Date A Live - Volume 16 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - A Maiden’s Time 

“——Thank you for coming here, everyone.” 

That evening in a room inside the Spirit mansion, Kotori spoke while looking over to everyone. For some reason the lighting in the room was very dim, with the spotlight just illuminating the area around the table. 

Meanwhile, Kotori placed her elbows against the tables, posing with her fingers intertwined with each other. Though the reason wasn’t understood, it seemed as if her commander impression had increased compared to usual. 

Already in the center of the room, Tohka, Origami, Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Miku, Natsumi, Nia, and Mukuro, these all-star Spirits had gathered up in full force. Everybody was sitting around the table, each person in a different posture of either caressing their cheeks or stretching their wrists. 

“Fumu, what be this conundrum… at the witching hour…” 

Mukuro asked while issuing a slight yawn. 

However, it was also unreasonable to expect otherwise. The current time was midnight. 

Several people other than just Mukuro also looked sleepy…… Well, somehow there were exceptions like Nia, who seemed even more energetic than during the day. 

Kotori gently nodded her head and continued to answer Mukuro’s question. 

“The situation should’ve been explained to you already. Afternoon today, ——Kurumi invited Shidou on a date on the 14th of February, Valentine’s Day.” 

Listening to this matter, Tohka inclined her head and crossed her arms with a puzzled expression. 

“Muu, what is Valentine’s Day in the first place?” 

“Ah…… sorry, sorry. So it seems that hasn’t been explained yet. Well, Valentine’s Day is……” 

While Kotori was trying to explain, Nia suddenly interrupted her. 

“This is…… the day where St. Valentine, called the patron saint for lovers, met his gruesome execution!” 

“Wha……!?” 

“I-Is it a terrible day……?” 

As Tohka and Yoshino made expressions of shock, Kotori comically slapped the side of Nia’s head. 

“Although the origin is correct, pay attention to the method of expressing!” 

“Ehehe, sorry, sorry. Well then, on that day, to commemorate St. Valentine, girls give presents to boys; think of it like that.” 

“Fumu, a gift.” 

“Question. What should be given?” 

The Yamai sisters asked while symmetrically tilting their heads. 

“Well…… although there’s no provision of only sending it, in Japan chocolate is generally used.” 

“Hey!” 

Listening to Kotori words, Tohka’s eyes began to sparkle and glisten. 

“Sending chocolate…… to have such a wonderful day!” 

“……Wrong, Tohka. It’s okay to be happy, but it’s presented to a man by a woman, understand? So you’ll be on the other side of the gift. 

While Tohka’s excitement was starting to cause her arms to shake, Natsumi replied back with her eyes half-open. 

“Mu? Umu, I didn’t know…… nu? I see, I can’t eat it…… No, it’s fine, making a gift for Shidou is also very exciting……” 

“Your mood seems to have visibly dropped……” 

Natsumi said while sweat dripped down from her head. Meanwhile, Kotori let out a sigh and shrugged her shoulders. 

“Don’t worry, Tohka. Recently friendship chocolates are also in vogue…… More than anything, there’ll be White Day on the 14th of the next month. On that day, men who received chocolate from women on Valentine’s Day return the favor and give back chocolate.” 

“O-Oh……!” 

Tohka looked at Kotori like a clergyman who had just received a divine prophecy from an oracle. Seeing this sight, everyone didn’t know whether to express a pleasant or wry smile. 

“Er, Kotori-san, what about it? Although I would certainly be jealous of someone having a date with Darling on Valentine’s Day……” 

Miku spoke while making a cute motion by pointing her fingers towards her chin. 

Then, Kotori returned the gesture by nodding her head. 

“Kurumi said that she intends to decide the outcome of the match with that day’s date. 

Losing means both the reiryoku and Shidou’s life are taken away, so we absolutely cannot stand by idly.” 

“However, even if it is Shidou, I don’t think he would admit defeat with the matter of his own life……” 

“I think so too, but it appears to be also true that Kurumi wouldn’t have brought up such negotiations without feeling high prospects for success. It would not be wrong to be cautious.” 

“Question. What exactly should be done as a precaution?” 

As Yuzuru elevated her arm to ask a question, Kotori nodded while lifting up two fingers. 

“There are two approaches to this presumption, the first being that we will also give chocolate to Shidou.” 

“A reasonable means, chocolate was originally intended to be given.” 

“Sure, if I was a man and Kurumin was the only one to give chocolate, it would honestly make my heart skip a beat.” 

Nia shrugged her shoulders. Then, Kotori made a wry smile at the unclear feelings given the current circumstances. 

“Having said that, this is the last day before the 14th. Even for handmade chocolate, there’s no problem with the preparations before that day——If anything, the problem starts from here. I want to train Shidou’s resistance as much as possible before then.” 

“Resistance……?” 

Tohka tilted her head as she crossed her arms as Kotori continued to speak. 

“Yes, that is to say, in order not to be fooled by Kurumi during the date, let’s have him immunized before then.” 

“Hmm. Howbeit, what of immunity and wherefore?” 

Faced with Mukuro’s question, Kotori replied while pointing her finger upward. 

“To put it bluntly——a mature charm.” 

“…….!?” 

In response to Kotori’s words, the Spirits started to gossip around. 

So that everyone to quieted down, Kotori resumed. 

“Tohka and the others saw what happened on that day, so I think they can understand…… 

As expected, Kurumi is the biggest threat. The wicked woman that, within the palm of her hand, is able to calmly toy with the hearts of men through bewitching behavior, seductive invitation and wiles of a succubus. Since Shidou has never sealed this kind of Spirit before, he must learn how to deal with this type of woman.” 

“…………” 

The Spirits all gulped and took in a deep breath. 

Likely in order to break up this tense atmosphere, two people raised their hands up in the air energetically. They were Miku and Nia respectively. 

“Allow me! I am one year older than Darling. I can be the older sister!” 

“Me too, me too! The mature charm of my body is gushing out!” 

The two of them spoke proudly while puffing up their chests. 

However, Kotori shook her head with expression full of embarrassment. 

“It’s not about numbers. I’m talking about maturity at the spiritual level. If that condition isn’t accomplished, then it would just be a slightly older kid.” 

“Uchu!” 

“Ahha!” 

The merciless words sank into Miku and Nia like a knife. 

“Uuu, how unforgiving Kotori-san…… I… At least the style of my figure is very mature……” 

“Even I am… that…… good at staying up at night……” 

“…….” 

As Miku and Nia indiscriminately argued, they didn’t notice Origami hitting their shoulders with a ‘pon’ sound from behind. The two of them, having been struck at the same time, gave out a ‘wan’ sound as they clung onto Origami…… Well, for Miku the motives for her hands’ 

movements were very peculiar. 

Despite that, while ignoring those three, the meeting still proceeded. 

“It is quite troubling. No matter how strong, it seems that there is an innate desire in the hearts of men to enjoy behaving like spoiled child while being fawned on by a mature older sister.” 

“Kaka, that is to say, what time it takes for a man to grow up.” 

“Agreement. Kaguya was also originally a boy. Ah, no wonder.” 

“What do you mean by that!? Also, what do you mean by ‘no wonder’!?” 

“Calm down…… Eh, ara?” 

Kotori suddenly interrupted her own words. 

“Origami, where did those guys go?” 

“Muu?” 

Tohka look on to the place where Origami and the others were just at. To be sure, just as Kotori had said, the whereabouts of those three people had disappeared. 

“Uh……” 

“Did they go to the restroom?” 

As the Spirits all twisted their heads, Kotori made a quick glance at the door before continuing. 

“No matter, they’ll soon be back. Anyway, if we satisfy that feeling even temporarily, Shidou’s heart will remain calm no matter what means Kurumi will try to employ. That’s why we must become Shidou’s older sister.” 

“B-But, Kotori-san, we are smaller than Shidou-san……” 

As Yoshino spoke while furrowing her eyebrows into resembling the kanji for eight, Kotori formed an embarrass expression while nodding. 

“Well, that’s right, but as long as you acquire a mature charm you should be able to get an older appeal regardless of your real age. Of course, if you really become an adult, the effect will be high, but as expected——” 

“……That.” 

As Kotori said that, a single girl timidly raised her hand as if ashamed to be ridiculed. 

“Perhaps, maybe somehow……?” 

“Hmm…… Uh……” 

Accompanied by a small groan, Shidou slowly opened his eyes As his consciousness was being regained from slowly awakening, little by little the surrounding circumstances gradually became visible. 

It seemed that the surroundings were still very dark, with daylight still not permeating through. Although today he didn’t have a plan of going to bed earlier than usual…… But at that moment. 

“……Hmm?” 

