Chapter 165. A Day Exhausted in Body and Mind
The finely decorated room.
A fresh, pleasant fragrance.
A soft genuine-leather sofa.
And sweet refreshments set on the table.
Sitting here, Xander Masato experienced for the first time what it truly meant to sit on pins and needles.
"It's fine now.
Otto has already left.
Xander, you don't have to be afraid.
He won't do anything."
Just now, after learning that Theresa had awakened on her own, Otto's invitation quickly arrived on Xander's phone.
At that, Xander could only grit his teeth and go.
Only, the reality was a bit different from what he imagined.
Otto's attitude toward him had been gentle the entire time.
He even invited him to take a post at Schicksal HQ—basically free to choose from any subsidiary.
Only after Xander refused several times did Otto give up.
For Theresa's health, the two sides finally discussed and made a decision.
At the end of each month, Xander would come to Schicksal HQ as a guest for one week, continuing until Theresa's treatment concluded.
In return, Gensokyo Company could interface with Schicksal's resources.
Any requests that weren't excessive could be granted.
As soon as the discussion ended, Kallen chased Otto out.
She and Theresa sat on the sofa opposite Xander—that was the very spot Otto had just occupied.
"No, I'm just a little tense, that's all."
"Really?
That's good then.
Otto is clearly very gentle most of the time.
I don't know why so many people are afraid of him."
Kallen spoke with a gentle smile, then her expression shifted, tinged with regret.
That gentleness is only for you, right!
Xander and Theresa complained in unison in their hearts.
"Thank you for your concern, Kallen."
Hearing this, Kallen's expression instantly brightened.
She grabbed Theresa's arm and shook it happily.
"Theresa, Xander just called me so sweetly~"
"I heard, I heard."
"But Theresa, you used to be willing to call me 'sis,' and now you keep calling me 'grandma.'
Do I look that old?"
After voicing her displeasure, Theresa hurriedly shook her head.
"No, no.
If I call you 'sis,' wouldn't that mess up the family seniority?!"
"Then you can call Otto 'big brother.'
He won't mind~"
"Hss—"
Imagining the scene Kallen spoke of, Theresa shuddered all over, revulsion flooding her.
Rather than call that smiling, black-hearted grandpa "big brother," she'd rather go to work in a magical-girl outfit.
What a terrifying punishment that would be!!!
"No, no, let's not do that."
Seeing Theresa's look of total refusal, Kallen regretfully shook her head.
Taking a sip of the now-warm laurel-leaf tea, Kallen set down the cup and smiled gently at Xander.
"Then I'll be counting on you to look after Theresa."
"It's no trouble.
I don't want Theresa to be hurt either."
"How wonderful.
In Otto's original estimates, after Theresa's body recovered, there was a high chance she would suffer post-treatment headaches that would be difficult to cure, and a small chance her memory might be affected.
Thanks to you, Xander~"
Propping one cheek with her hand, long braided strands draped over her shoulders to her chest.
Kallen narrowed her eyes and let out a soft sigh.
"Still, it's a bit disappointing."
"Disappointing?"
Repeating the word, Xander was puzzled.
At that, Theresa was amused.
Nibbling on a pastry, she spoke with interest.
"Theresa had poor health right after birth and lived in the ICU.
So for so many years, the ones by her side—other than doctors and researchers—were Grandpa and Kallen."
She lifted her head, blue eyes tinged with delight.
"And the result?
The mental stimulation from Grandpa and Kallen can't compare to some random boy who popped out of nowhere.
Isn't that funny?"
"...Maybe because they're too familiar to her, so it's hard to get excited."
Theresa, I'm begging you, please stop.
Can't you see Kallen has gone silent?!!
"Ahem.
So from what you've said, does that mean Theresa is… older?"
Seeing Theresa about to twist the knife again, Xander hurriedly changed the topic.
"Not too old.
If you include the time she spent asleep…"
Touching her chin, Theresa spoke a bit uncertainly.
"She's only about ten years older than you."
"Pft!!
Cough, cough—t-ten years older?!"
"I said that includes the time she was asleep."
She cast a somewhat disdainful glance at Xander's shocked face and added helplessly,
"If you only count the time since she woke up, then she's about your age."
"I see."
"What, are you going to dislike Theresa for being older?"
