Sion regaining her freedom today is the greatest joy. However, Rohan and his group still face many challenges.
The question remains: Is Sion Testarossa’s identity still alive in Tigroba? How will they handle encountering a security officer who knows her appearance on the streets? Even though they know they haven’t done anything wrong to warrant bowing their heads or being cautious, it’s still a concern.
‘Anyway, that’s that.’
Truthfully, the issues ahead are still vague. Sion feeling guilty after hearing about Noah isn’t an immediate problem either. What’s clearly on Rohan’s mind right now is something else entirely.
First, combat strength.
Sion and Clara’s talents are a guarantee of rapid growth. Plus, they can motivate each other by watching one another. Rohan needs to keep up with this pace—not just to be equal, but to surpass them entirely.
Second, Sion’s clothes and living arrangements.
Rohan’s reward money is coming soon, and with that, these issues can be resolved. Clara even volunteered to live with Sion once her house is fixed, so that was quickly settled.
Sion’s belongings, after leaving the ruins, were even more minimal than Clara’s, and her clothes were practically rags, so they had to be discarded. Until they go shopping today, Sion will have to wear Rohan’s clothes.
“I’ll contact you at lunch, so until then, think of this as your home and rest.”
“Okay…!”
“Got it.”
Returning to the dormitory with a lot on their minds, it’s dawn, just as expected. Rohan glances at Sion, who looks gaunt from not having eaten properly, even though she drank water.
“Since you’ve been starving for a while, Sion, how about some porridge for now?”
“Porridge?”
As Sion blinks, Rohan opens a shelf and pulls out instant rice.
The process is too simple to even call it cooking. Put white rice in a pot, add water, turn on the heat, and keep stirring so it doesn’t stick.
“If you want to eat something delicious for dinner, you’ll need to settle your stomach first.”
Even though a magically enhanced, tough body can ignore basic needs, it’s not bad to take minimal care.
At Rohan’s explanation, Sion fiddles with her hair and hesitates.
“…Sorry for being a bother.”
“A bother? This barely takes any effort.”
Isn’t this just part of employee benefits? You’ve got to keep valuable talent from leaving by treating them well.
While stirring the porridge, Rohan asks Clara, who’s standing nearby watching.
“Clara, is there anything you want to eat?”
“I-I’m not hungry, so I’ll wait until lunch…”
“If you get hungry, just send me a message. I’ll even order delivery for you.”
“Got it…!”
Extravagant, isn’t it?
The porridge was perfectly cooked for two spectators.
Rohan scooped the porridge into a bowl with a ladle and reminded Sion.
“Even if it doesn’t taste good, force yourself to eat it. Got it?”
Only after confirming Sion’s nod while avoiding eye contact did Rohan grab his jacket and head for the door.
With his bag slung over his shoulder, he bid farewell to the two once more.
“I’ll be back. Wash up and get some rest. Call me if you need anything.”
Sion and Clara felt an inexplicable sense of fulfillment as they saw Rohan off at the entrance.
How long had they been standing there, dazed?
Clara, who snapped out of it first, smiled awkwardly and spoke up.
“Sion, unnie. Would it be okay if I go wash up first while you eat?”
“Of course.”
Sion watched Clara head to the bathroom and then sat down at the table.
She carefully took a spoonful of the plain rice porridge.
Sion smiled, impressed by the porridge Rohan had made.
‘Did he say to force myself to eat it?’
Though Rohan had said that, Sion wasn’t forcing herself to eat it.
It was a dish that naturally drew her hand. Is this the warmth of a meal made by someone else?
She ended up scraping the bowl clean.
“Phew…”
The moderate fullness and the warmth settling in her body brought her peace.
After cleaning and tidying up the bowl, she sat quietly at the table.
Clara, who couldn’t show even a glimpse of her naked body, quickly passed by, wrapped in a towel.
Then, the girl, using the wall as a shield, peeked her head out.
Her damp purple hair caught Sion’s eye.
“…Unnie. You’re going to wash the clothes you’re wearing, right?”
“Hmm, that would be best.”
“Then, when you wash up, just put the clothes in the laundry basket. I’ll take care of it.”
“No. I’ll do it myself.”
Sion got up from the table and headed to the corner where the washing machine was.
Clara left a message to call her anytime and grabbed the hairdryer.
**──Whirrr!!!** While drying her hair, she heard a voice calling her.
“Clara. Are you busy?”
“Just a moment…!”
Was she confused about the washing machine instructions I gave her earlier?
As Clara, drying her hair, headed towards the source of the voice with that thought in mind.