Amidst his fuzzy consciousness, as he tried to turn over on his bed, Shidou knitted his brows. 

——His body couldn’t move. 

For a moment, he thought that it wasn’t sleep paralysis…… but it was certainly a strange feeling. If anything, it felt as if someone was clinging onto to him. 

A warm and soft touch, clearly there was someone else other than himself in this futon. 

“…………” 

Shidou quietly sighed after a moment of silence. 

Perhaps if it was an ordinary case, he might have suspected being in a dream or something resembling a physic phenomenon…… yet whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, Shidou had already some knowledge about the cause for such a sensation. 

“Origami……? Or Miku? No, maybe it’s Nia……?” 

With eyes half-open, Shidou felt the strength tightening around his body being relaxed. At the same time, he then lifted up the covers of the futon. 

“As expected of Shidou.” 

“As expected of Darling.” 

“As expected of Boy.” 

“Uwaaah!?” 

Seeing the three people underneath the futon, Shidou let out a startled scream. 

He did not except that all three people of the names he guessed to appear together. 

Although there are such reasons because—— 

More than anything, the three of them were wearing very sensual clothing like baby doll dresses and garter belts. 

“Y-You al ……?” 

As a result of not understanding what was happening, Shidou’s face was teeming with bewilderment. 

Yet the three of them merely smiled, coming closer to lean against him. 

While Origami was looming over his belly, Miku was moving her ample bosom from right to left, ready to pounce and attack from both sides. Even though he had felt it touching his skin just now, but seeing this gesture caused a completely different sense of tension and excitement to swirl around Shidou’s brain. 

“Wait…… h-hey……” 

“No worries, Shidou, leave your body to us.” 

“That’s right; we older sisters will love you well.” 

“Yep, if you become wiser here first, then you won’t be scared of even Kurumin!” 

That said, the three of them leaned over closer. Their flirtatious demeanor and divergent attire caused Shidou’s heart to pulsate violently. 

But—— 

“For a man, this is truly incredible. There are rumors that one can be a wizard if they turn thirty without experiencing a woman, but for a person to suddenly be accustomed to being a sage…… Ah, that must because of being a playboy before that. A young playboy!” 

TL Note: Playboy ( ) is a pun on the Gadabout (pleasure seeker) class in Dragon Quest 3, which one can then transfer classes to become a sage. 

As a result of Nia making her usual joke, Shidou felt the high temperature emitted from his head cool down a bit. 

“……Ah really, even though I don’t know what you are saying, give me back my room!” 

Shidou let out a scream, pushing against Origami and the other’s backs in order to drive them out of the room. 

“It can’t be helped. I’ll have to come back again.” 

“Kya! But an aggressive Darling is also good!” 

“Eh, was that Boy’s ass just now?” 

With each of them leaving their own intended words respectively, the trio left the Itsuka household. 

“Geez…….” 

Shidou breathed out a sigh of relief, swiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve before reentering the futon. 

“……However, he couldn’t immediately fall asleep. 

Although only about half-asleep, he was awakened by Origami’s lingerie floating around the futon, forcing his heartbeat to race. 

When—— 

“……Hmm?” 

Despite not knowing how much time has passed, Shidou suddenly raised his eyebrows. 

Outside the window——for some reason, there was a small clicking sound coming from the veranda. 

“What’s that noise……?” 

It sounded like someone was knocking on the window. Shidou adopted a bewildered expression as he slowly crawled out of bed, rubbing his eyes while walking towards the window, his hand soon grasping onto the curtain. 

However, right then, Shidou stopped his hand. 

Due to his drowsiness leading to a reduction in his judgement faculties, Shidou didn’t notice until then——the abnormality of a situation where someone would be knocking on his window during midnight. 

“No way, Kurumi……?” 

Shidou twisted his brow as he whispered to himself. Those who would visit him in the middle of the night, yes—— “…………No, not necessarily.” 

Recalling the faces of the people who had just attacked him earlier, Shidou took in a deep sigh…… It’s better to say that in comparison to Kurumi, the possibility of those three people striking again was considerably higher. 

Anyhow, he would continue to know nothing at this rate. Shidou resolutely opened the curtains. 

However. 

“Huh……?” 

There was nobody, nothing outside the window. On the contrary, when Shidou opened the curtains, even the ruggedness of the fabric sweeping the floor was barely audible. 

“That’s strange, I was certain……” 

Stretching his neck, he opened the window to the balcony. Cold air attacked the body spoiled by the warm and comfortable futon. 

“Uh…… So cold.” 

While still in his slippers, he looked around the neighborhood. But even then there were no suspicious silhouettes or even birds that woke up early. 

Wondering if he was still half asleep, Shidou scratched his head and pressed on to return to his room. 

Then, at that moment. 

“——Fufu, fufu.” 

“……!?” 

While searching for the whereabouts of the laughter, Shidou felt his body tremble. 

“W-Who’s there……?” 

Startled by the sudden sound of laughter, Shidou looked around his surroundings again. 

Following the leader, numerous other voices were heard one after another. 

“Hey, isn’t that what Itsuka Shidou mentioned before?” 

“Well…… that’s quite ordinary. A bit unexpected.” 

“Is that so? That’s pretty cute.” 

“W-What the heck is this……” 

With his face flushed with a hue of befuddlement, he looked for the source of the voice. 

However, it was likely that whatever could be seen couldn’t be considered people. 

For a moment, Shidou thought he was talking to one of Kurumi’s clones through her shadow. 

——No, that wasn’t right. The voice echoing in the surroundings was different than Kurumi’s. 

“Who’s there!? What in the world do you want with me!?” 

Shidou could not help but call out as his voice echoed through the night sky. 

And then, as if to respond to him, laughter filled the surroundings. 

——Then, at that instant. 

Several pieces of paper fell down from the sky. 

“Paper……?” 

Shidou slanted his neck as he went to pick up the piece of paper. 

However, the moment his hands made contact with the paper, a faint light illuminated the balcony—— “Baah!” 

A girl came emerging from there. 

“Wa……!?” 

As a result of the sudden arrival, Shidou collapsed onto the ground on his backside. The girls, who seemingly found this amusing, let out a slight giggle. 

“Haha, was that too surprising?” 

“Y-You are——” 

Shidou was stunned as he saw the girl’s face. 

Hearing the very silly question, Shidou immediately held his breath. Despite being semi-conscious, he still felt greatly flustered by the sight. The impact of the scene was just like suddenly waking up. 

If the sight he was witnessing was not a dream, nothing would be quite as extraordinary as a girl appearing from a piece of paper. 

But Shidou had already heard about the existence of this girl from Mana. 

“No way, is this DEM……!?” 

As Shidou began shivering, the paper that was scattered about had girls with the same face jumping out one by one. 

It was just like the scene where Kurumi had revealed her clones. Faced against a phenomenon that violated the laws and theories of the world, Shidou was left momentarily speechless. 

“Huh, do you know about me?” 

“DEM is a really casual way to call it though.” 

The girls pouted their mouths with displeasure. 

However, Shidou could not reply back. 

Amidst the myriad of voices coming from all directions, one of the girls uttered something that was difficult to believe. 

“Yes, in any case we——can also be considered Spirits.” 

She had said those words. 

“What…!?” 

Shidou opened his eyes wide in astonishment. 

“S-Spirit……!?” 

Yes, the girl had certainly said so just now. 

The confusion spun Shidou’s head into chaos. It was surely possible that the girl had the power of cloning like Kurumi, but why would a Spirit be with the DEM that was out to killSpirits—— As Shidou was lost in confusion, another girl kept on speaking. 

“Ah, we are called <Nibelcol>. A good name, no?” 

“Well, because we are created by Otou-sama, it might be a bit different from what you are used to.” 

“W-What do you mean……?” 

Hearing Shidou drifted astray in his response, the <Nibelcol> girl shrugged her shoulders. 

“Hehe, do you want to know?” 

“Telling you is fine, but there wouldn’t be much meaning to it, right?” 

“Yeah, because you——are going to die here.” 

Then, as if too casually, the <Nibelcol> spewed out those words. 

The statement bore no malice, not even the slightest faint dust of murderous intent. It was just like a pleasant greeting made when leaving home after accepting a request to go shopping. As a result of the tone of the delivery made to him, there wasn’t enough time to react. 

“……!” 

Nevertheless, the reaction time was still considerably fast when compared to an ordinary high school student. Driven by a less than appreciated experience of being exposed to a fatal crisis, Shidou’s snapped his body up from the ground, jumping off the balcony in order to escape from the <Nibelcol>. 

However—— 

“Eh……?” 

The next moment, Shidou heard such a voice leak out from his throat. 