"No, no, not at all."
"Xander is a good kid.
Just don't bully Theresa!"
Seeing even Kallen say so, Xander hurriedly waved his hands in embarrassment to explain.
He had really just been surprised.
That small, cute, innocent look of hers—no matter how you see it, she doesn't look ten years older than him.
As the sunlight slanted toward the west, a hint of orange light appeared outside the window.
Xander bid farewell to Kallen and Theresa.
"Really not staying for dinner?
I still have a lot I want to talk about with you, Xander."
"No, no.
My friends are waiting for me, and I have an event to attend tomorrow.
I won't impose tonight."
"That's a pity."
Getting into the black luxury sedan Schicksal arranged for transport, Xander waved goodbye to Kallen and Theresa.
"Drive slowly on the road, and be sure to stay safe."
After a word of instruction to the driver, Kallen also smiled and waved.
"Remember to come earlier next time.
I'll cook for you myself."
"Mm.
Then I'll look forward to it.
See you next time, Kallen."
He replied with a smile, completely missing the flash of horror that crossed Theresa's face in that instant.
The sedan set off quickly.
The driver handled the car so steadily that Xander felt drowsy.
Of course—when even the boss lady comes out to see you off, what wage-earner would dare slack off?
Dazed, he raised his head only when the driver opened the rear door and told him they had arrived.
The black night sky was already dotted with stars.
"Whew—"
Yawning, Xander stepped out and stretched long.
After thanking the driver, he entered the hotel they had booked.
Arriving at the top-floor luxury suite, he swiped the room card.
Instantly, the once-quiet corridor filled with a lively buzz.
In the living room, a group of girls were chirping away, gathered around a big round table happily eating hotpot.
The atmosphere was so noisy they didn't even hear the door open.
After he came in, closed the door, and changed shoes, Seele was the first to notice him.
Without hesitation, she stuffed the skimmer in her hand into Bronya-sis's hand, then stood up and hurried over with quick little steps.
"Brother, you're back~"
Smiling sweetly, Seele leaned in to help him take off his coat.
"Mm.
It was a bit far, so I got back a little late."
"Hehe, it's fine.
We just started eating not long ago.
Come on, your spot has been saved for you~"
"Right away, right away.
I'll go wash my hands."
There was a conspicuously empty seat between her and Elysia.
After washing his hands, Xander was promptly tugged over by the arm and seated by Seele.
"Yo, you're back.
How was it at Schicksal HQ?"
With the "master of the house" (?) back, the girls stopped their racket, quieted down, and looked at him curiously.
The hotpot bubbled, releasing a spicy aroma that teased Xander's already hungry taste buds.
He had just sat down when Seele snatched the ladle back from Bronya's hand and, in passing, dropped a scoop of freshly dipped meat into her brother's bowl.
Bronya: "?"
Watching the smiling Seele glued to Xander's side, Bronya decided they would settle the account tonight.
"Pretty good.
Feels about the same as Anti-Entropy."
Answering Kiana's question, Xander dipped the meat in sauce and popped it into his mouth, speaking as he ate.
"I remember you said your friend was sick.
How is she?"
Beside him, Elysia asked with some concern.
"Don't worry.
She's recovering quite well.
And something rather peculiar happened today."
"Peculiar?"
"I met Otto."
"Pft!!"
Everyone who was eating—every single one of them—almost choked.
"O-Otto.
Is that the Otto I'm thinking of?"
"The one who has ruled Schicksal for who knows how many years—the most mysterious Bishop of Schicksal?"
Kiana and Sirin couldn't suppress the surprise in their voices.
Both of their families were part of Schicksal's Triad, so they naturally understood the weight of the name "Otto."
"Mm.
I even negotiated a collaboration with him.
Gensokyo Company can draw on Schicksal's resources, while I need to go to Schicksal HQ once a month to handle some matters."
"Will there be any danger?"
As soon as he finished, Bronya frowned and asked.
"No, nothing dangerous.
There's just an urgent matter here that requires my involvement."
"Huh?
If the Bishop is asking you for help, then Xander, you're really something."
"Ahem… w-well, I guess."
Kiana's praise made his expression a bit unnatural.
It sounded like she was saying he was very good at sweet-talking girls.
