Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki were sitting around the dining table as it had two stacks of four used plates with forks on top placed near the empty seat. In the center of the table were twelve cans of bear along with a couple of empty ones that were flat on their sides. Namida had the most empty cans around her as she easily downed an entire one as she let out a satisfied exhale and said. “Nothing drinking with your friends to help forget about your problems.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “You sound like an old man.”
Ketsueki was holding onto an empty cup as she slightly shook it and said. “Why do we even bother drinking these? If we wanted a slight sensation of being inebriated we should’ve drunk mana-infused bears instead.” She threw the can toward the center of the table as it spun around in the air and landed perfectly on its bottom, Ketsueki continued. “The only way we get slightly intoxicated with these is if we decide to buy all of the beer in the world.” Namida shook her head sideways and said. “It’s not about getting drunk, it’s about having a good time with friends. People who drink to get drunk have a problem.”
Sachi’s lips slowly curled into a smile, she said. “For once, I agree with the drunkard.” Ketsueki let out a laugh and said. “Fine, moments like these aren’t so bad.” She glanced out the window and saw how dark it’s gotten, Ketsueki continued. “But how long are we going to keep drinking? It’s already dark out.” Sachi took a small sip of her can as she noticed she had just emptied it, she said. “Why the rush? The night is still young. I say we-.”
The three of them froze as they heard a door open from upstairs that was followed by a yawn and footsteps. Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki stood up from their seat as they stared at the beer cans on the table and unwashed plates. Namida spoke in a whisper and said. “Reiki’s already awake?! What kind of sleeping schedule does he have to wake up at this hour?!” Ketsueki gestured at everything on the table and spoke in a hushed tone, she said. “Stop wasting time and clean this mess up!” Sachi suddenly extended her arm as she spoke in a soft tone and said. “No! Keep them there and we’ll pretend to be asleep in the living room.”
They heard the sound of footsteps coming from the top of the staircase as Ketsueki stared at her friend with disbelief on her expression. Ketsueki said. “Are you dumb? Is that your attempt in trying to make us look like drunks in front of my boy?” Without missing a beat Sachi had a straight expression and said. “We can just use Namida’s drinking problem as an excuse.” Namida’s brows furrowed, she said. “I don’t have a drinking problem-.” She was interrupted mid-sentence as Ketsueki said. “Sounds like a plan.”
The two of them vanished from the dining table as Ketsueki appeared lying down on the sofa while Sachi was on the armchair as she slightly tilted her head to the side while leaning on the backrest. Namida heard the footsteps coming closer as she panicked and thought. I hate you two bitches! She took a few empty cans from the dining table, she disappeared and reappeared by the living room as she hastily placed an empty can near them on the coffee table. Namida slipped off the other armchair as she fell onto the floor as she heard both her friends let out a stifled chuckle.
Namida quickly placed both her feet under the coffee table as she leaned on the armchair as Reiki came down from the stairway. He let out another yawn and spoke to himself, he said. “... The room has a faint smell of beer in the air…” He made his way to the fridge and saw the pile of unwashed dishes and the beer cans all over the table, Reiki picked up one of the unopened beer cans and said. “... I wonder how beer tastes like…”
Namida kept her eyes closed as she ignored Ketsueki who was lying down on the couch as she slightly opened her eyes revealing her glowing pupils. Sachi opened one of her eyes to watch while Namida thought. Reiki… Don’t do anything that’d get ME killed! With a soft thud Reiki placed the can back on the table, he said. “... Maybe I can share a drink with Onee-chan when I’m older.” Ketsueki closed her eyes again as her lips curled into a smile while Namida let out a long sigh of relief and thought. That boy of hers is going to get me killed.