At the same time as his field of vision was shaking violently, his beaten body collapsed onto the balcony. 

Looking down at the bottom of his body, Shidou finally noticed. 

——His feet that he used in trying to escape were beautifully cut off. 

“Guh…… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?” 

On that note, a tremendous pain struck Shidou, enough to make his mind collapse. 

Almost like a flickering and crackling illusion underneath the darkened night sky, the violent stir of emotions and tension made his heart beat violently as blood diffused profusely from that section of his leg. 

“Did you think you could escape?” 

“No, no, because father told us so.” 

“You will meet your end here.” 

The <Nibelcol> still articulated in a casual tone. 

But then, even as his face was smeared in a pool of blood, his eyebrows could only give off a slight twitch rather than distorting in pain. 

“Eh…..? How amazing, what is this?” 

“Your leg is burning? As if to reattach to the severed foot?” 

“Huh…… This must be the regeneration ability of <Camael>. Not bad, this one.” 

The <Nibelcol> spoke with interest in the spectacle of the severed foot, just like a child who had found a rare insect on the side of the road. 

To be sure, a flickering flame was surrounding the cut section of his leg, despite not knowing how the flame was originally lit. The fierce burning sensation was superimposed on the violent pain. Wincing in agony, it was a feeling that mercilessly ravaged his very nerves. 

However, just as the <Nibelcol> had said, the flames were also trying to reunite the severed limbs with each together. 

——It was the healing flame possessed by Kotori’ Angel, <Camael>. 

“I see, I see, it’s certainly a troublesome thing to deal with.” 

“Un, something is wrong, to not die even after being killed.” 

“Well then, Otou-sama’s request cannot be fulfilled, what should be done?” 

The <Nibelcol> tilted their heads in confusion as they looked to each other to consult. 

But just a moment later, the <Nibelcol> nodded to each other before once again turning their attention to Shidou’s body. 

“Well, there’s only one way.” 

“Yup, there is only one way.” 

“——To keep killing you until you die.” 

At the same time the <Nibelcol> said that, Shidou felt a tremendous impact struck throughout his entire his body. 

“…………………!?” 

His field of vision was dyed with a red hue as attacks delivering an even more intense pain came about. 

The sensation of pain whizzed through his nervous system, gnawing away at his very sense of self. If it had not been for the protection of <Camael>, an ordinary person would have long died from shock. 

Shidou could not even issue a sorrowful cry anymore. 

In spite of wanting to use the Angel of sound, <Gabriel>, to lessen the pain——it was too late. 

The <Nibelcol, without neither rest nor a sense of humaneness, attacked every inch of Shidou’s body, piercing, crushing, chopping—— Finally, Shidou’s consciousness sank into darkness. 

“……Uwaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!?” 

Raising a scream as if his throat was about to collapse, Shidou jumped out of his bed. 

A few seconds later, Shidou looked around to see his own familiar room. From the window, the sun had already risen high into the sky. 

“…………!” 

With that brief moment, Shidou hurriedly began to check his body. 

After using his hands to confirm that there were no holes in his chest or abdomen and his feet were uncut, Shidou exhaled a large sigh of relief. 

“……Even for a nightmare that was too terrifying, hey……” 

As he said that, while wiping his forehead, his sleeve was drenched in sweat. It wasn’t at the level of simply sweating during the night anymore. It was as if Shidou fell asleep while under a tropical forest squalall. 

However, that wasn’t surprising. The nightmares that Shidou had been seeing so far—— although he didn’t want to recall them, still happened forcibly midway. ——While ruminating, his body could not help but shiver. 

In the end, how much anxiety was needed to have that kind of nightmare……or relatively speaking, which parts of it were exactly from a dream? 

Shidou shook his head as if trying to get rid of the severe pain still persisting in his head. He then stood after pushing up the now damp futon. 

With the wind fluttering against his chest, Shidou decided to head down to the first floor to take a shower. 

“……Hmm?” 

On the way down the stairs, Shidou swayed near the edge as his eyebrows twitched. An alluring smell was drifting around the first floor, ‘ton, ton, ton’…… and the gleeful sound of a kitchen knife hitting the chopping board. 

That’s right——just like someone was preparing breakfast. 

“Kotori……?” 

Shidou murmured to himself while stretching his neck. 

It was inevitable to think that since only he and Kotori were in the household right now. 

Although breakfast…… or rather every meal of the day was basically his job, perhaps he could have been running late due to the nightmare and Kotori decided to take the initiative in making breakfast herself. 

However, one uncomfortable sense of feeling still remained. Could Kotori be able to handle the kitchen knife so skillfully……? 

“……Eh?” 

Seeing the figure in the living room, Shidou’s eyes turned into two blank dots out of surprise. 

“……Un? Oh, good morning, Shidou.” 

The woman, who was sitting on the couch, waved her hand to greet him. 

However, Shidou could not return the gesture. With his mouth wide open, he could only stare in open bafflement. 

It couldn’t be helped, as sitting there was Kotori, while looking even older than him. 

A great contradiction appeared from a greeting of just five words. Shidou, thinking that he was still dreaming, pinched himself, only to find that it no more than hurt. 

Her age struck him as around twenty years old. With slender hands and feet alongside a mature face, she hadn’t tied her hair in twin-tails, but as a substitute, her black ribbon was attached onto her wrist. 

However, what was most eye-catching was her chest. Kotori’s breasts, which were normally modest for a girl her age, had expanded to an unnatural degree. 

Such was Onee-san Kotori, who was sitting on the sofa, only wearing only a barely buttoned-up shirt and watching TV somewhat carelessly. As it stood, no matter how she looked, her appearance had the charm of an office lady prior to going out to work. 

“What’s happened, what is it? ——Ah, were you fascinated by Onee-san’s bare feet? Hey, well Shidou is a boy too.” 

As Shidou opened his eyes in shock, Kotori flashed a devilish smile and deliberately lifted up her leg. Peeking at the hem of her white shirt and the shimmering, beautiful leg lines, Shidou could not help but hold his breath. 

“……! N-No, that’s not it! Kotori…… right? No, no, what the heck is going on……?” 

“Eh? What about it?” 

“No, even if your body suddenly grew, that chest is too unnatural——Gaha!?” 

In the middle of speaking, Kotori threw a couch cushion at him. Shidou had his body bended backwards. 

“Shidou-san.” 

While Shidou was rubbing the nose that was directly hit by the cushion, another voice came from the direction of the kitchen. 

Looking over, he saw that Yoshino, who had displayed the same kind of growth, was preparing breakfast. 

With hair tied together in a ponytail and an apron of a simple design, she looked exactly like a young housewife. 

In addition to that, there was the figure of three small girls next to Yoshino’s legs. After being confused for a moment, he soon realized they were Origami, Miku, and Nia after having their appearance shrunken in size. For some reason, there was a sign hanging below their neck that said, ‘We are really sorry for sneaking in’. 

“A miscalculation, but I will not give up. Who says someone of younger appearance cannot be an older sister?” 

“Ya! Why did we get smaller! I would also like to seduce Darling!” 

“Ahhh, well it is easier for people who have contrasting objects to understand. Look, because of our existence, wouldn’t ordinary young women be able to show wifely attributes?” 

“Wa……!? T-This is really……!” 

After listening to Nia, Miku for some reason looked as if she had received something similar to divine revelation. After that she put on a spoiled look as she hung around Yoshino’ legs. 

Yoshino made a wry smile as she gently stroked Miku’s head. Shidou looked on as their lines of sight intersected. On her left hand, the rabbit puppet <Yoshinon> (for some reasons unknown attached with a fake mustache) beckoned to him with a slight wave. 

“Shidou, it seems that mama wants you to taste it. By the way, I am the father.” 

“That…… Please, can you do that? No, is it impossible……?” 

“Eh……? A-Ah……” 

Despite still not knowing anything, Shidou obediently walked to where he was told. Then, he took the small dish from Yoshino’s hands, tasting the flavor of miso soup. 

“Un…… It’s delicious. The taste of the soup broth is well accented.” 

“Really? That…… that’s great.” 

Yoshino expressed a faint smile. 

It was different from the usual Yoshino, overflowing with a graceful and inclusive atmosphere. Shidou’s heartbeat involuntarily sped up. 

However, Shidou immediately reconsidered as he shook his head from side to side. 

“……That, no, no, it’s not like that. What is this in the first place? This isn’t a late night dream, is it!?” 

As Shidou cried out, a small Origami approached his side and gave out a reply. 

“Part of training.” 

“T-Training……?” 

“Yes, on the coming 14th, in order for Shidou to hone his resistance against the charm of Tokisaki Kurumi’s temptation.” 

