Sister Aisha pushed the wheelchair, bringing her younger sister to their parents’ snow-white gravestone.

They placed pre-prepared flowers one by one.

Dew-kissed yellow and white carnations.

A tribute to their grief and longing.

Airi’s tears had already spilled long before this moment.

Streaks traced her pale cheeks—a sight that tugged at the heart.

As the elder sister, Aisha bore the same sorrow. Yet she clenched her teeth, refusing to let it show.

She spoke only of joyful moments from the past year.

Eyes shimmering with unshed tears, she smiled as she shared stories with the parents watching over them from heaven.

She told them how the priest had recommended her to serve the Goddess of Light in Eoliel’s inner city cathedral.

The highest honor for an outer-city nun in the Radiant Church.

Aisha was still young.

Someday, she might even become the Church’s Holy Maiden.

But… what she wouldn’t tell her parents was this:

On her upcoming twentieth birthday, she would resign as a nun.

A nun sworn to purity for the Goddess

Could never hold her beloved’s hand.

Could never walk with him down the sacred aisle of marriage.

*You can’t have your cake and eat it too.*

Thankfully, the Church would grant her a generous severance.

Enough to open a small shop with Roy in town.

Aisha had also noticed Airi’s feelings for Roy.

So similar to her own—

An irresistible pull, blossoming into love.

At first, realizing her sister’s heart ached with the same longing brought Aisha a dizzying sadness.

But slowly, clarity came.

A quiet resolve settled within her.

*If… if Roy accepts Airi despite her frail body,*

*she would help them find each other.*

Fulfill her sister’s wish.

Then, both sisters would become Roy’s wives.

Aisha believed this was their best path.

With Airi’s condition… she’d never find another man so tender.

And Aisha knew no one else worthy of her sister’s trust.

In return, they’d be the gentlest, most devoted wives—

Fulfilling every… need of their husband.

Then, the three of them would live a quiet, happy life.

Airi couldn’t read her sister’s thoughts.

She only saw Aisha’s cheeks flush faintly in the sunlight.

Airi had words for her parents too.

Words that tumbled endlessly in her mind.

But she’d never been one to wear her heart on her sleeve.

And those unspoken words boiled down to just one truth:

*—Father, Mother… I’ve fallen for someone.*

*But he’s the one Aisha loves too.*

*With my broken body… what should I do?*

The only way Aisha could imagine was to rely on her sister’s love.

Not to force Roy to choose between them.

But… to beg Aisha’s permission.

*Let me confess to Roy. Whatever his answer, I’ll accept it.*

If blessed with his affection,

Airi would honor her place as the second wife.

She’d need only stolen moments of his time.

Roy’s life could belong mostly to her sister.

Two hearts, one longing.

………………

"Made it just in time."

Roy’s voice stayed calm, but worry for the sisters tightened his chest.

He sped up, leaving even Isabella—the agile Elvenfolk—struggling to keep pace.

Panting, Isabella finally caught up.

They hid behind cover, watching the sisters mourn at the gravesite.

"Master… t-too fast!"

"Huh? I’m not fast at all."

Roy replied instinctively.

"I’ve got stamina!"

"…"

Isabella’s face burned crimson. After a long pause, she murmured,

"Master… is that kind of ‘fast’… *proper*?"

Roy swiftly changed the subject.

"Isabella, stay hidden. Be ready to act."

"With you here, that demon general should be easy," she protested.

Would she even get to fight?

Roy shot her a helpless look. Then, in a deliberately high-pitched, almost coquettish tone, he tugged her sleeve.

"But, big Elvenfolk sister~"

"I’m just a plain human boy, you know?"

A warm rush flooded Isabella’s nose. She clamped a hand over it, flustered.

"M-Master!!"

*Why use charm on allies?!*

*It’s… too tempting. Too unfair!*

*No—it’s practically criminal!*

Roy stuck out his tongue, cheeky.

No trace of the Demon King’s demeanor.

Perhaps being an ordinary human boy was a dream he’d once held.

Wind magic swirled in his palm, guided by wood-elemental energy.

Soon, a bouquet of snow-white flowers floated into his hands.

His gaze turned solemn as he bowed his head, inhaling their scent.

Watching him, Isabella felt a nameless sorrow still her breath.

Then Roy stepped out from cover, flowers in hand, walking toward the two familiar girls.

"Aisha? Airi?"

Close enough to be heard, he called out in feigned surprise.

Both sisters whirled around, shock and shyness flashing across their faces.

"Roy!" ×2

"What are you doing here…?" Aisha asked, cheeks flushed as she turned the wheelchair.

Airi’s eyes fixed on the white bouquet in his hands.

"I was asked by the Adventurer’s Guild president to pay respects to his friend."

"President Enlil!"

Memories flooded Aisha—her days as the Guild’s beloved receptionist before becoming a nun.

*Before Roy, she’d been the true "darling of the Guild."*

Her warm, resilient nature had drawn endless care from everyone.

Especially President Enlil.

He’d found her the nun position, secured her housing.

When she’d once asked why he was so kind, he’d replied:

*"Your parents and I… were very, very good friends."*

Aisha accepted Roy’s explanation naturally.

It even fulfilled her wish—to introduce Roy to her parents.

"I see."

She beckoned him closer.

Then, unexpectedly, she embraced him.

The boy seemed overwhelmed by the holy softness and rich fragrance pressing against him.

Aisha’s gentle whisper brushed his ear:

"Thank you, Roy…"