Hello, I’m Shu Shikure. 17 years old Male and right now, I’m really hungry.

…

Passing the door, Shinon-chan dragged me outside.

“Shu-chan, we need to talk”

“Great timing Shinon-chan. I got something to ask you too.”

As I said that, she stopped dragging me and looked at me.

“You, was that just an act to get me dragging you outside?”

“NO! I was really hungry.”

*Growl*

“Yeah, figured”

“However, it was a great timing that you dragged me out. Thank you.”

“Really? I see-”

As I complimented her, she blushed. And she’s fidgeting. As she was doing so, I saw that something flashing inside her cleavage. With just a glance, I knew what she was wearing. And then I held both of her arm, and stared at it.

“Shu-chan?? Heh? You’re into this? No touch, ok? You can watch them all you want, but no touch, ok?~”

“Shinon-chan, this is limited Asuxx in swimsuit model from SXO, right?!”

As I was shaking her, the pendent came visible. It was kind of strange that she wore a small model – no, it was half-model. It was a broken model, but it was still too big for a pendent. Why did she wear it like that? Is she an anime model-freak?

“Shinon-chan, this-”

Suddenly, she broke off from me and hid the pendent immediately.

“I got this from a very important person. Even if it’s broken, I want to keep it, that’s why I made it into a pendent.”

“Did you get it from your boyfriend?”

“I wondered-”

She said while looking up as if reminiscing her past. And then she looked back at me with a smile.

“It’s secret. More importantly, Shu-chan, is that you want to ask me? Do I have boyfriend or not? Are you really that interest in me?”

“No, I’m sorry. I went off track. What I want to ask you is this kingdom’s situation.”

“Can’t you just wait? Princess will explain sooner or later.”

“I want to hear it from you, an outsider like me. I don’t have enough information, so please tell me. Right now, your viewpoint of this kingdom is what I want.”

“Are you sure? Everything I know, is what princess told me anyway. Are you sure that’s is reliable enough?”

“Don’t worry. I already got something in mind. I just need confirmation!”

As I said that, she smiled softly to me.

“Ok~ then, listen well, Shu-chan~”

……

…

……

*Bang*

“Thank you for waiting!! I’m back!”

I shouted as I slammed the door opened. The princess and prince were still going with the staring. However, he seem to have his own place to sit already. As I entered, I broke their stare.

Wait – there is still one more stare. I don’t have to look at her to know who was staring at me. I looked up to the princess who was sitting on a higher place than us. She noticed my look and smile back, and then the stare got more intense.

Wow, the intensity doesn’t subside at all. Doesn’t she need to bat her eyes? Her eyes seem to be red, will she be alright? Will somebody stop her, please?

“Since everyone is here, shall we start?”

First princess clapped her hand, and then maids started taking food in from another door. HERE IT COME!!! LUNCH!!

“As per Shu-sama’s request, we’ll have lunch before our meeting. Empty stomach carry us nowhere. So everyone, please help yourself.”

First princess said to everyone in loud voice. And then Shinon-chan patted me on the shoulder indicated that I should go back to my seat. And so I went to my seat.

“Ano – Shinon-senpai. What did you talk about with shu-san?”

While Shinon-chan was walking to her own seat, Tama-chan asked her. Shinon-chan lips curve into a smile and, she whispered near Tama’s ears. Tama-chan turned red looking at me, and looked away almost immediately.

“Uwaa~ Tama-chan. You’re cute~”

Shinon-chan had predator gleaming eyes and then hugged Tama-chan immediately. Shinobi-chan who was beside her was also shocked.

“Shinon-nee. What did you tell Tama-chan?”

Their sudden reaction made Shinobi curious, and then Shinon-chan smile to her. Wait, did shinobi-chan called her nee? Does that mean they are sisters?

“Shinobi-chan, you want to know? Do you really want to know?”

Sensing that Shinon-chan might tell something unnecessary to Shinobi-chan, I sighed inwardly. I didn’t have the energy to rebut Shinon-chan, so instead I placed my hand on top of Shinobi-chan softly as if patting.

“Don’t go telling other something that’s not true. I just asked her about this kingdom’s situation.”

I made sure that I spoke only loud enough for Shinobi-chan and Shinon-chan to hear.

“A-A-A-Aniki. Your hand-”

I heard cute trembling shinobi-chan’s voice calling to me, and I then I realized my hand casually caressed her hair. Since they were silky black similar to my sisters, I just did it without awareness.