“Hone resistance…… How is that supposed to be done?” 

“You should follow your usual routine. However, we will be monitoring your heart rate and degree of excitement. In order to ensure it doesn’t exceed a certain value, I want you to maintain your heart beat under control.” 

“Ha……” 

Shidou scratched his face while giving back a vague reply. Then, Kotori added something from behind him. 

“Ah, there is a proper penalty, so don’t worry? Each time the excitement goes above the caution level for more than ten seconds, an illustration sketched by Shidou during his olden days will be uploaded to SNS.” 

“Damn, I thought there hasn’t been much of that recently!” 

As Shidou cried out in a shrill voice, Kotori merrily laughed. It looked exactly like an older sister teasing her brother. 

Although it would be false to say that there was no dissatisfaction, he knew from experience that nothing could be done against this. Shidou sighed as he turned to Origami. 

“……Then why did Kotori and Yoshino become older sisters?” 

“We are approaching Shidou as older sisters to see if your heart strings can be stirred.” 

“Excuse me, but is it also to test my limit!?” 

As Shidou could not help but cry out, Origami nodded her head. 

“Then, it is okay even if you are close to being forced near it.” 

“T-This, so to speak, is also a matter strangling on the thresholds of life…… although in a certain sense it’s a matter of life and death at the social level……” 

“Is that so?” 

In the brief time Origami spoke, she snapped her ring finger. 

Recognising that signal, Nia and Miku seized the hem of Yoshino’s dress, pulling it apart in a single breath. 

The next instant, the right and left sides split apart, leaving only the apron. The chastely wife changed into the face of nighttime in the blink of an eye. 

“Ki-ya……!” 

“What……!?” 

For this to suddenly happen, Shidou couldn’t help but roll into the black and whites of his eyes. However, Shidou was not the only one surprised. Yoshino, whose cheeks were flushed with a red hue, fell onto the ground. 

He was pressed against an older sister approaching the exact opposite of beforehand, but an odor of immoral seductiveness caused Shidou’s body to involuntarily remain frozen in place. 

In an instant, a buzzer somewhere in the room issued out a beep sound. It seemed that Shidou’s heartbeat had crossed over the acceptable parameters. 

“Ugu……!” 

Somehow, he had to hurriedly slow down the speed of his heartbeat. Shidou quickly turned away his line of sight and quickly grabbed the coat hanging from the chair to cover Yoshino’s shoulders. 

However, in the next instant, the next assassin appeared before Shidou’s field of vision. 

“Shidou…… that’s not it! Itsuka-kun! Right now class will begin……!” 

He didn’t notice how long she was there, but standing before him was a teacher-like Tohka wearing glasses and a suit that highly emphasized her curves. 

Needless to say, she also looked older than Shidou, her body grown to be around 20 years old. But even though the size of the suit was a little bit too small , the exceptionally sensual body lines were strongly emphasized, influencing Shidou’s eyes to instinctively wander towards the chest area. 

“Muu, what’s wrong, Itsuka-kun?” 

“Ah, no……” 

While diverting his eyes away, Shidou coughed twice as if to gloss over the matter. 

In front of Shidou, Tohka let out a puzzled expression. Even though her body was excluding erotic temptation like a weapon, the person in question wasn’t even conscious of it. The gap made Shidou’s heart tremble even more. 

However, Tohka did not seem to notice this point. While walking in rhythm like a model, she guided his hand to let him sit down on the table beside the chair. 

Then, she placed down another chair to sit down on beside him, posturing her body to cuddle closer to Shidou. 

“H-Huh……?” 

“Now Itsuka-kun, Tohka-sensei’s lesson will begin. With me…… mu?” 

Tohka inexplicably knitted her brow, taking a notepad from her pocket to double check the text written there. 

“Oh, right. To carry out that prohibited extracurricular lesson. Are you prepared? Eh, first from hygiene in physical education, stamens and pistils are……” 

“Who cast these roles to you guys!” 

Shidou gave out a scream mixed with frustration as he vigorously stood up from the chair. 

“Mu, where are you going, Itsuka-kun!” 

“J-Just to wash my face……!” 

Shidou ran to the bathroom in order cool down both his flushed cheeks and the blood flow rushing to his head. The alarm from the beginning had been ringing non-stop. As bad as it was, he had to first try to calm down his emotions. 

“What……!?” 

However, upon opening the door, Shidou felt rigid once again. 

The reason was simple. Natsumi was standing there wearing only a single towel. 

Needless to say, this Natsumi was not the usual Natsumi. It was the Natsumi that had appeared as an adult though the Angel <Haniel>. 

Having been caught in confusion, seeing that figure made Shidou finally aware of what had caused Kotori and the other’s transformation. 

“Ara……?” 

Natsumi greeted him with a smile as she turned her eyes over. 

As a result of having just taken a shower, her wet hair was still clinging onto her glossy white skin. Perhaps there was nothing more gorgeous than this scene. 

“Ufufu, good morning, Shidou-kun. How regrettable, a few minutes earlier, and I wouldn’t have had my towel on.” 

“……! You, what are you saying……” 

At those unexpected words, Shidou’s flushed face grew even redder. Then, with a mischievous expression, Natsumi stroked his chin with her fingertips. 

“Or did you wait a minute in order to take it off yourself? Fufu…… what a naughty child.” 

While saying that, Natsumi grabbed Shidou’s hand and drew it towards her chest. 

“Wait……!?” 

Shidou pulled back his hand in panic. However, as a result of the excessive force, the momentum directing his hand caused him to fall backwards. 

“Oww!” 

Having struck the back of his head, Shidou’s cheeks winced in pain as he gently rubbed that area. 

At that point, a shadow of a figure suddenly appeared overlooking him. 

“What……!?” 

With erratic breathing, Shidou’s eyes were forced wide open. 

That’s right, what appeared there was Kaguya wearing a white coat over a suit, all in one it looked like a female doctor. Meanwhile, Yuzuru was like a hospital nurse with a dangerously short skirt. 

“Kuku, what’s wrong? Does it hurt somewhere? Let me take a look at it.” 

“Identification. Kaguya, even after finally being turned into an adult by Natsumi’s power, it is wasted by that manner of speaking.” 

“……! H-How annoying! Isn’t the way Yuzuru speaks also the same!” 

Just like that, the two of them began their usual skirmish over a trivial matter. 

The issue was not the problem, the problem was——how the two of them were arguing while wearing short skirts just above Shidou’s face from the ground level. 

“……………!” 

As the siren rang sharply, Shidou clumsily got up on his feet and hastily walked into the corridor. 

Anyhow, he had to calm down his heartbeat first. So, he aimed to make a sprint past the entrance and head outside. 

However, there was another person’s shadow there, as if to silently stress the last gatekeeper’s identity. 

“Mun. Whither are we bound, Nushi-sama?” 

“Mukuro……!?” 

So, Mukuro, who had also had her body transformed into that of an adult just like everyone else, stretched her hands out to block the entrance while dressed in a kimono. 

But it was not just an ordinary kimono. With a dazzling patterned design around the sash coupled with boldly exposing her shoulders, this was the so called courtesan-style kimono. 

“Well, ah……” 

Mukuro, having also grown through Natsumi’s power, had her sensual body reach new heights in destructive capacity, comparable to that of a tactile nuclear weapon. Step by step, she marched forward with a seductive manner of footwork. 

The siren was ringing even louder than before. Shidou stopped Mukuro from approaching and opened the door to escape outside. 

——However. 

“Mun, prithee halt, Nushi-sama.” 

“Wa!?” 

The moment he opened the door, from behind, Mukuro grabbed the hem of his trousers, causing him to fall forward. 

However, Shidou did not fall down. 

To be precise, his face was currently buried in the breasts of the person who standing there before the door was open. 

“What…… is…… eh!?” 

“……Hmm?” 

Amidst the turmoil inside his head, Shidou heard a quiet voice come from outside. Carefully raising his head, he found that the person was <Ratatoskr>’s analytic officer, Murasame Reine. 

“R-Reine-san……! I’m sorry——” 

“……Ah.” 

But before Shidou could finish, Reine seemed to understand what was happening as she slightly nodded her head. Then, she placed her hand behind the back of Shidou’s head. 

Once again, his face was buried in her chest as she gently stroked his head. 

“……Be good.” 

“——————!?” 

As the inside of Shidou’s head was filled with confusion and embarrassment, he heard an ‘hoh’ exclamation coming from the Spirits behind him alongside the clapping sound from a round of applause. 

Several hours after the commotion in the Itsuka residence. 

With the help of Natsumi’s <Haniel>, Kotori and the others had their appearances restored. 

