Chapter 81: Dinner at the Toyas (2)
"That was amazing — seriously, Iris. You’re an incredible cook!" Chris says, genuinely impressed.
"I’m really glad you liked it. I love cooking, but work doesn’t leave me much time to practice. Honestly, I was worried this dinner would be a disaster... so I’m really relieved you enjoyed it."
"Don’t be modest, Iris. Yuzu and I have been telling you forever — you’re amazing in the kitchen."
Iris blushes at her brother’s praise.
"Thank you, Ren. Though your compliments are a bit biased, so I’m not sure how much they count. Anyway... would anyone like some tea?"
Everyone agrees — especially Yuzu.
"I want three cups! Big sis’s tea is the best in the world!"
Iris smiles shyly.
"Don’t exaggerate, Yuzu, or you’ll raise their expectations. It’s just normal store-bought tea. I’ll wash the dishes and make it right away — excuse me for a few minutes."
Iris starts gathering the dishes one by one, and Mia quickly joins her.
"You really don’t have to. You’re our guests — I can’t have you clearing the table."
"I insist. Let me help you with the dishes. The sooner we’re done, the sooner we can drink the best tea in the world."
"I told you, it’s just normal tea you can find anywhere — not even a fancy brand, since we can’t really afford anything better. I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed."
"Cut it out. Just show me where the kitchen is — I’ll follow you."
Iris smiles warmly, then heads toward the kitchen with Mia right behind her.
They stand side by side at the sink, sponge in hand, and start washing up.
At first, silence hangs between them, broken only by the clink of dishes being stacked and the steady rush of water. Every now and then, Mia sneaks a glance at her — a quiet mix of admiration and compassion — catching the softness in Iris’s eyes as she carefully washes each dish.
There’s so much she’d like to say, but her natural shyness around someone she’s just met holds her back.
Eventually, pushing past the awkwardness, she finds the courage to speak.
"You’re incredible, Iris. I mean it."
"Huh? Come on, it was just dinner. That’s a bit much."
"I’m not talking about that — and you know it. While you were cooking, Ren told us everything you’ve done for them... and everything you’re still doing. The way he spoke, the tone in his voice... it’s obvious both he and Yuzu absolutely adore you."
Iris blushes, a soft smile forming on her lips.
"Really? What did my little brother tell you?"
"He told me that when your parents passed away, you took everything on your shoulders. You dropped out of university to work at a maid café. You pull exhausting shifts from early morning until late at night, just to keep things afloat and make sure Ren and Yuzu can keep studying. And even then, you still insist on handling all the housework — you even get upset if you come home and find everything already done.
You’re giving up every moment of your time for them... and that’s something to be proud of."
"I don’t see anything strange about taking care of the people you love and wanting what’s best for them," Iris replies calmly.
"Though... maybe there’s a bit too much love in this house."
Her tone carries a slight edge as she says it, clearly referring to when Yuzu touched Ren intimately to calm him.
"...but I do have a succubus as a best friend, so I know that’s your way of showing affection. And it’s not my place to judge."
"Yeah, I suppose it must seem unsettling to someone outside our race. But if you think about it... what could be more beautiful than sharing your most intimate moments with the people you love most? I hear a lot of my coworkers complain about giving something as precious as their bodies too soon to someone they ended up regretting. You know, when we lost our virginity together, he was twenty and I was eighteen — we were young. And yet neither of us regrets it. If anything, it’s something we look back on with a smile. That’s because the love between brother and sister is the strongest, most intense kind there is. But I don’t need to tell you how wonderful the love between a sister and her brother can be..."
Mia flushes instantly.
"I-I have no idea what you’re talking about!"
Iris smiles at her, placing the last dish in the cupboard.
"Come on, let’s make the tea."
Meanwhile, Ren and Chris lounge on small armchairs out on the veranda, facing each other. Around them stretch rolling hills, their peaks bathed in moonlight, wrapped in complete silence.
A small table separates them, holding two empty beer bottles and an ashtray where Ren occasionally flicks the ash from his cigarette.
Zaira is perched on Chris’s lap, Yuzu on Ren’s — like two cats curled up against their owners, quietly enjoying the moment as the two absentmindedly stroke their hair.
"You’d never get a view like this in New York, huh?" Ren says, catching the way Chris stares at the calm, peaceful landscape.
"You can say that again. Now that I’ve seen what it’s like to live somewhere quiet, I’d never go back to a city that hectic."
"Tokyo’s not much better, trust me. It’s just this area that feels like a little slice of paradise. Speaking of New York... was it really just a terrorist attack? I heard they planted explosives all over the city, and that anyone who didn’t make it to the shelters died. I’m no expert, but that sounds pretty hard to believe."
"The terrorists had nothing to do with it. It was all a vampire — he was after Mia. The attack was just a cover, to explain the destruction and keep humans in the dark about creatures from other worlds."
"One vampire did all that? Damn... that actually makes more sense. You know, I almost feel stupid getting this worked up over some guy chasing me, when there’s a whole kingdom out for your sister’s head."
"Yeah... it’s not easy. But luckily, we’ve got someone strong watching over us."
"You mean your mother?"
"Yeah — Isabelle Valakys. Though most people know her as Platinum Death. Apparently she was a big deal back on Elyndra. She’s the strongest vampire there is. I’m telling you, she could wipe the floor with Raelor Valraen without even trying."
Ren just shakes his head.
"I doubt it. I don’t know how strong your mother really is, but no one can defeat Raelor. Believe me. It’s not just his raw power — he has a devastating ability called Paralysis Magic. That’s his trump card. One hit is all it takes to shut down his opponent’s mana. And without magic, even the strongest vampire is helpless."
"D-Damn... I didn’t think abilities like that even existed. Still, I’m sure no one’s truly invincible. Mia’s strong, and it might not look like it, but I’ve been getting better myself lately. Maybe we can’t beat Raelor, but if you need help with those bastards after you, just say the word. That’s what friends are for, right?"
"You’ve got enough problems already — no need to go looking for more. But... thanks. I mean it."
"Hey, you two out there! Get inside, the tea’s ready!" Mia calls from the living room.
They both start to get up, only to realize that Yuzu and Zaira have fallen asleep.