Back in ancient times, he could've been titled an Honest and Reliable Young Gentleman.
How could it sound so unsightly now?
"Alright, it's not a big deal.
Let's eat.
Rather than talk about this, why not continue your previous topic.
That was livelier."
"Previous topic?"
The pink crystals in Elysia's eyes seemed to flash.
Not just her—Xander noticed everyone's expressions turn strangely uniform, all of their gazes fixed straight on him.
"W-what is it?"
"It's nothing.
When we were shopping this afternoon, we saw a bridal shop, so we were discussing what styles of wedding dresses we like.
Xander, do you want to know?"
"Or perhaps…"
Elysia leaned in a little, her soft, slender hand resting lightly on his shoulder.
Her voice was gentle with a trace of sultry tease.
"Xander, who do you want to try one on first?"
"..."
How about we switch the topic back.
...
Night grew deep.
They had to get up early tomorrow, so everyone returned to their rooms early.
After a busy day, Xander lay on the bed, mentally exhausted.
Very soon, a foot in black stockings came to rest across his chest.
"Truly useless.
You even needed Seele to bail you out."
Bronya leaned against the headboard.
Her nimble toes pinched at Xander's shirt through the stockings, tugging lightly.
"That was a death-trap question.
How would I dare answer?"
"And now?"
"...Let's talk about something else."
Rolling to his side, he hugged Bronya's calf.
His palms lightly caressed the smooth, silky black stockings, and his gaze drifted toward the bathroom in the corner.
The sound of rushing water echoed in the quiet room.
Under the bright light, a vague silhouette was visible through the frosted glass.
Her hands slid from her neck down to her calves.
Her bending, supple form outlined a tantalizing curve.
"Tsk.
Fine—then tell me what you did at Schicksal."
Just saying "a collaboration" clearly meant there was something Xander hadn't detailed.
Dragging her calf, he even rubbed his face against the black stockings.
Xander thought for a moment and simply recounted everything about Theresa.
While he told the story, Seele finished her bath and stepped out, wrapped in a towel, drying herself as she listened with curiosity.
"Just like Sleeping Beauty.
It even feels a little romantic~"
Standing behind them and blow-drying Seele's hair, the Seele in the mirror smiled gently.
Hearing this, Bronya cut Seele a sideways glance.
Romance is romance, but you're not the princess here.
What are you so happy about?
After helping Seele dry her hair, Xander had just returned to the bed when Bronya pushed him down.
Seeing Bronya's gaze raking over him from bottom to top, Xander asked in puzzlement,
"What is it?"
"Nothing.
You said Theresa is the Bishop's most beloved granddaughter, right?"
"Theresa said so.
It shouldn't be a lie."
"...Looks like it's time to make some preparations."
Bronya's gaze dropped lower.
"What preparations?"
"Obviously, freezing your genetic information.
That way, if anything happens to you, Seele can still help preserve your lineage."
"?"
That mocking curl of her lips made Xander's temper flare.
With a forceful heave, he flipped her and pressed Bronya beneath him.
"Why are you cursing me like that?"
"Aren't you the one cozying up to the Bishop's most beloved granddaughter?
If the Bishop of Schicksal wanted to make someone disappear, that wouldn't be hard."
"Theresa and I are just friends!"
"Can you swear you don't have even a little thought about her?"
"..."
"Heh~"
Seeing that taunting smile, heat rushed to Xander's head.
Panting, he grinned without warmth.
"Forget waiting for Seele.
Let's do it tonight.
You take the lead."
"Mm-hmm~"
This was exactly the moment Bronya had been waiting for.
She dropped the act; the mockery in her eyes shifted into unabashed tease.
Her silver curls sprawled across the bed.
Fresh from the bath, her skin was rosy and dewy, still carrying a faint, pleasant scent.
Her hand toyed lightly with the collar of her loose sleepwear, and in no time a soft half-moon of snow-white slipped free of its confines.
She liked being handled a bit rougher, and seeing Xander "tilt" from provocation was always delightful—killing two birds with one stone.
Listening to the now-familiar strange sounds by her ear, Seele remembered what Bronya-sis had told her before.
Then, she quietly pulled out her phone and called Kaguya.
The next day, steps a little unsteady, Xander arrived at the game expo venue.
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