Hearing the name "Ayaka," both Kamisato Ayaka and Kunikuzushi couldn't help but be a bit surprised.
After all, the status gap between Lucas and Kamisato Ayaka was huge, and to address her by her first name so casually was undeniably impolite.
However, Ayaka didn't seem upset at all. She just smiled gently and said, "You're too polite. I'm only doing what I should."
Seeing Ayaka wasn't angry, Lucas finally relaxed.
Indeed, this was part of his plan: by acting like he was quite familiar with Ayaka, he could create the impression of having a powerful "invisible backer."
Ayaka was clever, but she didn't expect Lucas to be so scheming. At the same time, the fact that he called her by name showed he trusted her deeply, which made her feel quite pleased.
"Well then, I won't see you off any further," Lucas smiled. "Next time, I'll bring some fresh fish to your estate."
"That sounds good," Ayaka nodded. "I won't keep you from your business then. Goodbye."
After Ayaka and the Tenryou Commission soldiers left, the market vendors and bystanders finally gathered around, buzzing with gossip.
"Wow, I didn't expect you actually know the Kamisato family's heiress!"
"No wonder you dared to go against the Dragon-Tiger brothers. Didn't expect that from you, Old Brother Lucas."
"Old brother, young brother, whatever! Lucas big brother, Kunikuzushi big sis, I just cut two jin of premium pork ribs—take it home and make some soup for your mother!"
These townsfolk may not have had much insight, but they knew this seemingly unremarkable young man might actually be someone important. Soon, they began trying to cozy up to him.
Lucas just smiled silently, letting them speculate about his relationship with Kamisato Ayaka.
Having grown up in the lower rungs of society, he was well aware of their nature and psychology. The fact that he and his sister were personally escorted back by Ayaka would soon blossom into all sorts of rumors—most of which would work in his favor.
"Clear the way!"
At that moment, a deep and authoritative voice rang out from the crowd's rear. People quickly stepped aside as two men entered. The younger one, with bandages wrapped around his stomach, was none other than Doujima Tora. The older, taller, and sturdier man with a more composed aura was his brother, Doujima Ryu.
The atmosphere instantly tensed. Everyone knew these Dragon-Tiger brothers were notoriously unforgiving, and since Lucas had stabbed Tora, his older brother surely wouldn't let it go easily.
The brothers advanced step by step. Kunikuzushi seemed ready to leap into action, but Lucas held her back.
Just as everyone expected Doujima Ryu to launch into a full fight, he suddenly lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "My brother already told me what you did. I respect you as a man. From now on, this market belongs to the two of us."
Sure enough, sparing Doujima Tora had already paid off. Plus, with his relationship to Kamisato Ayaka, Doujima Ryu was willing to compromise.
Though this was a relatively remote area, controlling half the market meant a comfortable life.
Yet, facing the towering Doujima Ryu, Lucas shook his head. "This place doesn't need two bosses."
Ryu frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
"I can let you be my boss. That way, we can rule this backwater town forever," Lucas said, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light. "But if you let me be the boss, I can change our fate."
Ryu was taken aback. Though it was their first real talk, he inexplicably felt a strange trust toward this young man.
Still, he was steady and not easily swayed. He sneered, "That sounds good, but why should I obey you?"
"Because I'm braver than you, tougher than you, and have stronger backing," Lucas said calmly. "Do you dare to play a game with me?"
At this point, the crowd was watching. If Doujima Ryu backed down now, it would be a huge embarrassment. So he nodded. "Fine, what game?"
"This."
Lucas went to his stall and pulled out a fish-cutting guillotine machine. It was like a chopping block with a razor-sharp blade that fell instantly. It could slice a fish in half in one fell swoop, and even a turtle with a hard shell wouldn't stand a chance.
Lucas placed his pinky on the blade's edge and said, "We both put a pinky in, and when the blade falls, whoever pulls out their finger first loses."
Everyone gasped. The blade dropped in less than a second. Even a slight delay would mean losing a finger.
Even someone as tough as Doujima Ryu hesitated. He thought Lucas was bluffing but now realized he was serious.
But by now, turning back would be humiliating. He nodded, biting his lip, and put his pinky on the blade. "You're going to lose."
Ryu was stronger and faster than his brother and confident he'd pull his finger out before Lucas.
Yet, facing the boy's confident smile—like he was already winning—made him uneasy.
