Chapter 240. Cocolia: How's your relationship with Mei?
"Eh, eh, eh?!! You're going to tell Big Brother right now?!!!"
Seele, who had gone a bit limp from being teased, jolted upright the instant she heard that. Her whole body tensed as she stared wide-eyed at Cocolia Mom, her face flushing scarlet.
"I think… there's no need to be in such a hurry to talk about this."
Just as Xander Masato was a little surprised by Seele's reaction, Bronya's voice beside him made his eyes brim with curiosity.
That direct gaze made Bronya a little ill at ease. She avoided looking into Xander's eyes; the embarrassment creeping up her cheeks turned them rosy as well.
Very quickly, even Elysia spoke up: "I don't think there's a problem~ But I do hope that when the time comes, it can be a bit more cheerful, a bit more romantic…"
"What, are you all that concerned about Little Xander's career?"
Stifling a laugh, Cocolia kept a serious expression as she spoke.
"Ah? Ca-career?"
Seele froze, her eyes going a little blank.
"Right. I'm planning to talk about the future development of the Gensokyo Company. What, Seele, that's not what you meant?"
That teasing look from Cocolia Mom made Seele feel like ants were crawling all over her. Shame washed her from head to toe, and she quickly nodded with a red face: "Y-yes, that's right, Seele was exactly going to talk about that. Since it's Big Brother's company, Seele thinks there's no need to rush!!"
Although she didn't know what Cocolia Mom was about to say, Seele still made something up first.
"Ahem, indeed, matters of the company can't be taken lightly."
"Eh? What a shame, I thought it was marri—mmph!!!"
Elysia had only said half a sentence before Bronya—swift of eye and hand—clapped a palm over her mouth. Looking up, she met those peach-blossom eyes laced with mirth, which made her grit her teeth in frustration.
This guy is definitely the type who loves to stir the pot!!
Xander Masato blinked, then said seriously, "I think… we can first discuss the topic Seele and the others brought up at the start…"
"Big Brotheeer~~~"
Before the words had even fallen, Seele instantly turned soft and cutesy, rolling over to his ear to whine in a sweet, sticky voice. The soft sound melted his heart at once, and he immediately decided not to pursue it. He hugged Seele, rested his chin on her shoulder, and, looking at Cocolia, continued, "Ahem, let's talk about the company issue."
"Tsk, so you've started flirting right in front of me now, huh."
Though she said that, seeing her favorite kids getting along so well filled Cocolia's heart with delight.
Her cultivation plan could be called a resounding success.
"But of course. There's no need to hide this kind of thing from the people closest to us, right?"
"You brat, you've gotten a lot smoother with your words now."
After a bit of banter, Cocolia moved to the main topic: "Do you have plans for where to relocate the Gensokyo Company after you graduate? At your current site, it won't be enough for the company's scale much longer."
Although the whole building belonged to Anti-Entropy, aside from the three floors leased to Gensokyo Company, the rest was occupied by various Anti-Entropy subsidiaries. You can't just seize your own family's space, can you?
Moreover, that location actually wasn't very good for Gensokyo Company. Aside from being close to St. Freya and convenient for commuting, it didn't have many geographical advantages. The relatively backward economy was already holding Gensokyo's development back a bit.
"I haven't really thought about it yet. How about moving to North America to be neighbors with Anti-Entropy headquarters? That way, we could see each other often too, no?"
Cocolia's question made Xander Masato ponder for a moment. He kneaded Seele's soft little tummy and spoke slowly.
"Although that proposal is very tempting, I have another option on my side. Want to hear it?"
"Mm, let's hear it."
Her back a little straighter, Seele also sat obediently on his lap, making a very serious little face—even if her hands behind her back were still tugging at Big Brother's shirt.
"The Mu Continent. Have you considered it?"
"The Mu Continent?"
The Mu Continent, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, gathers the world's top tech companies, top universities, and top research institutes. It can be called the center of human civilization's development. Anti-Entropy, Shencheng Tech, and Schicksal have all been developing on the Mu Continent for years, still standing in a triangle to check and balance one another.
"Right, that holy land of the scientific community—the Mu Continent."
"Eh? Going there? But we don't really count as a tech company."
A game company going there felt lacking in competitiveness.
"Don't rush."
Pressing her palm down, Cocolia revealed a secret that made Xander Masato furrow his brow.
"Anti-Entropy, Schicksal, Shencheng, and various political leaders have already concluded their discussions. The central hub for virtual-reality technology development is confirmed to be on the Mu Continent."
"Why?"
"Because whether it's placed in the Americas, Asia, or Europe, the other two will object. In the end, only the Mu Continent could satisfy everyone's interests."
Naturally, all three wanted the VR hub to be on their own turf, but that was impossible. Therefore, the Mu Continent—where the three Pacific tech giants were still competing—became the best choice for everyone.
It wasn't hard to grasp. Xander Masato nodded in understanding.
Seeing that the child had understood, Cocolia continued, "By then, any industry related to VR will be given green lights across the Mu Continent, receiving the strongest resource support. And Gensokyo just happens to be at a rapid growth stage. At that time, you can grab the biggest dividends."
