“Onii-chan, come here for a minute.” (Illuna)
Illuna suddenly sat upright and said as she tapped the floor opposite her.
I did what she asked me to do and sat down in front of her.
Somehow, I was made to sit in seiza as well.
(T/N: Seiza is the formal, traditional way of sitting in Japan.)
“Um, what’s going on, Illuna-san?” (Yuki)
“Listen, Onii-chan. I have something to say to you now.” (Illuna)
“Wha, what is it? What did I do wrong?” (Yuki)
Illuna, who was looking serious, started speaking in a more serious tone than usual.
“I know that you are very busy right now, Onii-chan. I know that you have many problems and that you have a lot of work to do every day. I also know that you are tired.” (Illuna)
“But right now, you are also giving us trouble.” (Illuna)
Then I understood what Illuna wanted to talk about and straightened my posture.
“The ladies…not only Lefi and Lyuu, but also others… They don’t want to burden Onii-chan with that kind of thing, so they never say anything themselves.” (Illuna)
I just responded to her.
“So, Onii-chan, I think you should spend a little more time with everyone, individually. I know that Onii-chan really cares about everyone, but right now, I think it would be better to show that with a proper attitude. On the other hand, I think it’s okay for Onii-chan to spoil them to the fullest.” (Illuna)
Illuna was a girl who could see and notice everything around her very well.
So for her to go out of her way to call out to me and say this…that must mean it’s a situation where I should do as she says.
I was also concerned about my wives, asking them how they were feeling, what they wanted me to do, and so on.
I was doing my best, but I guess it was not enough.
Sure, I’ve been busy lately.
But that was no excuse.
Because I was their only husband.
It may have sounded like I was being forced into doing it, but it didn’t change the fact I had responsibilities to fulfill as a husband.
“…Well, yes. I will. Thanks, it’s…helpful…to say that kind of thing well in advance….” (Yuki)
“Mmm. It’s okay. We’re family. I’m just a kid who can’t do anything without you guys, so I can at least look out for you guys.” (Illuna)
…I guess the reason they said they were going to cook dinner by themselves was probably because they noticed our current situation and decided to help.
“? What’s wrong?” (Illuna)
“No…I was just thinking that Illuna has really taken on the role of a big sister.” (Yuki)
“Oh, don’t be so mean! I’m the one who usually watches over Shii, Enne, Rei, Rui, and Ro, and they usually do whatever they want, right?” (Illuna)
“Sorry, sorry. I am just thinking that I can count on you.” (Yuki)
I smiled and apologized to Illuna, who was adorably angry with me.
My girls were all free spirits.
Shii and the Wraith Girls went without saying.
Even Enne, who seemed to be quiet, had a clear will and would proceed with whatever she decided to do without worrying about others.
And it was Illuna who was keeping these girls together, who would go wherever they wanted if left alone.
“Okay. I’ll look to have time for each of them alone, say thank you, and indulge them.” (Yuki)
“Hmm, that’s a good idea! It’s now or never, so you have to take care of it.” (Illuna)
Those were wise words.
I should keep them in my heart.
Even if Illuna was a child, she was no longer a little girl who needed us to take care of her from beginning to end.
She could think things through and reason with her own mind.