“Shu-chan! I’m not satisfied! Pat me too!”

Suddenly, Shinon snuggled near me which removed my hand from Shinobi-chan’s head.

“No! Go back to your place and stop causing problem.”

I said as I was pushing her away. And then I felt piercing and freezing sensation running up my spine.

What? What is going on? I know that armored girl’s stare hurt like needle piercing me, but this sensation is different. It feels like I’m being dumped into cold water having thousand needles reaping into me. Whose stare is this?!

As I scanned the room, the stare stopped as if it knew that I was searching for it. I looked at everyone and I didn’t find anything strange at all. I knew that I had thoroughly looked at everyone – except the maids who are moving the food in.

Realizing that, I scanned through the maids, and then I found the culprit.

*Sigh*

“This is going to be troublesome”

One of the maid with blue eyes and brown hair winked at me when our eyes met. That girl, Eluciquilibella is in this dining room. However, with her condition, she wouldn’t jump at me when she lost control, right?

“Shu-san, what’s wrong?”

Class_Rep-kun asked me when I sighed and faced down the table. What should I tell him? There are 2 abominations in the rooms – no, that would be too much to believe. Nobody would believe that. I can’t let people worry about me.

“I’m fine”

I told that and I took a deep breath to compose myself. And so I start to observe Eluciquilibella. It’s strange. The more I observed her, the more normal she became. And seeing her in normal mode, I felt that something bad is going on.

And after a while, 3 maids stopped at each table to present food. My food is being presented to me, and the smell was alluring. Being tormented by my own stomach, I turned my attention to the beauty on the plate in front of me.

*Gulp*

It was shining! The golden color of egg seems to brighten and attract all eyes. Various vegetable were being arranged neatly at the side of the dish. And then in the middle of the dish lies that treasure that emitted heat and aroma that captivate my stomach completely.

My hand quickly grabbed the fork before I knew it and pressed against the steak on the plate. The steak wasn’t hard as it seem, yet it was soft and with a simple press, juicy liquid flowing out blowing heat and smell as if they were being sealed inside the meat.

The liquid flowing out from the meat were golden clear and they stuck on the fork. I unconsciously held it up and licked it.

*Gulp*

Arh~ what a taste! It was sweet like honey, yet the taste wasn’t as strong providing refreshing taste lingering in my mouth. With a swift movement, I took the knife, cut a small part of the steak, and put it in my mouth.

Arh~ it was melting! It was literally melting in my mouth. DAMN! It’s delicious! I don’t want to admit it, but it’s delicious! However, Amane-chan’s cooking is much better. With care and love, her cooking is the best of the world. Right now, I’m being fooled by my hunger, that’s why it taste so great. There’s no way that my sister’s cooking can lose to this!!

“It’s delicious. Shu-san!”

“Yeah, But Amane-chan’s cooking is much better.”

I almost munched the food like wild beast, but thank to Class_Rep-kun that I stopped and controlled myself. It’s good for your stomach to eat slowly. It’s not that I’m trying to savor the taste or anything, ok? My sister’s cooking is much better. This Onii-chan live for my sisters’ food.

While slowly eating my food, I looked around the room. Shifun-chan was still staring at me. WHAT’S GIVE?! Just drop it, already! Your food is in front of you already, so stop looking at me and eat it! At least take a break. Your eyes look weary already!

As I feel little annoyed by her gaze, I noticed something else. The maid who was presenting her food was the one I kept my eyes on earlier. She open the cover of the plate, and then she took a bottle with purple liquid from between her chest. While emitting dark aura, she was mumbling something while opening the cap of the bottle.

‘I’m his only sister, I’m his only sister, I’m his only sister-’ I read her lips, and then she was repeating this while laughing ufufufu~. That’s scary!! She’s scary! When did she become such character??!!

And what’s she got there in her hand? The purple color reminded me of some cliché poison, but that’s not it, right? She isn’t stupid enough to do that, right? This is assassin, you know. Are you going to assassin the head guard of the princess with everyone here?!

Eluciquilibella seems to have trouble with the bottle cap, and she tries really hard to remove it. And then with a *POOF*, the bottle fell from her hand and poured all the liquid into the food.

There it is!!! A cliché accident!! That girl is genius! She pulled off cliché after cliché!

‘Oh no!’

Seemingly wake up from a dream, Eluciquilibella held side of her mouth, and scream silently at the sight before her. Why are you surprise?!!