"Drop the blade!"
As the blade came down, Ryu's confidence instantly melted into panic. He had counted on his speed, but he'd forgotten that under pressure and fear, it's hard to stay focused.
Before he could react, the blade had already dropped.
He instinctively looked down and saw a single bloodied pinky lying quietly beneath the blade.
Three, two, one.
Three seconds later, Doujima Ryu let out a howl, clutching his hand. "My... my finger…"
"Stop whining."
But the Lucas standing across from him was drenched in cold sweat, grit his teeth, and forced out, "That... that's not your finger."
Ryu froze for a moment, then looked at his hand. All five fingers were intact. He suddenly remembered that halfway through the blade's fall, he had panicked and pulled his hand away.
So that finger must be...
Lucas raised his own hand. Where there were once five slender fingers, now only four remained. His pinky was mostly severed, with only a bit left, bleeding profusely.
A strange smile tugged at his lips. "You pulled your finger first. So, you lost."
Ryu finally realized that the "who pulls first loses" rule was meaningless—the kid had already planned to sacrifice his finger from the start!
"You madman... you're insane!" Ryu muttered, then laughed bitterly. "I have to admit, you got me!"
"Brother!"
Kunikuzushi rushed over, cradled Lucas's hand, and tears gleamed in her eyes—she had never cried before. She whispered, "Your... your finger…"
"It's just one finger," Lucas comforted her. "It's okay..."
Though the simulator lessened the pain, as they say, fingers are connected to the heart. Losing one still hurt a lot.
Of course, he dared to do this because this was just a simulation. Whether it was losing a finger or having an arm bitten off by the Near-Sea King like Red-Haired Shanks, it wouldn't affect reality.
"What are you all standing there for?"
Doujima Ryu suddenly shouted at his men, "Go find a doctor for Lucas!"
Lucas picked up his severed finger and murmured, "With this finger, I will pry open the door to change our fate."
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[Mission Completed: Take Down the Dragon-Tiger Brothers]
[Reward Talent: Master Angler]
[Effect: You are a natural fishing expert, greatly improving fishing efficiency and increasing the chance to catch rare items.]
[Description: The air force is impossible—the air force will never happen in this life.]
A talent for a fish seller?
For a fishing enthusiast, this might as well be a god-tier talent. Lucas thought: if only his grandfather in the real world, who loved fishing, had this talent, he might've given him a ten-year allowance right away.
But Lucas didn't mind the talent. He'd seen plenty of over-the-top talents already; sometimes a fun one was nice.
[Age 16: Doujima Ryu and Doujima Tora officially become your subordinates. With this force added to your previous men, your organization easily controls the market and expands its influence.]
[Age 17: More and more people join your group. To facilitate management, you give your organization a resonant name: the Kunikuzushi Gang.]
Naturally, Kunikuzushi was the first to oppose the name, but she couldn't stop it from passing in a vote between you and the Dragon-Tiger brothers. Honestly, your selfish motive was to name it after your sister, but outsiders saw that naming a gang after a cannon gave it an inexplicably powerful and grounded aura.
During this period, Kamisato Ayaka often stopped by while passing through, visiting you two. Whenever she came, you disguised yourself as an ordinary fish stall owner, chatting and laughing with her.
She didn't seem to mind you using her status to ease your life, but she had no idea you were already the local gang leader under her name.
As for the relationship between you and Ayaka, as you predicted, many ridiculous rumors sprang up: some said your father and Ayaka's father were old friends, that you and Ayaka were engaged since childhood; others claimed you were the Kamisato family's illegitimate son, a "backup" heir since the current heir, Kamisato Ayato, was frail and short-lived.
No matter how absurd the rumors, they only benefited you. With such a powerful "backer," everyone believed the Kunikuzushi Gang's "business" would surely prosper!
"Prosper?" That phrase isn't to be used lightly!
Lucas shuddered inwardly, the bright grin of the Sunny Boy talent flashing in his mind.
[Age 18: After years of accumulation, the Kunikuzushi Gang steps out of the small market. This gang, mainly made up of coastal fishermen, is clearly no longer satisfied with its current achievements. As the number of members grows, you need to make a bigger cake to feed them.]
[Age 19: Due to being far from Shogunate control, the outlying islands have many gangs. The local gangs with decades of history initially scoff at the upstart Kunikuzushi Gang, with one called the Yamashita-kai claiming it's just a childish game of smelly fish sellers.]
