章 5: Meaning | 意義 | いぎ
"Thank you for the meal, little brother!~ ♡"
My demon sister puffed, finishing the special curry omurice I made with a satisfying smile.
"You should try savoring the food," I wiped a speck of curry off her cheek with a handkerchief. "It's not like I am stealing it from you."
"Ara~ you should have licked it off," Amae giggled playfully, "That's because I can't help myself after the first bite, your cooking is utterly delicious."
I felt my cheeks grew warm. As a chef, my pride came from my food and I loved how expressive Amae was during our meals. She would provide suggestions so I could improve my recipe to cater more towards the monsters. Through the tastings, I discovered they prefer a lighter taste and my guess came from their heightened senses, which intensified the salt and spice flavors.
"I guess it can't be helped," I smiled, bringing out my latest creation, "Now then, are you ready to try some fried tofu?"
"Always~ ♡"
♦ ♦ ♦
Around two weeks flew by since the creation of my first meal. Rumors of me being a 'food magician' rapidly spread, elevating me into a unique position. In fact, Amae and the Guardians appointed me as the palace's supreme head chef.
Similarly, I taught Neko and other maids on the fundamentals to culinary art. Through lessons and live demonstrations, the catgirls made simple beginner dishes such as Alfredo pasta and soup dumplings.
"So Neko, where's the cooked salmon?"
"Please forgive me milord, it looked too appetizing and the feline in me could not contain myself..."
And occasionally, I would have to stop them from temptation.
♦ ♦ ♦
I also started doing Amae's laundry, which included handwashing and drying an array of lavishing robes and evening gowns. When I first asked, she responded with helping out hmm... then you can take care of my clothes!
I still became flustered when I reach the lingerie portion. It was interesting how my demon sister wore bras and panties.
Memories of our hot spring ritual reappeared, reminding me of her perfect human features — her bare skin, voluptuous blossom, slender waist...
Kaboom-!
My mind erupted like a volcano once again.
♦ ♦ ♦
I feel like a househusband.
And honestly, I did not mind being a homemaker. The thought of my demon sister fighting against the entire world while I tended our majestic palace sounded like the perfect melodramatic fairy tale. Except this was the sheer reality and I loved it.
But every day was the same — it gradually became boring.
I can't help but feel this way.
It's wrong to deny my feelings.
That was because nothing new ever happened, except for the occasional gossips on the latest combat report. And due to my authority and "human" values, I found it difficult to establish commonality and ultimately, make genuine friendship with other monsters.
Soon enough, I was daydreaming, pondering about the outside world.
I wonder if there are technology and cars.
Or is it a fantasy world with castles and floating islands?
Or maybe it's something beyond my imagination.
After dusting the cabinets in our bedroom, I took off my face mask and let out a deep sigh.
"If only there was Wi-Fi here."
♦ ♦ ♦
"Hey, big sister."
Amae glanced up from her sorcery tome, which depicted floating holographic-blue icons and symbols I did not understand.
We were relaxing in the Great Library, located beneath the depth of the earth. My sister decided to take a break from the frontline to research for the upcoming campaign, which involved fighting against high elves with vast magic potential.
"I want to go outside."
"But we are spending quality time right now."
Conversation on this topic always went something like this. Typically, she would act playful and exuberant. But whenever we talked about the outside, her tone instantly sounded hesitant.
I shut her book with my hands and sat on Amae's lap, looking at her straight in the eye and pouted like a whiny little brother.
"Outtttttside!~"
My big sister smiled mysteriously. She placed her hand on my cheek, studying my expression with an earnest look. The softness of her touch instantly placated my mood. As our eyes locked gaze, my heart skipped multiple beats and I found myself lost in this entrancing moment.
"The outside is a dangerous place for a human, filled with constant threats and erratic creatures beyond your worst nightmare. Do you still wish to go?"
I nodded, "I have no need to fear because you'll protect me."
She grasped my hand tightly as if she was afraid of something.
"Without a doubt, I'll guard you with my life. But there are ancient beings who wield similar strength and magic power as me," Then she said candidly. "In such an unpredictable world, I don't trust myself enough to ensure your complete safety."
I see... that explains why she was so reluctant.
It's selfish for me to keep insisting.
Because it would put her life in danger too.
Someday... I'll get over it.
Suddenly a voice appeared behind us. It was Kai'Sa, one of the offensive generals for Amae's army. The apex predator wore her void suit, which was skin-tight and pulsated with an omniscient purple energy.
"Then my lord, how about we assign three Commanders and the Honor Guards as your escort?"
"Request denied," Amae responded with an inscrutable expression. "I do not wish to put my subordinates in unnecessary danger."
"Lord Amae, it is only natural that you have doubts in us protecting your little brother. After all, our abilities are miniscule in your reckoning."
Kai'Sa continued in a respectful tone that was laced with a stern strength.
"However, we are your vassals who swore our life's allegiance towards you. Your happiness is our purpose. We — all the Commanders will accomplish any tasks assigned to us, no matter how difficult or onerous, with every ounce of our strengths. Thus, if you wish to bring your little brother outside, then the entire army will comply with your request."
Her voice was filled with power, and in it was the adamant loyalty and representation of the other Commanders who seemed to felt the same.
"What are your thoughts?" Amae smiled and turned towards me. It seemed that I was making the final call.
"I want to see the outside world. Not only that, I want you to be my side as I experience your world for the first time."
Amae's expression seemed to change when I said first time.
"If that's what you want," My big sister patted my head lightly and turned towards Kai'Sa. "You, Warwick and Shyvana will be leading the escort."
"Yes, Lord Amae! Thank you for presenting me this opportunity, I will protect our supreme rulers at all cost." Kai'Sa prostrated deeply and her voice sounded more animated than before. "Rest assured, the two of you will be able to fully enjoy your date."
Then she looked at me and bowed again.
"Thank you for the delicious meals lately."
Before I could even respond to her assumption, the void general dematerialized into purple motes of incandescent light and gradually disappeared into thin air.
Did she say date?
Well, I wouldn't mind if it was...
"Fufu... Seems like Kai'Sa has taken a liking for you. She's not typically this expressive."
"I am glad," My heart felt warm and filled with utmost gratitude. "But I did not know the consequences of going outside could be this catastrophic, I'm sorry for my selfish—"
—Amae shushed my lips with her index finger and smiled gently.
"I was selfish too, little brother. I was afraid about the possibility of losing you if we were to venture outside." My demon sister placed my hand above her left breast. I felt her heart beating repeatedly. "But deep down here, I knew it was not fair to let my insecurity limit your freedom, so I apologize for being negligent of your feelings."
Every relationship takes effort.
"Big sister," I was touched by her honesty. "When we talked about our true feelings and became vulnerable, we came to an understanding."
That's why I'll do the best I can.
"But if we kept to ourselves, the seeds of resentment might have grown from those baseless assumptions."
So that we can keep moving forward, together as a whole.
"So I'm happy we got to know each other even better."
Amae widened her eyes and giggled at my response. "It does feel like we are moving onto the next phase of our siblingship, especially now that we are embarking on a date."
She embraced me tightly, resting my head on top of her voluptuous chest, which felt like soft pillows. After a few minutes of intimate silence, she whispered into my ears:
"Just letting you know, it will be my first date ever~ So I'll be in your care, little brother ♡"
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