章節 8: Alcohol | 酒精 | アルコール
"Pay attention to me or I'll bite you, little brother! ♡"
Those words were whispered dulcetly in my ear as I held big sister by the shoulder, carefully guiding her path so she did not collide into any walls. With her superior strength, Amae would probably break it with ease.
"Be careful, we are stepping inside the room."
"Let's go, little brother~ Let's go!"
How did it end up like this?
♦ ♦ ♦
The celebratory dinner was different than what I expected. Originally, it was supposed to be a sumptuous feast with the Nine Cats Nobilities, with proper entertainments and fun games. But from the pretentious vibe, I knew those felines were using this event to one-up each other and ultimately, gain my big sister's approval.
"This here is handmade, refined silk of the Western region, weaved from Mulberry worms with a heat enchantment and satin finish."
"I've prepared the finest weaponry for your next campaign, specifically smithed from the volcanic ashes of Aiur to counter the Northern Ice Gnomes"
"Here's my offering to the supreme overlords — a Trojan Horse!"
Immediately, we were greeted with an overwhelming amount of lavishing gifts, items that would amount to a wealthy fortune back in my world. On the sides were various alcoholic beverages and wine, in which every attendee drank and toasted to our first date and Amae's next campaign.
Standing by our sides, I noticed the slight irritation on both Shyvana and Warwick's face as the party gradually became more decadent.
Since I was Amae's contracted partner, I was treated with the utmost respect, possibly because I wield an inexplicable power due to my position. But behind their feigned masks of admiration, there was a tacit feeling that I did not belong — because I was a human.
♦ ♦ ♦
Shyvana and Warwick helped excuse us from the banquet around the end of our meal, which was halfway into the program. Apparently, there was another afterparty and a night Koi-fishing event prepared by the Nine Cats Nobility as a fun way to "intimately bond".
"Our lords had a long day with Exemplar Nyanko's activities and would like to retire."
"Nya... but the night just started!" One of the female nobilities purred, raising her glass at us and looking completed wasted. "Toast to them! Toast to the first date! Toast to the legendary demon lord!"
"Indeed, Indeed! We would like to discuss more on her upcoming campaign, perhaps even offer more sponsorships!" Another nobility declared in a sloppy manner.
"Know your place, felines," Warwick growled acridly. There was actual hostility in his tone. "If you keep up this boorish act in front of our lords, my mouth will be between your throat faster than you can say meow."
Specks of ember flared around Shyvana, slowly transforming herself into a dragon, which looked absolutely terrifying if you were on her bad side. Thus, the nobilities' fur shivered, snapping back into reality and apologized repeatedly.
We swiftly left the main lobby as a tide of relief washed over me.
"Thank you two, you really saved me back there," I let out a deep sigh and shivered. As an introvert, this was an utter nightmare, especially surrounded by a group of ostentatious fakes who had an ulterior motive. It reminded me of the past.
As we arrived at the main lounge, purplish motes of light gathered together, forming the appearance of an alluring yet dangerous predator.
Warwick snarled with irritation, "Kai'Sa, those damned felines tried to take advantage of our Lords with alcohol. We should head back to the palace."
"Too dangerous to travel back at midnight." With a toss, an amethyst-colored map of our current location shimmered in the air. "Scouts indicate numerous undead near the outskirts and it's plausible we may encounter necromancers and wild bandits."
Snapping her finger, the holographic map disappeared back into her hand.
Damn, Kai'Sa so badass-!
"With Lord Amae's judgment impaired, we must be cautious." Kai'Sa turned towards me and spoke in a tender tone. "My Lord, you have the most important job of all and we shall entrust that to you. Summon us if you require our service."
"I'll do my best," I smiled and looked at Amae, who seemed to have dozed off on my shoulder.
The three Commanders executed respectful bows in unison before moving to their designated protective duty while I perform perhaps the most important of all — taking care of my big sister.
♦ ♦ ♦
"Pay attention to me or I'll bite you, little brother! ♡"
Those words were whispered dulcetly in my ear as I held big sister by the shoulder, carefully guiding her path so she did not collide into any walls. With her superior strength, Amae would probably break it with ease.
"Be careful, we are stepping inside the room."
"Let's go, little brother~ Let's go!"