But it wasn't long before the Yamashita-kai leader was found dead in the street. Naturally, the Yamashita group blamed the Kunikuzushi Gang. Their successor led a group of thugs to raid your territory, only to be promptly ambushed and taken down by the Outlying Islands Overseers.
The Outlying Islands Overseers, under the Commission of Revenues, were the official administrators of the island. You had long since secretly bribed and established connections with them. Moreover, you had already spread rumors about your close ties to the Kamisato family.
Thus, the Overseers stood firmly by your side. Though the local gangs were tough, none dared openly oppose the Commission of Revenues. With ease, you shattered the Yamashita-kai, marking your first clean and decisive step toward becoming the underground emperor of the outlying islands.
[Age 20: The Kunikuzushi Gang's growth on the outlying island has gone smoothly. The only headache is your mother. Although you've kept your and Kunikuzushi's "business" secret, there's no such thing as a wall that doesn't leak. Your mother seems to have sensed that you and your sister are heading down a darker path.]
[This hardworking woman naturally wants you to be as down-to-earth as your father was, but you know your father was a fisherman who spent most of his life at sea, hardly ever setting foot on land. More than anyone, you realize there's no turning back now.]
[Age 21: In just two years, you've swept through the island's gangs like autumn winds blowing away leaves. Kunikuzushi Gang has become the dominant force on the island. Protected by the Outlying Islands Overseers, you control both the black and white markets. Beyond your original fishing trade, your "business scope" continues to expand.]
[Yet to many, the Kunikuzushi Gang, despite its polished image, is nothing more than a lackey of the Commission of Revenues.]
[Age 22: Your mother fell seriously ill. Even after recovery, her mind remains somewhat foggy. To her, you've reverted to being the hardworking fish stall owner. You've arranged for her careful care, but inwardly, you feel a strange relief—perhaps this isn't entirely a bad thing.]
[The saying "a daughter is a warm coat" holds true. Unlike you, who's always busy with business and running around, Kunikuzushi often returns home to care for your mother. Though they have no blood relation—and of course, she doesn't know this, and you don't intend to tell her.]
[Age 23: After so many years, Kunikuzushi has blossomed into a young lady. Back when you first started, she would often personally join the fight alongside the Dragon-Tiger brothers, but now, with the Dragon-Tiger brothers elevated to senior leadership within the gang, there's no need for her to get her hands dirty.]
[You also don't want Kunikuzushi too involved with gang affairs, so you made sure she left the gang named after her. You spent some money, using your ties with the Commission of Revenues, to send her to study in Inazuma City.]
[Now, she's grown her hair long, wearing skirts and accessories like the city girls, enjoying cute sweets. You know she's doing all this by your design—to become a proper lady. After all, she used to hate those sticky, sweet pastries the most.]
[Thanks to her striking looks, suitors aren't lacking, but she ignores them all. Moreover, her attitude toward these admirers is downright harsh. You've even seen her tear a suitor down to nothing, leaving the poor boy kneeling and sobbing bitterly.]
[In moments like those, you see flashes of the fiery, sharp-tongued little sister she once was.]
[Age 24: Meanwhile, the resources on the outlying island no longer suffice for the Kunikuzushi Gang's growth. You begin opening relations with gangs on the main island, hoping to expand your influence. On the surface, you're a seafood merchant traveling between the outlying island and Inazuma City, but behind the scenes, you're already liaising with the major gangs within the city.]
[This also gives you more chances to visit Kunikuzushi, who's about to graduate. One day, as usual, you go to her school looking for her, only to unexpectedly see her being stopped by a man at the school gate. Without hesitation, you rush over.]
[Entering Immersive Mode]
[Mission Objective: Protect Kunikuzushi]
Lucas opened his eyes, instinctively covering his nose to block the sharp fishy smell—but to his surprise, it had already disappeared.
Indeed, the environment around him was no longer the rundown fish stall on the outlying island. Instead, he was in the bustling heart of Inazuma City.
The girls' academy Kunikuzushi attends was right here. For such prime real estate in Inazuma City to house a school said a lot about its background. No wonder you'd paid a hefty sponsorship fee to get your sister in.
Sure enough, Kunikuzushi stood not far away. Her appearance instantly caught Lucas's eye.