Sachi’s lips slightly frowned as she closed her eyes while the three of them were on edge as they heard the sound of footsteps getting closer to them. Reiki was in the middle of scratching his back through his shirt as he saw Namida sitting on the floor leaning on the armchair. He said. “... That’s bad for your posture…” He thought. Time to cause a bit of trouble. Sachi opened one of her eyes while Ketueki fully opened both of hers. Namida pretended to be asleep and thought. Oh shit…
Reiki lifted Namida by her waist as he placed her on the armchair, she thought. … At least give me time to write down my will… Ketsueki’s pupils were brightly glowing while Sachi was smiling at what was happening. The two of them instantly closed their eyes as Reiki turned around and made his way to Ketsueki on the couch. Namida opened her eyes as she watched him, she thought. Reiki, do something so your older sister doesn’t kill me! She ignored Sachi who had one eye open while smiling. Reiki put some stray hair behind her ear as Reiki leaned in and kissed Ketsueki’s cheek, he did some stretches in place and spoke in a soft tone. He said. “... Got a lot to do today…”
Reiki made his way to the front door as Namida cautiously opened her eyes and saw Ketsueki pretending to be asleep on the couch with a smile on her lips. Namida let out a sigh of relief and thought. … Talk about a close shave…
~Seven Hours Later~
Namida, Sachi, and Ketsueki were sitting around the dining table as they ate a roasted chicken sandwich. Shiro came from the stairway as she changed into her school uniform, she made her way to the dining table while making sure to cover her yawn and sat on the empty chair. Ketsueki playfully pinched her little sister’s cheek and said. “Morning, Shiro.” Shiro’s eyes were half open as she moved her gaze onto her older sister. Shiro said. “... Morning, Onee-chan…” Namida was holding onto her sandwich that had a couple of bites taken out of it and said. “Not a morning person cottontail?”
The three girls kept their gaze on Shiro as a few seconds passed as she shook her head sideways. Sachi smiled at her and said. “I think you just need some food in you to start your day.” Reiki came from the kitchen as he was carrying a tray with one hand while making his way to the dining table, he said. “Sorry for the wait, food’s here.” He placed down a large plate of onigiri in the middle and started giving them their each bowl of miso soup, Reiki said. “The filling for the onigiris are umeboshi, dried bonito flakes, and grilled salmon flakes.”
Reiki placed two plates in front of his little sister, one had a freshly made roasted chicken sandwich from yesterday's leftovers while one was empty. He moved his gaze onto his older sister and continued. “Onee-chan, I used a few of the large slices of salmon in the fridge.” Reiki placed a plate in front of the girls while Ketsueki placed a hand on her little brother's head as she ruffled his already unkempt and shaggy hair. Ketsueki said. “Cook anything you want Reiki, no need to tell me what you used. I’ll make sure our fridge is always stocked with food.”
Namida placed a couple of onigiri on her empty plate that was next to her plate of chicken sandwiches, she said. “No beef or pork for breakfast? We need something to help with what we drank.” Sachi picked up an onigiri as she tried to discern what was the filling inside while Shiro slowly placed an onigiri on her other plate. Reiki spun the empty tray on the tip of his index finger as his mouth curled into a smile, he said. “You do know fatty fish such as salmon can also help with absorbing alcohol.”
Ketsueki’s lips were in a slight smirk as she picked up a couple of onigiri and placed it on her plate. Namida thought for a couple of seconds as she turned her head to the side toward her friend, Sachi nodded and said. “He’s right.” She placed the onigiri she was still holding onto her plate, reached for another one, and took a bite out of it. Sachi thought. Umeboshi. Reiki let out a chuckle and said. “Don’t worry Namida. Next time you get drunk in Onee-chan’s house, I’ll make sure to add meat to the menu.”
Namida gave him an ok sign with her hand, she said. “Thanks in advance then.” She picked up one of the onigiri on her plate and took a bite revealing salmon flakes as the filling. Reiki pointed at the fridge using his thumb and said. “Now I need to get you girls some water. Gimme a minute.” He made his way to the fridge while the girls ate their breakfast. Ketsueki swallowed and said. “What are you two having for lunch later? Take out? I don’t want to eat at the cafeteria with all the others.”
Namida placed her onigiri on her plate as she picked up one of the halves of her sandwich, she said. “Take out, food from the cafeteria is overpriced and bland. Can’t understand how the others stomach it.” Sachi pursed her lips and said. “Can’t we just buy something at a convenience store? Our order is always cold by the time it’s in our hands.” Reiki made his way to the dining table, he placed the ice-cold pitcher in the center and said. “I may have a solution to all of your girls' problem.”
