Peaceful times.
These are ordinary, everyday moments that we often take for granted, but they are not always guaranteed. Some people fight continuously just to secure such peaceful times. Others can never attain these ordinary moments.
I, too, fight daily to achieve these ordinary times.
After endless battles, this peaceful moment has finally arrived. It is irreplaceable, something to be cherished.
And even now—
"It's so peaceful…"
"It is peaceful…"
"Peaceful, isn't it…"
Following me, sprawled out on my bedroom bed, both Miyu and Alice murmur. They, too, are on the bed, lying on either side of me, sandwiching me in.
Only the three of us are in the room, and a quiet moment flows by.
Just lying on the bed, doing nothing. Normally, it might be more productive to use this time for other things, but right now, this is how I want to be.
I just want to relax with the two of them.
Both Miyu and Alice are using my arms as pillows, snuggled close, and I can hear their gentle breathing.
Miyu speaks.
"It's almost Christmas, isn't it?"
It's December now. The tumultuous second semester is nearing its end, and winter break is about to begin.
That means the December event, Christmas, is approaching.
Alice asks.
"What exactly is this 'Christmas'?"
Ah, Alice doesn't know about Christmas. She only arrived in this world after the second semester started. There was no such thing as Christmas in her old world, after all.
Miyu answers her.
"Simply put, it's like a festival, I guess? On Christmas Day, some people spend time with their lovers, or relax with their families. And little kids get presents from Santa Claus."
"Who's Santa?"
"An old man with a white beard."
"...?"
U-um, it feels a bit impossible for Alice to understand from that explanation… With that explanation, it sounds like some unknown old man is just handing out things to small children…
"...A stalker?"
See, that's exactly what happens!
No! Santa isn't a stalker! Don't say things that damage Santa's reputation! We'll get complaints from Heaven, you know!?
I say, my eye twitching.
"W-well, it's like this. It's a day to spend with someone important, I think. You're with someone important, and you give them gifts. Last year, Miyu and I just spent it with our family. We had a feast and exchanged presents."
By the way, the gift I gave Miyu was a complete manga series. I gave her the one she wanted to read.
What I received from Miyu was a hand-knitted scarf. I still use it carefully… or rather, it's my treasure.
"Miyu, what do you want this year?"
"Hmm, nothing in particular right now, I guess?"
"Really? Anything is fine, you know?"
When I asked, Miyu put a finger to her chin, thought for a moment, then smiled brightly.
"You always dote on me, Big Brother, and that's enough. Every day, I receive the 'present' of memories."
Guh… How can she say something so adorable with an angelic smile! She's too good! I almost coughed up blood from her cuteness!
"Then, I guess I receive that every day too. Just being like this with Miyu is enough."
"Big Brother…!"
"Miyu…!"
The siblings embrace lovingly. Miyu buries her face in my chest, and I gently stroke her head.
This is nice! It's peaceful! These kinds of moments really are precious, aren't they? I'm incredibly happy!
While stroking Miyu's head, I also ask Alice.
"Alice, do you want anything? Anything is fine, you know?"
"Me? I don't particularly want anything right now either."
Hmm… these two are rather selfless. It'll be tough to think of birthday presents for them, it seems.
Just as I was thinking that—
"...Or rather, I've already received it."
"Received? Did I give you something?"
"I did receive it. A lot… right?"
Alice's cheeks flush red as she places a hand on her stomach and strokes it.
Ah… I see.
That's what she meant.
The other day, when I carried Alice on my back to the agency. I used that 'break room' with Alice, and…
Alice murmurs happily.
"In a sense, I received the true 'first time'… and so much of it…"
"Well… when something like that is said… you know?"
That day, when I tried to embrace Alice, she said this:
—I wanted Issei's first time.
—I know Miyu-chan is a good girl, and I know she cares about Issei… But still, I was frustrated. Frustrated with myself for not being honest, for not having the courage…
—I… want your true first time.
When she said that with teary eyes, I couldn't say anything.
And then, we—
"Thank you… I was so happy. …But,"
Having said that, Alice pokes my nose with her index finger.
