In the study of Zeke's home,
Bronya scrutinized data across multiple statistical windows, her gaze darting back and forth, her sharp mind rapidly processing information, occasionally jotting down conclusions and ideas.
Beside her, Seele, who had blossomed just as dramatically, efficiently assisted by passing documents and serving tea diligently.
No longer the delicate sprout of yesteryears, Seele retained her refreshing purity but now exuded captivating charm through her graceful curves, embodying youthful allure.
In short: Seele was incredibly adorable—and now legally of age.
"Mm~"
After a busy spell, Bronya leaned back, arching her neck and stretching her spine. In doing so, her impressive curves became unmistakably prominent before Seele's eyes.
Holding a teacup, Seele inadvertently glanced down at herself—her own rounded contours weren't lacking, but compared to Bronya's mutant duck-like growth... it felt like their roles had somehow reversed during adolescence.
"...Here you go, Big Sister Bronya, have some water."
"Thanks, Seele." Bronya took the cup and sipped slowly.
The tilt of her head accentuated the enticing curve of her fair chin, while the pristine line of her neck rippled subtly with each swallow. Though Bronya wasn't intentionally posing, Seele couldn't help but be captivated by this unintentional allure.
"How wonderful..."
"Hmm? What did you say, Seele?"
"I just meant, you look absolutely beautiful, Big Sister Bronya."
"Really?" Holding the empty cup, Bronya's lips curved upwards in delight.
With her hands clasped over her chest, Seele nodded vigorously.
Bronya set down her cup and rested her cheek on one hand, smiling warmly at Seele.
"Would you like to become as beautiful as Bronya? Do you want to know what sets Seele apart from me?"
"Absolutely!"
"Then listen carefully. This secret technique is not something Bronya shares easily."
"I will, I promise! Seele will remember it well!" Seele exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
No girl can resist the allure of beauty secrets, especially those pursuing their dream guy.
Bronya poked her own ample bosom with her index finger, her expression serious and matter-of-fact.
"To fully unlock a young woman's potential, the best method is being together with someone you love!"
"...Huh?"
"The passionate kisses and mesmerizing caresses from your beloved naturally enhance your skin's smoothness and radiance, allow your concealed assets to achieve proper growth, and make your long hair shine effortlessly—remember, isolation in solitude is a major beauty no-no, Seele!"
As she spoke about skin, chests, and hair, Bronya even mimicked caresses on those body parts, subtly hinting at how Zeke had once lavished affection upon them.
Finally, she raised her index finger, as if imparting rigorous scientific truths, to conclude her secret lesson.
"Th-thump!"
Seele's face and ears flushed bright red with a sudden thud.
"Big Sister Bronya!"
"Haha! I'm not making this up; love truly is the best beauty treatment—it's based on Bronya's personal experience. So, keep going strong! I eagerly anticipate witnessing Seele's adorable moments on that bed someday, oh yes~"
Bronya's mischievous words carried deep implications. As she gently stroked Seele's cheeks, both the silky-smooth sensation and Seele's adorably flustered reaction, her eyes trembling from embarrassment, brought immense delight to Bronya.
"Big Sister Bronya, stop teasing me!"
Overwhelmed by shame, Seele covered her face with both hands and rushed towards the door.
"Ow!"
The girl abruptly bumped her head against the door frame.
Regaining her bearings, she fled the room, utterly mortified.
"Useless! Incompetent! Fool!"
"Even if...even if you say that, Seele can't help feeling shy!"
"Tch! You clearly adore him—just go for it already! Once you sleep with him, everything else will fall into place naturally, right? If all else fails, ask Big Sister Bronya for help; she'd be more than happy to assist. It's been over ten years, and you're still stuck at square one! I've never met someone as hopeless as you!"
"Seele, please stop talking. I...I just can't..."
Seele pleaded softly to her other self, overwhelmed by the suggestive teasing from Bronya earlier.
Involuntarily, images of Zeke doting on Bronya, Kiana, Fu Hua, Sin, and others flashed before her eyes. Filled with immense shame yet unable to suppress her jealousy, she felt torn between conflicting emotions.
If only, if only Big Bro Zeke could treat me like that too...
"Ahhhhh!!"
"What's wrong, Seele?"
Embarrassed by these vivid associations, Seele couldn't help but scream, followed by the familiar sound of someone's voice greeting her.
She lowered her hands from covering her face, revealing a pair of calm, deep green eyes. The slight upward curve at the corners added a touch of spirited boldness, while her long lashes, delicate nose, and small lips accentuated the extraordinary charm of her snow-white complexion.
"Oh, I spoke too soon. Another useless person just appeared—just like you."
Veliona's sarcastic remark reached Seele's ears but was promptly ignored.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Seele twirled her deep purple hair self-consciously, blushing as she smiled brightly and said,
"Welcome back, Wendy!"
"Yes, after months of running around on alien planets dealing with all sorts of troubles, I'm absolutely exhausted."
"Quick, have a seat! I'll give you a massage!" Seele eagerly guided Wendy onto a nearby bench and started massaging her shoulders, concerned. "Did anything happen to you out there, Wendy? Do you need me to help treat any injuries? Oh, should I make you something to eat first?"
"No, the massage is enough. Ah... that feels amazing! Your skills are still top-notch, Seele. While away, I missed your smile and massages dearly."