Ketsueki finished off one of her onigiri, she thought. Looks like I can take a few items from their lunch today. Reiki started placing a glass that already had some water in it near each of them while Namida leaned on the backrest of the chair and said. “Lay it on us.” Sachi picked up her glass of water as she took a sip, she said. “I think I know what your solution is, but I just want to make sure.” Reiki took out a tatter pouch from his pocket, he said. “Here are all of your girls' bentos.”
He started taking out one bento after another and handed it to them after calling their name, Reiki said. “Namida.” The bento he was holding instantly vanished, as she gave a nod and said. “Thanks for making me lunch.” Reiki continued. “Sachi.” Sachi waved her hand as the bento flew towards her and vanished mid-air, she said. “I’ll be sure to remember to bring you back something.” He moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “Onee-chan.” Ketsueki gave him a sweet smile and said. “Thank you, Reiki.”
He moved his gaze onto his little sister and took out three bentos stacked on top of each other, Reiki said. “Shiro, Mio, and Yuki.” He placed the three bentos near Shiro’s plates as her eyes were slightly wider as she nodded and said. “Yes…” Reiki playfully poked his little sister's cheek and said. “Shiro, make sure not to forget them.”
Shiro let out another yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, Reiki continued. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Ketsueki let out a chuckle while Namida and Sachi smiled at Shiro who was trying her best to stay awake. Sachi was holding onto her onigiri and said. “Reiki, have you even eaten dinner? We didn’t even see your plate last night.” From the corner of his eye he noticed a hint of concern on his older sister's face, Reiki said. “I did, don’t worry. My share of breakfast is in the kitchen, if you girls are still hungry feel free to take some.”
Namida raised a brow at him and said. “Do you hate us that much to the point you won’t even eat at the same table?” Reiki let out a laugh as he threw at the sink as it gently landed in it, he said. “We only have these four chairs. Plus I don’t want to move the armchairs.” He smiled at them and continued. “Not only that it’ll save you two from watching me inhale an entire chicken in one go.” Namida pointed at him using the onigiri in her hand, she said. “If I don’t see you inhale an entire chicken in one go. You’ll make me a few cakes.”
Reiki let out a chuckle as he took an onigiri from the table, he said. “You’re on.” He pointed at the ceiling and continued. “I have to wake Cherry up and go to the bathroom, enjoy your meal.” He ate half of the onigiri in one bite and made his way to the staircase while Sachi gave her friend an odd look, she said. “An entire chicken in one go?... Ketsueki, care to explain?” Namida finished off her onigiri as she took a sip of water while Ketsueki had a clueless expression on her face and said. “What?... He’s a growing boy, Reiki needs to eat.”
Sachi moved her gaze onto Namida who was in the middle of placing more onigiri onto her plate. Sachi said. “Namida?” Namida turned her head sideways as she had half a dozen onigiri on her plate, she said. “What was the question?” Sachi’s gaze wandered onto the plate of onigiri in the middle of the table which only had a few pieces left, she thought. Being the most ‘normal’ one in the group I’ll never understand why they eat so much. Sachi stood up from her seat as Ketsueki was holding onto her half-eaten sandwich and said. “You’re already done?”
Shiro gently rubbed her eyes as she was holding onto an onigiri that had a couple of bites taken out of it. Sachi shook her head sideways, she said. “No, Reiki offered if we needed more onigiri we could take more from his share.” Ketsueki pointed at the plate on the table and said. “Then take the plate with you.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “Fine.” She picked the plate up and made her way to the kitchen. Namida quickly took a sip of her water to clear her throat, she turned sideways on the chair and said. “If there are more chicken sandwiches make sure to take some of those too!”
Ketsueki was about to take a bite of the other slice of the sandwich she held with her hand but stopped, she said. “Whatever this guy just said!” Sachi lazily waved at them, she thought. Reiki’s appetite can’t be ‘that’ big… I’ve those two eat and it wasn’t-. She stopped her train of thought as she saw two large plates with one of them having a tall mountain of onigiri that was next to a chicken sandwich that was about half its height. Sachi stared at it and thought. … Mmm… Should I tell Namida or should I wait to see her expression of disbelief… I wanna see the look on her face. Sachi started placing onigiris and sandwiches onto the plate she was carrying.