How did it end up like this?
I did not know Amae was such a lightweight.
After finishing what seemed to be one bottle of sake, she was gone. Literally. Gone.
Although I was slightly dizzy, my big sister looks completely flushed and stared at me with a pair of drunken eyes, her pupils seemed to have hearts in them. Her cheeks glowed fervently and when I placed my hands on them, they felt burning hot.
Once we were inside our bedroom, she dropped on four legs as if she was a kitten and slowly crawled towards me.
"Headpats."
That was all Amae said when she arrived at my lap. I was confused about big sister's intention.
"Uhm. What about it...?"
"Huu~ rr~ yy~! I require more headpats!"
"W-why headpats?" I stumbled back as Amae moved closer, squirming on top of my lap and looked up in a serious expression.
"I always give you headpats, why do you never give me any?"
If we stood side by side, my head would probably be around her lower chin, which gives me a disadvantage in the first place. Not only that, it was intimidating to headpat someone older, especially an almighty demon lord who was around two hundred thirty years old. But the real reason was...
"It's embarrassing, big sister."
"But headpat is love. Headpat is life."
Seeing her cute drunken state, I started to pamper my big sister, imitating those delicate behaviors she does to me back home. Still, I could not help but feel embarrassed about the unexpected role reversal.
"Now please hold me as tight as you can! ♡"
I promptly compiled, hugging her back as she snuggled her face deeper into my thighs. Occasionally, I would add the all-powerful headpats, in which Amae would beam in utter happiness.
"Please caress my hair gently! ♡"
I recalled how Amae always did it when we rested together. Tracing along the smoothness of her hair, I twirled the sides and braided it playfully. The significance of each finger movement was me convey my feelings for her.
"You seemed unhappy earlier..." Amae turned around and laid on my lap like a pillow. Her cheeks still appeared red like an adorable tomato. "Are you not satisfied with the date?"
"No no, I loved it."
"That's a lie!" Her lips curled into a smug smile, "Big sister knows all, especially anything to do with you."
I laughed. It was indeed surprising how she saw through my lies so easily. This only meant we have gotten closer.
"Well, the celebratory dinner was a bit overwhelming."
"Sorry little brother, I'll be sure to scold Nyanko and his felines tomorrow morning. Perhaps I'll take away one of their nine lives as punishment..."
I was unsure what those words implied but it sounded terribly dangerous to our hosts.
"No no, you don't have to do that. It's just..."
"It's just...?"
"I wouldn't have minded spending more time alone with you. In fact, I want to come back to Tai again but next time explore the city by ourselves."
Unexpectedly, Amae sniffled and cried out:
"Wahhh~ My first date was a failure."
Note to self: drunk Amae is sensitive Amae.
But to disregard her excessive planning, which was to give me the best experience possible, I have committed a grave sin. Not only today was our very first date, but it was also our first time being outside together, marking a significant moment in our storybook. Yet, here I was, being careless in my words and inconsiderate of her feelings.
I'm horrible for not realizing.
"I'm sorry big sister, I didn't mean to you hurt your feelings. Honestly, I had so much fun today. I could only imagine the amount of work you put in to make today happen and I would not trade anything else for this moment. All this experience, I'm sure it'll be fond memories when we look back in the future."
Amae gazed up at me with a pair of innocent puppy eyes.
"Did you really have fun?"
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"If you lie to me again, I'll have you hug me for three hours straight... okay?"
"I promise what I said is the honest truth and I am so happy about today!"
"I'm glad... little brother..." Amae sunk deeper into my lap then murmured tiredly. "Next time, we'll go together... now regret... no three-hour hug..."
Within a couple seconds, Amae drifted into a soft sleep. This time I was acting like the responsible older sibling.
"What a cute drunk," I chuckled. "If only you showed this side more."
Gently carrying her, I tucked Amae to bed. She squirmed beside me as I left her presence to change into pajamas. I knew she wanted me to stay beside her. So I quickly held her hands and joined in as the sleeping beauty seemed to smile.
"Thank you for the best possible first date." Perhaps the alcohol was messing with my brain, but I wanted to convey those three words to her. For the first time ever, paired a gentle kiss on her forehead, I muttered softly:
"Goodnight Amae, I love you."
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