"You really overdid it, though. Thanks to you, my legs wouldn't stand."
"Ah, hahaha… I'm sorry for getting carried away."
…I was half-berserk back then too. After it was over, Alice couldn't stand, could she?
Really, I'm sorry.
Please forgive me, because you were just that cute!
"But… I feel bad for Miyu-chan. Miyu-chan was the first to be brave, wasn't she?"
Alice apologizes with a regretful expression, but Miyu shakes her head.
"I don't mind. I also got Big Brother's first time, ahead of Alice-san, so I guess we're even? Ah, but is it really okay? If you have a baby, what about school…?"
"That's fine. I only said I'd go to school to spend more time with Issei anyway."
Alice said, scratching her cheek.
…Hearing it said so directly in front of me… it's embarrassing!
My face feels like it's on fire!? Are you two a bit too open!? Well, maybe it's too late to ask that!
"Fufufu, it seems my plan was perfect, after all. You're already making full use of it, aren't you?"
At this, Ignis materializes.
Yeah, I can't argue with that. We are using it, after all.
It's turned out just as Ignis planned (or so it seems)! I end up doing extra work after finishing my regular work! For now, I've only used it with Alice though…
"So? What are your thoughts on that room?"
"...It was good."
"Right? ♪"
To our bright red faces, Ignis gave a joyful smile and a V-sign.
As expected, I can't win against the strongest goddess…
Then, Ignis suddenly takes on a serious expression.
"Oh, right, about that matter, our preparations are complete. Just now, in fact. All that's left is your three's availability."
"——!"
At that report, our eyes widen.
That matter… right… Ignis has finished her preparations. It was much faster than expected.
In that case, we need to find a day when we have time. Ignis says that carrying out that matter will take quite a while.
I glance at Miyu and Alice, and both of them look serious, as if they've steeled themselves.
"Hey, Ignis. About that—"
Just as I was about to confirm again.
The room door is knocked and opens.
It's Mom.
"There you are. Issei, Miyu-chan, could you both come? I have something I want to show you."
Miyu reacts to her words.
"...Mom, could it be—"
"Yes. Finally, right?"
Scene Break
On the third floor of the Hyoudou household. Mom has her hobby room here, and I stand before its door.
Mom told me to wait here, but only Miyu was allowed to enter.
Being made to wait doesn't mean it's something I can't see. So, I should assume they're preparing something together.
Still, I'm curious.
Miyu seemed to understand Mom's intentions… What are they doing together?
It's already been about ten minutes since I was asked to wait here.
Since it's longer than I expected, I lean my ear against the door to listen to what's happening inside—
"Wow! Amazing, amazing!"
"Right? Mmm-hmm, it really suits you!"
Miyu and Mom's voices, sounding very excited.
W-what are they doing? I'm so curious!
"M-Mom? Can I come in soon?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I completely forgot about you, Issei."
"You forgot about me!?"
How cruel! Mom, you're the one who called me, aren't you!? Who just forgets!?
Or is it that you find your daughter cuter than your son!?
I can agree with that, though…
"Issei, you come in too. Hehe, you'll be surprised, I'm sure."
Given permission, I let out a breath and open the door.
What awaited me there was—
"Eh…?"
Pure white. The figure of a woman clad in spotless white stood there. My eyes were captivated by the beautiful and ethereal sight, and I couldn't tell who it was.
"Eh… M-Miyu, is that…?"
"Yeah. It is."
"That… that's, uh, that thing, right? A wedding dress… right?"
Yes, what Miyu was wearing was a pure white wedding dress.
A skirt with layers of tulle and lace. The bodice, from chest to waist, was entirely embroidered, giving a seemingly extravagant yet undeniably graceful impression. It was a strapless design, broadly exposing her neck and chest. A veil adorned her head, and a sparkling silver necklace graced her neck.
Miyu's cheeks were faintly flushed, and she asked, a little shyly.
"Um… how do I look?"
"How do you look… You're beautiful, truly. …Huh, that's strange… tears are coming out…"
I don't know why, but tears… tears won't stop.