________________________________________________________________________________
Reiki’s Room
Cherry was on the edge standing on the drawer while asleep while Reiki made his way to the bed and laid down on it. He stared at the ceiling and thought. So much to do, so little time… I need to reschedule a few things. He took out his tattered pouch from his pocket and from the pouch he took out a talisman from the inside, Reiki spoke in a whisper and said. “Small amount of mana.” His fingers were enveloped with a thin layer of mana as it almost touched the talisman.
[System: User has used 20 Mana.]
From the corner of his eye, he saw Cherry slightly move her head sideways and look around the room. Reiki turned his head to face the crow and said. “Morning Cherry.” For a split second, he lost concentration on the talisman as he felt a shock from his finger.
[System: User has received 12 damage.]
Cherry flapped her wings and let out a soft caw while Reiki stared at his index finger which was a bit numb, he thought. Ok… Note to self, don’t lose focus when inputting mana… I wonder if Haruka ever got something exploded in her face from doing something similar like this. He focused again and his hand was slowly enveloped with a thin layer of light blue mana.
[System: User has used 22 Mana.]
The talisman he was holding faintly glowed as it was silent for a few seconds followed by the sound of a familiar voice. The voice said. “Reiki?” He let go of the talisman as it floated mid-air, Reiki made himself comfortable on the couch and said. “How’s it going love?” From the talisman the sound of a high-pitched shatter, he said. “Nora, is everything okay? I just heard something break.”
________________________________________________________________________________
A Large Dining Room
Enora was sitting on a chair as a female elf wearing a green dress while carefully picking up the shards on the ground using one of her hands while enveloped in a thin layer of mana. Enora looked at the elf and said. “Are you okay?” The female elf nodded while placing the shards into her other hand which was also covered with mana, she had a hint of surprise on her face and said. “Yes, young majesty. Lucky neither of us received any wounds.” Enora let out a sigh of relief, she said. “Agreed, I’m sorry for bumping into you. I didn’t expect him to use the talisman.”
The female elf slowly nodded and thought. … Did… I just heard the word love from that talisman? The elf picked up the last shard on the ground as she stood up straight, gestured at the trolley, and said. “Young majesty, I’ll be sure to return to take the trolley.” She gave Enora a slight bow and continued. “On my way to dispose the shards, I’ll have one of the other maids prepare the table for you.” The talisman was on the table while Enora used her hand to cover it. Reiki’s voice came from the talisman. “Nora?... Is this thing on?...”
Enora quickly moved her attention to the talisman as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks, she spoke in a whisper and said. “R-Reiki, I’m a little busy at the moment right now.” From the talisman she heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “Judging by the plate breaking you’re about to have breakfast, how busy can you be?” Enora glanced at the corner of her eye and saw the female elf was still in the room staring at her. The blush on Enora’s face slightly reddened as she spoke in a soft tone and said. “The maids are still preparing the table for breakfast so I can spare you some time.”
Enora covered the talisman even more with her hand as she turned her upper body sideways to face the maid elf and said. “You said that you’d dispose the shards?” The female elf didn’t answer as she stared at Enora and thought. … She’s putting a lot of effort to change… Plus Valen was the one responsible for… A lot of things… The elf said. “I’m ecstatic to see you find happiness, young majesty. If you’ll excuse me.” The maid turned around and made her way out of the room while Enora stared at the elf as her face slowly turned red.
From the talisman she heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “Nora, I need you to do me a small favor.” Enora slowly inhaled and exhaled as the red shade on her face gradually vanished, she said. “I’d be more than happy to help you in any way that I can.” A few seconds of silence passed by as Enora’s expression turned odd as she raised a brow and said. “... Reiki?...” From the talisman she heard him inhale, Reiki said. “... I need Saria… You know the librarian? To visit me and meet a couple of business partners…”
Enora’s expression didn’t change but the air around her turned heavy as Reiki could tell from the talisman, he said. “Love?...”
Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki were sitting around the dining table as it had two stacks of four used plates with forks on top placed near the empty seat. In the center of the table were twelve cans of bear along with a couple of empty ones that were flat on their sides. Namida had the most empty cans around her as she easily downed an entire one as she let out a satisfied exhale and said. “Nothing drinking with your friends to help forget about your problems.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “You sound like an old man.”
Ketsueki was holding onto an empty cup as she slightly shook it and said. “Why do we even bother drinking these? If we wanted a slight sensation of being inebriated we should’ve drunk mana-infused bears instead.” She threw the can toward the center of the table as it spun around in the air and landed perfectly on its bottom, Ketsueki continued. “The only way we get slightly intoxicated with these is if we decide to buy all of the beer in the world.” Namida shook her head sideways and said. “It’s not about getting drunk, it’s about having a good time with friends. People who drink to get drunk have a problem.”
Sachi’s lips slowly curled into a smile, she said. “For once, I agree with the drunkard.” Ketsueki let out a laugh and said. “Fine, moments like these aren’t so bad.” She glanced out the window and saw how dark it’s gotten, Ketsueki continued. “But how long are we going to keep drinking? It’s already dark out.” Sachi took a small sip of her can as she noticed she had just emptied it, she said. “Why the rush? The night is still young. I say we-.”
The three of them froze as they heard a door open from upstairs that was followed by a yawn and footsteps. Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki stood up from their seat as they stared at the beer cans on the table and unwashed plates. Namida spoke in a whisper and said. “Reiki’s already awake?! What kind of sleeping schedule does he have to wake up at this hour?!” Ketsueki gestured at everything on the table and spoke in a hushed tone, she said. “Stop wasting time and clean this mess up!” Sachi suddenly extended her arm as she spoke in a soft tone and said. “No! Keep them there and we’ll pretend to be asleep in the living room.”
They heard the sound of footsteps coming from the top of the staircase as Ketsueki stared at her friend with disbelief on her expression. Ketsueki said. “Are you dumb? Is that your attempt in trying to make us look like drunks in front of my boy?” Without missing a beat Sachi had a straight expression and said. “We can just use Namida’s drinking problem as an excuse.” Namida’s brows furrowed, she said. “I don’t have a drinking problem-.” She was interrupted mid-sentence as Ketsueki said. “Sounds like a plan.”
The two of them vanished from the dining table as Ketsueki appeared lying down on the sofa while Sachi was on the armchair as she slightly tilted her head to the side while leaning on the backrest. Namida heard the footsteps coming closer as she panicked and thought. I hate you two bitches! She took a few empty cans from the dining table, she disappeared and reappeared by the living room as she hastily placed an empty can near them on the coffee table. Namida slipped off the other armchair as she fell onto the floor as she heard both her friends let out a stifled chuckle.
Namida quickly placed both her feet under the coffee table as she leaned on the armchair as Reiki came down from the stairway. He let out another yawn and spoke to himself, he said. “... The room has a faint smell of beer in the air…” He made his way to the fridge and saw the pile of unwashed dishes and the beer cans all over the table, Reiki picked up one of the unopened beer cans and said. “... I wonder how beer tastes like…”
Namida kept her eyes closed as she ignored Ketsueki who was lying down on the couch as she slightly opened her eyes revealing her glowing pupils. Sachi opened one of her eyes to watch while Namida thought. Reiki… Don’t do anything that’d get ME killed! With a soft thud Reiki placed the can back on the table, he said. “... Maybe I can share a drink with Onee-chan when I’m older.” Ketsueki closed her eyes again as her lips curled into a smile while Namida let out a long sigh of relief and thought. That boy of hers is going to get me killed.
