Chapter 1012: Around that Time ②

White God Festival, in a corner of the middle-level, there was a paid resting spot for the wealthy. Although there was a fee for this space, it is used by famous Demons and nobles to rest for short periods, as the barrier magic placed in the area allows them to rest almost like they’re in the almost private rooms.

In one of these sections, in the most expensive and spacious among the resting spaces, a woman…… Tre was sitting in a seiza, receiving a scolding from her sister, Zwei.

[……I’m not telling you to not enjoy the festival. However, it’s a problem if you cause trouble to the people around you. As I’ve said many times before, you have to think about how worried Cento and Cien will be when you suddenly disappear.]

[……Yes, I’m sorry.]

Having been scolded for a good amount of time, Tre looked down with a despondent expression on her face and apologized for her actions.

With her like this, Zwei was the one left vulnerable. Although Zwei is easily misunderstood, she has a kind and family-oriented personality, and when she sees that her little sister is reflecting, the thought “Have I spoken too much?” would keep popping into her mind.

[……Today is such a good day, so it would be a pity if I just kept on scolding you like this. That’s it for today’s scolding. Heed what I just said, but still enjoy the festival.]

[Yes.]

Since she had already said everything that needed to be said, Zwei announced that she would end her sermon there. Thereupon, Tre quietly responded and bowed her head again.

After seeing her remorseful attitude, Zwei nodded her head in satisfaction…… but soon after, a big smile returned to Tre’s face.

[Then, this conversation has ended, right!? Well then, let’s continue with the festival~~!]

[……Tre, you……]

[N- No, that’s not it! I’m properly reflecting! But you see, I think my strongest point is that I can switch thoughts quickly.]

[……Hahh……]

Looking at her little sister, who she wondered if really paid attention to her sermons, or at least, just like always…… she didn’t seem to have learned her lesson. Zwei let out an exasperated sigh.

[Ahh, that’s right, Sis Zwei should also come with us! Since you’ve come here, you must have cleared your work schedule well in advance, right? Let’s go to the festival together!]

[N- No, I’m……]

[I want to go around the festival with Sis Zwei…… but you see, I haven’t been able to go out with you much lately…… Is that no good?]

[Ughhh……]

When Zwei heard Tre’s words about wanting to go around the White God Festival together, she looked slightly troubled. Her schedule certainly had been adjusted with plenty of leeway for her so that there wouldn’t be any problems even if her sermon was prolonged, so it really wasn’t impossible for her to go around the festival.

But just because she put it off didn’t mean the work disappeared, so in her mind, she was going to go back to work after she finished her scolding.

[Look, you see, I don’t think Sis Zwei has to worry about me getting separated from the others if you are here with us, right?]

[……That’s……. certainly true but……]

Honestly speaking…… Zwei is quite indulgent on Tre. This is because when the Six Kings used to live with Kuromueina, Zwei was the one in position of being the youngest child in her family.

Tre, who was picked up by Kuromueina right after the Six Kings became independent, was the first little sister she had ever had…… so Zwei found her so cute that she was blind to her faults.

The reason why she was scolding Tre so often is because she was worried about her, who has no fighting abilities at all, and even if Tre hated her for it, Zwei was prepared to scold her very harshly.

But, fortunately or unfortunately, Tre was unusually optimistic and never learned her lesson at all, and no matter how many times Zwei scolded her, Tre was never afraid of her.

She felt conflicted about Tre’s request, but it was a request from her little sister, who even though she was very strict to, was also someone she loved very much.

Tre herself is also very skillful at depending on others. She is so skillful at it that even their King, Kuromueina, dotes on her very much.

This is because most of Kuromueina’s family, including the youngest Neun, are quite excellent, partly because of Kuromueina’s great guiding skills, and are incredibly reliable.

Kuromueina was glad that her baby birds…… her family had grown up so well. However, her heart as a parent felt lonely when her family didn’t rely or depend on her.

Tre was the one who satisfied her contradictory and complicated heart. Because of her personality, Tre still coaxes and often acts spoiled around Kuromueina.

If she were to be honest, it made Kuromueina quite happy, and saying “Geez, you truly are helpless, Tre”, she happily listened to Tre’s requests.

Tre’s skills at depending on others are also on full display when it comes to her big sister. However, rather than Tre being calculating, it was just that she subconsciously did this.

She simply wanted to go around the festival with her big sister, who she loved very much, and because she herself knew this, Zwei couldn’t help but indulge her.

[……Only for a little while.]

[Really!? Yay~~ Going together with Sis Zwei~~!]

[Good grief, you’re such a helpless child.]

Seeing Tre looking truly happy to be able to go around with her, Zwei gently smiled.

~ ~ Extra : Additional Info about Tre’s Connections ~ ~

【Ein】

Just like Kuromueina and Zwei, she dotes on Tre very much. Tre often asks her to make snacks for her, and it’s a secret pleasure for Ein to watch her eat them with a smile on her face.

Especially being the Eldest daughter in Kuromueina’s family…… She felt just like how Kuromueina felt. While she was happy that her family had grown well, she also felt lonely because they were less dependent on her…… and if she were to be honest, she thought that the spoiled Tre was so cute that she couldn’t help spoiling her.