Eventually, they arrived at a specialized confectionery shop in the main street of Tenguu City. 

While looking at everyone, Kotori placed her hand on her waist as she spoke. 

“Okay, everyone, look at this. On the first training field for Shidou, thanks to everyone’s efforts, we’ve achieved certain results.” 

As Kotori said that, Nia and Miku both spoke something in a whispery tone. 

“Really, huh? I feel that the total results were achieved by Reinechino.” 

“It would have been better for us participating in the battle as well.” 

“Uohon!” 

As if hearing them, Kotori irritatingly cleared out her throat to get their attention. 

“So, I think we should move on to the next strategy.” 

Yes, that was also the reason why Kotori and the others were visiting this place. 

That is to say——in order to make handmade chocolate for Shidou on the 14th. 

“Look for any material you like. Although the bare minimum of goods have already been explained, if you still don’t know what to buy, feel free to ask me or Reine. Alright?” 

“Umu!” 

“Yes……!” 

“Understood.” 

As the Spirits each replied, they all scattered around the store. Kotori breathed out a ‘well now’ as she set them all off. 

“Let’s head out too.” 

“……Ah, alright.” 

When Kotori said that, a reply came out behind her from Reine. 

Right now, Reine was wearing neither her <Ratatoskr> uniform nor her white lab coat from school. Instead, she was dressed in an elegant and colorful tunic, with the face of a stuffed bear with a distinctive stitch mark on its face peeking from her pocket. Somehow, it gave off an awfully surreal sensation. 

It was not a coincidence that she had visited the Itsuka residence. Originally, Kotori had asked her to supervise the material selection and production of chocolate. 

“Well then, we should first start from the basic material for chocolate……” 

While muttering, Kotori walked into the inner area with Reine accompanying her. 

It was the time where it should be in season for this shop. A wide variety of chocolate was lined up side by side in a display shelf. There were even gaudy billboards marked with homemade chocolate recipes. 

“Hehe, there are quite a few different types.” 

In any case, unlike the ready-made items lining up in convenience stores and other places, transparent packaging had been applied to ensure that the table of contents for ingredients be simply written down. It seemed that the ratio of cocoa beans and distribution area varied with each production. When viewed from afar, such words would emulate a beautiful gradation in tone. 

In front of the shelf stood the figures of five girls. They were Tohka, Yoshino, Natsumi, Kaguya, and Mukuro respectively. Each looked on with serious eyes, carefully scrutinizing the shelves of the chocolate. 

“How is it, everyone? Anything look desirable?” 

Hearing the sound of Kotori’s voice, Tohka abruptly turned around. 

“Oh, Kotori. Muu…… everything looks good, but there are too many.” 

“Yes…… I do not know which one is better.” 

“Ne, some of them look too simple.” 

“Hmm, honorable sister, what demarcates Venezuelan cacao from that of Colombia?” 

“Eh…………?” 

Upon being questioned by Mukuro, Kotori felt a cold drop of sweat fall down her forehead. 

Although it could be said to be handmade, Kotori’s experience in making chocolate was limited to only helping her mother finish some misshapen creation from a commercially available handmade kit. It was impossible for her to tell something as nuanced as detailed flavor differences due to area of origin. 

Nevertheless, despite not understanding the subject fully, she had to reply due to what she said earlier. 

Somewhat dumfounded, Kotori’s eye’s sank down as they spun around. 

“Er…… um, that’s right…” 

So at that time, seemingly aware that Kotori was in trouble, a hand was placed on Kotori’s shoulder——it was Reine’s. 

“Reine……?” 

“……Hmm.” 

After giving a nod that seemed to say ‘ leave it to me’, she turned around to look at everyone. 

“……Among cacao beans, the flavorful aroma comes from Criollo seeds, the strong resistance from diseased Forastero seeds, as wellas Trinitario seeds, which have inherited both advantages——” 

“……M-Muu……?” 

Hearing Reine’s explanation, Tohka made a confused face. 

No, not just Tohka, the other three had the same befuddled expression on their faces. 

Nonetheless, it seemed Reine had predicted such a reaction from them. She straightened her finger and pointed it upward as she continued. 

“……Rather than trying to distinguish cacao beans, it would be easier to understand it through the proportions of cocoa and milk. It wouldn’t be wrong to think that a darker color would be bitterer and a lighter color sweeter.” 

“O-Oh, I see.” 

As Tohka exclaimed with her a fist striking down on the palm of her hand, she turned once again to the display rack. Yoshino, Natsumi, and Mukuro followed suit and also began to decide the color of chocolate. 

“Sorry about that, you were a huge help.” 

“……I don’t mind.” 

As Kotori said that, Reine once again turned her attention back to her. 

“……More than that, Kotori, what kind of chocolate do you want to make?” 

“Well…… honestly I’m still lost. Just melting the chocolate into the mold isn’t that tricky, but I feel I’d fail at the more delicate matters……” 

“……Hmm, I don’t think it’s necessary to think about such complicated matters. After solidifying, decorating white chocolate would be enough to show the individuality. Although it is somewhat cliché, what matters are the feelings attached.” 

“Un…… I wonder if that’s the case.” 

“……Ah, but listen, when giving chocolate, would simple steps in the cooking process make a man uncomfortable?” 

“……!” 

After listening to that, Kotori eyes opened wide in exclamation as laughter leaked from her mouth. 

“That’s right, it certainly seems what I thought was too complicated.” 

Indeed, if it were Shidou, no matter what kind of chocolate, he should be happy to accept it. 

“Thank you, Reine.” 

“……Oh.” 

As Kotori thanked Reine, Tohka and the others were picking up what they needed from the shelves. Tohka had chosen milk chocolate with a nice balance in sweetness to place in her shopping cart. 

At that time, her eyes turned to the area next door. 

Over there were many materials for decorating sweets, such as pen-shaped chocolate and small heart-shaped sugar confectionery. 

The first ones to the other side were the Yamai sisters. Holding up the silver confectionary beads and edible golden leaves with their hands, their eyes glimmered with an ‘Oooh’ of amazement. 

“Eh? How deceptive, can you eat this? This isn’t wrapping paper?” 

“Confirmation. It is written as edible in the package.” 

“Seriously……? K-Kuku… If there is such a thing, it can even make my phosphorescent Kreuz cross appear in this world……” 

An evil smile emerged from Yuzuru’s face as she was holding the golden leaf in her hands. 

As Kotori formed a bitter smile at the sight, she heard Miku and Nia’s voices calling from the other side. 

“Kotori-san, Reine-san, I have a chocolate in mind, but what kind of materials need to be collected?” 

“Ah, same here, same here. I’ve a headache when it comes to cooking.” 

“What kind do you want to make?” 

Hearing Kotori ask that, Miku and Nia made a gesture with their hands as they continued to speak. 

“Well, I guess that I want to make something sticky at room temperature, a type of chocolate that wouldn’t solidify…… ah, but not a perfect fluid either. Specifically, I want a viscosity that can also be applied to my body.” 

“And I want the type that would make Boy’s teenage vigor grow 100 times from eating. But what should I put in it? As expected, soft-shell turtle?” 

“Make ordinary chocolate!” 

Kotori made a long sigh after scolding the two of them. 

For once, Miku and Nia were supposed to be the older ones among the spirits. However, Kotori felt that it was like dealing with two very large children. 

At that moment. 

“……Hmm?” 

Noticing something there, Kotori suddenly looked around the vicinity. 

Whether near the chocolate or decoration shelves, there was one Spirit whose whereabouts she couldn’t find. 

“……Hey, where did you go, Origami?” 

After first searching the packaging and ribbon section, she thought to look around the entrance to the shop. 

Then, Origami’s figure was spotted coming out from the home center store opposite from the confectionery material store where Kotori and the others were at. 

“……Huh?” 

Kotori furrowed her eyebrows as she saw Origami come back to the confectionary store with a shopping bag in her hand. 

“Well, where have you been? You should know that we’re making chocolate.” 

“Of course, I went to procure the necessary items.” 

Speaking with full self-confidence, Origami showed her bag to Kotori. 

When looking inside, she saw that there were several cylindrical containers used to pack something. 

“……What is this?” 

“Silicon.” 

“……What are you going to use it for?” 

“Mold making.” 

“…………What kind of mold?” 

“Me.” 

Origami replied back without even the slightest particle of hesitation. 

With that brief answer, Kotori finally understood what she was thinking. ——The point being that Origami was attempting to create a one-to-one size ratio of an Origami model chocolate. 

Kotori breathed out an even larger sigh, as if she was exhausted of all air. 

“……No, please stop. No matter how tolerant, even Shidou would refuse if you did that.” 

