"Princess, would you like to go back and rest?" Sister Crimson asked.

"I... I'm fine. Really." My body actually felt okay right now, but the bigger blow was psychological. Staying alone at home might just make me overthink things even more.

"Hmm, then I'll walk you back."

"Um... Sister, I have a request."

"Go on?"

"When we're alone together... could you call me 'little sister'?"

"Eh?" For a split second, Sister Crimson's eyes flickered, as if wrestling with some inner struggle. Calling me "little sister" while comforting me was one thing—but making it a formal title seemed to carry special weight for her.

But when she saw the disappointment in my eyes, her gaze softened with maternal warmth. "Okay."

"Eh? Really?!"

"Of course! You're my precious little sister anyway." Sister Crimson smiled and turned to leave.

I guessed she didn't want to hurt me right now. I'd heard this sister had overflowing maternal instincts. Still, I felt satisfied.

"Sister!" I suddenly forgot my dignity as a boy, acting coquettish as I chased after her. I clung to her arm, pressing my chest against it, thinking of nothing—just walking with her through the dim corridor like a real girl with her lover.

"Then... when we're alone, can I stop calling you 'senior' and just say 'sister'?" I asked shyly.

"Mm." Sister Crimson nodded gently, her smile warm.

"Sister! Sister!"

Walking hand in hand through the chilly Undercity, I might not feel afraid anymore.

"Sister, I have a question... but I'm not sure if I should ask."

"Hmm? What is it, little sister?"

She really called me "little sister." It made me so happy.

"Sister... um... when you're adventuring in the Undercity, what if you get your period? Isn't it tough? I heard you shouldn't do intense exercise then."

"True—it's a hard reality for female adventurers. But I'm healthy, so it doesn't bother me much. I try to avoid the Undercity during that time. If I can't, light or dark magic can adjust the cycle."

"Mmm, I see. Girls really need to master so many things for long-term adventuring."

"Yes. But periods aren't always a weakness. Light magic weakens a lot then, yet dark magic surges unusually strong. For girls, there are two monthly cycles when dark power peaks—one is during your period, and the other..."

"What's the other?" I blinked up at Feyn Senior.

Feyn Senior lowered her head, a blush spreading across her face. Her breathing quickened, as if recalling something deeply embarrassing.

"Sister, when exactly is that other cycle?"

"Ugh! Stop prying! You're too young to know!" Feyn Senior playfully tapped my head.

I stuck out my tongue mischievously. What could fluster such a composed senior like this?

"Sister, you promised to guide me! I use dark magic too—why can't you tell me?"

Feyn Senior's face flushed deeper, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "It's not that I won't tell you... you're just too young. Better not to know. Well... fine. A hint: it's a three-word period."

"Three words?" I stared intently, but she turned away, hiding her flustered expression. Seriously—how was that helpful? So many three-word things existed! Even someone as sharp as me couldn't guess.

"Oh!" Feyn Senior suddenly remembered something. She pushed me against the wall, glanced around to ensure no one was near, and said: "Take off your clothes!"

"Eh??? S-Sister, this is a corridor! Just because you called me 'little sister' doesn't mean you can rush things! Do you... like the thrill of almost getting caught?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Sister Crimson shook her head. "Listen—during your period, your legs and lower belly must stay warm. Look at you! So underdressed, so... flashy! Cold air getting in would be trouble!"

"It's not like I chose this outfit, Sister!"

"Enough talk." Sister Crimson waved her hand. Thick dark energy swirled into a mist around us, hiding us from passersby.

Then she started unzipping her own pants.

"Hey! Why are you taking yours off too?"

Ignoring me, Sister Crimson stripped off her tight pants right in front of me and handed them over. "Here."

"Eh?" I took the pants, still warm with her scent, utterly confused.

Next, she reached for her waist and peeled off the stockings under her black shirt. Why did she always tuck her shirt into them? It did give her a mature charm, though.

"Put these on." She passed me the stockings, still holding her body heat.

"Eh? But..."

"No buts. Hurry up. You just had your first period—your body can't handle cold. I have new stockings, but wearing mine, warmed by my body, is better for you." Her eyes were pure concern.

But wearing Sister Crimson's warm, fragrant stockings and using her feminine items... my mind wandered.

