Chapter 6: Date | 約會 | デート
"Fufu! A date with my little brother!~ ♡ ♪"
Ever since our library interaction, Amae seemed to be brimming with rays of happiness. In fact, her exuberance was so contagious that many of the Commanders and Guardians started discussing about the date. This topic eventually became the talk of the palace.
Similarly, I was excited. I could not wait for the day when I experience the outside with my big sister. Thinking about our first date would set my heart aflutter, leaving me unable to concentrate on my daily chores.
"Milord, your humming is lovely," Neko purred her lips mischievously while we were making dinner. "Is that a song from your world?"
"Um... Haha yeah." I scratched my head in embarrassment, silently thankful that she did not know it was a love song.
Neko's eyes glistened as the catgirls formed a crowd around me like teenagers who were eager to hear about the latest gossip.
"Do let us know how your date does~ We want to hear all about it afterward!"
♦ ♦ ♦
"Are you ready?" Amae was waiting for me in the front of the palace with a luxurious carriage. Instead of her usual ornate robe, my big sister wore a casual white-floral dress paired with a beautiful floppy sun hat. Her entire outfit reminded me of modern fashion.
My heart started beating rapidly.
Oh my god, Amae looks...
"...absolutely gorgeous." My lips sounded those words on its own as I found myself mesmerizing the goddess I remembered seeing on my first day.
Amae smiled at my compliment and held my hand gently, "Thank you, little brother. You look very cute in the collared shirt that Ornn made. Now then, let's go on our date!"
We rode inside a private carriage that drove itself while Warwick and Shyvana escorted us on the sidelines, transforming into their battle-form and moved parallel to our speed
Various flamingo-like creatures were half-submerged in a pool of sparkling water, basking under the warm sunlight as their body rotated like clockwork pieces. After crossing the vast plain that appeared in shades of pink and lavender, a bustling city came into view.
"This world is beautiful..."
"I agree," Amae nodded. "It's a shame that there are creatures who wish to destroy such beauty."
"Then we must become rulers and protect it! So that others can experience this ineffable natural scenery someday."
Amae smiled proudly, "You're absolutely right, little brother."
"Lord Amae, we are entering the city of Tai."
As Warwick reported in, it felt like as if I entered an alternative reality where the Medieval Age was still thriving.
"Is this different from the world you lived in?"
"Yes, completely different. For some reason, this reminded me of a fantasy manga."
"What's a fantasy manga?"
"It's basically a book that has pictures, mostly about magic and mythological creatures."
"Sounds quite dangerous."
I broke into laughter, wondering what sort of dangers Amae was imagining from a comic book.
♦ ♦ ♦
We arrived at our destination — an alabaster castle in between the belly of a mountain. The view was absolutely magnificent as I could see the entire city and its citizens below the hill, moving in small dots.
A dwarflike old cat and a female secretary cat that reminded me of Neko prostrated deeply on the floor, showing the most sincere respect.
"Welcome to Castle of 喵, Lord Amae."
We were led inside while Warwick and Shyvana trailed behind us like bodyguards. This was truly an odd combination. To think there was a day that I walk alongside with a demon lord, lycanthrope, half-dragon, and nekomimis.
Amae handed a cat-shaped pendant to the old cat, Nyanko. "This is from Neko."
"Ah I see," He stared at the charm as if he was reminiscing about the past. "I hope my granddaughter is serving you well."
"Yes, Neko has been most excellent."
"We have a few top candidates from the Meowcademy who wishes to apply for the palace—"
"—Nyanko, this is not a business trip but a special day with my little brother. Do not mix business with leisure."
"My deepest apologies," Nyanko immediately prostrated with his forehead kissing the floor as if he made the biggest mistake in his nine lives.
"Forgiven," Amae responded tersely. "We'll be in your care."
"Yes, my Lord! We won't disappoint you! Our hospitality is known since the Third Age so we shall give you two the finest first date experience," Then he looked at me and smiled. "Is he perhaps a human?"
"He is!~" Amae exclaimed while her eyes sparkled. She immediately dived into explicit detail about my rebirth, our contract, skinship ritual, and cooking.
"Ah I see, to think the almighty demon lord has finally found a partner, this is truly a historical moment! If you'll excuse me, I shall prepare for tonight."