With the achievements of Pokémon backing them, the share of Anti-Entropy's VR pod escort titles on the gaming side naturally included a slice for Gensokyo.
She believed in her child's ability. With excellent games plus her maneuvering, and by riding this wind of change, she could quickly cultivate Gensokyo into a big company that could stand shoulder to shoulder with Anti-Entropy Entertainment.
Hmph, Welt—let's see how you'll compete with me then!
The leader's seat of Anti-Entropy will be mine—Cocolia's!!
Honestly, hearing this did make Xander Masato's heart stir, but he still shook his head and said, "It does sound great, but this ultimately isn't just my own company. I need to go back and discuss it with everyone."
Mainly, he planned to do some mindset work with the girls—see if everyone was willing to go to the Mu Continent with him.
At this moment, as if remembering something, Cocolia said, "Ah, right, I forgot to mention: over there on the Mu Continent, because of special customs, there isn't any law about monogamy…"
"I believe it's absolutely necessary to go make a name for ourselves on the Mu Continent!!!"
In that instant, Xander Masato's gaze was incomparably firm!
Young people should strive, should endure hardship in a new environment—he firmly believed this!
I know what gets you motivated. See? A simple handle and you're nailed.
Smiling as she glanced at Xander Masato, Cocolia added, "Right—after deciding on the Mu Continent as the location, they also settled on holding the first Virtual Reality Technology Expo. The expo will have everything; games will be one of the most important parts."
"At the first expo, every company's VR pod will make its debut before the world. The games that visitors experience then should receive the most attention. Well? Do you have confidence?"
"Of course!!" Xander Masato nodded seriously.
"Mm. I believe in you."
Cocolia smiled slightly and picked up the teacup on the table for a sip.
With the main business roughly discussed, she suddenly remembered an unrelated question. Looking at Xander Masato, she asked, "By the way, Little Xander, how's your relationship with Raiden Ryoma's daughter?"
"Raiden Ryoma… Oh, you mean Mei. Why do you ask?"
At the mention of Raiden Ryoma, Xander Masato was momentarily stunned, but he quickly thought of Mei and asked in some puzzlement.
"What—can't I be concerned about a child's romantic situation?"
Looking a bit troubled, Xander Masato said slowly, "Not really… It's just that, well, everyone has privacy…"
"Seele, Bronya, Elysia, Kaguya, Kiana, Sirin, Ge..."
"Ahem, Mei and I are just pretty good friends!"
Seeing his old secrets laid bare, Xander Masato quickly said so.
Wait—Sirin only happened yesterday. How do they already know??
His eyes dropped toward a certain insider, and he immediately saw Seele's evasive little gaze.
So that's how it is—little traitor, huh.
A bit annoyed, he pinched Seele's butt, making the girl tense up at once, leaning against him with a red face, not daring to move.
After a small chastisement, Xander Masato picked up Seele's teacup for a sip to moisten his dry throat.
"Pretty good? How good? Have you slept in the same bed?"
"Pfft!!!"
The mouthful of tea Xander Masato had just drunk sprayed straight out. Seele, splashed all over, looked at him with a bitter face.
"Sorry, sorry!"
He hurriedly helped wipe Seele off, then looked at Cocolia with a somewhat twisted expression: "Who even asks questions like that!!!"
"Have you or not?"
"…No. We really are just friends."
"Is that so. Then I'm relieved."
Cocolia nodded slightly.
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing much. I just have some business dealings with Raiden Ryoma lately, and it popped into my head. Nothing to do with you."
"Oh."
Busy touching Seele—oh no, helping wipe Seele—Xander Masato didn't think much of it and let the topic pass.
Night came quickly. Seele and Bronya naturally chose to sleep with Bronya Mom, whom they hadn't seen in a long time. Elysia had wanted to stay with Xander Masato, but Bronya quickly dragged her off as well. She feared that Sister Elysia would pull Xander to her old room to do this and that, so it was better to be cautious.
It was the same old scene as every year. Lying alone in bed, Xander Masato was already used to it.
It was just that he'd napped in the afternoon, so he couldn't fall asleep now.
He turned on his phone and sent messages to Sirin and Kiana one after another, but received no replies from either. Thinking about the time zones, he lay on the bed bored again.
It should be daytime where Griseo is now, but contacting Griseo alone felt kind of weird.
Just as he was bored enough to get up and draft some game design docs, there was a knock at the door.
It's so late—who is it?
Thinking that, Xander Masato said, "Come in."
He trusted the orphanage's security. Anyone knocking on his door couldn't possibly be an outsider.
"Pardon the intrusion."
With a creak, the wooden door pushed open, and Aponia stepped in slowly with a lamp in hand.
"As expected, you haven't rested again."
Looking at Xander Masato sitting on the bed, Aponia spoke in a gentle voice.
"I slept too much this afternoon and can't sleep now. But Sister Aponia, why are you here so late?"
Closing the door casually, Aponia set the lamp on the table.
"I just went to check whether the children were sleeping properly. Now, only your room still has its light on."
"I'm not a child anymore."
He said it with a laugh, and saw Sister Aponia slowly walk over to him, gathering her skirt as she sat at his side.
