Chapter 264

Okura Rumin's lips curled slightly, her eyes fixed on him with a subtle expression. "And dressed like this?"

"... That's right."

Today's focus was none other than the dinner he had mentioned to Shiina Mahiru last time: introducing her to the two family members.

Sakurakoji Ashiri, mindful of the atmosphere, interjected, "Speaking of which, what kind of person is that new younger sister that older sister has taken in? Is she older than me? Or younger?"

"Uh-huh! She's probably a little older than you. She was born in December, and you were born in March."

Shiina Mahiru and she are both in the first year of high school, meaning they are the same age but only a few months apart.

Similarly, there's Shiina Mahiru, who is seven months older than Okura Rumin, but because she hasn't been a year old yet, she can only enroll at the same time as them.

In island nations, the school season starts in April. To enroll, students must meet the age requirement by April 1st; even one day too late is not acceptable.

It's not so bad if she's a little over a month off, but for someone like him whose birthday is April 2nd, just one day off... well, it's just depressing to think about. Anyway, he doesn't go to school much.

"I see. It's a shame, Desu. I was hoping to have a younger sister."

Ashiri lowered his head with a regretful expression.

She's always been the younger sister in the family, and she longs for a younger sister too...

"Yo yo yo~"

With tears in her eyes, Ashiri said, "Even though I want to have all of Onee-sama's love to myself! But since it's Onee-sama's decision..."

"I, Ashiri, will also try my best to accept her!"

"Yoshi yoshi~ As expected of my little sister who makes me so proud."

Ogura Asahi held her in his arms, gently stroking her hair, which shared the same origin as his.

"Wow!!! Big sister!!! Namo Amitabha! Namo Amitabha!"

She was even more lively than a pampered puppy, rubbing her head and body against him in a docile manner.

After a while, everything calmed down.

"So, when will that new older sister arrive?"

"You're about the same age, so just call each other by your first names. She probably doesn't want you to use honorifics."

Ogura Asahi checked the time. "She should be here soon. She's a shy, gentle, and timid girl, so please be careful later."

"Well, I guess handling it normally should be fine."

"She sounds much cuter than you."

Okura Rumin gave her condescending commentary.

"Uh..."

Ogura Asahi stared at her speechlessly.

He wasn't unaware of the slight resentment she was harboring... What should he do? Should he continue to go to her room tonight?

Hmph! What kind of person do they take him for!

He is not the kind of person who can be summoned and dismissed at will!

The car slowly came to a stop, and the maid who had been waiting on the side opened the car door.

Then, a pair of white peep-toe shoes, and delicate, fair feet with skin as smooth as cream, stepped out from the black car body, their color indistinguishable from the shoes.

Shiina Mahiru tightly clenched her pale, jade-like knuckles, placing them against her chest. Her delicate, arched eyebrows furrowed slightly, a furrow that tugged at the heartstrings—if she were in ancient times, she would probably be considered a beauty like Xi Shi.

Her heart, which had been pounding since yesterday, reached its peak as the car entered the mansion gates, causing her to tremble slightly.

My gaze fell upon the familiar yet unfamiliar gates of the mansion, where three stunningly beautiful women with an exceptional presence stood.

Standing at the very front was none other than her beloved stepsister. Behind her were the same two people from the previous photo.

So, they're my future...

She swallowed hard and mustered her courage to walk forward.

"Welcome back, Mahiru."

She was first greeted by her stepsister's gentle and peaceful voice.

"Hi, I'm here, Sister Asahi... And these two are?"

"Okay, let me introduce you."

Ogura Asahi first pointed to Shiina Mahiru, introducing her to her sisters who were meeting her for the first time, "This is my new little sister, Shiina Mahiru."

"Shiina Mahiru. Please excuse my lack of manners and look forward to your guidance in the future!"

Shiina Mahiru's voice distorted and became loud as she bowed deeply at nearly a 90-degree angle.

Such a large movement startled the two people in front of them, their eyes widening in surprise.

"Oh, oh, they really have a lot of energy."

After her initial surprise, Okura Rumin slightly relieved. In any case, she shouldn't be the kind of person harboring malicious intentions.

She turned her eyes to him and received a look from him that said, "See? I told you he was a Good Child."

"Snort."

She turned her eyes to the side.

After Shiina Mahiru looked up, Ogura Asahi continued, "This is Ashiri, the one I told you about, she's my younger sister."

"This is Okura Rumin, my aunt... my older sister."

Receiving her warning look, he had no choice but to give up.

Okura Rumin gave a light snort, implying "You know what's good for you," and then said to Shiina Mahiru, "Nice to meet you, Mahiru. I am Okura Rumin."

"These two are Relatives, so we'll be Relatives too from now on. Let's get along well."

