Haruno was right about one thing: Yukio was indeed feeling incredibly stifled.
To avoid giving her younger daughter any ammunition that might reach Haruno's ears, Yukio maintained a reasonable distance from Roland throughout dinner. They didn't sit as close as usual, but she still kept enough space to sneak in a few playful touches under the table.
Yukio was already at her limit. Her "Little Roland Energy" reserves were critically low, forcing her to secretly hook her leg around Roland's under the table, rubbing against his leg to replenish a tiny bit of energy.
But this clearly wasn't enough. Her leg rubbed faster and faster, as if desperately signaling to Roland that she was about to burst and he needed to find a solution immediately to calm her down.
Yukio's mind was in chaos, her eyes pleading with an urgency that left her incapable of thinking clearly.
In contrast, Roland seemed unhurried and eating leisurely. For some reason, seeing Yukio so desperately wanting him filled him with a smug sense of satisfaction. A kind of satisfaction that is making him feels like he is some kind of king.
Does this mean Aunt Yukio can't survive without me?
Does that mean she's completely become my woman?
This thought filled Roland with immense satisfaction and pride, and wanting to spare his dear "Madam" from further discomfort, he quickly offered a solution.
"Aunt Yukio, you should rest. I'll clear the dishes," Roland said, taking the initiative to gather the bowls and chopsticks.
Yukio's eyes lit up, instantly understanding his intention. She rose from her seat and said, "I'll help too. Now that you're a man of the Yukino Family, Aunt Yukio has many things she wants to discuss with you privately."
"But shouldn't you be resting?"
"Don't worry, I know my own condition. Your aunt Yukio is perfectly fine, and after sitting all day, I need to stretch my legs anyway."
"Alright then, I'll leave it to you, Aunt Yukio."
"You silly child, why are you still so formal with me? It's okay to be closer, you know," Yukio said, as if displeased by his politeness. She took his hand and squeezed it affectionately.
With that as an excuse she took Roland's hand and rub it affectionately between her own hands.
"I understand, Aunt Yukio," Roland said, taking her hand in return. The two walked into the kitchen, looking as close as a well-bonded mother-in-law and son-in-law.
They were putting on quite a show. When Yuki saw them holding hands, she didn't think much of it. Firstly, it was important for a mother-in-law and son-in-law to foster a good healthy relationship. Secondly, their relationship had always been close that she didn't find anything unusual.
Yuki knew her mother doted and spoils Roland, treating him as if he were her own son while her daughters were mere bonus gifts for topping up her phone credit.
So, even when Yuki saw her mother and Roland being affectionate, as long as it wasn't excessive, she wouldn't find it strange. She was used to it and naturally wouldn't suspect them of having an affair.
Yuki had originally planned to help in the kitchen, but sensing the overly cozy atmosphere between them, she decided it was best not to intrude.
And just like that, Roland and Yukio easily slipped into the kitchen.
Until they entered the kitchen, they appeared leisurely and unhurried, showing no hint of their true intentions.
But the moment they stepped inside, their relaxed demeanor vanished. They swiftly closed the kitchen door, set down their empty bowls and chopsticks, and turned to embrace each other tightly.
"Aunt Yukio~"
"Don't speak. Let's not waste time."
Yukio eagerly allowed Roland to press her against the wall, burying his face in her jade-like neck as he kissed her wantonly, reveling in the moment.
Soon, they were lost in their own intimate world, their hands slipping beneath each other's clothes for tender caresses. Both of them rubbing each other under the clothes like crazy as if there is no tommorow.
Yukio had to admit that even without crossing that final line, she was growing increasingly dependent on Roland.
Simply being held in his arms, or even just receiving a massage from him, brought her immeasurable pleasure, making her reluctant to leave his side. She feels like being in his arms forever.
As for about washing dishes now?
Well, there was always the dishwasher anyway. Why bother washing by hand? Just toss them in and be done with it.