Calm down, Eluci-squid! You haven’t served the meal yet, so just throw it away. It’s a mistake that you accidentally pour it in, so it can’t be helped. Throw it away and feint ignorant.

After flustering looking left and right, Eluciquilibella took the bottle and cap away. And she rearrange the food using some vegetable to cover the purple liquid.

*PSiiiii!!!*

As she dropped the vegetable inside the purple liquid. It melted immediately. And then she has shocked expression on her face. Like I said! Why are you surprise?! Aren’t you the one who own that bottle?!

And then she held the plate up. Good!! Now, throw it away. Use the most cliché move to accidently – why are you shaking it??!! Are you trying to mix it? Stupid, stop it!

However, contrary to my thought, she shook the plate. Not only she move the plate, she also move her hips. What’s the point of moving that ass?! And then she stopped and wiped her own sweat.

Oi! Don’t tell me you’re going to serve it like that, right? The whole thing turn purple, no matter how you look it, that’s sign of poison, right?! No one is foolish enough to eat it, right?

Eluciquilibella cover the food and present it to armored girl. The armored girl still looking at me, used the fork and knife to start cutting the steak without looking at it.

*Psiiii~*

Seriously??!! You’re still looking at me??!! Can’t you smell or feel the fork and knife being melted? Are you stupid?! I know that my luck is 0, but this girl, her luck is in negative or something??!

Well, whatever. It’s nice knowing you, shifun-chan. I’ll remember your last moment – as if that’s I’m going to let her die! No matter how stupid or clumsy or weird Eluciquilibella is, she’s still my personal maid. If something happened to her, wouldn’t that be routed to me as well?

Damn, let’s get on with this. I’ll make sure you won’t touch that dish.

“PRINCESS!”

I shouted out loud, and then everyone looks at me. Good! Shifun dropped the meat she was going to put inside her mouth from my sudden shout. She cut the meat into 6 part, one down and five more to go. I’ll drop every meat you got there from here!!

“What could be the matter? Shu-sama”

“Arh? Oh! My dear princess, I just want to express our thanks to this lovely and delicious meal”

“How lovely. I will make sure to tell that to the chef. He would be pleased to hear this from heroes-sama”

“Hmph?! You call this delicious? This peasant food can only disgrace the royalty cuisine of the Athena kingdom. The meat isn’t even cooked well! Elder sister, how could you make something like this for Hero-sama? Oh! I forgot! You barely have enough to cover your own people, that why’s you can only afford this much for the Heroes.”

That damn prince would find every chance to pour oil into the fire. Princess’s expression cramped a little listening to him, but she retain her composed before anyone notice it.

“Oh no, MY PRINCE!!! PLEASE FORGIVE PRINCESS MARIONA. This food is what we hero ask princess to prepare. This food is called steak where it was also cuisine for high class people as well. Moreover, it is nutritional and good for health as well. The reason that the meat isn’t welled cooked because that way, we would be able to retain the fresh and tender taste of the meat and-”

As I was explaining the food which using the knowledge from my world, everyone is looking at me with awe. The princess was blankly staring at me because the part which hero ask her to prepare this was a lie. However, after glancing at her, she seemed to understand and bow to me to thank.

Though, I didn’t really do it for her. I did this for the one who’s a completely bucketed-head who almost put an unknown purple substance into her mouth. Luckily, my shout interrupt and had her dropped her second piece. 4 more to go!

“- isn’t that right, my Princess?”

“Yes, you are very knowledgeable. Shu-sama. I do hope to taste more of heroes-sama hometown’s food.”

“Of course, with pleasure.”

“To think that this meal has such method. No matter after eating it, I feel brimming with energy. hahahaha. Elder sister, you do not mind that I’ll take this recipe, right?”

Isn’t the thing that you’re brimming with is your confident?! And what’s with that attitude when asking someone?

“Of course, this recipe belong to Heroes-sama. I believe that they should have the right to decide that.”

Princess smile and continued. The prince turned to me.

“Of course, it’s not something to be kept confidential. This recipe should be shared to all people.”

“Hahaha Good one! Then next time, I’ll invite Heroes-sama to my place. There I’ll let you guy taste our kingdom’s cuisine as well. My elder sister wouldn’t be able to serve you such meal right now, I think.”

Suddenly Shifun-chan snapped and stood up holding her sword. The good thing was that she dropped her third piece!

“Such rudeness can’t be overlooked.”

“A mere guard dare to draw your sword in front of me?”

The prince said in disgust looking at shifun-chan and then his guards also draw out their sword. Oh my god, this is getting out of hand. One after another, troubles just piled up!