She saw Sion holding Rohan’s clothes from the laundry basket, sniffing them.
It took one second to grasp the situation.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
“Uh, unnie!?”
What she saw was sheer shock.
It was something Clara herself would never do, even if she were alone.
What was the meaning behind that boldness, calling her over to show her this?
With Sion in her underwear, it only seemed more suggestive.
“What the…”
As Clara froze like ice, unable to continue speaking.
Sion looked at her with a puzzled expression.
I asked her.
“Does Rohan wear cologne? It’s surprising, considering how flawless he seems.”
“Brother wears cologne…?”
Clara gulped as she looked at the clothes Sion handed her to sniff.
It felt strange to do something she always hesitated to do alone, right in front of Sion.
But now, with Sion pushing her, it felt like an opportunity.
“…”
Following Sion’s suggestion, Clara checked Rohan’s clothes.
There was no cologne, just a faint lingering scent of his skin and sweat.
But that drove her crazy. A scent that subtly heated her head and lower abdomen.
Clara lost herself, burying her nose in it for a long time.
“Unique cologne. Should I say the scent is thick… It’s addictive.”
Startled by Sion’s words, Clara looked up.
She smiled awkwardly.
‘Sister…’
Is this what love feels like for an elf?
Her mind was broken by unrecognized affection.
What would happen if she became aware of it?
Clara went through a whirlwind of thoughts in an instant.
But one thing was certain.
The moment she let go of the reason she was barely holding onto.
She knew Sion’s unconscious actions would be nothing compared to what she might do.
…
…
Sion and Clara slept soundly in Rohan’s bed.
Lying on the warm bed, their skin touching, the girls seemed to have truly passed out.
They only hurried to get ready when Rohan called at lunchtime.
“Sister, are you uncomfortable?”
“It’s fine. The size is big, so it’s actually comfortable.”
Sion, wearing Rohan’s hoodie and sweatpants, felt her mood soaring uncontrollably.
She especially liked the lingering scent of Rohan on the clothes.
Inhaling happiness. Exhaling to prepare for the next joy.
Unlike usual, she had no goggles and didn’t tie her hair.
With minimal gear, Sion and Clara silently descended from the dormitory through the window.
…
…
Heading to the main street, they reached a fast-food franchise.
Rohan, who had arrived first, was waiting. The girls’ steps quickened.
“Did you both sleep well?”
“Yeah! I slept with sister until just now!”
Rohan tidied Clara’s messy hair and looked at Sion.
“Did you eat well?”
“…It was delicious.”
Seeing Rohan smile and nod, Sion thought.
Did he take her words as a polite compliment, or did he know she meant it?
What would usually be a trivial matter now filled Sion’s mind.
“First, we need to get in touch with Sion too. Should we buy a smartphone after lunch?”
“!”
Sion’s eyes widened in shock and surprise, clearly taken aback.
Clara, as if it were her own business, clapped her hands happily, beaming with joy.
Meanwhile, Sion was clearly trying to gesture her refusal, burdened by the idea, but Rohan explained the necessity.
After a brief back-and-forth, Sion finally understood.
And then, a primal curiosity sparked within her.
“So, if I have a smartphone… I can hear your voice whenever I want and communicate, right…?”
“Of course. Who knows what’s going on with the new arrivals in Tigroba. Let’s just get one under my name for now.”
Rohan suggested they could change the name on the account later and started walking.
He continued chatting, pondering what to feed the two girls for lunch.
“How about we go shopping for clothes with Clara later?”
Rohan offered to give them a card, even if it wasn’t a huge amount, but Clara seemed more interested in something else.
“Big bro, aren’t you coming with us?”
“I think it might be a bit awkward for me to tag along.”
Of course, he was worried about sending Clara and Sion alone.
But considering the things Sion had brought, there might be items she’d be embarrassed for a man to see, so it might be better if he wasn’t there.
As Rohan was firming up his stance, Sion and Clara each grabbed a corner of his clothes and tugged lightly.
It was a synchronized movement, almost as if they had planned it.
“Big bro… come with us. Okay?”
“…Alright, I’ll come along.”
It was like two round-eyed kittens looking up at him with clear, pleading eyes.
“….”
Just as Rohan was about to nod, unable to resist.
“Ah! It’s Clara!”
A familiar voice reached Rohan and Clara.
Turning their heads, they saw two girls standing out amidst the crowd.
Ichinose, as always, with her eyes closed and holding a sword.
And Noah, wagging her pure white tail, looking at them with an intrigued gaze.