Sachi’s lips slightly frowned as she closed her eyes while the three of them were on edge as they heard the sound of footsteps getting closer to them. Reiki was in the middle of scratching his back through his shirt as he saw Namida sitting on the floor leaning on the armchair. He said. “... That’s bad for your posture…” He thought. Time to cause a bit of trouble. Sachi opened one of her eyes while Ketueki fully opened both of hers. Namida pretended to be asleep and thought. Oh shit…
Reiki lifted Namida by her waist as he placed her on the armchair, she thought. … At least give me time to write down my will… Ketsueki’s pupils were brightly glowing while Sachi was smiling at what was happening. The two of them instantly closed their eyes as Reiki turned around and made his way to Ketsueki on the couch. Namida opened her eyes as she watched him, she thought. Reiki, do something so your older sister doesn’t kill me! She ignored Sachi who had one eye open while smiling. Reiki put some stray hair behind her ear as Reiki leaned in and kissed Ketsueki’s cheek, he did some stretches in place and spoke in a soft tone. He said. “... Got a lot to do today…”
Reiki made his way to the front door as Namida cautiously opened her eyes and saw Ketsueki pretending to be asleep on the couch with a smile on her lips. Namida let out a sigh of relief and thought. … Talk about a close shave…
~Seven Hours Later~
Namida, Sachi, and Ketsueki were sitting around the dining table as they ate a roasted chicken sandwich. Shiro came from the stairway as she changed into her school uniform, she made her way to the dining table while making sure to cover her yawn and sat on the empty chair. Ketsueki playfully pinched her little sister’s cheek and said. “Morning, Shiro.” Shiro’s eyes were half open as she moved her gaze onto her older sister. Shiro said. “... Morning, Onee-chan…” Namida was holding onto her sandwich that had a couple of bites taken out of it and said. “Not a morning person cottontail?”
The three girls kept their gaze on Shiro as a few seconds passed as she shook her head sideways. Sachi smiled at her and said. “I think you just need some food in you to start your day.” Reiki came from the kitchen as he was carrying a tray with one hand while making his way to the dining table, he said. “Sorry for the wait, food’s here.” He placed down a large plate of onigiri in the middle and started giving them their each bowl of miso soup, Reiki said. “The filling for the onigiris are umeboshi, dried bonito flakes, and grilled salmon flakes.”
Reiki placed two plates in front of his little sister, one had a freshly made roasted chicken sandwich from yesterday's leftovers while one was empty. He moved his gaze onto his older sister and continued. “Onee-chan, I used a few of the large slices of salmon in the fridge.” Reiki placed a plate in front of the girls while Ketsueki placed a hand on her little brother's head as she ruffled his already unkempt and shaggy hair. Ketsueki said. “Cook anything you want Reiki, no need to tell me what you used. I’ll make sure our fridge is always stocked with food.”
Namida placed a couple of onigiri on her empty plate that was next to her plate of chicken sandwiches, she said. “No beef or pork for breakfast? We need something to help with what we drank.” Sachi picked up an onigiri as she tried to discern what was the filling inside while Shiro slowly placed an onigiri on her other plate. Reiki spun the empty tray on the tip of his index finger as his mouth curled into a smile, he said. “You do know fatty fish such as salmon can also help with absorbing alcohol.”
Ketsueki’s lips were in a slight smirk as she picked up a couple of onigiri and placed it on her plate. Namida thought for a couple of seconds as she turned her head to the side toward her friend, Sachi nodded and said. “He’s right.” She placed the onigiri she was still holding onto her plate, reached for another one, and took a bite out of it. Sachi thought. Umeboshi. Reiki let out a chuckle and said. “Don’t worry Namida. Next time you get drunk in Onee-chan’s house, I’ll make sure to add meat to the menu.”
Namida gave him an ok sign with her hand, she said. “Thanks in advance then.” She picked up one of the onigiri on her plate and took a bite revealing salmon flakes as the filling. Reiki pointed at the fridge using his thumb and said. “Now I need to get you girls some water. Gimme a minute.” He made his way to the fridge while the girls ate their breakfast. Ketsueki swallowed and said. “What are you two having for lunch later? Take out? I don’t want to eat at the cafeteria with all the others.”
Namida placed her onigiri on her plate as she picked up one of the halves of her sandwich, she said. “Take out, food from the cafeteria is overpriced and bland. Can’t understand how the others stomach it.” Sachi pursed her lips and said. “Can’t we just buy something at a convenience store? Our order is always cold by the time it’s in our hands.” Reiki made his way to the dining table, he placed the ice-cold pitcher in the center and said. “I may have a solution to all of your girls' problem.”