Both in reality and in the simulator, he'd known Kunikuzushi—who was also the Fatui Sixth Harbinger "Scaramouche." Usually, she appeared as a tomboyish figure, but now, with her waist-length hair and refined school uniform, the stark contrast left him momentarily unprepared.
In front of Kunikuzushi stood a young man about her age. He was handsome and dressed finely, flanked by two tall bodyguards, clearly the scion of a wealthy family.
"Just say yes to me," the man grinned as he tried to court Kunikuzushi. "It's only a meal, don't be so cold."
"Sorry," Kunikuzushi replied coldly, "I already have a boyfriend."
"Cut the lies," the man pressed, "I've already investigated you. Since entering school, you've never dated anyone. But don't worry, I'll be the perfect first love."
"Are you annoying or what?" Kunikuzushi frowned. "Stalking people's info like that is disgusting."
Despite being insulted, the man wasn't fazed. Instead, he laughed, "Who told you I fell in love at first sight? If you're with me, I promise wealth, honor, and no worries."
Kunikuzushi remained unmoved. Then suddenly, she spotted Lucas pushing through the crowd. Her face lit up, and she took two steps forward, hooking her arm through his with a sweet smile.
"Look, this is my boyfriend—genuine, no tricks."
The man glanced between Kunikuzushi and Lucas. His smile faded. Coldly, he said, "Do you think I'd believe you just grabbed some random guy off the street and claimed him as your boyfriend?"
"Hmph, watch this," Kunikuzushi said.
Before Lucas could say anything, she cupped his face, stood on tiptoes, and kissed him.
The scene stunned both the man and Lucas himself. Though they'd always shared a special closeness, this was their first kiss.
But Kunikuzushi's kissing skills were obviously very inexperienced, completely missing the mark.
Don't be fooled by her now ladylike appearance—in her heart, she was still that feisty girl from the fishing village. Even kissing someone on the street didn't make her the slightest bit shy.
The kiss lasted for two whole minutes before Kunikuzushi finally let go of Lucas. She shot a challenging look at her suitor and said, "Well? Do you believe me now?"
"Good, very good."
The man stared hard at Lucas and coldly said, "You dare to steal my woman? Do you know who I am?"
Lucas looked at the man with amusement and smiled, "A failed suitor?"
"My name's Hanaoka Kenji. The head of the Inagawa-kai is my father," the man sneered, "Just wait, in Inazuma City, whatever the Inagawa-kai wants will be ours sooner or later!"
Inagawa-kai again?
It seemed that even though the simulator's worldview differed from reality, this organization still existed. Hanaoka Kenji probably never imagined that in another world, the young man before him was the true head of the Inagawa-kai.
With that, he turned and left with his two bodyguards.
"So, what do you think?" Kunikuzushi seemed completely unfazed by the kiss just now, laughing carefree, "Not bad acting, right?"
"Troublesome as ever," Lucas sighed helplessly. "I was actually planning to visit the Inagawa-kai soon, but now? I've offended them before even delivering the invitation."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Kunikuzushi laughed. "Our Kunikuzushi Gang will take them down one day!"
"I've told you many times," Lucas frowned, "The Kunikuzushi Gang has nothing to do with you, and you're not allowed to interfere with its affairs. I paid for your schooling not so you could get involved in gangs later."
"What's wrong with that?" Kunikuzushi was clearly displeased. "Don't forget, the Kunikuzushi Gang is named after me."
"Forget it, I can't argue with you," Lucas shook his head with a bitter smile. "How do you know that Hanaoka Kenji anyway?"
"I don't know him at all," Kunikuzushi stuck her tongue out, "Those men are all shallow. They don't even really know me but still come confess their feelings. At the end of the day, they just want my body, right?"
"Cough cough!" Lucas coughed awkwardly. "How can a girl talk like that?"
"I just love talking like this, deal with it," Kunikuzushi put her hands on her hips. "By the way, how's Mom lately?"
"She's the same as always. Physically fine, but sometimes forgets things," Lucas reassured her. "You should visit her more often. She's happier to see you than anyone else."
"I'll go back next holiday!" Kunikuzushi nodded quickly and smiled. "But today, you better play with me properly!"
"I just came to see you," Lucas waved his hand. "I have business to handle. I'll come back when I'm free."
"No way!" Kunikuzushi immediately grabbed his arm, as if afraid he'd run off. "Is work more important than your adorable little sister?"