“But this is the only way to combat against Tokisaki Kurumi.” 

Origami uttered with an extremely serious expression. Looking at that face, it seemed that she had thought so full-heartedly. Obviously she was very clever, but what had led to this idea? Kotori couldn’t understand that. 

Once again, Reine made an expression as if saying ‘leave it to me’ before stepping forward. 

“……Indeed, you’ve thought of something amazing Origami. However, there may be one problem.” 

“Problem?” 

“……The quantity. The volume of the human body is immense. Naturally, gentle Shin would never want to waste your humble gift. As a result, he will obviously consume excessive carbohydrates within the expiration date of the chocolate.” 

“…………!” 

Origami’s eyes were roused wide open after hearing Reine’s words. 

“I didn’t arrive at that conclusion, how embarrassing.” 

“……That was because you were thinking about Shin. But now, we should make it into a plan that would also take Shin’s health into consideration.” 

Listening to that, Origami gently nodded her hand. 

“I will do so. Downsizing while maintaining quality is difficult with manual work, we need to prepare a 3D printer as soon as possible.” 

“…………” 

Origami’s eyes were filled with determination as she clenched her fist. Looking at this, Reine could only remain speechless, scratching her face. 

Kotori took in a sigh while placing her hand on Reine’s shoulders. 

“Although it is a long awaited holiday, we’ve really given you some trouble. Reine…… your salary will be increased so please forgive me.” 

“……No, I do not mind. I was planning to go shopping, since there are some materials I need to buy here as well.” 

Reine said so while full of her usual sleepy tone. 

From this unexpected answer, Kotori’s eyes rounded into complete circular spheres. 

“Reine, are you making chocolate as well ? Who are you giving it to?” 

“……Hmm? Well, to everyone that has been taking care of me every day, from the <Fraxinus> crew to colleagues from school. I’d like to prepare it for Shin, but won’t he already have his hands full with what he’ll receive from the Spirits?” 

Reine spoke with her hand placed against her chin, as if in deep thought. 

Kotori let out a small ‘hah’ sound as she shrugged her shoulders. 

“What’s with that list of guys, and here I thought Reine had found a sweetheart to give too.” 

“……I’m sorry for failing to meet your expectations. But at this time, it has nothing to do with such things.” 

Reine gently exhaled while saying that. 

Kotori gazed upwards in order to once again look at her face. 

She had slender arms and legs along with an unmatched voluptuous bust. Despite the dark circles surrounding her eyes looking a bit unhealthy, it was still compensated by her lovely facial features. 

Resourceful and intelligent, she was able to deal with everything seamlessly. In spite of being older than Kotori, she was a mature woman with the capacity to build a comfortable friendship without appearing too humble or overbearing. 

If someone were to ask Kotori to list a woman that they aspired to be like, then Reine would be without a doubt the best among the crowd. The world of men would obviously not turn a blind eye to such a woman, but she had never heard talks about topics of love from Reine before. 

“Recently……” 

“……Hmm?” 

As Kotori repeated Reine’s words, Reine turned around towards Kotori while slightly tilting her head. 

“That reminds me, I’ve never heard of this kind of topic from Reine before. Was there one long ago? Something like——a lover.” 

“……Well.” 

As Kotori’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, Reine scratched her head as if a little bit troubled. 

This was indeed a rare reaction. Kotori could not help but feel some enjoyment, with the corners of her mouth laughing while slowly walking to Reine’s side. 

Noticing now, Kotori saw that the rare topic of love caused the Spirits to gather back around, listening intently. Even for the Spirits, they were teenage girls who showed a natural interest for such stories…… Well, there are people like Tohka who came because others had gathered together. The method of thinking for these types of people was also not impossible. 

“Say, it can’t hurt. Come on, come on, hurry and own up to the facts.” 

Kotori spoke in a cheerful tone as if to represent everybody else. In return, Reine gave an audible sigh as though she had given up. 

“……Ah, well , that’s right. There was——only one person.” 

Somehow, she looked a little melancholic as she looked up and spoke. The Spirits, deeply intrigued by this issue, all said ‘Oh……’ at the same time. 

“Ah, I see. If it is Reine, shouldn’t it be more than welcome, right?” 

“Right, you have a good man? Then say it, it’s not a mixer here so there’s no need to be embarrassed.” 

“……That, how to say it. I don’t thinking it’s what you are imagining, being favored by the opposite sex.” 

Reine spoke ambiguously as if to gloss it over. 

Kotori gave an ‘ alright’ exclamation to muddle through being humble before continuing on. 

“What about it, what kind of person was this lover? Having someone like Reine, he must be a pretty good person, right?” 

“……That’s right. He was…… a kind person. A very kind person.” 

Ruminating over repeating herself, Reine gently closed her eyes. 

“……I dare say that I will never be able to go beyond him in my heart. He will always be my first and last lover.” 

“…………” 

Words filled with such sorrow interrupted Kotori’s questions for a moment. 

But Kaguya, having not read the mood, titled her head curiously. 

“……Eh, then why would you break up? If you even now feel that you like him——” 

“——Hey!” 

Kotori let out a short interjection to stop her from talking. Having finally understood what was going on, Kaguya diverted her eyes as if to apologize for speaking up. 

——From the way Reine was talking; it looked like a story from the past. However, even now, it seemed Reine kept thinking about him. 

To say that knowing the origin of this story was boring would be a lie. However, being forced to snoop around like this would be too disrespectful. Kotori took in a deep breath before letting out a single thought that came from her chest. 

“How lovely.” 

Hearing those words, Reine’s eyes opened in surprise. 

“……Is that so?” 

“Yes, that person must be so happy you’re thinking about him.” 

As Kotori said that, the other Spirits didn’t hesitate to nod together in order to show their consent. 

“Yes…… I think it’s very beautiful.” 

“Approval. It is amazing that Reine has such a bittersweet past.” 

“Hey, reality is much stranger than manga. In this respect, a real story is unattainable compared to fictional work. Reality will attack without such foreshadowing or development.” 

“Ufufu…… such a lovely story, it’s a bit enviable.” 

——At that moment. 

While everyone was speaking loudly, Kotori heard something somewhere that caused her eyebrows to tremble. 

It took about three seconds for that voice to be salvaged from Kurumi’s memories, her body instantly tensing up as she turned over. 

“Kurumi……!?” 

That’s right, though it was unknown how long she was there, the Worst Spirit, Tokisaki Kurumi, was standing there. 

“What……!” 

“……” 

As a result of hearing Kotori’s voice, or perhaps noticing her presence even before Kotori, the other Spirits stood up with the faces on red alert. 

However, Kurumi did not seem to panic even in the slightest after seeing the Spirits’ 

reaction. She only smiled merrily. 

“Ara, ara, what’s going on everyone?” 

“……No, I was just a little bit surprised for you to initiate the conversation.” 

Kotori’s nose uttered a ‘hun’ sound as she realigned her posture and answered back in a fearless tone. 

Looking carefully, Kurumi was not wearing her Astral Dress. Instead, she was wearing a pretty monochrome coat. 

As far as one could see, it did not look like a battle situation——but only as far as seen on the scope of the surface. 

“So, Kurumi. What are you doing? Did you come looking for something?” 

As Kotori crossed her arms and inquired, Kurumi clapped her hands as if recalling something. 

“Ah yes, I came to go shopping.” 

“Shopping?” 

“Right——I was thinking about the arrangement of materials for the chocolate I’d like to give Shidou-san.” 

“……!” 

Kurumi’s remarks caused a slight uproar among the Spirits. 

But sure enough it still was met within expectations. The 14th had been chosen as the day of the decisive battle, set to be enriched by the special holiday called Valentine’s Day. 

At that moment, Kurumi noticed something while blinking her eyes. 

“Perhaps, you’ve all also come to buy materials for chocolate?” 

“……Well, looks like you also noticed.” 

“Ufufu, that’s right. The goals for coming to a confectionary shop at this time are surely limited. Also, you can tell from a quick glance at the contents of your shopping basket——” 

There, Kurumi took turns looking at everyone before abruptly stopping at Origami’s hand, making a strange facial expression in return… well , it was no wonder right now considering what the girl was holding. 

“……You’re going to be making handmade chocolate?” 

“……That’s the plan for the time being.” 

For a moment, Kurumi looked like she was lost in her thoughts, with a question mark above her head. However, she soon regained her usual composure and elevated up her face while clearing her throat. 

“Now then, there is a proposal I would like to prevail upon you to heed.” 

“Proposal……?” 

Hearing Kurumi’s words, Kotori let out a skeptical expression. 

——About an hour had already passed. 

“……What ah, is with this situation?” 

