Sibling Issues 3

(3rd Person POV)

The two groups of siblings continued to exchange pleasantries until Thoma came back with all the food.

The deity wanted to make it easy for him and just teleport everything at once unto the table, but he also understood that warm feeling gained by serving customers.

"Haaah... The food is certainly something else. Even Makoto wouldn't be able come up with a meal this good, easily." Lu complimented with a snarky remark.

"Haha... I am grateful for the compliment, Lu. But even I had rack up each thing in my brain for this result." Thoma replied while scratching his cheek.

"I am glad that you enjoyed thyself, Your Majesty." Ayaka said as she slowly sips her tea. Not jealous in the slightest...

Ayato was simply eating quietly while gauging his current predicament. He believes that his fellow schemer has something planned, but it's never bad to have backup ones.

Meanwhile... Chiyo was gobbling everything she could with a content expression even though she refused getting pampered by the deity earlier.

"As much as I want to keep the small talks going, I'd rather use this fateful event to focus on some 'business'. We don't come upon such chances like this often after all." Lu stated, which changed the mood instantly.

"Can't you save that for another time, Nii-sama?" The oni inquired.

"Unfortunately, I can't. Ayato and I are simply too busy to make a proper arrangement... Don't worry, this won't take too long."

"You always say that." Chiyo deadpanned, which was only met by a chuckle from the deity.

***

(Ayaka's POV)

It seemed like Lady Chiyo's worry wasn't without reason. My brother and Lu chatted as if they had lost perception of time all of a sudden.

Thoma was surprisingly invited to join by our mischievous deity, and so he did.

I wanted to at least talk to the former Great Oni, but she looked really happy as she ate food one after another. I couldn't possibly interrupt her... Sigh*

I wasn't paying full attention to their chat, but it seemed like their topic revolved around the Mysterious Sumeru, the Land of Wisdom, and some kind of system?

I don't know... If only they took their conversation somewhere I wouldn't be in such an awkward position by myself... Why didn't I think of that? I simply need to change to a different table.

All of this must be taking a toll on my mind... I rose up from my seat and did just that. But... to my surprise, Lady Chiyo herself followed after me.

"Got bored of their business talk? I feel that. Among our group, I'm probably the dumbest one..." She started the conversation in a cheerful tone.

"I doubt that amounts a lot compared to the common populace, Lady Chiyo. Your experience is vast after all." This is a great opportunity to get in her good graces.

"Such logic is resound. But I'm not dealing with normal people at all, as you can see..." She replied with an unfazed smile.

"Did it bother you? Something like uhh... Being in a much higher position shackles your free will." For some reason, I felt like I could be open to her.

"Not at all. I chose to be in this place in the first place. Among the onis, I was one of the few who can somewhat control our whims. So~, I felt a bit responsible on taking account for our race and founded the clan." What a simple yet profound reason...

Can I... be like her and choose a path I prefer too?...

"No matter the position your in, you will always have the option to follow your heart. It's your choice and no one else..." I see...

"When I first met Lu, or the Great Tengu, I had the idea that he's just some arrogant jerk who's good at using his cunning wits." I almost burst out laughing.

"That idea didn't really change, but I discovered that there's a lot of sides in a single person... We onis prefer to simply just be ourselves after all." She said.

"Do you not feel that urge anymore, Lady-"

"Just Chiyo is fine." She suggested.

"I understand, Chiyo. Do I need to restate my question?"

"No need. And no, it's impossible remove it for this trait is what signifies us as an oni. I merely decided on ignoring it since I'd rather not cause any more trouble..." She stared downwards with a blank look. I felt uncomfortable seeing my benefactor act like that...

"Back then, I've always caused troubles for everyone. Luckily, Nii-sama was present at all times to fix it before Ei and others noticed. He would always visit me when he had time, saying that it's his duty as a neighbor." No wonder I felt a connection with her...

"I found it funny that he thought I would not see through it, the fact that he was simply keeping an eye for me. Most likely ordered by Makoto to do so. Nonetheless, I noticed that he started to care for me and I gradually got closer to him too." She happily shared with me.

"I don't quite understand why you're talking about him of all people..." I said in monotone. I couldn't possibly show her a peek of my curiousity...

"I was only talking about the main reason for this fateful link of us. What? Not satisfied?" Chiyo questioned with a menacing smile.

My gut feeling told me to not disagree with her at this moment... and so I followed it.

...

She kept going on and on about him. I let her do as she please as I was curious too... I wanted to say that Lu might've changed due to his resurrection, but my gut immediately told me that it might result in a disaster...

Somehow, I felt comfortable enough in her presence to the point that I even told Chiyo a few stories of mine too. But I couldn't remove this lingering emotion that I'm experiencing...

Their bond and each of the adventures they went through... Even though it was not all sunshine and rainbows...

...

I felt envious of it...

***

Gimme them powerstones. I won my 50/50 and got Zhongli so its power is definitely working! Two wins in a row!

It's not allowing me to move the non chapter ones to an auxiliary volume... I might just remove some of it and remake a few. The important polls would stay.