Seeing her cute, slightly aggrieved face, Lucas smiled affectionately. "I know. But you have to go back to the dorm before lights out."
"Yay!" Kunikuzushi happily raised both arms and hugged Lucas tightly.
Feeling the warmth around him, Lucas suddenly realized—the wild little girl who always had dirt on her face had truly "grown up."
...
Although Lucas was three years older, having lived in Inazuma City far less than Kunikuzushi, he was surprisingly less familiar with the city. After a whole day together, it felt less like he was accompanying her, and more like she was showing him around.
Unnoticed, night fell. Seeing it was late, Lucas suggested taking Kunikuzushi back to the dorm.
With his resources, renting a place outside school for Kunikuzushi would've been easy. But he didn't want his sister to grow up spoiled, so he didn't give her much living allowance.
Of course, compared to an average student, Kunikuzushi was already a little rich.
"It's not lights out at the dorm yet!" Kunikuzushi looked annoyed. "I don't want to go back."
Lucas glanced around. "Even if you don't want to go, at this hour, where else is there to go?"
"Hmmm, let me see…" Kunikuzushi looked around, then pointed to a nearby shop still open. "Let's go there!"
It was a tavern named "Wuyou Pavilion."
"No," Lucas refused immediately. "You're still a kid. You can't drink."
"I'm not a kid anymore!" Kunikuzushi pouted. "I'm already twenty! Old enough to drink!"
Lucas suddenly realized he'd always thought of Kunikuzushi as the bratty little sister. But time flew, and she was actually in her twenties now.
"Fine," Lucas relented. "But just one drink."
They entered Wuyou Pavilion, a quiet, serene tavern. Lucas was about to find a seat when a gentle voice called from behind.
"Oh? It's you two?"
The voice sounded familiar. Lucas turned to see a beautiful, elegant silver-haired woman sitting by the window, looking surprised.
"Miss Kamisato!" Lucas immediately recognized her. "What a coincidence."
Though years had passed, Kamisato Ayaka's outstanding beauty left a lifelong impression. Compared to years ago, she looked even more mature and graceful now.
"Yes, quite a coincidence," Kamisato Ayaka glanced at Kunikuzushi. "Is this your sister, Kunikuzushi? She's grown into a beautiful young lady. Do you remember me?"
"Of course! If it weren't for you, big brother would've been in deep trouble back then."
Though Kunikuzushi said this casually, her eyes showed some complexity. At school, she'd always taken pride in her looks, but facing Kamisato Ayaka, even with a face as pretty, her aura still felt a bit lacking.
Though Lucas's rise over the years owed a bit to Kamisato Ayaka's name, that had only been true for the first couple of years. After all, their statuses were worlds apart. A few years later, Ayaka gradually cut ties with Lucas. By then, he had already firmly established the Kunikuzushi Gang on the island, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, he stopped associating with her altogether.
"This is a rare opportunity," Ayaka smiled. "Why don't you sit at my table? Judging by how you look, a lot must have happened over the years."
Lucas's style was always low-key. Everyone knew the Kunikuzushi Gang's leader was a ruthless man, but no one had ever seen him in person. Plus, he always appeared gentle and approachable, making it hard to imagine his real identity as a gang leader.
"In that case, we gratefully accept your invitation," Lucas said, exchanging a glance with Kunikuzushi and signaling her to keep quiet about their true identities.
Unlike the corrupt Commission of Revenues, if the head of the Shogunate's law enforcement, Ayaka, found out that he led the Kunikuzushi Gang, it would be a serious problem.
Years of experience had turned Lucas into no longer the inexperienced youth he once was. Facing Ayaka's questions, he answered smoothly, showing no hint of nervousness.
"I see… Over the years, you've become the boss of several fish stalls?" Ayaka's eyes twinkled with teasing. "No wonder you cut ties with me for so long. Afraid I'd come to collect a favor?"
"You flatter us, Miss Kamisato," Lucas quickly replied. "You've always been a great benefactor to me and my sister."
"I prefer that you call me Ayaka," she smiled, "just like before."
"Better not," Kunikuzushi muttered nearby, "he was too young and immature back then. He definitely wouldn't dare now."
"Who… who said that?" Lucas blushed a little, raising his cup and stammering, "Ay… Ayaka, I… I'll drink to you."
"Mm!" Ayaka smiled and clinked her cup with his, then covered her glass with one hand and tilted her head back to drink.
