Chapter 53

This is a bonus side story after the conclusion.

Fer has an older sister who is three years his senior.

Although they had been estranged for a long time, it was only recently that Fer learned that Rabi Heathfen, a girl who seemed as ordinary as chicken bones, had been living with a heavy burden of pain that he could never have imagined. It's too late to regret not noticing her pain, but the feeling of regret still lingers. The same goes for the memories of his first love. Now, he can only look back at the past with a sense of emptiness.

However,

This is not the case.

"What a nice day. Perfect for a picnic lunch."

"Yes, that's right."

In response to Rabi's murmured words, the man who is far too tall for Fer slowly nodded. It seemed like she was talking to herself. Covering her mouth with her small hand, Rabi smiled shyly at the man sitting next to her. For a moment, Fer felt a warm, soft feeling, but it quickly turned to a look of "Who are you?" at the man. I know, though. I know him very well.

Sitting on a bench in the rose garden, which has become a popular spot, Sai smiled brightly as he looked down at the small Rabi. Even though they were looking into each other's eyes, Rabi was the first to look away, clearly embarrassed. The way she pressed her slender fingertips to her slightly flushed cheeks and pursed her lips was endearing, even to her brother. Though there was a mysterious liquid on her lap that looked like porridge, Fer still lacked the courage to taste it.

There was someone who looked at Rabi even more lovingly. Despite usually having a stern expression, he now gazed down at the girl with soft eyes. So, who are you? ...I know, though!

When Fer heard that his sister's fiancé had changed from Bald to this man, Sai, he was speechless. Although they were formally introduced, he couldn't accept it. When he learned that they were quietly having lunch together in the rose garden during the short time before Sai graduated from the academy, he couldn't sit still and found himself rushing out, plopping down at the end of the bench. "I'll have lunch here too," he declared, gripping his bento. Even though Rabi and Fer are both small, the bench was quite crowded with three people. And despite being the one who came over, the happy aura was starting to feel suffocating.

"Fer, you don't look well. Is something wrong?"

"N-no, Sister. I'm fine. I'm just happy to be with you."

Hearing this, Rabi's eyes narrowed in delight. She probably didn't even realize her own expression. He wanted to say, "I want to gradually make up for the lost time with my sister."

"...That's why I said you have a really lecherous look in your eyes."

"Huh?"

"Never mind."

Fer might have heard a little of that. But he quickly brushed it off. He glanced at Sai, who seemed to have heard it too but was deliberately pretending not to. This man really was as he appeared. Fer's eyes were indeed accurate.

Just as Fer was about to bare his fangs in a threatening manner, he quietly began to embroider in his mind. This always calmed him down. Recently, he had been obsessed with lace-making, so he placed his bento on his lap and gently moved his right hand as if conducting an orchestra, letting his imagination run wild. His mind was a field of flowers. He was completely calm.

He secretly showed his finished work to his sister and was delighted to receive her praise. He wanted to go home and work on the next part. Realizing he had drifted off, Fer refocused on Rabi and Sai. They were talking about porridge, congee, and risotto, but he couldn't understand what they were saying. Rabi was speaking, and Sai was listening quietly, occasionally chiming in.

"I can eat anything now, but I still want to cherish the basics...! Next, I want to try stir-frying the rice and making it Western-style!"

Rabi's voice was lively. He still didn't understand what she was saying, but she looked happy. He could tell. It was good. But a heavy feeling settled in the bottom of his chest.

The rift between the Heathfen family was deep and couldn't be bridged in a day. He knew that. Many people had suffered for a long time. He didn't want to think it was inevitable. Although Fer was still young and his power was small, he wanted to be a support for his father, mother, and sister, Rabi. To do that, Fer growled fiercely.

—If you're my sister's fiancé, you need to help me.

He sent a sharp glare. Sai noticed the unusually sharp gaze but couldn't understand the intent. (We'll have to work together on a lot of things...!!) He growled like a sheep puffing up its wool. It didn't get through, though.

If Sai were to understand Fer's feelings, he would have firmly nodded and gripped his hands. But they hadn't realized this yet, and their relationship hadn't been established.

Fer and Sai would be involved with each other for a long time through Rabi. Surprisingly, the day when Fer and Sai would realize they were close enough to reach out and touch each other's hands wasn't far off.

"Having a delicious meal is very, very happy, and happiness is, well, happiness!"

"Ah, I see. But you have something on your mouth. Don't move."

"Hot!?! S-Sai-sama!?"

"Too close, too close, too close, too close!!!"

No, it's probably still far off.

[Promotion]

It's been a while! The manga adaptation of "Okaayu Lady" has started serialization, and the book release date has been decided.

Please check the activity report for more details.