The Academy cafeteria’s bustle and comforting food washed over the day’s surprises like a warm tide, drowning out all the day’s unexpected events for a while.
Under Lilian’s “kind” recommendation and Emma’s astonished gaze, Camilla managed to sweep away a third of the dessert section’s stock, in addition to finishing off two servings of charcoal-grilled beast steak and a large bowl of creamy mushroom soup.
By the time she finally patted her slightly rounded tummy with satisfaction and squinted her eyes like a contented cat, the sky outside had already turned pitch black, with stars shining clear in the night sky.
“Camilla, do you really… not need anything to help with digestion?”
Emma looked at the mountain of empty plates on the table and asked with concern.
“It’s fine, it’s fine, my stomach is connected to a Dimensional Stomach.”
Camilla waved her hand lazily, the fullness from the meal making her a little drowsy.
Lilian covered her lips with a light laugh, her pale golden eyes flickering with subtle light under the cafeteria’s gentle lamps.
Her interest in Camilla had only grown stronger.
After saying goodbye to Emma and Lilian, Camilla hugged Rimuru—who was also moving sluggishly from overeating—and slowly made her way back to the dormitory.
The night breeze was cool, blowing away some of the post-meal sleepiness, but it also made her footsteps feel even heavier.
Just as she was wondering whether to have Rimuru transform into a skateboard and carry her back, a familiar figure appeared on the garden path in front of the dorm, like a lighthouse in the night.
Ophelia stood with her arms folded, leaning against a pillar. Her ice-blue eyes were like cold stars under the moonlight, quietly watching her younger sister, who was wobbling along with every few steps.
She had clearly been waiting for a while.
“Sis?”
Camilla was a bit surprised, but then smiled.
“What are you doing here? Waiting for me?”
“Mm.”
Ophelia spoke concisely, her gaze sweeping over Camilla’s obviously overstuffed appearance, her brow furrowing ever so slightly.
“You ate too much. Aren’t you worried about gaining weight?”
“Hehe, today Princess Lilian was treating, and the new improved mana recovery potion succeeded… I just ate a tiny bit more than usual… As for getting fat, I can’t gain weight no matter how much I eat!”
Ophelia said nothing more. She simply stepped forward, bent down naturally, slid one arm under Camilla’s knees, the other supporting her back, and lifted her with a gentle strength.
“Wah!”
Camilla yelped as her sister swept her up in a perfect princess carry.
“Wait, Sis! What are you doing? Put me down! I can walk by myself! It’s so embarrassing if people see!”
Camilla’s cheeks flushed as she struggled a little, but Ophelia’s arms were as steady as a rock.
“You’re too slow. And with how much you’ve eaten, walking is bad for your stomach.”
Without a care for the few surprised glances around, she strode towards the dormitory, carrying Camilla firmly.
Rimuru hurried after them, bouncing along, its small body casting a dancing shadow in the moonlight.
Camilla felt awkward at first, but soon gave up resisting.
Her sister’s embrace was warm and steady, carrying that familiar faint cool fragrance. She relaxed, burying her face in Ophelia’s shoulder and muttering sleepily.
“Then I’ll be troubling you, Sis…”
The corners of Ophelia’s mouth seemed to curl up ever so slightly.
Back in Camilla’s single dorm room, Ophelia set her gently down on the bed, as carefully as if she were placing a fragile treasure.
Then she turned, poured a cup of warm water, and—who knows where from—produced a small bottle of Digestive Potion, handing it to Camilla.
“Drink it.”
“Oh…”
Camilla obediently took it and sipped it down. The potion’s minty coolness really did ease her stuffed stomach a lot.
Ophelia sat at the bedside, watching her finish, then reached out—awkward but attentive—to tidy Camilla’s messy hair and collar.
Her fingertips were slightly cold. When they touched Camilla’s warm skin, a tiny shiver ran through her.
“Today, did you see Lilian?”
Ophelia suddenly asked.
Camilla’s heart skipped a beat, but she acted nonchalant.
“It was nothing, we just bumped into each other and had a meal together.”
She keenly sensed that her sister seemed to be… a bit concerned about that little princess from the Royal Family?
Ophelia was silent for a moment, her ice-blue gaze fixed on Camilla.
“Royal Family members are complicated. Remember to keep your distance.”
Camilla blinked, then, suddenly playful, leaned closer to her sister and grinned.
“Are you worried I’ll be tricked? Or… are you jealous?”
Ophelia turned her head, the tips of her ears faintly red, but her tone was as calm as ever.
“Nonsense. Just a reminder. That girl’s a little two-faced. Be careful around her.”
“Got it, got it! Sis, you’re the best!”
Camilla snuggled back into bed with a smile, hugging the soft blanket, feeling her sister’s clumsy but genuine concern.
The room fell silent for a while, broken only by Rimuru’s contented “puchi” noises from its little nest in the corner.
“Camilla.”
Ophelia suddenly spoke again, her voice lower than usual, with a faint trace of hesitation.
“Mm?”
Camilla poked her head out of the blanket, looking at her sister in confusion.
Ophelia turned her face slightly, her gaze drifting to the night outside the window. Her fingers unconsciously played with the edge of the sheet—a tiny gesture betraying her inner unease.
“…Tonight,”
She paused, as if making up her mind.
“Can I stay here with you?”
“Eh?”
Camilla was startled, not quite catching on.
“…Ever since we moved to this City, it’s been so long since we slept together like when we were kids.”
She looked away a little, the flush on her ears spreading to her cheeks. Her voice was so soft it was almost a murmur.
“Of course you can! My bed’s big enough, but let’s make it clear—no stealing my blanket, and you’re not allowed to squeeze me like a pillow in your sleep!”
Camilla shifted inward, patting the empty spot beside her, her face shining with a sweet smile.
Ophelia’s eyes brightened slightly. She nodded, stood up, and began naturally unbuttoning her uniform jacket—her movements smooth, as if she’d long planned to stay the night.
If she were an ordinary girl, Camilla—who was, a long time ago, still male—might have felt shy. But she’d already seen her sister’s body countless times; it was no big deal. Besides, there wasn’t much to look at with that figure anyway.
“Are you thinking something rude?”
“Nope! Actually, Sis, you really are all muscle!”
“Do you like it?”
Wearing only a pair of bear-print panties, Ophelia slipped under the covers, grabbing Camilla’s hand and placing it on her well-toned abdomen.
“Uh…”
“Do you like it?”
“I like you no matter what, Sis.”
“…I see.”
Ophelia turned away, not letting Camilla see her reddened cheeks. In her heart, she was already considering whether to change her training methods, to keep her strength without all that muscle.
“Sleep.”
She said quietly.
“Mm. Good night, Sis.”
“Good night.”
The room finally fell completely silent, with only the two of them’s steady breathing. Rimuru glared once at Ophelia, who had taken its usual spot, then jumped into the satchel to sleep.
No one knew how much time passed before Camilla, after confirming Ophelia was sound asleep, cautiously opened her eyes.
Her ruby-red eyes now shone with a golden light.