Ketsueki finished off one of her onigiri, she thought. Looks like I can take a few items from their lunch today. Reiki started placing a glass that already had some water in it near each of them while Namida leaned on the backrest of the chair and said. “Lay it on us.” Sachi picked up her glass of water as she took a sip, she said. “I think I know what your solution is, but I just want to make sure.” Reiki took out a tatter pouch from his pocket, he said. “Here are all of your girls' bentos.”
He started taking out one bento after another and handed it to them after calling their name, Reiki said. “Namida.” The bento he was holding instantly vanished, as she gave a nod and said. “Thanks for making me lunch.” Reiki continued. “Sachi.” Sachi waved her hand as the bento flew towards her and vanished mid-air, she said. “I’ll be sure to remember to bring you back something.” He moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “Onee-chan.” Ketsueki gave him a sweet smile and said. “Thank you, Reiki.”
He moved his gaze onto his little sister and took out three bentos stacked on top of each other, Reiki said. “Shiro, Mio, and Yuki.” He placed the three bentos near Shiro’s plates as her eyes were slightly wider as she nodded and said. “Yes…” Reiki playfully poked his little sister's cheek and said. “Shiro, make sure not to forget them.”
Shiro let out another yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, Reiki continued. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Ketsueki let out a chuckle while Namida and Sachi smiled at Shiro who was trying her best to stay awake. Sachi was holding onto her onigiri and said. “Reiki, have you even eaten dinner? We didn’t even see your plate last night.” From the corner of his eye he noticed a hint of concern on his older sister's face, Reiki said. “I did, don’t worry. My share of breakfast is in the kitchen, if you girls are still hungry feel free to take some.”
Namida raised a brow at him and said. “Do you hate us that much to the point you won’t even eat at the same table?” Reiki let out a laugh as he threw at the sink as it gently landed in it, he said. “We only have these four chairs. Plus I don’t want to move the armchairs.” He smiled at them and continued. “Not only that it’ll save you two from watching me inhale an entire chicken in one go.” Namida pointed at him using the onigiri in her hand, she said. “If I don’t see you inhale an entire chicken in one go. You’ll make me a few cakes.”
Reiki let out a chuckle as he took an onigiri from the table, he said. “You’re on.” He pointed at the ceiling and continued. “I have to wake Cherry up and go to the bathroom, enjoy your meal.” He ate half of the onigiri in one bite and made his way to the staircase while Sachi gave her friend an odd look, she said. “An entire chicken in one go?... Ketsueki, care to explain?” Namida finished off her onigiri as she took a sip of water while Ketsueki had a clueless expression on her face and said. “What?... He’s a growing boy, Reiki needs to eat.”
Sachi moved her gaze onto Namida who was in the middle of placing more onigiri onto her plate. Sachi said. “Namida?” Namida turned her head sideways as she had half a dozen onigiri on her plate, she said. “What was the question?” Sachi’s gaze wandered onto the plate of onigiri in the middle of the table which only had a few pieces left, she thought. Being the most ‘normal’ one in the group I’ll never understand why they eat so much. Sachi stood up from her seat as Ketsueki was holding onto her half-eaten sandwich and said. “You’re already done?”
Shiro gently rubbed her eyes as she was holding onto an onigiri that had a couple of bites taken out of it. Sachi shook her head sideways, she said. “No, Reiki offered if we needed more onigiri we could take more from his share.” Ketsueki pointed at the plate on the table and said. “Then take the plate with you.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “Fine.” She picked the plate up and made her way to the kitchen. Namida quickly took a sip of her water to clear her throat, she turned sideways on the chair and said. “If there are more chicken sandwiches make sure to take some of those too!”
Ketsueki was about to take a bite of the other slice of the sandwich she held with her hand but stopped, she said. “Whatever this guy just said!” Sachi lazily waved at them, she thought. Reiki’s appetite can’t be ‘that’ big… I’ve those two eat and it wasn’t-. She stopped her train of thought as she saw two large plates with one of them having a tall mountain of onigiri that was next to a chicken sandwich that was about half its height. Sachi stared at it and thought. … Mmm… Should I tell Namida or should I wait to see her expression of disbelief… I wanna see the look on her face. Sachi started placing onigiris and sandwiches onto the plate she was carrying.