"Good. Now this coat." She pulled out a black Gothic Lolita dress with a short skirt.

"Eh? Senior, where did you get this?"

The stockings were stretchy enough for either of us, but this dress? Feyn Senior could never fit into it—it seemed tailored for my frame.

For a moment, I saw a distant, thoughtful look in her eyes. I almost understood. I couldn't guess her strongest dark-magic cycle, but I knew where this dress came from. Since she didn't explain, I didn't pry. She meant well—I'd wear it.

It was a cute red-and-black plaid Gothic Lolita dress with white lace trim. So this was Sister Crimson's taste.

Then she produced a pair of large black... cat ears?

"W-Wear them—" She handed me the ears, turning away with a blush, pouting. "Put them on."

"Sister, the shirt, skirt, and stockings are for warmth—but what are these for? Is this period-related too?" I asked, puzzled.

"N-No! It's... it's a set!" Sister Crimson stammered, face crimson.

"Eh? But..."

"No buts! The cat ears match your dress! Just wear them, okay?"

I shrugged and put them on, adjusting the ears. "Senior, like this?"

Sister Crimson's blush deepened. Her eyes sparkled with a childlike joy I'd never seen before. "Mmm—yes! Adorable! Absolutely adorable!"

"Eh? Really?" I struck a catgirl pose, drawing on Princess Kuroti's memories—though it felt a bit stiff.

I felt Senior's breath catch. Her eyes glowed.

"Meow~!" I placed my hands together and mewed.

"Ahhh~~~!" Senior shuddered violently, collapsing against the wall. Her ample chest heaved. "No... I can't take it. You're just—too cute!"

"Eh? Am I?" I blinked up at her with wide eyes.

Sister Crimson suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, leaning close as if to kiss me—but stopped herself. Whispering in my ear, she said: "I will win this match. I'll earn the right to train you. You're mine."

"Senior... it's 'educate,' not 'train'! Why do you say that too..." I chuckled dryly, our smooth cheeks pressed together.

After the playful moment, we had to compose ourselves. Someone might come looking for me. We calmed down and walked hand in hand.

I wasn't satisfied. I clung to her arm again, snuggling close like real lovers as we headed toward the arena. I wished this corridor would never end.

Near the exit, we silently parted. In that instant, my face burned hotter than when we were together—because I realized what that gesture meant.

And I sensed... Sister Crimson felt a trace of reluctance too, in that split second of separation.

When could we walk like this in public? A princess and her female knight-guardian falling in love... was that even allowed? I didn't know.

"Princess! Where were you? You're late! The match was amazing—that goblin..." Loyning bounced over but froze at my outfit. "Why are you wearing cat ears too?"

"Is that any concern of yours? Get back to commentating, bitch!" I snapped sternly.

"Eh? P-Princess..." Sister Luo fidgeted nervously.

"Bitch! Move!"

"Y-Yes, Master!"

Sister Luo dashed off energetically. Her commentary words crossed my limits—but I ignored it.

I returned to my seat.

Sulia scrutinized my outfit for a long time. Finally, she stood up, put on her gold-rimmed glasses, and studied me thoughtfully. "Hmm... mm..."

"Sulia, what's wrong? Is something odd about me?" I tried to reclaim my princessly dignity—otherwise, I'd become their plaything.

"Hmm... Princess. I have a serious suggestion."

"Oh? Speak."

"Personally... I think a bunny girl outfit suits you better."

"Huh???" Sulia, you deadpanned something utterly pointless?!

"Black stockings, a one-piece leotard, a tiny fluffy white tail in back, and droopy rabbit ears. It'd suit you far better than this catgirl getup." Sulia adjusted her glasses.

"Eh? Is that so?" Rabbit ears, catgirl—I didn't care.

"Hmph!" Sister Crimson slammed her hand on the chair and stood up. She faced Sulia solemnly. "Bunny girl outfits? That vulgar, pandering costume is unfit for a princess!"

"Hah? Bunny girls are perfect for a princess! Catgirls are childish—just selling cuteness. They can't showcase royal charm!"

"What? Childish?!"

"Vulgar?!"

"Catgirl!"

"Bunny girl!"

The two tall, gorgeous women stood deadlocked, hands on hips, both glaring at me.

Did they want me to decide?

"Um... let's just watch the match!"

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