I walked along with Raz-san, whom I’d bumped into by chance, as she led me toward where Acht and Eva were waiting.
"...And then, I harvested a vegetable thiiiis big, I’m telling you!"
"Heh, you really are a Master of Vegetable Gardening, Raz-san."
"Ehehe! My vegetables are veeeeery tasty!"
"I’d certainly love to try them sometime."
"Leave it to me! I’ll give you some next time, Kaito-kun-san! I’ll give you a whole armful, I promise!"
Raz-san was clearly having a wonderful time, chatting away without a single pause. Her bright, constant smile made our conversation a joy, and her energetic, playful nature was genuinely adorable.
Because of her, I found myself smiling as well. It felt as though all the fatigue of daily life was being completely washed away.
As we continued our pleasant stroll, I spotted two familiar backs some distance ahead. It was definitely Acht and Eva—it looked like they were in their humanoid forms. Since Acht was naturally quite large, a humanoid shape was probably more convenient for navigating the festival crowds.
That was fine, but... wait, why were they both sitting right there on the ground?
"Acht-kun! Eva-san! Sorry to keep you waiting! I brought Kaito-kun-san along!"
While I was still feeling puzzled by their posture, Raz-san called out to them in a cheerful voice as we approached. At the sound, Acht spun around, his face pale and frantic.
"R-Raz-nee!? And Kaito!? D-Don't... You have to run!"
"What?"
"Acht’s right, it’s dangerous here! Get out while you still can!"
Then even Eva joined in, urging us to flee. Naturally, Raz-san and I both tilted our heads in confusion... but a moment later, a voice rang out that made the situation perfectly clear.
"...You’ve got quite the nerve, turning your back on me while I am in the middle of speaking. Acht, Eva."
"Eek!?"
It was Zwei-san. She was standing there with her arms crossed, looming over the two of them as they sat in formal seiza on the pavement. Even from this distance, her overwhelming aura of intimidation was palpable.
"...Haaa, how lamentable. It seems that the moment I take my eyes off you, you grow incredibly lax. It looks like I will need to make the rounds and inspect every member of the family... But before that, back to your situation..."
"E-Eva... d-do something..."
"Don’t ask the impossible! There’s no way I can talk back to Boss Zwei!"
"Refrain from private chatter. Or shall I silence you permanently?"
"W-We are terribly sorry!!"
Terrifying... Even though I wasn't the one being scolded, Zwei-san was seriously scary.
Acht and Eva were breaking out in a massive cold sweat, and I felt myself shrinking back under the sharp pressure of the atmosphere. That heavy air was suddenly shattered by a lovely voice that sounded like a ringing bell.
"Ah! It’s Big Sis Zwei! Good evening!"
"...Oh? Razulia? Yes, good evening. It has been a while."
"Big Sis Zwei, when did you get here? I’m so happy to see you!"
"A few hours ago. I prioritized greeting Chrome-sama, so I am late in coming to see you. I am relieved to see that you appear to be in good health."
"Yes, I am! Raz is always doing great!"
As expected of Raz-san. She wasn't intimidated by the terrifying Zwei-san in the slightest. Her social skills might truly be at a legendary level.
"Acht-kun and the others, did they do something wrong?"
"I was simply giving them a warning regarding their personal grooming."
"Grooming? Big Sis Zwei, how does Raz look?"
"...Hmm. Your clothes are clean, and your hair is well-kept. It is commendable."
"Yay! Big Sis Zwei praised me!"
"However, while it is fine to be energetic, you must maintain a sense of moderation, understood?"
"Roger that!"
In response to Raz-san’s bubbly words, Zwei-san actually offered a faint, gentle smile.
Watching them talk, I was struck by the strange illusion that Zwei-san was just an ordinary elder sister who doted on her younger sibling. Then again, maybe I had just only seen her when she was angry; perhaps she was actually quite kind when she wasn't handing out lectures.
"...Now then, Acht, Eva, shall we continue our conversation?"
"Hyiee!?"
...Yeah, never mind. She was definitely scary. The smile she had just shown Raz-san vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, sharp glare directed at Acht and Eva.
"Listen well. To begin with, grooming is—"
"Eh?"
As Zwei-san was about to resume her tirade, she noticed me and shifted her gaze in my direction. Wait, she was still terrifying! Why was she looking at me with such a piercing, murderous glare!?
"...If it isn't Miyama-sama. What a coincidence."
"A-Ah, y-yes! G-Good evening?"
"Good evening. Even if it is by chance, I am pleased that we were able to meet again."
...You don't look pleased at all! You’re looking at me like I just murdered your entire family! Could it be that she's angry because I interrupted her lecture?
I mean, I know I've technically rained on her parade twice now, but it's not like I'm doing it on purpose...
Dear Mother, Father—just when I thought I’d finally caught up with Acht and the others, I ran into Zwei-san again. I’m starting to think she really does hate me. I mean—she’s glaring at me like crazy...
~Big Sis Zwei's Inner Voice~
(Oh my goodness, a-again... t-to be able to meet Kaito-sama twice in a single day, what incredible luck! As I thought, he is so beautiful I cannot bear to take my eyes off him! H-He seems to be sweating a little; perhaps he has been exercising? I can practically feel the masculine pheromones radiating off the already cool Kaito-sama... T-This is dangerous! If I look away for even a second, people might swarm around him like hyenas from every direction. I must not take my eyes off him for even a fraction of a second. If it comes down to it, I must be the one to protect him...)