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Reiki’s Room
Cherry was on the edge standing on the drawer while asleep while Reiki made his way to the bed and laid down on it. He stared at the ceiling and thought. So much to do, so little time… I need to reschedule a few things. He took out his tattered pouch from his pocket and from the pouch he took out a talisman from the inside, Reiki spoke in a whisper and said. “Small amount of mana.” His fingers were enveloped with a thin layer of mana as it almost touched the talisman.
[System: User has used 20 Mana.]
From the corner of his eye, he saw Cherry slightly move her head sideways and look around the room. Reiki turned his head to face the crow and said. “Morning Cherry.” For a split second, he lost concentration on the talisman as he felt a shock from his finger.
[System: User has received 12 damage.]
Cherry flapped her wings and let out a soft caw while Reiki stared at his index finger which was a bit numb, he thought. Ok… Note to self, don’t lose focus when inputting mana… I wonder if Haruka ever got something exploded in her face from doing something similar like this. He focused again and his hand was slowly enveloped with a thin layer of light blue mana.
[System: User has used 22 Mana.]
The talisman he was holding faintly glowed as it was silent for a few seconds followed by the sound of a familiar voice. The voice said. “Reiki?” He let go of the talisman as it floated mid-air, Reiki made himself comfortable on the couch and said. “How’s it going love?” From the talisman the sound of a high-pitched shatter, he said. “Nora, is everything okay? I just heard something break.”
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A Large Dining Room
Enora was sitting on a chair as a female elf wearing a green dress while carefully picking up the shards on the ground using one of her hands while enveloped in a thin layer of mana. Enora looked at the elf and said. “Are you okay?” The female elf nodded while placing the shards into her other hand which was also covered with mana, she had a hint of surprise on her face and said. “Yes, young majesty. Lucky neither of us received any wounds.” Enora let out a sigh of relief, she said. “Agreed, I’m sorry for bumping into you. I didn’t expect him to use the talisman.”
The female elf slowly nodded and thought. … Did… I just heard the word love from that talisman? The elf picked up the last shard on the ground as she stood up straight, gestured at the trolley, and said. “Young majesty, I’ll be sure to return to take the trolley.” She gave Enora a slight bow and continued. “On my way to dispose the shards, I’ll have one of the other maids prepare the table for you.” The talisman was on the table while Enora used her hand to cover it. Reiki’s voice came from the talisman. “Nora?... Is this thing on?...”
Enora quickly moved her attention to the talisman as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks, she spoke in a whisper and said. “R-Reiki, I’m a little busy at the moment right now.” From the talisman she heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “Judging by the plate breaking you’re about to have breakfast, how busy can you be?” Enora glanced at the corner of her eye and saw the female elf was still in the room staring at her. The blush on Enora’s face slightly reddened as she spoke in a soft tone and said. “The maids are still preparing the table for breakfast so I can spare you some time.”
Enora covered the talisman even more with her hand as she turned her upper body sideways to face the maid elf and said. “You said that you’d dispose the shards?” The female elf didn’t answer as she stared at Enora and thought. … She’s putting a lot of effort to change… Plus Valen was the one responsible for… A lot of things… The elf said. “I’m ecstatic to see you find happiness, young majesty. If you’ll excuse me.” The maid turned around and made her way out of the room while Enora stared at the elf as her face slowly turned red.
From the talisman she heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “Nora, I need you to do me a small favor.” Enora slowly inhaled and exhaled as the red shade on her face gradually vanished, she said. “I’d be more than happy to help you in any way that I can.” A few seconds of silence passed by as Enora’s expression turned odd as she raised a brow and said. “... Reiki?...” From the talisman she heard him inhale, Reiki said. “... I need Saria… You know the librarian? To visit me and meet a couple of business partners…”
Enora’s expression didn’t change but the air around her turned heavy as Reiki could tell from the talisman, he said. “Love?...”