“Cease this and sheathed your sword! What’s the meaning of this, Phillip?”

“Elder sister, you should know that this is merely self-defense and your guard started it first.”

This is bad. This is really bad. The atmosphere got tense and both of them really would go at each other. What am I to do with this situation where I haven’t done with that bucket head, yet – WAIT! Isn’t this the chance?

“You dare to start a fight in here?”

Princess asked the Prince with hard tone, and then Shifun-chan stood in front of her to guard her. Prince’s guards circled around them.

*Glass Broken*

A sudden loud clash which was the result of me breaking a plate – to be exact, it’s shifun-chan’s plate. With that everyone looked at me.

“Fight and this kingdom will be done for.”

I said in a rather harsh tone as if I was angry. This is one of my mode when I wanted my sisters’ attention.

“What’s the situation of this country?”

I asked and then everyone turned silent.

“Let’s me ask again, what’s the situation of this country? Is this country well off enough for you guy to fight like this? What do the citizen of this country do if they know the royal bloodline is fighting over something like this in the middle of war?”

I asked them something they couldn’t answer. Why? Because I don’t know what else I should say. I just randomly saying thing so that they wouldn’t doubt why I broke her plate. Oh, by the way, I exchange my plate with hers so that she wouldn’t be suspicious.

With this, mission accomplished! I just prevent the crime of the day.

“However, Hero of Athene, you should know that one mountain, there shouldn’t be two tigers.”

The prince said to me in hard tone, and then he turned to the Princess.

“Elder sister, we have only two more tournament left. And whoever win this shall be the next successor. This is what our tradition! I’m sure that you will no objection against that.”

“Of course, I shall obey the rule of the tradition.”

“Yeah, the day after tomorrow will be the day for the tournament. And Heroes of Athene. Now, I’ll tell you the real reason that I have come today. This kingdom is divided into two faction, right now. Princess Mariona and mine. Every 3 months, we’ll have a fight to see who is better. And the last winner shall be the next successor.”

“So, it’s a game. And what’s that gotta do with us?”

I said as such even though I already knew the answer.

“I want you to choose side. The Princess or mine. However, I should add one more important matter to this, Princess Mariona’s side never win even once. SO Choose your side, now Hero.”

The princess and Shifun-chan trembled a bit when then heard about this. They were looking at us waiting for our answers.

“I will stay in Princess’s side!”

Suddenly, Tama-chan stood up and declared.

“Princess is kind and she welcomed us warmly. I won’t betray her!”

“Me too! I’ll fight by Princess’s side”

Hero-kun also declared as such.

“Then, I’ll fight by her side as well”

“Count me in.”

Ojou-chan and Vice_Pres said as well. Shinon-chan also sided with Princess as well.

Carrot-kun and a guy in glasses didn’t say anything and stand beside everyone. Shinobi-chan and Class_Rep-kun came to my side.

“Shu-san, I trust your opinion. So I’ll followed you.”

“This one as well, Aniki.”

Just so they told me like that, I don’t get why they would follow me. It seems that everyone is waiting for my answer.

“Sorry, but can you wait for a little bit while? I can’t choose yet. I want to study and understand this kingdom well first before choosing. Wouldn’t that be fair to all of us?”

“Hahahaha! Very well. I shall await for your answer. Let’s go”

After that, he went off with all of his guards. However, as he went off. Minister and other important figures also parted with Princess. And then the room got silent.

“Very well, if you excuse us. We shall leave.”

“Wait!”

I said as I was thinking of leaving, but then I was stopped by shifun-chan.

“Why? Princess take care of you when you faint and she forgive you. Why? Why didn’t you side with her?”

Said with tint of anger swelling inside, Shifun-chan stopped me at my track. Everyone look at me as they also wondered.

“It’s not mean that I’m siding with her. I just haven’t sided with her yet.”

“Why? Why wait?”

“For a kid, do you know what happen when you got a new toy?”

“That’s-”

“Everyone will want you to share. And if you try to hog it to yourself. They will make you share through various means. They might even steal it from you. Today, the prince came and that is his means to get us to his side. What if we all decided to side with the princess. Do you think he will stay silent?”

“That’s-”

“And today, a fight was almost broke out. Do you who is responsible? That’s you! You’re honest and loyal, but your temper will be your downfall.”

After I said that, She let go of her sword and trembled.

“Shu-san! That’s enough!”

Unexpectedly, Tama-chan came to shield her.