A bewitching fragrance wafted to his nose, carrying that ripe-peach sweetness he seldom experienced.
With her movements, her generous curves quivered; the swaying drew his eyes.
Not his fault—according to the law of universal gravitation, objects with greater mass have stronger attraction!
"You should rest early. Rosaliya and Liliya have been looking forward to playing with you for a long time. If you don't have energy tomorrow, those two will be very sad."
While his attention was caught, Xander suddenly realized Sister Aponia seemed to have sat even closer; shoulder nearly touching shoulder, he could feel a faint warmth through their clothes.
The alluring scent grew stronger. He lifted his head and met Sister Aponia's eyes.
In those deep blue pupils lurked a hint of shadow. Though she still wore the same calm, gentle air, Xander Masato couldn't shake a strange feeling. His gaze was unconsciously drawn to those eyes, as if they held some kind of magic.
"Please, rest well."
Her soft voice sounded by his ear. Xander felt a touch dazed, and then instinctively wanted to lie down obediently.
But when his hand touched the mattress, the sensation at his fingertips snapped him awake. He tensed and pulled back a little, looking at Aponia in a small panic.
What just happened to me?
There was a flicker of doubt in his eyes, but across from him, Sister Aponia's eyes filled with a trace of sorrow.
"Forgive me—did I do something that made you dislike me?"
"..."
He opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.
He was clearly sure there was no supernatural power, but this was seriously a bit uncanny with Aponia. Could this be an innate gift?
"No, it's nothing. My mind just drifted for a moment, and the sudden startle scared me."
As he spoke, Xander studied Sister Aponia's eyes and saw her exhale as if relieved, concern filling her gaze.
That actually left him a bit confused. Could it have been… unconscious?
"If your spirit feels unwell, then proper rest is all the more important."
Aponia looked at him, patted her voluptuous, plush thigh, and said gently, "Would you like to lie down? I hope it can help your rest."
"This is a bit embarrassing…"
He said that with his mouth, but his body was very honest. He lay on Aponia's lap without hesitation, which made her chuckle quietly.
"No need to rush—let me take my shoes off first."
She slipped off her not-so-tall boots, and her tender, rosy feet were bared to the warm air.
Unfortunately, Xander Masato was already lost in the gentle country of that soft lap, unable to extricate himself, and didn't notice the pair of freshly washed, fragrant feet at all.
Kneeling on the bed, Aponia gently turned off the room's lights. The pitch-black night blanketed every corner of the room, and also veiled the gradual change on her face.
She reached out to softly caress Xander Masato's cheek and hair, then began to hum a gentle lullaby.
Naturally, this enjoyment soon made Xander drowsy in comfort. In no time, his eyes were closed and he drifted into sleep.
Feeling his breathing grow steady, Aponia stopped her hands and her humming, lowered her head, and—borrowing the moonlight—admired the boy in her arms little by little.
Her fair fingertips extended to lightly touch the boy's body, her eyes reflecting an emotion hard for others to read.
...
Early in the morning, Xander Masato felt as if he woke within an expanse of the softest cotton candy. As soon as he opened his eyes, he met a gentle gaze.
"Good morning~"
That mild voice seemed to have magic, refreshing him through and through. Soon, he sat up a little sheepishly, put both hands on his thighs, and sat cross-legged with a bow.
"Sorry, Sister Aponia. I troubled you again."
She shook her head. "It's more important that you can rest well."
As she spoke, she sat up as well, straightened her somewhat disheveled nun's habit, slid her fair feet back into her shoes, and after a quick bow to him, she left.
This left Xander Masato—who had thought he'd unlock some big-sister-exclusive CG—a little disappointed.
Of course, that kind of unseemly thought remained only a thought. He would never act on it.
After going out for breakfast, he was immediately entangled by the Arlene sisters. He spent the whole day playing idol games with them, and they ended with a perfect pretend wedding where he married the two sisters.
Although the two ended up getting thumped by Bronya, they were grinning the whole time.
This holiday, since there wasn't much going on, they stayed home for a full half month. Only after nearly everyone who had come back had left did they set off to return to school.
And then, well—during that half month, whenever Xander Masato was alone in his room, Aponia would arrive punctually at night. And she would only provide lap pillows and lullabies. At daybreak, she left without the slightest reluctance and didn't do anything extra. This left Xander quite baffled—he had no idea what exactly Sister Aponia was thinking.
But lap pillows really were comfortable. That mature, plush feel wasn't something the girls at home could replicate.
Eden perhaps could—but she didn't give him lap pillows.
After returning to school, he passed more than half a month leisurely. Sirin, who had just confirmed the relationship, couldn't help sticking to Xander even with everyone watching—almost exactly like Kiana back then.
The only difference between the two was that Kiana openly said she wanted to stay with Xander, while Sirin found a tsundere excuse every time—saying it wasn't that she wanted to be with him, but that she had no choice but to be by his side, blah blah. It had become one of the girls' daily amusements at home.
Until, when he'd finally rested enough and decided to resume game development, a bit of good news arrived from one side.
"CLANNAD's game and anime are all fully complete!"
My back's wrenched, taking a day off
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