiji: Alright~
And with the two of them in good moods and on either side of me, the three of us head out together to go grocery shopping.