In a corner of the White God Festival’s Middle Level lay a premium rest area catering to the wealthy. While it required a fee, the space utilized barrier magic to provide individual enclosures nearly as private as separate rooms, making it a popular choice for famous demons and nobles looking to catch their breath.
Within one of these sections—one of the most expensive and spacious available—a woman named Tre sat in formal seiza, weathering a lecture from her older sister, Zwei.
"...I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy the festival. However, causing trouble for those around you is a problem. I have told you time and again: you need to consider how much Cento and Sien worry when you disappear. You must start thinking about these things."
"...Yes, I’m sorry."
The stern scolding had already persisted for a considerable amount of time. Perhaps because of the duration, Tre offered her apology with a dejected expression, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor.
Whenever Tre acted this way, Zwei was the one who proved vulnerable. Though she was often misunderstood by others, Zwei possessed a kind, family-oriented nature. Seeing her sister appearing so repentant inevitably made her wonder if she had been too harsh.
"...It would be a pity to spend any more of this special day doing nothing but scolding you. We’ll leave it at that for today. Just keep what I said in mind and make sure you enjoy the festival."
"Yes."
Having delivered all the necessary points, Zwei announced the end of the lecture. Tre bowed her head once more, her voice quiet.
Zwei nodded with satisfaction at her sister's seemingly reflective attitude—only for Tre’s face to split into a beaming smile the very next second.
"Then that’s that! Back to the festival we go~!"
"...Tre, you..."
"N-No, wait, it’s not what you think! I really did reflect on it! But, well, I’ve always thought my best trait was how quickly I can move on, right?"
"...Sigh."
Zwei let out an exasperated sigh as she looked at her sister. As usual, Tre didn't seem to have learned a thing.
"Oh, that’s right! Zuva-nee, come with us! Since you’re here, I bet you cleared your work schedule with plenty of time to spare, didn't you? Let’s walk around the festival together!"
"N-No, I really should..."
"But I want to go with you, Zuva-nee... We haven't really been able to go out together much lately... Is it no good?"
"Ugh..."
Zwei’s expression clouded with hesitation at Tre's plea. It was true that she had adjusted her schedule to ensure that even a long-winded lecture wouldn't cause a conflict, so it wasn't as if she lacked the time.
However, just because she had pushed her work back didn't mean it had disappeared. Her plan had been to return to her duties as soon as the scolding was finished.
"Come on, if Zuva-nee is there, you won't have to worry about me getting lost, so isn't it for the best?"
"...That is... certainly true, but..."
To put it bluntly, Zwei was incredibly soft when it came to Tre. Back when the Six Kings still lived under Kuromueina, Zwei had occupied the position of the youngest member of the household.
Tre, who had been taken in by Kuromueina almost immediately after the Six Kings established their independence, was the first younger sister Zwei had ever had. To Zwei, she was the apple of her eye—so precious that the mere thought of her being hurt was unbearable.
The reason she lectured Tre so frequently and so harshly was born of concern for her sister’s lack of combat ability; she was willing to be strict even if it meant being disliked.
Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—Tre was so relentlessly positive that she never stayed discouraged for long. No matter how many times she was scolded, she never became afraid of Zwei.
While Zwei had complicated feelings about that, she found it impossible to refuse a request from the sister she secretly adored.
Furthermore, Tre was exceptionally skilled at acting like a pampered child. She was so good at it, in fact, that even their King, Kuromueina, doted on her shamelessly.
Though Noin was currently the "youngest" in Kuromueina’s family, most of the members—including Noin—were quite level-headed and capable, largely thanks to Kuromueina’s excellence as a leader.
While a parent rejoices to see their fledglings grow up into fine, independent adults, it is also natural for them to feel a pang of loneliness when they are no longer needed or relied upon.
Tre was the one who fulfilled that contradictory parental sentiment. Because of her personality, she still frequently begged for favors or acted like a spoiled child around Kuromueina.
In truth, this made Kuromueina quite happy. She would often listen to Tre’s requests with a delighted expression, saying things like, "Oh dear, Tre, you really are helpless, aren't you?"
Tre’s talent for being pampered was just as effective on her older sister. More accurately, Tre didn't calculate her behavior; she did it entirely by instinct.
She simply wanted to spend time with the older sister she loved, and because Zwei knew that, her resolve crumbled.
"...Only for a little while."
"Really!? Yay~! I get to go with Zuva-nee~!"
"Honestly, you're such a handful."
Watching Tre celebrate with genuine, heartfelt joy at the prospect of their walk, Zwei allowed a gentle smile to cross her face.
Extra: Tre-related Additions
Ein
Much like Kuromueina and Zwei, Ein dotes on Tre. Tre frequently begs her to make snacks, and Ein finds a secret pleasure in watching her eat them with a beaming, happy smile.
Particularly because Ein is the Eldest Daughter of Kuromueina's Family, her feelings mirror Kuromueina’s. While she is proud of how the others have grown, she feels a certain loneliness now that they rely on her less often. To Ein, Tre’s constant need for attention is nothing short of adorable.