64. Everyone’s Secrets Run Deep, Grab and Dash 

"Eriri, I never thought you were an otaku too."

"And a doujin artist at that—totally unexpected!"

Suou Yuki cheered as she pounced on Eriri, hugging her tightly with excitement.

She had finally found a kindred spirit.

More importantly, Eriri was also Akira's sister.

It was an unbelievably perfect coincidence.

This was simply amazing.

"Eriri, what's your artist alias?"

"I bet I've seen your work before."

Suou Yuki continued chattering, relentlessly pursuing the topic.

"Akira Sawamura, I'm going to kill you!"

Pinned in Suou Yuki's embrace, Eriri struggled wildly while shouting in frustration.

"I did this for your own good. Better to confess sooner rather than later."

"Look, Grandma is so happy today."

"She didn't even react when she heard you were a doujin artist."

Just as Akira finished speaking—

Kujou Karen turned and grabbed Sawamura Sayuri by the ear, scolding her harshly:

"Sawamura Sayuri, look at what you've done."

"Watching it is one thing, but you actually let Eriri draw it?"

"This kind of embarrassing profession, even if she became the world's top doujin artist, would only bring shame!"

"The Kujou and Sawamura family names would be utterly disgraced."

"Even if Eriri were to remain a shut-in for life and live off the Sawamura family, that would be better than drawing those things."

"Ow, ow, ow! Mother, I really know I was wrong!"

"It's already done, anyway."

"What's the point of scolding me now?"

Sawamura Sayuri pouted, trying to play innocent.

"You still have the nerve to say that!"

"If Eriri has such artistic talent, why didn't you guide her towards being a real artist?"

That was what angered Kujou Karen the most.

"Open your eyes and look at the Shiina family next door."

"Like you, their daughter was also raised in London."

"Shiina Mashiro, a genius half-blood artist, became a world-renowned painter before even coming of age."

"She's shaken hands and taken photos with the Queen and the British Prime Minister."

"Held solo exhibitions in London."

"Praised as the 'angelic oil painting prodigy' descended from the heavens."

"I don't expect Eriri to become a world-class artist."

"But if she can become a famous national artist, isn't that enough?"

"A family's reputation and honor are upheld and passed down through generations."

The more Kujou Karen spoke, the angrier she became, and she tightened her grip.

"Ow, ow, ow!"

"Akira, hurry and save me!"

Sawamura Sayuri cried out miserably.

"Sorry, Mom. I really can't help you this time."

Rather than helping, Akira even took out his phone and started taking pictures.

"Yo! Isn't this Sayuri?"

"It's only been a little while, and you're already in trouble?"

Kujou Asuka returned just in time to witness the tearful Sawamura Sayuri. She chuckled playfully and squatted down to pinch her face with clear provocation.

"Mother, how about I help you teach Sayuri a lesson?"

"What do you think?"

Kujou Asuka suggested with a devilish smile.

Sayuri's expression changed drastically.

"Fine by me. I'm getting tired anyway."

With that confirmation, Kujou Asuka lifted Sayuri up effortlessly, like a child.

"Asuka, don't bully your elder sister too much."

Watching this height-difference scene, Kujou Karen reminded her sternly.

"Don't worry. Sayuri and I grew up together."

"I just want some quality bonding time."

"Akira, are you seriously just going to watch me get taken away by Asuka?!"

Sayuri's voice trembled as she pleaded for help.

She had zero interest in bonding with Kujou Asuka.

That woman was a total pervert!

"Akira Sawamura, you are not going anywhere!"

Just as Akira took a step forward, Eriri—who had just been freed from Suou Yuki—jumped on his back.

"Maria, help me stop Akira, okay?"

"Grandma already agreed to Sayuri's punishment."

Maria hesitated, torn between helping and staying out of it. Her delicate face was full of conflict.

"Ladies, do me a favor and help me out."

"My mother has pranked me my whole life."

"This is my rare chance for payback. Help me stop Akira."

For the first time ever, Eriri bowed her head and asked for help.

"Since Eriri is asking so sincerely, we'll definitely help."

"Sorry, Sayuri."

"This is the first time Eriri has ever begged us for anything."

Kiryuuin Chisato was the first to block Akira.

Seeing this, the other girls followed suit, forming a tight circle around him.

"Mom, I really wanted to help, but I just can't."

Akira sighed, feeling utterly helpless.

Even if he could handle Chisato alone, there were way too many of them.

He couldn't exactly fight all of his childhood friends, could he?

Sayuri's eyes slowly filled with despair.

She was doomed.

"Pfft! Sayuri, you're still as shameless as ever."

"I seriously think Akira turned out the way he did because of you."

"Did it ever cross your mind that one day, Eriri might backstab you?"

With those words, Kujou Asuka carried Sayuri off to her room.

Finally, she had the perfect opportunity to properly 'bond' with this mischievous elder sister.

"Alright, Leonora, let's go."

Without warning, Akira scooped up Leonora and bolted, disappearing in seconds.

Leaving behind a room full of dumbfounded expressions.

Everyone: ...

The elders could only chuckle helplessly.

This was definitely true love.

Just grab and run.

---

READ 30 CHAPTERS AHEAD AT p @ treon. com/KyokaSuigetsu

(replace @ with a)