"Since you call her 'older sister,' and I'm a little older than you, you can call me Rumin, just like Miss Ashiri."

"Hi, hi! Rumin!"

Shiina Mahiru always felt a little nervous around her, probably because her aura was indeed quite strong and mature.

Sure enough, just like in the photos, she is a mature and stunningly beautiful woman.

"So, it's my turn next?"

After calming down, Sakura Irene, Baji Temple 7si, Muru Ashiri took over the conversation. Her previous infatuation vanished, and she returned the greeting with a gentle smile and a bow, "I am Sister Asahi's younger sister. Please take care of me from now on!"

"Since Mahiru- neechan is a few months older than me, you can just call me Ashiri."

"No, please don't call me 'Big Sister' or anything like that..."

Shiina Mahiru hurriedly waved her hand, feeling uneasy about the respect she received.

"But, if it's alright, you can just call me by my name..."

"See, isn't that what I said?"

Ogura Asahi shrugged at his younger sister, "You two should just call each other by your names; it'll make you feel closer that way."

"I understand. Then, may I call you Mahiru from now on? (Using polite language)"

"Okay, then, can I call you Ashiri from now on?"

"Of course! Please do this!"

Shiina Mahiru breathed a sigh of relief, her stiff expression easing. These two were indeed as Sister Asahi had said—gentle people indeed. That's wonderful...

"Alright, let's go in and eat. I cooked this meal myself, you're in for a treat."

Ogura Asahi looked around at the three people, who seemed to be getting along fairly well, and felt somewhat relieved.

"Ahhh~ I love Big Sister's cooking!"

Hey, Ashiri, you're acting like a fool.

Don't immediately reveal your true colors in front of family members you've just met...

"Before that."

To their surprise, a clear, cold voice rang out, interrupting the process and drawing their attention.

The voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable serious tone; its owner was Okura Rumin.

She pressed her imposing gaze upon him and slowly said, "There seems to be one more person who hasn't been introduced yet?"

"Huh?"

Sakurakoji Ashiri turned her head in surprise, looking puzzled. "It's just us today, no one else, Rumin."

"..." (nine) cage 6 passed away, tumor gas put the 8 children 8

Ogura Asahi remained silent; he had already understood what she meant.

"No, there's one more."

Okura Rumin, arms crossed, gazed at the blooming Sakura blossoms in the courtyard and continued softly, "If that person hadn't shown up, there would have been no need for this family gathering today."

"Because even if it were to happen, it would be nothing but a lie."

"I cannot tolerate this kind of hypocritical lie mixed into our kinship, or rather, this hypocrisy is not the familial love of our family."

"If you're going to put on a play, you shouldn't have asked me today; you should have asked Miss Sakuri instead. Since you've asked me, you should at least make sure you're sincere from the start."

"This is the most responsible approach, both for you and for Mahiru."

"Ah..."

Sakurakoji Ashiri also understood, lowering her head in embarrassment, unsure how to advise her.

Objectively speaking, what she said is actually quite right.

If they don't confront each other now, it would be as if they're conspiring to deceive a young outsider.

That kind of thing shouldn't exist between real family members.

A thoughtful look flashed in Ogura Asahi's eyes. Although he had wanted to do this before, he had never found the right opportunity.

Perhaps, clarifying things now is a good option?

While trying to persuade Okura Rumin could force her to go against her beliefs, it's not really necessary to do so right now.

"Um, Sister Asahi...?"

The only one standing nearby who didn't understand the situation Shiina Mahiru, who was clutching his clothes with an uneasy expression.

My heart, which had just settled down, clenched again with this somewhat confrontational and pointedly desolate atmosphere.

"Did I do something wrong? If so, I can go back. Please stop fighting, okay?"

Her fragile yet resolute words drew the attention of the other two to her endearing, delicate face.

"Kawa... cough!"

She finished speaking, Okura Rumin covered her lips with her delicate fist, forcibly moving her slightly flushed cheek away.

"After that, you can treat her like a substitute doll, and pamper her however you like, okay?"

Ogura Asahi said this to her, half jokingly and half sincerely.

If she can take on those humiliating experiences for me, then adopting this younger sister wasn't in vain.

Okura Rumin rolled her eyes at him slightly. "Shouldn't the more dolls you have, the better?"

"..."

Ogura Asahi sighed in disappointment, then looked back at Shiina Mahiru, who truly resembled a delicate doll, and gently stroked her hair. "It's not that Mahiru did anything wrong, but rather that I did something wrong."

"Huh? What's that...?"

Shiina Mahiru was puzzled.

"Hmm... actually~ I've been lying to you all Mahiru ~"

Her voice, as delicate and melodious as ever, spoke of a cruel reality, causing Shiina Mahiru's caramel-colored eyes to gradually narrow.

"Eh..."

Shiina Mahiru was startled.