Partly because Miyu is so cute, and partly because she's so beautiful… and the wedding dress suits Miyu too perfectly…
Miyu walks over to me, takes out a handkerchief, and wipes away my flowing tears.
"Honestly, Big Brother, you're so dramatic! But I'm happy you said I'm beautiful. Big Brother, you know what?"
"What?"
"I… I want to be your bride. I want to wear this dress and have a wedding with you, even if it's a small one… And then… oh, tears are coming out…"
Miyu, her eyes glistening, sheds large tears. Yet, she wears a smile more joyful than ever before.
Mom gives a wry smile, seeing us, the crying siblings.
"You're crying a bit early, aren't you? Save those tears for the real thing."
""Yeah… Waaaah…""
"No, you're crying even more now, aren't you?"
""I'm so happy the tears won't stop… Ugh… Sniff.""
"Oh dear… Can't be helped, I suppose."
Mom, with a wry smile, wipes away our ceaseless tears with a handkerchief.
A little while later, after finally composing myself, I ask Mom.
"Where did you get this dress?"
I had forgotten to ask in my emotional state, but where did this dress come from? Did she buy it… or rent it?
Then, Mom showed a triumphant smile.
"Fufufu, this wedding dress… is my handmade creation!"
"W-what!?"
This dress, Mom made it!? The embroidery, she sewed each stitch herself!? The quality is too high!?
Mom dramatically poses with her sewing kit, laughing loudly.
"In the hands of me, Saki Hyoudou, it's a piece of cake! The only thing that took time was gathering materials, perhaps?"
"I was surprised when I saw it the other day too. It fit perfectly without any measurements taken."
"No measurements!? How did you make it!?"
"Don't underestimate my eyes! I can grasp everything from your three sizes to arm thickness and foot size just by looking. At my old workplace, I was even called 'Saki of the Divine Eye'!"
"That's the first I've heard of it!?"
Is Mom some kind of ability user!? Or a Sacred Gear possessor!? You wouldn't find many like that even in the underworld!
"By the way, I'm currently making the second one! Next up is Alice-san!"
Bang! Mom slams her hand on the table, where a piece of graph paper lies, adorned with a wedding dress design! Second one in production!? That means she also knows Alice's three sizes!?
Ah, if I look closely, the design is different from the dress Miyu is wearing! She's even designing them! And her drawing is good!
I knew she was good at sewing, and I'd heard she worked in a related field before getting married, but this far exceeded my imagination!
My Mom is seriously amazing!
"For now, my goal is to make dresses for all of Issei's brides, I suppose? Fufufu, my hands are itching to get to work! ♪"
She seems to be having fun! And how many does she plan to make!?
Indeed, a mother's greatness is truly something!
Miyu hugs me.
"This is this year's Christmas present, isn't it? ♪"
Yes, I really think so. It will be a treasure for life.
Mom says.
"I actually wanted to give it to you on Christmas, but you and Issei have work, don't you? So, I decided to unveil it today, now that it's complete."
As Mom said, Christmas Day is our work day.
That work is—
Suddenly, the room door is knocked and opens. Raynare enters.
"Excuse me. I heard Issei-sama was here—"
Raynare sees Miyu, wearing a wedding dress and hugging me, in this situation.
It must have been a complete surprise attack. Her mouth hangs open, and she freezes.
Then, thirty seconds later.
"I-i-i-is that, by any chance, a wedding… Miyu-san!?"
"Hehehe… Mom made it for me."
"What!?"
Yeah, that's what happens. You'd be surprised, naturally.
Another shadow appears from behind the still-frozen Raynare.
"Issei-kun! It's almost time for the Great Christmas Operation! Let's start discussing—"
And Irina, who just burst in, also freezes.
I knew this would happen.
And once this happens, the end result is—
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!?"
Irina's shriek of surprise shook the Hyoudou household.
It was only natural that Rias and the others would rush over upon hearing the scream, causing a small commotion.
Issei's mother's name was casually revealed lol
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