That night, after a bath with everyone, Roxy and I head to bed.
Hand in hand, walking intimately to bed.
Last year, every time was full speed ahead, but not today.
"Em, be gentle..."
"No, today's fine."
I put up a hand to stop Roxy from stripping her nightgown.
Roxy grabs the hem of her shirt and tilts her head.
"Anyways, please sit down."
I have Roxy sit on her bed.
I sit on a chair rather than beside her.
"The basic situation, in case that I lose, I want to discuss it with Roxy."
"... Just me? What about Sylphy?"
"..."
"You would tell me and Nanahoshi, but won't tell Sylphy?"
"How did you know that I talked with Nanahoshi about this?"
"Because Sylphy asked me to. She said you probably talked to Nanahoshi... Rudi, why won't you tell Sylphy?"
"Why is that?"
Why?
I don't know.
But, for some reason, I don't want to tell Sylphy.
It's not because... I don't want her to worry.
Why?
I don't know.
Maybe this too is fate.
"From my point of view, I'm happy that you come to me for help, but I feel bad for Sylphy."
"You're right, then, I'll go call her."
"Okay."
Roxy is so reliable as usual.
Thinking that, I left the room and head to Sylphy's.
I freeze just as I reach for the doorknob.
Say, while I was busy with Roxy, I haven't been watching Sylphy.
Maybe she's crying right now.
She said I can like other girls, and she even forgave me for Roxy.
But looking at Nanahoshi, her jealousy runs deep.
Maybe she's crying.
Maybe she's pricking a voodoo doll with pins.
Maybe she's biting the edge of a handkerchief and crying about that slut.
No, it's fine.
My lovely Sylphy would never do something like that.
Right.
"Hey, Sylphy, I have something I want to--"
"Rudeus bit my ear. My ear! And said seven times a night... Eek... What's going to happen to me? Will I be messed up like our first time... What do I do Lucy, you might have a new sibling soon...!"
Squeaking, the door opens, and before my eyes is Sylphy rolling on her bed, hugging a pillow.
Her legs flopping about, rolling back and forth like an adolescent girl.
Although faint, but with the door open, I heard everything.
She doesn't look like the mother of a child.
But super cute.
So much so that I want to dive right in.
By the way, Lucy isn't here. She's in Lilia's room.
But the room isn't sound proof, so it might get noisy.
No no, Roxy is waiting.
"Ah!"
Our sights met.
Sylphy facing up and suddenly froze.
Like up painting on a wall, in a similar pose, a happy self-satisfied smile.
"..."
I quietly close the door.
No one wants to be seen in their private moments.
"Ah, wait. No, Rudi, wait up, don't leave!"
Rapidly Sylphy got up and sticks her hand between the door.
"No. I'm not leaving. I just thought it might be better if I open the door again."
"Again? Why? What's the matter? Isn't today Roxy's day? Oh, is she feeling sick? Am I at bat?"
Sylphy looks flustered.
There's no reason for Roxy to feel sick today...
How unusual.
No, how usual.
Well, let me settle her down.
"About my opponent this time, and what happens afterwards, I have some things to say. Please come over."
Hearing that, Sylphy stayed silent for a few seconds, and nodded with a serious face.
And perhaps a hint of happiness too?
Somehow I feel a little relaxed as well.