Kotori, who had arrived at a room in the Spirit Mansion to make chocolate after leaving the store, uttered in small voice. 

But that was only natural, anyhow—— 

“Ara, ara. So this is the place where you are living. Ufufu, is this not a wonderful place.” 

Behind Kotori, the Worst Spirit, Tokisaki Kurumi was muttering joyfully while looking at the spacious kitchen. 

That’s right. That was proposal from Kurumi—— 

(——I also want to start making chocolate as soon as possible after acquiring the ingredients. If everyone doesn’t mind, can we work on it together?) Beyond just unexpected, it was an unreasonable request from that person. 

Kurumi was indeed a Spirit, the target for both Ratatoskr to capture and offer asylum to. In any case, such an exchange might necessary to solve against feelings of precaution. 

But in her case, the situation was clearly different than that of the other Spirits. 

After all, she already knew about <Ratatoskr> and Shidou’s goals and challenged him to a contest with preset demands. There was nothing wrong in suspecting another hidden motive in that action. 

“…………” 

However, as Kotori turned over to gaze towards Kurumi. 

Certainly, Kurumi was a dangerous Spirit. With a large reservoir of reiryoku, there was no way to win in a match of numbers against her. A moment of carelessness was impermissible against this opponent. 

But for this reason, it could be described as a golden opportunity to gather information about her. 

For the upcoming 14th, before the decisive battle between Kurumi and Shidou, Kotori wanted to know as much as possible about Kurumi. For that reason, she had no choice but to accept the proposal. 

“……Kotori.” 

As Kotori was deep in thought, Reine spoke her name in a low voice. 

“……For the time being, I will return to <Fraxinus>. This is a rare opportunity to monitor Kurumi’s emotional value and favorability results as much as possible.” 

“Well, please. I’ll do something to manage here.” 

“……Un, I’m depending on you; may fortune be in your favor.” 

After Reine finished speaking, she slowly raised her head and exited the room. When she saw Reine’s back leave the room, Kurumi tilted her had as if intrigued by the mystery of the farewell. 

“Ara, is Murasame-sensei going home?” 

“Yes, it seems to have to do with an errand.” 

As Kotori tried to consciously deceive her, Kurumi gave out a ‘huh……’, narrowing her eyes as she watched Reine’s figure disappear in that direction. 

For a moment, Kotori thought she was aware of her lie——but it was a little different from that. Although it wasn’t clear, within that gaze lingered a glimmer of suspicion. 

“What’s wrong? Was there something you wanted to talk to Reine about?” 

“Ah, no, I don’t think so.” 

When questioned by Kotori, Kurumi shook her head nonchalantly. 

“——Moreover, we’ll be starting soon.” 

And then, just as if to bring back the topic at hand, she pointed to the shopping bag marked with the confectionary store’s logo on top of the cooking room table. 

Right now, Kotori and the others weren’t in one of the rooms that the Spirits’ resided, but instead in a kitchen space set up on the first floor of the mansion. 

Being a mansion designed to house the Spirits, there were various facilities prepared beside the living room. There was a fitness gym for health maintenance and a theater room for entertainment. The kitchen was only one of such facilities. 

Of course, there was a kitchen in each room, but in the event of holidays like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, this large space was built in anticipation for the opportunity of several Spirits working together. 

On the kitchen counter where the Spirits could work side by side together, there were various cooking utensils, regardless of eastern or western origin, that had been assembled. 

There was even a large firepower gas stove normally used for professional businesses installed and readily available for use. 

When the mansion was completed last year, a single look was enough to make Shidou completely frozen in place, just like a young boy staring at a new trumpet through a display window. 

“Ufufu, it’s been a long time since I made some sweets…… ara?” 

As Kurumi cheerfully spread out the ingredients she had bought on the kitchen, her eyes became wide open as if noticing something. 

The reason quickly became prevalent. The Spirits had gathered in a corner of the room, expressing a vigilant look. 

“Mu…… What on earth are you thinking about, Kurumi?” 

“I-If you open it, I can help……” 

“Participating in war. Yuzuru will not remain silent.” 

Several people spoke as they turned their gaze to Kurumi. However, their exterior confidence hid behind a timid fright. 

But that was only natural as well. The opponent was a Spirit that had declared her intention on eating Shidou. It was impossible for them not to be on alert. 

However, that was within the range of Kurumi’s expectations. She relaxed her mouth with a ‘fufu’ sound before continuing to speak with a louder voice. 

“Ara, aren’t you all going to start making it? Ufufu, then Shidou-san’s heart will belong exclusively to me.” 

“What……!” 

After hearing Kurumi’s words, the Spirits all wrinkled their brows. 

Such a simple provocation, but even for those aware (although it appeared that there were a few who were truly oblivious) they could turn a deaf ear to those words. The Spirits angrily exhaled before slowly moving to the cooking station. 

“How can I let you succeed……! I will protect Shidou! Ungunu!” 

“I-I will also…… do my best!” 

“Muku’s Nushi-sama mustn’t be allowed for thee to wantonly take.” 

After saying so, the Spirits started arranging the prepared ingredients on hand. 

Looking at this sight, Kurumi cheerfully laughed from the bottom of her heart. 

“Ufufu, I won’t lose either.” 

Kurumi rolled up her sleeves, put on the apron hanging in the room, and washed her hands very careful y. 

Everyone else also changed the style of the appearance to prepare for cooking before returning to the cooking station once again. Holding out their washed hands to dry above their chest level and in front of the table, the posture resembled a surgeon preparing for surgery. 

“………….” 

“………….” 

“…………Ummmuu.” 

However, the surgeon standing before the cooking station, no, the Spirits did not know in the least how to start the operation. 

After remaining silent for a few seconds, Tohka gave a confused look to Kotori. 

“Kotori, what should be done next? Umumu.” 

“Eh, ah, yes.” 

Kotori’s eyes rounded wide like a circle for a second before she faintly nodded her head—— although they had already talked about the necessary ingredients, the specific production methods had not been explained in detail yet. 

“Well, to say it briefly, you melt the piece of chocolate and then cool it in the refrigerator and decorate as you like.” 

“Oh, I understand! Ummuu.” 

“Say, Tohka, not just from the beginning, but a moment ago you were chewing on something?” 

At that time, Natsumi spoke to Tohka with half-open eyes after narrowing her eyebrows. 

Speaking of which, just now for some reason, Tohka’s words sounded strangely unclear. As Kotori gazed in Tohka’s direction, the reason soon became apparent. 

Tohka had already opened the chocolate bag she had bought and her hands were already plucking out the contents to eat heartily. 

“Hey…… that’s not good, Tohka. If you eat that much, there wouldn’t be enough left to give to Shidou.” 

“Muu? Ah……! Before I even noticed……!?” 

As Kotori finished, Tohka gave out a stunned expression after noticing the movement of her hand. 

“A-Ah, Kurumi…… what a sly attack…… ummmuu.” 

“……No, it’s obviously different from that. Anyway you are still eating.” 

“Ufufu, it seems to be working. Changing it so that you want to eat even more~~~.” 

“Muu!? I-I can’t stop……! Ummmuu.” 

“Kurumi, you shouldn’t immediately heckle her afterwards!” 

After Kotori shouted for a moment, she seized the chocolate bag from Tohka’s hand, who was too exhausted to even breathe. 

“Ha…… well it was good that we bought a little bit more for insurance. Everyone, let’s get started then.” 

“Umu!” 

As Kotori said while lowering her voice, Tohka vigorously nodded her head. 

However, she slanted her head immediately afterwards. 

“……Mu, Kotori. How can we melt this?” 

“Eh? What are you talking about; you don’t need to ask that. Chocolate……” 

After speaking that far, Kotori suddenly choked on her words. 

No, not just her words. For a few seconds, all movement from her ceased as her body became completely stationary. There was only the movement of sweat dripping down from her forehead very slowly. 

“……Kotori-san?” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“W-W-Wait just a moment.” 

Being spoken to by the Spirits who all bore puzzled expressions, Kotori was finally able to recover from her stiffness. While wiping the sweat from her forehead, she tried to recall the previous time where she had made chocolate with her mother. 

However, the memories that were retrieved had begun with the chocolate already melted and poured into the mold. At that time, her mother said it was too dangerous for her to use the fire and had already melted chocolate. 

She didn’t think that the drawbacks of Reine returning to <Fraxinus> would appear in this form. Kotori pressed her hand against her forehead as she bitterly clenched her teeth Then, after seeing Kotori in such a defeated state, Kurumi softly snickered. 

“Ara, Kotori-san. You don’t know the way to temper it? I can teach it to you if you don’t mind.” 

“……! H-How noisy. I understand how to do this little thing!” 