"Hehe! Wendy, you're teasing me again, aren't you? It's not that great! Next time, let me accompany you on your mission, okay? Even if I'm not particularly skilled in combat, cooking and healing won't be a problem for me. And for battles, the other Seele can assist!"
"Pfft! No way, I wouldn't dare kidnap our little Princess Seele. Otherwise, when we return, everyone would come after me to break my legs. Am I right?"
Wendy tilted her head and gazed into Seele's eyes with a gentle smile.
In the gentle breeze, the girls exchanged smiles, their dancing hair intertwining in the air, creating a heartwarming scene of unparalleled beauty.
After massaging for a while, Wendy stood up, patted her short skirt, and said:
"I need to check in with Zeke now. Want to come along?"
"Huh? I...sure!" Seele hesitated briefly before nodding gently.
Though there wasn't any specific reason, whenever it came to meeting Zeke, Seele always felt anticipation and joy, unable to resist.
Wendy didn't see herself as competing with a rival anymore. In fact, after Zeke married four brides consecutively, anyone still hung up on rivalry simply hadn't grasped reality.
The truth was laid bare: the only way to progress further was by becoming part of his extended family; no other options remained.
Upon reaching the elevated observation deck, Fu Hua warmly greeted them with indulgent affection and prepared tea at two vacant seats near Zeke.
Meanwhile, Zeke held a plate of mini-cakes, feeding Kia and Sin alternately as they knelt before him—like nurturing puppies and kittens.
As Wendy and Seele took their seats, Zeke waved his hand, placing cake desserts before each of them. Then he turned to Wendy:
"Great job out there. Your efforts on the front lines significantly accelerated the Exploration Legion's progress; it deserves commendation."
"Hmph! That's only natural!" Unable to suppress her grin upon receiving praise, Wendy proudly puffed out her chest.
She even closed her eyes, anticipating Zeke's customary head pat reward that usually followed such compliments.
However, no head pat came. Instead, Zeke continued feeding his pet wives.
After waiting for some time, Wendy discreetly opened one eye, and her uplifted smile instantly dropped.
"After being away so long, enduring all that hardship, is this how you welcome me back?"
"I'll make it up to you tonight with extra dessert."
"I'm not Big Sister Kiana, you know!" Wendy slapped the table emphatically.
Beside them, Kiana turned her head while chewing with her cheeks puffed, and said:
"Huh? Did you just call me 'foolish fiendgod'?"
"...No worries, keep eating."
Wendy covered her face, waving dismissively in disappointment.
Then, Zeke handed her a necklace.
Wendy paused momentarily.
"This is..."
"A reward. It doesn't have any special functions, nor do you need it for anything specific now. However, it's based on a highly praised design style; please make do with it."
"...Seriously? You always try to appease me with these little trinkets."
Despite Wendy's grumbling dissatisfaction, only she failed to notice how radiant and joyful her smile was.
After putting on the necklace, Wendy stood up, spun around before Zeke, and pointed at the enticing area between her cleavage where the sparkling pendant hung, then grinned mischievously:
"Do I look good?"
"...In front of my wives, do you think that's an appropriate question to ask?"
"Pfft! You never pay attention when I approach you privately! Besides, as if any of you don't know what I'm after already." Wendy tugged at her dress, traced circles on the ground with one foot, and pouted while complaining.
Kneeling on the ground, Kiana stroked her chin and nodded.
"Indeed!"
Fu Hua and Sin echoed their agreement with nods.
Zeke put down his feeding utensils, rested his forehead against one hand, shook his head, and sighed.
"Ahh... Why do you insist on making things difficult?"
"You ungrateful bastard, don't act so high and mighty! How am I lacking? How is Seele lacking? With beauties like us willing to compromise, shouldn't you be asking yourself why you're being so stubborn?"
"Tsk!"
"Fine, since we've come this far, let me just ask outright: When exactly...when will you marry Seele?!"
Wendy placed her hands on her hips, her face flushed red as her initial assertiveness crumbled within moments. She had intended to boldly confront him with her question but couldn't overcome the sudden surge of embarrassment and nervousness at the last second. In desperation, she used Seele as a shield.
After all, using a rival for protection isn't uncommon among love rivals.
"Clang!"
Caught off guard by Wendy's accusation, Seele dropped her fork instantly. After a brief moment of shock, tears of mortification welled up in her eyes.
"Wendy!"
"Don't worry; I'll make him give us a clear answer today! For such a kind and adorable girl like Seele, who has devoted herself and waited patiently for ten years, we must seek justice!" Wendy's eyes darted around wildly. Although she spoke about Seele, her thoughts were entirely focused on herself. Regardless, there was no backing down now.
"Wendy..."
As for Seele, feeling utterly desperate, she clung to Wendy's sleeve with teary eyes, flustered and unsure how to react.
"Click!" × 3
Unbeknownst to them, Kiana—leading the trio of jilted lovers—had gathered by the watermelon stand, watching intently. After ten years of Wendy and Seele vying for Zeke's affection, if he truly remained unmoved, it should have ended long ago.
The wives had more or less come to terms with the likely outcome. Honestly, this wasn't new territory; they'd managed so far, right? Divorce wasn't an option, nor could they bear to witness these two hearts shattered further.
Today's drama unfolded unexpectedly but promised an intriguing spectacle nonetheless. Now, filled with both relief and anticipation, they awaited Zeke's response to this confrontation.