A faint blush colored her pale cheeks like plum blossoms in the snow, adding a delicate charm that even captivated Lucas for a moment.
"I… I want to toast with you too!" Kunikuzushi immediately shook Lucas and poured herself a big cup, raising it to him. "Come on!"
"Are you trying to kill me?" Lucas snapped, "Drinking that much! You'll knock me over!"
"No!" In a fit of stubbornness, Kunikuzushi gulped down the entire cup. Compared to the graceful Kamisato Ayaka, the contrast was stark.
She wasn't used to drinking much. Though Inazuman liquor went down smooth, it packed a punch. Soon, Kunikuzushi's cheeks flushed red and she slumped over the table, dizzy.
"This little sister of mine is hopeless…" Lucas sighed helplessly. "By the way, Ayaka, why are you drinking alone this late?"
"Some troubles have come up at home, but I can't help. It weighs on my heart, so I wanted to drink to ease the frustration," Ayaka smiled sadly. "Thinking back, I live this life only because my surname is Kamisato. Compared to you, who started from nothing and changed your life, I feel so useless."
"No, to me, you're the most perfect woman in the world."
Lucas didn't have the "Never Drunk" talent in the simulator. Maybe because he was a little tipsy, his words became a little bolder. "Drinking might ease your troubles for a while, but it won't solve your problems. After this last drink, let me take you home."
"Mm." Ayaka nodded gratefully, but when she saw Lucas raise his glass, her expression flickered with surprise. "Your finger… that's…"
A few years ago, after his bet with Doujima Ryū, Lucas lost a pinky. To avoid awkward questions, he had a custom fake finger made, which looked real unless examined closely. But up close, sharp-eyed Ayaka naturally wouldn't miss it.
"This finger?" Lucas didn't hide it, casually removing the fake finger and smiling. "I accidentally cut it off while cleaning fish years ago. Is it too ugly? Did I scare you?"
"No, this is the most beautiful hand I've ever seen," Ayaka murmured, holding his four-fingered hand gently. "I don't think it's ugly at all."
"You're right," Lucas nodded with a smile. "From today on, I won't wear this fake finger anymore, and I won't care about what others think."
Unexpectedly, Ayaka said, almost instinctively, "Could you… give me that fake finger?"
"Huh?" Lucas's eyes showed confusion. "What would you do with it?"
"I don't know," Ayaka blushed faintly. "That was rude of me. Just forget I said anything."
"If you want it, it's yours," Lucas handed her the fake finger with a smile. "Though I don't have much to offer now, I promise, when I make it big someday, you can use this finger to call on me for anything."
"Thank you…" Ayaka's eyes shone with emotion as she carefully treasured the oddly eerie fake finger. "This is the most precious gift I've ever received."
Suddenly, she seemed to think of something, murmuring to herself, "If only I weren't a Kamisato…"
"Why would you say that?" Lucas asked curiously. "Being born into the Kamisato family is something many would envy."
"Because I…" Ayaka started, then shook her head. "It's late. I should go."
"Let me walk you back," Lucas hurried to offer.
"No need. My brother has already arranged a carriage," Ayaka glanced at the still-unconscious Kunikuzushi and smiled. "I'll see you both off."
"No need. She's out cold like a log. I can't carry her," Lucas laughed. "You go ahead. I'll wait here till she wakes up."
"You… you're the dead pig here…"
Kunikuzushi, who had been lying face-down on the table, seemed to hear Lucas's voice and mumbled back. Kamisato Ayaka and Lucas exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile.
Watching the silver-haired girl's retreating figure, Lucas felt a touch of melancholy. He was beginning to realize that Ayaka probably harbored a faint affection for him as well. But with their huge gap in status and identity, there was no way anything could come of it.
They were both smart people and naturally chose to bury that feeling deep inside.
Not to mention, Lucas was no ordinary fish stall owner—his real identity was the mastermind behind the Kunikuzushi Gang, with many illegal businesses under his command. If Ayaka found out the truth, she would likely sever ties immediately.
"Hey, aren't you waking up?" Lucas glanced at the clock on the wall and gently shook the drunken Kunikuzushi. "I think the school dorm closes after eleven, right?"
But Kunikuzushi didn't move a muscle, as if she'd lost all consciousness from drinking.
Lucas sighed helplessly and silently waited nearby. Even if he carried her back to the dorm, in her drunken state, she probably wouldn't get in.
