Hitomi looked suspicious.
"Does Big Sis know about your relationship with Bacardi?"
Akemi thought back carefully. Back when she was staying at the large villa, she hadn't made any effort to hide her presence. She nodded.
"She should know."
Hitomi let out a breath of relief.
"So you two don't fight? You're living together peacefully?"
Akemi blinked in surprise. "Why would we fight? I'm learning the art of disguise from her!"
Not only were they getting along peacefully, she was even openly sharing her skills!?
To Hitomi, that was unthinkable.
Her big sister was being far too kind to this woman!
Hitomi began imagining a scenario where her older sister and Akemi were getting along perfectly… and found herself starting to see Akemi in a different light.
Suddenly energized, she stepped forward and grabbed Akemi's hand excitedly.
"So it's actually no problem!"
"It's totally possible! I don't get why Big Sis can't just accept it for my sake."
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could be happy together?"
"..."
Meanwhile, little Loli Haibara stood silently to the side, watching the two girls grow closer rather than drifting apart. Her worldview began to crack.
She blinked her blue eyes and glanced between Hitomi and her sister.
Does my sister… have a strange charm? One that turns romantic rivals into close friends?
But what Haibara didn't know was that Hitomi had always been the weaker side in this strange relationship.
She felt guilty toward her older sister—but she still couldn't give up what she wanted.
She had liked Bacardi once.
But since he was her sister's man, she had kept that love buried deep, never daring to reveal it.
Then something unexpected happened.
And after that, everything changed.
When you've never had something, it's easy to suppress desire.
But once you've tasted it, losing it becomes unbearable.
That's why Hitomi now shared the same attitude as Bacardi.
The only obstacle between the three of them… had always been Rui, the eldest sister.
So when Hitomi noticed that her sister's attitude toward Akemi had softened, she couldn't help feeling overjoyed.
What she didn't realize was… it was all in her head.
In reality, neither Rui nor Akemi had ever directly clarified their relationship with Bacardi.
They haven't thought of themselves as rivals in love.
So they just… happened to coexist peacefully.
It was her misunderstanding all along.
Akemi was confused, but nodded nonetheless.
"Yeah. As long as everyone's happy, that's what matters most."
The two continued chatting like old friends. The more they talked, the more animated they became.
Little Loli Haibara stood on the sidelines, utterly dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, in the underground base, Akashi's strength stats had silently doubled.
But the collapsed Rui had no strength left to resist the succubus shota pressing down on her.
The stunning beauty's body leaned forward, weak and powerless.
The succubus shota's body was pinned beneath hers.
Luckily, he was built differently.
Thanks to his extraordinary physique, he didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable—even while being "bullied."
He pressed against her gently with his small hands.
A weak voice murmured from above.
"Liar… liar…"
The woman stopped moving.
"How did I lie to you?" he asked innocently.
"Didn't you say… you took poison and turned into a child?"
She paused. "How could a child… do this…?"
Akashi smirked devilishly. "Let's just say… I'm exceptionally gifted."
"LeoCat, do you believe I'm capable now?"
Sweat soaked her messy hair, sticking to her flushed cheeks.
Rui gritted her teeth, staggering to her feet with a stubborn gleam in her eyes.
"You little pervert… this big sister's going to teach you a lesson!"
Akashi looked genuinely impressed.
As expected of the eldest Kisugi sister—her physique was an elite-grade "Star Phoenix."
Star Phoenix (often symbolic of grace, nobility, and auspiciousness)
Even after so many critical hits, she could still stand back up.
A worthy opponent, indeed!
So when they sparred before… had she been holding back?
But now that he'd fully evolved, there was no reason to lose.
With a grin, Akashi prepared to engrave yet another "memorable experience" into the next life.
"Please… stop…"
"Why? We're only getting started."
"I can't… anymore… please."
"You don't sound so sure."
"I am… just let me go."
"Hmm… I don't think I can do that."
"Ahhh!"
More than an hour later, the alloy door of the underground base slowly slid open.
Young Shota Akashi walked out alone.
As the door sealed behind him with a mechanical clang, a drained figure collapsed inside.
Akashi stretched, then checked his Yin energy.
Over 800 gained. Very efficient.
Then he used Lv3 『Updraft』.
Two streams of mist swirled around him, refreshing his body and spirit.
After seeing that nothing is amiss, he headed upstairs.
Upstairs, Akemi and Haibara were waiting.
Seeing him return, Akemi asked with concern, "What kind of business were you discussing? It took so long."
"Nothing big. Just jewelry talk."
Hitomi looked at the succubus shota suspiciously.
"Are you… Akashi?"
"Do you know how to contact Bacardi?"
Haibara watched from the side like she was enjoying a drama unfold.
The succubus shota put on an innocent face. "No idea. Brother Bacardi's too elusive—I never know where he is."
"But I'm sure he's safe."
Akemi stepped in, scooping up the little guy.
"Not just safe—he's very comfortable."
Hitomi asked eagerly, "Can you ask him to call me?"
Akashi was about to answer, but Akemi beat him to it.
"No problem. When I see him, I'll let him know."
"Akashi will definitely agree."
"But, Hitomi, it's getting late. I promised to take my brother and sister shopping. Let's talk next time, okay?"
Hitomi looked sincerely grateful. "I'll leave it to you then, Mei."
"Let me get the door for you."
Akemi donned her disguise mask, picked up Akashi, held Haibara's hand, and walked out of the café.
Hitomi stood by the door, waving goodbye.
Completely unaware that the person she was looking for… had just walked past her.
A few dozen meters away, little Haibara finally couldn't help asking:
"Sis, aren't you going to tell her the truth?"
"That guy is Bacardi, isn't he?"
Akemi chuckled. "You think I'm stupid?"
"If Akashi's identity is exposed, how could we walk out of there so easily?"
"Don't underestimate me. Most of the time… I'm very witty!"
"..."
Haibara gave her a speechless smile.
"Sister… whatever makes you happy."
"Wait, where are we even going now?"
Akemi rubbed Akashi's smooth porcelain cheek.
"Right, Akashi—what are we shopping for?"
The succubus shota tilted his head. "Didn't you say you wanted to go shopping?"
Akemi pouted. "My feet hurt…"
Akashi shrugged. "How about grabbing a bite to eat?"
She shook her head. "I've been dieting lately. Not hungry."
Still holding Akashi and Haibara's hand, she steered them toward a nearby hotel. A curtain fluttered at the entrance, bearing the name Love Me Hotel.
Akemi stopped. Her crimson eyes stared at the shota.
Akashi raised a brow, then whispered, "How about we take a bath here?"
Akemi beamed.
"Perfect. I was just starting to feel a little tired."
Seriously now... This woman is absolutely lusting after my body.