"Your brother asked you to go to his room at dinner time?"
In Chaldea's cafeteria.
Hearing Ritsuka, who had suddenly arrived, Gray frowned in confusion.
"Why would Brother say something like that?"
"I don't know either—that's why I came to ask you, Miss Gray." Ritsuka leaned against the kitchen counter in the back of the cafeteria. "Could it be the Chief is planning something bad? Like forcing me to submit using his authority as Chief… or something like that."
"Brother would never do anything like that, Fujimaru. You're overthinking it."
After giving a wry smile at Ritsuka's overly dramatic imagination, Gray set down the dishes she had just finished drying. "But it is a bit odd. Brother has often unexpectedly attracted women in the past, so for years he's been extremely careful when interacting with the opposite gender—was there anything unusual before he said that to you?"
"Not really… I only reported because Miss Merry's training was really strange."
"Related to Miss Merry? Oh, I see."
Gray, who had been puzzled a moment ago, suddenly understood. Ritsuka, however, grew even more confused. Why did Gray instantly grasp everything the moment she mentioned Merry's name?
"Fujimaru… Hmm. I think Brother might not have expressed himself clearly. His mind was probably full of complaints about Miss Merry at the time. I believe what he actually meant was, 'Come to my room tonight, I'll apologize to you on Merry's behalf'—something along those lines."
"As for why he told you to come during dinner time, I think he simply wants to invite you to dinner."
Gray knew her brother well. If they met directly in the cafeteria, strange rumors would likely spread through Chaldea that very day—no need to wait until tomorrow.
Hearing Gray's explanation, Ritsuka nodded. "Hmm… So that's what he meant. Thank you, Miss Gray. You're amazing—able to instantly guess the Chief's thoughts just from his words."
Amazing?
Gray smiled. "After all, I've lived with my brother for nearly twenty years. If I didn't understand him this well, I wouldn't deserve to be called his sister."
"Sister… But Miss Gray and the Chief don't seem to be related by blood, right? Your hair colors are completely different."
"Yes, we're adopted siblings. Brother took me out of the village when I was about six years old."
Six years old?!
Ritsuka's face froze in shock. "T-then… Miss Gray, how old are you now?"
"Twenty-five."
"…"
Twenty-five already?!
Although she called her "Miss." from her appearance, Ritsuka had assumed they were around the same age… Why did this sibling pair look nothing like their actual ages?!
Ritsuka felt a deep sense of envy. No girl could resist wanting to stay young and beautiful forever.
"But… at six years old… Why were you taken from the village so young?"
"That's a long story…"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Time passed quickly.
When Naoki opened his eyes in bed, the clock on the nightstand read half-past six in the evening.
(So I spent the entire afternoon satisfying Merry…)
Beside him, Merry—who had woken up from the shared dream with Naoki—looked thoroughly well-rested. Completely unconcerned about being entirely naked, she stretched her body energetically.
"Ugh~~~~~ I'm completely full this time. Even though you said it was punishment, in the end it was just a reward for me. The King really is dishonest with his feelings."
"None of your business."
This had become a kind of routine between them. Every time Merry caused trouble and got caught, Naoki initially intended to punish her—but they always ended up in bed together. Sometimes, like today, they even ventured into dream worlds.
Sometimes Merry was the one provoking; sometimes Naoki couldn't hold back… Their dynamics varied. Perhaps this was also the main reason why Merry always "accepted punishment humbly but never changed."
Picking her clothes from the floor and dressing, Merry tidied herself in front of the mirror before turning and asking, "By the way, you said earlier you told little Ritsuka to come here at dinner time… Are you finally planning to make a bold move?"
"Hah? What are you thinking? It's just an apology. You've tortured her so badly—don't I need to compensate on your behalf? Besides, you'll have to apologize properly to her later."
"No fun~ Though I was holding back. I didn't even use half my full potential when training you, you know."
"If you did use it, it'd be a disaster!"
How had Naoki been trained by Merry when he was her student?
Even if he described it now, it would sound unbelievable. Merry often launched surprise attacks—some even life-threatening. If that were applied to Ritsuka, she'd probably end up on Roman's operating table within half an hour.
But since this was a direct order from her King—and only to apologize—Merry didn't mind. "Then, how will you apologize? Should I wrap red ribbons all over your body and tie a bow on your chest?"
"What kind of person do you think I am… I'm just going to cook dinner for Fujimaru."
Naoki said, clapping his hands. Instantly, the room's layout shifted, transforming into a kitchen.
"Projecting a 'shell' of a kitchen using Imaginary Numbers and layering it over the original space? The King's skill is improving. Then I'll join in too."
With that, Merry spun in place. Her long-worn mage's robe instantly transformed into a cute little chef's uniform. She flashed Naoki a peace sign.
"Ta-da~~~ It's Merry the Little Chef! How is it, darling? Adorable, right?"
"So adorable I want to marry you."
Naoki praised her sincerely from the heart.
And just then—
"Brother, are you in there? Fujimaru and I have arrived."
Gray's voice came from outside.
After quickly adjusting their appearances, Naoki and Merry exchanged glances. Naoki stood up and opened the door. Like a knight, he bowed with utmost grace to the two people standing outside.
"Welcome to Restaurant Camelot, two lovely princesses."