Nyanko nodded, indicating he was leaving and his secretary walked over.
"My name is Mochi and I will be your host. Today's program will consist of a food tasting along with entertainment and activity. Afterward, we will be having a celebratory dinner."
As we sat down in a grand chamber, we were immediately greeted with food. Warwick and Shyvanna decided to remain outside, stating that they were scouting the area. I noticed they gave Amae a not-so-hidden wink and thumbs up before heading out.
A young feline lady with a cat ear shaped chef hat walked in.
"My name is Chef Mao and I prepared a fresh salad to go along with the main course — Fei cattle."
As I analyzed the dishes, the chef inside me emerged.
I see.
Tai's dishes focus on the freshness and quality of the produce.
This is different from my cooking, which relies more on herbs and spices.
My eyes widened in awe as I marveled at the beauty that sizzled on my stone platter.
The fatty marbling...
The alluring smell...
With a pinch of salt, this absolute perfection is waiting to be savored.
Chef Mao noticed my facial expression and expressed her concern.
"Is something wrong, sir?"
"Can you tell more about this dish?"
She nodded and explained how they treat their cattle with the utmost care — feeding them with the finest grains, giving them massages, and would even take them on walks.
This must be the A5 Wagyu meat of this world...!
"That sounds absolutely amazing!"
"Thank you for the compliment," Chef Mao beamed genuinely, "It's not every day I come across someone with culinary interest."
As the meat went into my mouth, I shot straight into heaven.
The meat... is so tender...
It's just like butter... just melted in my mouth...
Gah~ I'm foodgasming-!
I looked at Amae and exclaimed blissfully:
"This is soooooo freaking yummy. You must eat while it's hot, hurry hurry!"
"Ara~ You look so happy. ♡"
A sweet smile bloomed on Amae's face as she tilted her head and admired my expression.
"I'm soooo happy. You can really taste the superb quality of the meat. Just how tender it melts in your mouth and—"
I stopped myself, feeling my cheek grew warm. My big sister giggled and stroked my head as she turned towards Chef Mao.
"My little brother is a food magician and the dishes he makes are from his world."
Chef Mao nodded in deference, possibly feeling the connection between fellow chefs.
"If I could only try something like that, then maybe I'll have new ideas."
"How about next time, big sister? I can pack a bento or something."
"Certainly." Amae patted my head gently. "After all, it's the highest privilege for anyone to taste your fine cooking."
"Thank you, I will wait for that fateful day to taste the legendary bento... To think that there was another food meow-gician, it excites the feline in me."
The secretary stared at Chef Mao. Realizing his overwhelming enthusiasm, he smiled sheepishly.
"I apologize for my improper behavior, please enjoy your meal and the rest of the day."
The program started with three catgirls dancing. Honestly, there were just pouncing around back and forth, reminding me of cats chasing a laser, which was pretty funny to watch.
After the meal, we went on a special tour around the Castle, in which Mochi explained a brief history of the Felines. I felt that Amae already knew about their culture but probably wanted me to experience it.
Apparently, the Felines were one of the thirteen races in this world and there was a war waged on them by the Canidae two decades ago. However, Lord Amae saved them from extinction and in turn, Tai became her vassal state.
"Woah... You're literally a celebrity, big sister!"
"Indeed," Mochi smiled and said in a reverent voice. "Lord Amae is a well-known historical hero in our capital, which is why all of our activities have to be indoors."
Amae turned away from me. I could tell she was silently peeking back and forth at my face as Mochi continued the tour.
Could it be that she's blushing?
So cute...!
For our last activity, we went Koi-fishing, which was a popular leisure sport within the Feline race.
"Wah, big sister, I'm not catching anything at all."
"Fufu... Watch and learn, little brother!"
Amae reeled in a fish that was half my size. After weighing her prize on a scale for record-keeping, she puffed proudly as I cheered. The Koi fish was then tossed back into the pond.
"Let me teach you," Amae brought me onto her lap and held my hands on the fishing rod. Then she guided me in a dulcet tone: "So first..."
I'm having so much fun!
Big sister must have planned everything.
Is it okay for me to be this spoiled...?
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