Fio and Vivian were in the living room, waiting for Leon.

They'd both gotten up a long time ago and spent a while talking in private. Now Fio was officially taking on the role of wingwoman for Vivian's love life.

“Fio, are you really sure you want to leave me alone with my brother?” Vivian asked.

“Of course,” Fio said from beside Vivian. “But it’d be pretty awkward if you two went out together right from the start, wouldn’t it?”

“Um… If you leave me alone with my brother right now, I… won’t know what to say. He’s not much of a talker, either.”

“Mm-hmm! That’s where I come in. I’ve got a plan: Operation Three-Person Date! I might look like a third wheel, but I can ease you and Leon into getting closer. And I’ll create chances for the two of you to connect, so he’ll have no choice but to start paying attention to you.”

“That’s so like you, Fio! I thought you were just a—socially awkward shut-in, but you’re actually a seasoned expert on romance!”

“Ahem, you flatter me! I’m hardly an expert!”

Fio had completely taken on the role of a scheming love strategist.

She seemed to have forgotten that she was a single shut-in whose age matched the number of years she’d spent alone. Now she was trying to extract useful tips from all the stories she’d read and put together a brilliant plan. If she could redirect Leon’s attention to his little sister, she might avoid the miserable fate of being “trained” by him.

“I know quite a lot about how men think, you know. That’s my biggest advantage. I can tell exactly what Leon’s thinking right now.”

“Really? Fio, can you tell me?”

“Well… He—Anyway, I’m sure he likes women. Not men. You can trust me on that.”

Fio really wanted to tell Vivian all at once about Leon’s tastes and just how depraved the guy was. But that would make Vivian like him less, and that would be no help at all with winning him over.

Fio glanced up and saw Leon coming downstairs, dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept all night, and he was utterly exhausted.

“Hey, Leon’s coming down!”

“Oh!”

At Fio’s reminder, the two of them—who’d been sitting pressed close together—hurried to opposite corners of the sofa, making a point of looking as if nothing had happened.

“…You two?!”

Leon saw them and opened his mouth as if to say something, then seemed to force the words back down. He came over to Fio, looking like he’d made up his mind about something.

“Fio, could you come out with me?”

Here it comes! He’s going to mess with me again! Fio’s thoughts surged, but she put on an innocent face.

“What is it, Leon? Why so sudden…?”

“I still haven’t gotten your high-grade slave license sorted out. And it’s your first day here, right? I haven’t properly shown you around yet. I’ll take you out for a look around.”

Fio felt a gaze prickling at her back. She glanced over and saw Vivian looking ready to tear her limb from limb with jealousy.

Vivian! Stay calm! This isn’t the kind of date you’re imagining! This pervert’s just looking for a chance to mess with me, like he did in Donglin City last time!

Fio knew she’d be in trouble if she agreed to go with him. But there was no time like the present. A bold idea came to her: she’d start putting her romance strategy plan into action right here!

“Leon, I want to bring Vivian with me.”

“Fio? Why—!”

“Uh, well, um…”

Fio looked away and exchanged a glance with Vivian.

【Fio: Let’s start the plan here!】

【Vivian: But I’m not ready to suddenly go on a date with my brother!】

【Fio: It’s okay, trust me! I’m here!】

To give her shy friend some encouragement, Fio flashed her a gentle smile. Without thinking it over, she took the fidgeting Vivian by the hand and led her over to Leon. Vivian lowered her head and thought for a long while. Then, her face turning pink, she nodded.

Leon watched Fio’s move, his attention fixed on the two girls’ joined hands.

Only when she noticed Leon staring did Fio realize what she was doing. She hurriedly let go of Vivian’s hand, blushing too.

After all, she’d acted without thinking. Now that she thought about it, taking a girl by the hand of her own accord was still way above Fio’s level.

“Got it, Leon? Vivian has to come with us! That’s final. I won’t hear any objections!” Fio raised her voice to hide how she felt.

“Right, you two have already… Ah, I get it. I get it. You’re going with Vivian.”

Fio watched Leon’s expression grow colder and felt baffled. Wasn’t this guy a total siscon? Why was he pulling a face just because he had to go out with his sister? Maybe there was something deeper going on.

…

The three of them wandered the streets of the Donghui Kingdom’s capital, the City of Sunrise. Leon was quieter than usual, and every time Fio tried to talk to him, she could tell he was in a bad mood.

To keep the silence from turning awkward, Fio kept chatting and laughing with Vivian. She’d discovered that Vivian was really easy to get along with—as long as they didn’t bring Leon into it.

【Vivian: Fio, what do we do now? My brother seems to hate me. Is it really that unpleasant for him to be out with me?】

Vivian began communicating with Fio through glances.

【Fio: Don’t panic, Vivian. I’ve got everything under control! You think they call me Fio, God of Romance, for nothing? Just follow my lead and watch this move!】

“Vivian, I suddenly really want to get a present or something. Look, there’s a flower shop over there. Let’s go check it out!”

“Sure, Fio. Brother, do you want to come with us?”

Gathering her courage so she wouldn’t waste the chance Fio had created for her, Vivian asked Leon.

Leon gave the tiniest nod of agreement.

The three of them went into the flower shop. The elderly owner greeted them warmly, recognized Leon and Vivian, and exchanged a few pleasantries with them.

Leon didn’t say much, though. He stopped in front of a certain kind of flower, and Fio quickly nudged Vivian toward him.

Now’s your chance, Vivian! Get Leon to give you flowers! Fio hid in a corner and cheered her on.

“Vivian, do you… like lilies?”

Leon suddenly grew tense in front of a bouquet of lilies. He didn’t look directly at his sister, but he kept sneaking glances at her.

“Huh… A-are you going to give me flowers?”

“It’s… lilies. I mean the kind of thing you’re thinking of. Do you have… that kind of interest in yuri?”

Vivian! Hurry up and say yes—and that you really like it! Fio frantically gestured at the flustered girl from across the shop.

“Of course! I really love lilies. How did you know?”

Leon started swaying as if he’d taken a blow. He muttered, “Fio wants a present, so you really were planning to… planning to give them to…”

Vivian! Cut him off and take control of the conversation! Fio kept directing her from where Vivian could see.

“You’re right, Brother. I like lilies, so…”

“…!!”

Vivian! Ask him! Don’t let Leon freeze up from embarrassment! Fio could see their chance slipping away, so she urged Vivian to keep pressing him.

“C-could you… give me some…?”

Amazing, Vivian! You did it! You’re going to get a gift from Leon—a sign of how he feels about you!

Fio gave her a thumbs-up, and Vivian smiled and returned the gesture.

But then came the unexpected part. Leon didn’t pick up the lilies. Instead, he murmured bitterly, “Go on, give them to her. Tell her how you feel…”

After saying that, Leon staggered out of the flower shop, leaving everyone completely bewildered.

“Looks like this is going to be a tough battle. Leon really is a hard nut to crack. I’ll have to give this guy one hundred percent of my power.”

Like a wise romance guru, Fio pushed up her imaginary glasses and spoke gravely.