“I know that you sound right. But even if you sound right. That doesn’t mean that you’re right. Shifun-chan was protecting the Princess. It’s not about doing something right. It’s about doing something that wouldn’t betray yourself!! Why did you have to wait? You could have said that you side with her. Because no matter what happen, you would solve it, right? Amane-chan and Amano-chan always said it. Onii-chan is strong and smart, and nothing can stop him. You’re not him! You’re not Amane-chan and Amano-chan’s Onii-chan! You’re just a coward!”

I stood there like statue listening to her scolding me with tears. And after that she ran off somewhere. Shinon-chan and Shinobi-chan chased after her. Vice_Pres and Ojou-chan also scolded me as well, and they left. Class_Rep and Hero-kun also chased after as well.

“I thought better of you, but you let me down.”

Carrot-kun said while walking beside me, and then he also left. After that, the Princess and Shifun-chan also left as well. And then, I was left alone in that room.

Uwaaa~ trying to solve this problem, and saving Shifun-chan from getting poisoned, in the end, all I get is scolding. I know that I wouldn’t expect compliment from them, but to get scolded instead. That’s just super anti-climax.

And finally since I was alone, I was able to sort out what they told me. I was able to think clear again and I realized that there was really a better approach than this. If we had threatened him instead, with Hero’s statuses, he couldn’t have done anything. There are many better ways to do this, but I just chose the safest one for myself. No wonder Tama-chan called me a coward.

After thinking, I only got even angrier at myself. Thinking of returning back to my room, I stumbled on a broken plate. And then I noticed the purple meat on the ground.

Because of this guy, I had to perform a stupid act. I had no choice, but to save her. Well, I just can’t let her die like that.

Calling it a suicide act or redemption, I casually put the purple meat inside my mouth and chew it. It was kind delicious as well, but then hot pain hit me.

*Ting*

You have been poisoned. You lose -2000 HP.

I have about 6000 HP, so the poison took one third of my HP. Wouldn’t it be overkill for other if they took it? Seriously, That Eluciquilibella control herself. Where the hell did she get poison like this?

*Ting*

You have survived After intake high grade poison. You have gained a new skill.

Passive Skill : Poison Resistance Skill Acquired.

Ho~ So new skill can be acquired this way. It’s a helpful information. Oh since it similar to game, I should be able to do this.

“Passive skill : Poison Resistance Skill detail!”

*Ting*

(Passive Skill)

Poison Resistance :

Level : 1

Rank : Beginner

Proficiency : 0%

After intake high grade poison and survive. Your body has absorbed the portion of the poison to make antidote. You will have resistance against certain type of poison. In higher Level and Rank, you’ll be able to resist more type of poison.

As I thought for a while, I took the meat and shove it into my mouth again. The same taste with a little bit sweeter, and same pain hit me.

*Ting*

You have been poisoned. You lose -1000 HP.

Oh so the damage was halved. Damn, the sensation still remained and I can’t speak.

*Ting*

You have survived After intake high grade poison.

Your Poison Resistance skill has leveled up.

You have gained a new skill.

Passive Skill : Blood Antidote Skill Acquired.

*Cough*

Unable to endure the hot sensation in my throat, I coughed it out. I was also surprised that I gained new skill from that.

“Passive skill : Poison Resistance Skill detail!”

*Ting*

(Passive Skill)

Poison Resistance :

Level : 5

Rank : Beginner

Proficiency : 35%

After intake high grade poison and survive. Your body has absorbed the portion of the poison to make antidote. You will have resistance against certain type of poison. In higher Level and Rank, you’ll be able to resist more type of poison.

Oh I gained 5 levels just from that. Seriously, how potent is this poison?

“Passive skill : Blood Antidote Skill detail!”

*Ting*

(Passive Skill)

Blood Antidote :

Level : 1

Rank : Beginner

Proficiency : 0%

After intake high grade poison and survive. Your body has absorbed the portion of the poison to make antidote. Your blood now has made it possible to retain the antibody forever giving you a flowing antidote inside your body.

Reduce the damage from the poison, and gained perfect resistance from a type of poison after repeating taking it. Your blood can also be used as antidote for other.

I just become a living antidote!! I took a deep breath and slapped myself.

“SHU’s Rule Number 2 : Must always make my sisters smile. To do that I can’t be depressed forever.”

I can’t be depressed and I know that I need to snap myself together. It’s sad that I disappoint other, but I can’t do anything about it now. What I can do now is to gather information about this world.