Even Tarnished could barely take Messmer's remark. He sighed inwardly. Like attracts like, all right. The whole family shares the same brand of genius-the little sister's a blockhead, and so is her big brother.
What does he mean, "Are you all Melina's husbands?" Is that something a normal person would ask?
He sighed, but could only explain, "No, they aren't Melina's husbands. I'm the only one."
Lying on the ground, Messmer nodded at his answer.
This brother-in-law who had appeared out of nowhere was rather baffling, but once he accepted the idea... it actually seemed pretty good?
At least it did now, when he was alone and without support.
But-
"Wait!"
Rellana exploded.
She jerked her head up and stared wide-eyed at Tarnished, looking at him as though he were a cheating scoundrel. "Aren't you Ranni's husband? How did you become Melina's husband too? Actually-"
The more she spoke, the angrier she grew, until her cheeks puffed out. "Who is this bitch called Melina, seducing someone else's husband?!"
Tarnished: "..."
He glanced awkwardly at Messmer.
Messmer gave Rellana an expressionless look.
Then he spoke coldly, stressing every word. "Melina. Is. My. Sister."
Rellana's expression instantly became a sight to behold.
Her changing expressions were a textbook demonstration-from disgust to shock, from shock to confusion, from confusion to sudden understanding, and finally to a fawning smile. The whole process flowed seamlessly, without a pause.
"Oh, my!"
She slapped her thigh, the anger on her face vanishing instantly, replaced by a warm, welcoming smile. "So Melina's our little sister! You never told me!"
As she spoke, she affectionately scooted closer to Messmer.
Messmer: "..."
Tarnished: "..."
Vila and Maren: "..."
Lansseax: "..."
Oblivious to the complicated looks everyone was giving her, Rellana continued enthusiastically, "Actually, I hardly know Ranni at all, really!