So, he ordered another drink and some snacks and quietly waited.
Outside, the city of Inazuma looked no different from reality. Lucas recalled how, when he first left the simulator, he couldn't even tell reality from simulation. Now, he could switch between them with ease.
What troubled him was that the people in reality felt like "fragments" from different dimensions merged together.
Take Kunikuzushi for example—in reality, she was his enemy, the Fatui's Sixth Harbinger, "Scaramouche."
In the earlier simulator, she was the "daughter" with a complicated relationship to him—a mischievous troublemaker punished by him.
And now, she was his inseparable "younger sister."
Even though he knew they weren't the same person, he couldn't help but overlay his feelings for all of them onto one person.
Ding, ding...
Just as Lucas's thoughts wandered, the clock chimed. He looked up to see the hour hand just past eleven.
Almost at the same moment, Kunikuzushi stretched, sat up, and yawned. "Hmm, am I drunk?"
"You…" Lucas seemed to have seen through her little trick a long time ago and said calmly, "You planned from the start to wait until the dorm locked to get up, didn't you?"
"Hehe…" Kunikuzushi didn't even try to hide it, smirking. "So what if I did?"
Lucas thought only college guys trying to get girls to stay out late would use such a tactic. He never expected it to happen to him.
Was this his karma for all those times he tricked girls into going to a room?
"Forget it. At this hour, I can't do any business anyway," Lucas stood up. "Let's head to a hotel."
"Yay!" Kunikuzushi raised her hands in agreement.
The Alone Inn was just as its name suggested—an isolated lodge with no other buildings nearby, perfectly suited for someone like Lucas who liked quiet. The price was higher than ordinary inns, but Mora was no shortage for him now.
"Welcome."
As Lucas and Kunikuzushi entered, the receptionist behind the counter lowered her head. Before she could speak, Kunikuzushi strode forward and coldly said, "Business looks good here. Shouldn't be many rooms left, right?"
"Don't worry," the receptionist smiled. "This is our off-season, so…"
"I'm saying," Kunikuzushi fixed the receptionist with a threatening glare, "You only have one room left, right?"
This girl's personality was just like Scaramouche's in reality—just as awful.
In her eyes, there were only two kinds of people: family, which meant only her brother and mother, and everyone else. Her attitude towards each was completely different.
That's why, despite studying in Inazuma for so many years, Kunikuzushi had no friends, let alone close girl friends. For her, that was a fantasy. She once said that talking about love with a group of girls was the most painful thing she'd ever experienced.
Seeing the beautiful woman before her suddenly wearing a fierce expression, the receptionist was dumbfounded. "Y-yes, we only have one room left."
To be honest, she wasn't new to this—many men would bring girls and say the same thing, trying to get a room to do shady things. But she had never seen the girl take such an aggressive approach.
"Big bro!" Kunikuzushi turned to Lucas with a serious tone. "She says there's only one room left."
The receptionist finally realized—this must be a little sister who's afraid to sleep alone and wants to share a room with her brother.
"Got it, got it," Lucas nodded, understanding her thoughts. "Just one room then."
Half an hour later.
"I'm done."
Lucas emerged from the bathroom and said to Kunikuzushi, who was lying on the absurdly large bed, "Your turn. Go on."
But Kunikuzushi blushed slightly, just nodded, and entered the bathroom.
Lucas was puzzled and instinctively glanced over. To his surprise, the bathroom glass was one-way.
When he'd been showering inside, the glass looked like a mirror, but from outside, it was transparent.
So, his shower performance had been completely visible to Kunikuzushi.
No wonder she'd seemed a bit off earlier.
But...
If she knew, why hadn't she said anything?
Kunikuzushi entered the bathroom, hesitated briefly, then slowly began to undress. Lucas in the living room naturally saw everything clearly.
Lucas had indeed once shared intimacy with Kunikuzushi that went beyond sibling boundaries.
But that was many years ago. Since reaching adulthood, to avoid awkwardness, he had kept his distance from this "sister."
Though he knew they weren't blood-related, Kunikuzushi did not—and he had no intention of telling her.
Some things simply weren't done between "biological siblings."
Yet in this situation, Lucas couldn't exactly warn her. Doing so might make things even weirder.
More importantly, Kunikuzushi obviously knew the glass was one-way, yet still stripped down and took a bath—showing she didn't intend to hide from him.
