In the kitchen of Kirio Hikifune's bedroom, Masatsuki Aozaki's studies continued.
Since he had spent most of the day with Senjumaru Shutara, he pushed himself even harder, determined to dedicate his entire night to studying. Beside him, Kirio Hikifune remained present as his Master, fulfilling her role as a teacher.
Throughout his studies, Masatsuki Aozaki kept part of his attention on Kirio Hikifune, quietly observing her. He had assumed she would be preoccupied with the events of the day—whether it was catering to Senjumaru Shutara's preferences, what had transpired between them when they were alone, or the subtle changes in her demeanor.
Given Kirio Hikifune's impatience and her rather innocent nature, Masatsuki Aozaki had expected the evening to be anything but easy. However, contrary to his expectations, she hadn't said a single word from the moment they entered the kitchen.
Of course, it wasn't that Kirio Hikifune didn't care, but she was clearly holding herself back. This display of restraint made Masatsuki Aozaki see her in a new light—she was far more composed than certain predecessors who only knew how to self-destruct.
Before he knew it, time had slipped away, and midnight had arrived. As usual, Masatsuki Aozaki prepared to wrap up his studies for the night.
However, this time, Kirio Hikifune spoke up.
"It's fine if I sleep later," she said softly. "Sleeping is just an old habit."
Masatsuki Aozaki was momentarily taken aback before realization dawned on him. With a slight smile, he responded, "Ah… I see."
Members of the Royal Guard possessed near-eternal lifespans; for them, sleep was more of a habit than a necessity. Both Kirio Hikifune and Senjumaru Shutara had mentioned this to him before.
Masatsuki Aozaki, who had never cared about the concept of "eternal life," now understood. No wonder Kirio Hikifune had been so quiet—she had been waiting for this moment.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he teased, "I almost forgot. How about we do the same as yesterday and have a kiss just for you?"
"…"
For a brief moment, Kirio Hikifune's beautiful eyes flickered with hesitation, a conflicted expression crossing her face. Masatsuki Aozaki caught every subtle change.
But tonight, that temptation alone wasn't enough for her.
She shook her head firmly and, in a resolute tone, said, "I want to stay with you. I don't want to leave you."
"...Why are you so insistent? We have plenty of time, Kirio. You can relax a little."
Masatsuki Aozaki gently ran his fingers through her hair, his smile filled with indulgent affection.
Even so, Kirio Hikifune remained unwavering. She looked up at him with serious, determined eyes.
"I want to make up for the time we lost."
Her voice was soft but carried undeniable stubbornness.
"Ah… I see."
Masatsuki Aozaki's smile grew even gentler.
As a girlfriend, Kirio Hikifune had matured today—she had also learned how to be more affectionate in her own way.
Because she had spent the day close to Senjumaru Shutara, she wanted to reclaim the time that should have been hers.
That was her true intention.
She had even willingly given up the kiss she had been anticipating just for this.
Her determination earned Masatsuki Aozaki's admiration.
Since she had made it this far, he, as a man, had no reason to refuse.
"Then just like yesterday, I'm still afraid of the dark, so I'll be borrowing your bed again."
"Mm."
The corner of Kirio Hikifune's lips curled into a slight smile, carrying an irresistible charm that could easily make anyone fall for her.
After this lively and affectionate older sister proposed staying with him, they spent several sweet hours together.
But as night faded and a new day arrived, everything returned to normal.
It was about time to prepare breakfast.
Masatsuki Aozaki held Kirio Hikifune tightly, enjoying the warmth of the sunlight streaming in through the window.
"It's another beautiful morning. Kirio, you're awake too. Time to get up," he said softly.
Kirio Hikifune blinked slowly, her gaze hazy with sleep. She rested against him for a moment, glancing around in confusion before quickly realizing the situation.
A hint of frustration flickered across her face as she registered that she had dozed off again, missing out on more time with Masatsuki Aozaki.
Even when half-asleep, she looked undeniably adorable.
Masatsuki Aozaki chuckled lightly and decided to get up to prepare breakfast.
However, when he tried to leave, he noticed that the beautiful woman lying on top of him hadn't moved at all.
Kirio Hikifune lifted her head, her large violet eyes locking onto him with a mix of childlike stubbornness and quiet grievance.
Then, as if trying to make up for lost time, she pouted and murmured, "You still haven't given me the kiss you promised last night… so, any compensation?"
She looked completely serious, as if she wouldn't get up unless he agreed.
Seeing her like this, Masatsuki Aozaki sighed helplessly with a smile.
"You shook your head last night—wasn't that a no?"
Of course, he didn't actually ask the question in a way that would ruin the moment.
Instead, he placed his hands on Kirio Hikifune's waist, gently lifting her so their faces were closer.
Looking into her eyes, he spoke in a soft, indulgent tone, "Yes, yes, since Kirio-sama demands compensation, of course, I should oblige."
As he finished speaking, he reached out and gently stroked her smooth, delicate cheek.
Kirio Hikifune obediently closed her eyes, a blissful smile spreading across her face.
"Mmm…"
As their lips met, she let out a soft, satisfied sigh, responding to his kiss with an endearing clumsiness.
When they finally parted, her face was flushed crimson, and she nervously pursed her lips over and over, clearly flustered.
Her body fidgeted slightly, as if trying to suppress the restlessness stirring within her.
"Masatsuki… I-I'm going to take a shower first," she stammered, her voice trembling faintly as she struggled to maintain composure.
With hurried steps, she made her way toward the bathroom, the wooden floor echoing with the light patter of her bare feet.
The rhythmic sound was unexpectedly pleasant, like a soft drumbeat.
As the sound of running water filled the air, a quiet stillness settled over the world.
...
By the time Masatsuki Aozaki finished preparing breakfast, Kirio Hikifune had freshened up and gotten ready.
Senjumaru Shutara arrived right on time, appearing as composed as ever.
Everything was as usual.
The only difference was the subtle shift in the atmosphere among the three of them. Compared to before, their interactions had grown calmer and more natural.
They ate breakfast together, their conversation light and unhurried.
Once the meal was finished and the dishes taken care of, Masatsuki Aozaki glanced at the two women chatting and laughing on the sofa and scratched his head.
"I'm heading to Hōōden in a few days to see if there's anything I need to prepare. I'll be back before lunch."
With that, he left the living room under the watchful eyes of the two beautiful women and returned to his own room—a place he had never once entered at night.
However, instead of stepping inside, he leaned against the corridor and waited.
Less than ten minutes later, the crisp sound of wooden sandals clacking against the stairs reached his ears.
Masatsuki Aozaki turned his head and saw his ever-dignified senior slowly descending.
Her golden hair accessory secured her neatly styled hair, exuding the same elegant and noble aura as always.
Senjumaru Shutara looked at Masatsuki Aozaki with an unusually serious expression, her gaze carrying an unspoken weight.
She opened her mouth and said,
"Masatsuki, I need to talk to you."
Her expression was so solemn it looked as if she were about to announce some tragic, romantic farewell.
She stared at him, unwavering.