Kotori breathed out indignantly as she proudly boasted. 

But after that moment, a question filled her head. 

——Tempering? What is this tempering thing? Is it melting chocolate? Tempering……tenpa? 

TL note: Tenpa is a phrase referring to unnaturally curly hair. 

“………….” 

Kotori covertly looked over at Natsumi’s direction, surprised to see that her shoulders were shaking in surprise. 

“……W-What are you doing?” 

“No, it’s nothing. ——Anyway, you’ll first have melt the chocolate. The point is that you only have to dissolve it, so there’s no need to think too hard about it. 

As Kotori stretched out speaking her bluff, she took out a pot from the shelf and placed it on top of the stove. And then, she threw in a large lump of chocolate into the pot before igniting the stove. The fanning of the flames from the gas burner against the pot was comparable to those used in circulation by professional Chinese restaurants. 

Ever so slowly, the chocolate lost is original shape as it melted down. Tohka and the others let out an ‘Oh…’ sound as if amazed by the sight. 

“Amazing, Kotori, it’s melting perfectly.” 

“Mun, it’s splendid.” 

“Oh, not bad, Imouto-chan, as expected of Boy’s little sister.” 

As everyone was praising her, Kotori remembered a faint uneasiness, but still puffed up in her chest in pride regardless. 

“Y-Yes, for me it’s just as easy as——” 

“……Hey, is something burning?” 

“Eh?” 

After hearing what Natsumi said, Kotori rushed in to check. 

“Hi i——” 

As it turned out, the melted chocolate in the bottom of the pan had boiled and burned in the blink of an eye. Black smoke emerged from the pot as a burning smel lingered around the surroundings. 

“I-It’s a disaster! Water! Pour water on the chocolate!” 

“O….. Ohhh.” 

“A-Alright, please take this……!” 

Kotori quickly tossed the glass of water handed to her into the pot. Juuuuuuuu——! As that sound resounded, even more smoke emerged from the pot before finally simmering down. 

“Ha…… ha……” 

“I-I got too impatient……” 

“Ne, ne, Imouto-chan, is making chocolate supposed to feel like this?” 

“Ugu……” 

After being asked by Nia, Kotori felt beads of sweat emerged from her forehead. 

Inside the pot, the pitch-black liquid plunged below the leftover amount chocolate that didn’t melt yet. At the very least, it would be impossible to call this delicious even after solidification. 

“Ara, ara.” 

At that moment, Kotori’s line of sight intersected with Kurumi’s. 

While accepting Kotori’s gaze, Kurumi gave a gentle smile as if saying——‘I can come help you anytime’. 

“Ku……” 

Kotori’s face twisted in disappointment. Despite it being a fact that she wanted to ask for help, her pride wouldn’t allow her to rely on Kurumi. 

“……Ne, ne, Kaguya, Yuzuru, did you guys ever have a chocolate duel?” 

Lowering her voice so Kurumi wouldn’t hear, Kotori decided to ask the Yamai sisters. The two of them placed their hands on their chins. 

“Genesis and I are incompatible. Destruction and annihilation are my origin.” 

“Translation. Unfortunately there has been no chocolate match, though there was a fast food eating contest.” 

“Is that so……” 

As Kotori’s shoulders drooped down in disappointment, Kaguya interjected with a ‘but’. 

“It’s not like we are not without any knowledge in melting that jet-black lump.” 

“Agreement. I remember they were using boiling water in TV.” 

“Boiling water……” 

As Kotori was listening to the two, her eyes suddenly wide awake. 

At that time, she remembered that her mother had put boiling water into the pot. Indeed, with that there was no concern over the chocolate being burnt. 

“That’s it!” 

Kotori then prepared another pot, placing water inside it before igniting the fire. Soon afterwards, the water began boiling as steam rose out from the pot. 

“Good.” 

Kotori took the chocolate and threw it into the boiling water as it was. At that time, despite not knowing the reason, Natsumi gave out an ‘ah……’ sound as if noticing the misconception. 

Placing the chocolate into the water too quickly caused the corners to dissolve into the hot water. 

“It melted, it melted, no, we only have solidify it.” 

“Hmm…… honorable sister, this chocolate is beheld without semblance to what Muku agnises.” 

While carefully staring at the movement of Kotori’s hands, Mukuro gave out an incredulous stare. But Kotori only gave an ‘ahaha’ laugh in return. 

“Well, you would never have chocolate in this state unless it is handmade. But it’ll become sturdy soon enough after putting it in a mold. Try sampling it if you’re worried.” 

“Mun, very well.” 

“Kotori! Me too! I also want to sample it!” 

Tohka’s eyes were shining as she raised her hand to ask. Kotori said, “alright, alright,” before taking out some of the melted chocolate on a plate to hand to the two of them. 

At the same time, the two of them licked the chocolate. 

However—— 

“……M-Mun……?” 

“Kotori……? Somehow it feels the flavor is weak.” 

“Eh?” 

Kotori wrinkled her brow as she tasted it herself. 

After that, she made an expression similar to those two. 

“Hey, what’s this…… it’s not even tasty in the slightest……” 

“……No, well , that’s because mixing it so suddenly with hot water caused it to become so strange……” 

With half-open eyes, Natsumi replied back. Kotori’s shoulders trembled as if trying to find an explanation. 

“T-Then, how can one melt the chocolate? After all……” 

While Kotori held against her head in distress, this time Miku gave out a bright expression with a puff as if she had thought up of something. 

“Ah, Kotori-san, I thought up of a good method!” 

“…………” 

Kotori gave a suspicious glance at Miku. Of course, if it was a good method, then she would want to learn by all means. But even so, Miku’s cheerful expression seemed a bit too excessive. 

“……What? Is it something like, ‘hear me out, would you get angry if I said that you can harden the melted chocolate by licking it’?” 

“Kya! How did you understand? As I thought, we must be communicating from the depths of our hearts!” 

“Wait…… no, let me go!” 

As Kotori pushed Miku’s body back, she once again pressed against her head. 

Her pride would never allow her to accept Kurumi’s guidance. Looking for someone else who was skilled in cooking—— “……! Yes, Origami!” 

Kotori raised her face and turned her eyes towards Origami’s direction. 

Accomplished in both the military and fine arts, Origami was perfectly competent in everything. If it were her, making chocolate should be one of her fortes. 

But—— 

“What.” 

“………..” 

Through the previously unnoticed personal computer and 3D printer, Origami was printing a nude sculpture of herself. Kotori was left flabbergasted. 

……Somehow, while carrying the chocolate computer image of herself, the object just now looked like something following Vienna Gashapon Gashapon. The image was unable to connect with the center of head. 

TL Note: Gashapon is a toy vending slot in Japan “…………Good luck.” 

“I will do my best.” 

As Kotori spoke with sweat dripping down, Origami nodded while giving off a serious expression. 

For the third time, she was at a complete loss. 

Perhaps due to not being able to bear seeing Kotori like this, Natsumi spoke out in a very polite voice. 

“……Kotori.” 

“……What?” 

“……No, I don’t know if this matters and I can’t take responsibility if we fail. Maybe you don’t want to hear what I want to say in the first place——” 

“No, so what do you want to say?” 

After Kotori spoke, she knitted her brow. Natsumi replied while dodging her line of sight.” 

“……If it is a simpler way to make it, I understand.” 

“…………Sensei!” 

Kotori quickly clasped onto Natsumi’s hands. 

“Oooh……!” 

“Natsumi-san, how amazing……!” 

Then, each of the other Spirits sent out a look of respect to Natsumi. Surprised at this, Natsumi’s shoulders trembled as she tried to remain calm under the flickering pairs of eyes. 

“N-No, I don’t want you guys to expect this much……” 

“Sensei! What should be done first!?” 

“……Well, first put the chopped up chocolate in the bowl and then add the hot water. Ah, the temperature should also be kept the same……” 

As Natsumi spewed out the instructions in an awkward manner, the Spirits were listening intently as they began the production of handmade chocolate. 

At that time—— 

“……?” 

Kotori’s eyebrows unexpectedly shuttered. 

“——Ufufu, fufu.” 

Looking at the current state of the other Spirits, Kurumi let out an inexplicable degree of joyful laughter. 

It wasn’t ridicule designed for the weak that had challenged her. It was just as if she was smiling while cheerfully watching the stumped expressions of a younger sister. 

“……No way.” 

Kotori slightly shrugged her shoulders as she picked up a bowl to put in the chocolate. 

“Alright everyone, let’s make a chocolate that won’t lose to Kurumi!” 

“Ooh!” 

As if to correspond with Kotori’s voice, the Spirits all raised their fists up into the air.