Outside the kitchen, Yuki spent an hour completely unaware of what was happening inside. She couldn't even in the weirdest dreams could ever imagine the wanton immoral affair going inside the kitchen at the moment.
To be fair, washing dishes for an hour was a bit excessive. But considering the two inside were probably having a private conversation, perhaps it was understandable?
Besides, it was their business how long they wanted to wash dishes. Why should she care? Why did she find it a bit too long?
As everyone knows, time drags on when you're waiting. Could it be that she was waiting for something?
Waiting to see her mother?
Impossible. If she missed her mother that much, she wouldn't have moved out in the first place.
Then it couldn't be Roland, right?
Even more impossible. Roland was her sister's man. Why would she want to see her own sister's boyfriend?
Sigh....She was probably just bored with nothing to do. The books she usually read were back at her place, and she hadn't brought them with her. For a moment, she didn't know what to do, so she just chatted aimlessly with one of her classmates.
Just then, a video call notification popped up on Yuki's phone. Seeing the caller ID, Yuki felt a headache coming on.
Isn't my sister calling a bit too frequently today?
"What is it now?" Yuki answered the phone, already feeling a headache coming on.
"Aww~, can't a big sister miss her little sister?" Haruno's voice dripped with mock sweetness.
"You must be bored now that the banquet's over, right?"
"Tsk tsk, little girls who are too clever won't be loved by their big sisters, you know~."
"If you keep calling me for no reason, it's going to be a real nuisance."
"How can you say that? Chatting with your big sister is hardly a nuisance!"
"If you could actually talk about something constructive."
"Alright~, let's talk about something constructive then. How do you feel about the brother-in-law your sister's chosen?"
"It's your wedding, your man, not mine. What does my opinion matter?"
"Of course it matters! If my Yuki isn't satisfied, what reason would I have to keep him around? I'd have to call off the engagement!"
"Is that so? Then I'm very dissatisfied. Call it off."
"Oh, here we go again~. You can't hide your true feelings from your big sister, you know. I'm marrying a top-notch chef, so you'll get to enjoy his cooking too. And you still say you're dissatisfied?"
"Even if you two don't get married, I've still enjoyed plenty of his cooking, right?"
"That's certainly true... What's this? Don't tell me you actually don't want us to get married? I never would have guessed. My little Yuki, who is usually so cold to her sister, but when it really matters, she can't bear to see her married off." Haruno teased her sister with amusement.
"Whatever makes you happy. If that's all, I'm hanging up." Yuki's voice was impatient.
"Alright, alright, nothing urgent. I just wanted to check on Mother. Is she doing okay?" Sensing Yuki's patience wearing thin, Haruno smoothly transitioned to the real reason for her call.
"Mother and Roland are in the kitchen washing dishes. There's no problem," Yuki replied flatly.
"No problem? We have a dishwasher! Why would they both be washing dishes by hand?" Haruno's expression darkened slightly. Her worst fears were coming true.
"Hand-washing gets them cleaner," Yuki.said calmly.
"But why two people? And Mother's not feeling well! You should be watching over her, not letting her do chores!"
"I don't think I can keep an eye on Mother."
"Then go check on her right now! Immediately! Hurry!" Haruno ordered urgently.
Yuki: "..."
Yuki watched her elder sister's frantic demeanor, honestly a little puzzled and confused. When had Haruno become so concerned about their mother, even resorting to frequent calls to double-check on her? Their mother clearly seemed fine, and if there were any issues, Roland would have said something.
Oh well, Yuki thought, I don't have the energy to argue with her. I'll just take a quick look.
Forced by her sister's insistence, Yuki reluctantly stood up, maintaining the video call as she walked to the kitchen door.
The closed door surprised her. Why would you need to close the door just to wash dishes? she wondered. But she didn't dwell on it; perhaps mother had simply closed it out of habit.
Yuki casually pushed open the kitchen door.
And the scene that greeted her eyes was...