"I'm exhausted little brother, I need to recharge!~ ♡"
My demon sister pounced onto me like a feral cat, pawing her hands lovingly at my cheeks. Her entire body pressed on top of me as she made a sound of satisfaction.
"How's your campaign?" I smiled as she held me in her loving embrace. For some reason, it felt like my big sister was working a nine to five job.
"V!"
She grinned and made a V-sign of victory with her index and middle fingers.
Although I ask about her conquest every night, she never dives into explicit detail. Tacitly, I knew from her facial expressions that she did not want to burden me with her difficulties. Knowing my position in this world, I doubt a human could help her in battle.
"Well done big sister."
She smiled at my compliment and blinked drowsily.
To think Amae was this dedicated to actualizing our dream of being rulers, I could not even bear to imagine how exhausted she must be by now. And here I was, lounging at home leisurely while she burdened herself with a worldly task.
I heard soft breathing.
"Seems like you fallen asleep again," I caressed her head and admired her cute sleeping face. The soft strands of her silky black hair fell between my fingers.
You've been working so hard for us, big sister.
And now it's my turn.
♦ ♦ ♦
Whenever Amae fought on the frontlines, a catgirl maid called Neko was assigned to take care of me. She was the head servant of the feline race within the palace, also known as the Guardians.
"Where would you like to go after breakfast, milord?"
I chuckled nervously, still not used to the formality.
"Can you call me something else...?"
Neko shooked her head and bowed deeply, depicting her absolute loyalty, "That would be rude to the partner of my most exalted master. As her subordinate, it's only expected to address my superior properly."
I sighed. Everyone in the palace acted in a presumptuous manner. Although the monsters respected me, there were a few who doubted my position. One of them was Warwick — the offensive general in my sister's army.
Still, I had it with the potato soup here. It tasted plain, bland and reminded me of the trash cafeteria food back at school.
"Neko, where's the kitchen? I want to make something edible."
♦ ♦ ♦
"Are you making a potion for Lord Amae?"
One could almost see the question mark appear on top of Neko's head.
"Not exactly," I said, walking into the main pantry, surprised by the number of fresh ingredients available — all neatly labeled and sectioned. "I am cooking something hearty that will help alleviate her stress."
"A-meow-zing, I did not know such recipe existed," Neko nodded in reverence as if that was something deserving of praise.
It's insane how no one here knows how to cook.
That potato soup was literally just water and poorly-sliced potato...
"In my world, food is the way to people's heart," I washed my hands and began kneading the dough. "I used to be a chef so I want to lessen her weary heart through what I know best."
Neko placed her paws on her cheek while her kitty ears wiggled.
"S-sho cute~," I turned around as Neko cleared her throat and returned to her usual voice. "If that is what milord want, then we shall dedicate our fullest to help."
With a thunderous clap, several catgirl maids promptly arrived into the kitchen. Their pristine coordination and swift movements were so immaculate that I wondered if they were waiting for orders nearby.
"Everyone, we will help milord create the PURR-fect meal!"
"Nyah!~" The catgirls raised their paws in the air and meowed in unison.
I have an idea.
This might work.
♦ ♦ ♦
The Commanders rested in the main hall as I walked out with a freshly-cooked bowl of udon. Instantly, all eyes pressed on me, tracing the aromatic smell.
"Little brother," Amae noticed my presence and beamed brightly. "Something smells extremely delicious!"
"Big sister, you seem so tired recently and I wanted to do something to help you feel better. So um, I made you a meal."
Her whole body twinkled as if the exhaustion inside her was instantly swayed away by the phrase made you a meal...
"Please be careful, it's hot."
My heart thumped loudly as she nodded and slurped the noodles.
I hope she likes it.
My big sister's eye sparkled in merriment as she continued to devour my homecooked meal ravenously.
Yay, I'm so happy!
"I also made extras," I nodded at the catgirls, who swiftly brought additional bowls to the Commanders. Seeing their master's elated expression, they quickly followed through.
"T-This is truly amazing."
"The taste... so extravagant!"
"How does such small meal have such plentiful flavor?"
As the entire hall erupted into boisterous conviviality, my anxiety slowly vanished while I let out a resounding sigh.
I guess food does really bring everyone together.
"That was absolutely delicious-! I'm so happy you made me food."
My big sister embraced me tightly from behind. And for some reason, everyone began cheering as she placed her chin above my head. Instead of feeling afraid like usual, I felt proud.
As my big sister turned me around and gently kissed my forehead, she said in a dulcet voice:
"I hope I can continue to eat your cooking."
"Of course, thank you for working so hard lately."
"Fufufu... Now I have something to look forward to every night! I feel like I can conquer the world even faster now~"
It was as if a new burst of motivation emitted in Amae. She seemed to be glowing in golden happiness as she sprouted her black feathery wings majestically.
Suddenly, the wolf general named Warwick marched up to the stairs. Fearing his presence, I dashed to the side of my big sister and eyed him carefully.
To my surprise, he kneeled on one knee and bowed in deep reverence.
No way...
Is this a dream?
"I was wrong about you," Warwick stated, "It was I who truly lacked insight. It seems that there is still a lot I do not know about the world. I thank you humbly for this palatable meal. You are truly a culinary magician."
"I-it's okay," I stuttered, "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Please forgive me, along with a few that doubted you."
Three Commanders stepped forward and bowed down in unison, prostrating apologetically in front of my presence.
What should I do?
All eyes pressed on me and waited for my answer.
Should I act like a superior and reprimand...?
"Just be yourself!"
A familiar voice whispered inside my mind while I noticed a slight wink from Amae. With a deep breath, I said:
"I forgive you all. I may be new to this world but I promise I will do my best. So please keep continuing to support our dream of being rulers."
"What a humble spirit," Warwick nodded nobly as the others clapped for my speech.
My big sister urged me forward and placed her hands above my shoulder, signaling that she was here if I needed her. Feeling secure from her touch and I fitted in for the first time, that was when I announced with the widest smile on my face.
"Who here want seconds?"