After a few seconds of inner struggle, Lucas decided to face his feelings head-on.
He might as well watch.
At worst, he could just pretend this was some other-version Kunikuzushi from a different dimension—problem solved.
Having convinced himself, he shifted his gaze toward the bathroom. Even through the steam, Kunikuzushi's figure was clear. When he had bathed earlier, she must have seen the same.
Her movements were stiff—understandably so, since she knew every move was live-streamed to one viewer: her brother.
She had long shed the awkwardness of years past. The once-flat plains had obvious gentle curves now. Not on the scale of Shenhe or Yae Miko, but just right for her build—any more, she'd be too plump; any less, too thin.
The one-way glass was remarkably clear. Lucas could see all of her actions distinctly. Leaning back, letting the clear water flow over the valleys of her body.
When he realized this, he found himself unconsciously standing in front of the glass, studying the beautiful sight before him in detail.
Though he knew his behavior was somewhat pervy, he simply couldn't help himself.
He thought, no wonder the Alone Inn was so popular—this place had serious atmosphere.
Half an hour later.
The bathroom door opened, and through the lingering steam, Kunikuzushi wrapped in a towel slowly emerged.
Lucas lay on the oversized bed, holding a magazine, looking like he'd been there for a while. Seeing her come out, he feigned casualness, "Done with your bath?"
Actually, he had hurried back to the bed after she finished, thinking if he pretended ignorance, he could just let the whole thing slide.
But then Kunikuzushi suddenly said, "You saw, didn't you?"
"Huh?" Lucas suddenly tensed but kept his cool. "Saw what? I was reading the magazine the whole time."
"Cut it out," Kunikuzushi rolled her eyes. "You're holding the magazine upside down."
Lucas froze. Only then did he notice the magazine was indeed upside down. Flushing, he put it down and smiled. "What could I do? Who knew the bathroom was designed like that? I… just glanced, don't be mad."
"What's there to be mad about?" Kunikuzushi's cheeks also reddened slightly. "You… you're not a stranger."
"Y-yeah." Lucas chuckled nervously. "I'm your brother. A glance is fine."
"It's not because you're my brother!"
Suddenly Kunikuzushi's mood shifted; she stepped forward as if wanting to argue, but accidentally stepped on her towel and fell forward—right into Lucas's arms.
The towel slipped off onto the floor, and Lucas caught a faint scent of shampoo. He was only wearing a thin towel himself, so they were practically skin to skin.
"What nonsense are you spouting again?" Lucas laughed. "What else could it be?"
"I know…" Kunikuzushi buried her face in his chest and whispered, "You're actually… not my brother."
Lucas's heart jolted. "Who told you that? Of course I'm your brother!"
In theory, only their parents and he knew that he and Kunikuzushi weren't blood-related. No one else should know.
Kunikuzushi couldn't possibly have found out.
"It was Mom herself who told me…" Kunikuzushi finally lifted her head. Her big eyes shimmered with tears, looking pitiful. "Her mind's getting fuzzy. One day when I was caring for her, she told me… actually… actually…"
Lucas felt a chill. If Kunikuzushi knew she was a foundling, how heartbreaking that would be.
Then Kunikuzushi said, "You're a found child, not my real brother!"
"Huh?"
Lucas was stunned.
What?
I'm a foundling?
That was impossible. The simulator's text mode was supposed to be completely objective. There couldn't be fictional elements.
The only explanation was that, even in her confusion, their mother subconsciously wanted to protect Kunikuzushi and so told this lie.
Thinking this, Lucas immediately nodded. "I didn't expect you to find out eventually. I've known for a long time but just never told you."
"Did you?" Kunikuzushi's eyes softened, a hint of sweetness in them as she whispered, "About us not being blood-related… I'm actually… kind of glad. Because I don't want… you to be just my brother."
Lucas understood what she meant. Growing up side by side, depending on each other, their bond was unbreakable.
Kunikuzushi's feelings for him had long surpassed ordinary sibling affection, but the label of "brother and sister" was the final line they kept.
Now that they knew they weren't blood-related, with Kunikuzushi's personality, she wouldn't hide her feelings anymore.
It seemed everything today—from dragging him out to play, to going to the tavern to drink and pretend to be drunk, to staying out past curfew and lodging at a hotel—was all part of her plan.
And the ultimate goal was this very moment.