"Just a small-time bandit—no big deal. Let's hurry back to the village!" she said, waving her hands.
"Right, we don't want night travel." Iks nodded. "Hop in, we're off."
"Sure!" She jumped into the carriage.
With her aboard, Iks flicked the reins; the horse set off toward the village.
Inside, Aircraft Carrier hugged her tightly. "Sis, you're back! I thought that Thief would kill you."
Seeing Aircraft Carrier's teary eyes, Illustrious patted her. "Relax, I'm tough. That robber picked the wrong carriage—one slash and he was history."
"He's dead? Belfast said he was Level 30, and you're only Level 6 with dual classes. I was so worried, but you still won—amazing, Sis!" Aircraft Carrier gazed at her in awe.
"I told you so! Illustrious will be absolutely fine. You didn't believe me—you had no faith in her at all and just kept crying. Not me! I trust her strength completely," Nagato said, hugging Illustrious's arm and shooting Aircraft Carrier a scornful look.
"Wh-what? I believe in Big Sister's strength too; I'm no less devoted than you!" Aircraft Carrier shot back, though her voice lacked conviction.
Watching the two start bickering again, Illustrious's head throbbed. Couldn't they just get along?
Seeing Illustrious's exhaustion, Belfast stepped in. "Enough, you two! The young lady just finished off a Thief; she's tired and needs rest. Don't disturb her."
Illustrious gave Belfast a grateful look. Belfast always noticed—Illustrious was drained after that uphill battle, especially the final golden-thread slash that had sapped her spirit.
When Aircraft Carrier saw her sister's weary face, she stopped arguing at once. "Big Sister, I'm sorry! You looked so tired and I didn't notice—I even fought with Nagato."
"I'm sorry too, Illustrious. I shouldn't have argued with Aircraft Carrier," Nagato murmured, ears drooping.
"Good, no more quarreling. Don't worry—after a short rest I'll be fine," Illustrious reassured them.
Once they nodded, Illustrious started to close her eyes—only for Belfast to cradle her head and lower it onto her lap. "Rest, young lady. I'll wake you when we reach the village."
Illustrius tried to sit up, but Belfast stilled her with both hands. "Hush. If you don't sleep now, I'll be cross. A disobedient young lady gets punished."
"But Belfast, this isn't right—Aircraft Carrier and Nagato are watching," Illustrious whispered, embarrassed.
"Why not? You've napped on my lap plenty of times before," Belfast replied, unbothered.
Illustrious thought, That was when no one was around! With an audience it's mortifying.
"Let me up, please," she said, cheeks pink.
"Stay still. Try moving again," Belfast warned, her expression darkening.
"S-sorry!" Illustrious fell silent at once.
Feeling Belfast's soft thighs and catching her distinctive scent, the exhausted Illustrious drifted off.
Seeing her sister using Belfast as a pillow, Aircraft Carrier gnawed a nail. "Damn it, she beat me to it! Big Sister should be lying on my lap!"
Nagato patted Aircraft Carrier's shoulder. "Let it go. Let Illustrious rest."
"But…" Aircraft Carrier began, then sighed as her sister slept. "Fine—just this once, Belfast. I won't lose next time."
Watching Illustrious's peaceful face, Belfast felt healed. She's so adorable! I want to cuddle and nuzzle her—if only I could stroke her hair, too.
Illustrious shifted onto her side, finding the position more comfortable, and slept on.
The movement brought her lips level with Belfast's most sensitive spot; each warm breath sent a shiver through Belfast, making her shift restlessly, face flushed.
Belfast longed to roll Illustrious onto her back but feared waking her, so she endured the fluttering sensations.
"Belfast, are you alright? You're blushing," Nagato asked, concerned.
"I-it's nothing—just a bit warm here," Belfast stammered.
"If you're tired, I can take over as Big Sister's pillow!" Aircraft Carrier offered brightly.
"Thank you, Second Miss, but I'm not tired—quite the opposite," Belfast declined.
"Oh… well, carry on then," Aircraft Carrier said, disappointed.
-------------------------------
Hope you enjoy this fanfiction if you do and would like to read the next 30 chapters in advance, pls do check out my Patreon.
patreon.com/TLScarlet
Also don't forget to give me a Power Stone if you do like this fiction. Your support really motivates me to continue doing my best in translating, Thanks!!