MMMS 75

Aoi slid open the wardrobe door, revealing a colorful mix of outfits. Since this was her family home, it held more than just the simple, muted tones she wore nowadays. Mixed in were plenty of bright, youthful pieces from years past—things she'd never had the heart to throw away.

Tucked in one corner, her old middle school sailor uniform still hung there, untouched.

Mrs. Tohsaka rested a finger against her chin, eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at the vibrant spread in front of her. She tilted her head, a trace of hesitation flickering across her face.

"Hmm... Maybe something a little younger-looking? Ryuuto-kun probably wouldn’t want to have dinner with someone who looks like his aunt."

She muttered the words under her breath, then reached in and pulled out a few bold dresses—bright, eye-catching, the kind that showed a little more shoulder than she usually dared. Definitely not her usual style.

In front of the full-length mirror, she held each dress up against her body one by one, squinting, comparing, frowning.

"Now that I think about it… Last time at the hotel, my underwear was so plain. That was seriously embarrassing..."

With that not-so-distant memory bubbling up, the mistress of the Tohsaka household let out a quiet sigh. Then, with the thought of "what if he sees it again?" lingering in the back of her mind, she finally began to get dressed.

That evening, the doorbell of the Zenjou residence rang.

Aoi walked gracefully to the entrance, her heels softly clicking against the floor. Tonight, she wore a cream-colored short dress that had been tucked away since her younger days—something from before marriage, before motherhood. It clung more tightly now, hugging her waist, hips, and chest in a way that almost made it feel like she was slipping into a bodysuit. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but the way it shaped her figure only emphasized the kind of beauty that came with time, not youth.

Her makeup was light, just enough to highlight her gentle features. Soft blush warmed her cheeks, and her straight, light brown hair spilled neatly down her back. Compared to her usual calm, refined appearance, there was something more mature about her tonight—an intentional charm, the quiet confidence of a woman who still wanted to be desired.

When the door slid open, she wore a gentle smile, her voice carrying a sweet note.

“Good evening, Ryuuto-kun, you—”

But the moment she caught sight of who stood beside him, her smile faltered.

Right there, clinging to his hand, was a stunning young woman who looked to be in her early twenties. Aoi blinked, her breath catching as she instinctively scanned the girl from head to toe.

She was exquisite.

Skin pale as moonlight, silver hair that shimmered like silk, and eyes glowing with a vivid crimson hue—elegant, proud, yet untouched by the world’s weight. Even without jewelry or makeup, dressed in nothing but a plain white fur coat, she radiated a presence that felt more dazzling than any ornament.

'A princess. That word... must’ve been made for someone like her.’

A sudden, cold tightness coiled in Aoi’s legs, and for a second, she felt like her knees might give.

“Good evening, Aoi-neesan!” Ryuuto released Irisviel's hand, hugged Aoi's slender waist, and skillfully buried his face in her motherly, soft valley.

A soft floral scent drifted from Aoi’s body, gently filling his senses. It was a subtle fragrance, one that made him feel oddly at ease—like he could melt into her warmth forever.

“Mm, mm. Good evening… Ryuuto-kun.” Though still unaccustomed to his bold affection, the ever-reserved Aoi couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. His enthusiasm flustered her, but deep down, she felt… happy.

She ran her fingers through his thick black hair with motherly tenderness, then looked past him. “Ryuuto-kun, and who might this be?”

Before he could speak, the girl offered a graceful smile and replied in a soft voice, “My name is Alice. I am Ryuuto’s—”

“She’s my friend!” he cut in quickly, lifting his head from Aoi’s chest. His eyes were wide and clear, completely honest, as if he’d just said the most natural thing in the world.

“Eh?” Aoi blinked.

Not a sister. Not a cousin. Not a mother figure. Just… friend?

She turned her gaze back to the silver-haired woman, taking a closer look. Elegant features, skin like porcelain, hair that shimmered under the hallway light. There was no doubt about it—this woman was stunning. Of course someone like Ryuuto would have a friend like her. Aoi quietly bit her lip, feeling something tight twist inside her chest.

“Good evening, Mrs. Tohsaka.” With practiced grace, Irisviel dipped into a formal bow, perfectly imitating the etiquette of a Western noblewoman. Her voice was sweet, smooth, almost theatrical in its poise.

As long as she wasn’t behind the wheel, she could pass as a flawless lady.

Aoi returned the gesture politely. “Good evening, Miss Alice.”

She treated her as a young, unmarried woman. But before the silence could stretch too long, Ryuuto clapped his hands together and added cheerfully, “Alice, like Aoi-neesan, has an eight-year-old daughter!”

“…Eh!?” Both Irisviel and Aoi let out a soft gasp at the same time.

Irisviel’s eyes widened in surprise. That was not something she’d expected him to reveal so casually. Aoi, on the other hand, looked between them in surprise. She hadn't even considered that this elegant, otherworldly beauty could be a mother.

"I… I see..." Aoi glanced at the two of them as they stepped inside. ‘Ryuuto-kun really is popular with married women...’ She let the thought settle, then gave a small, self-deprecating smile. ‘But I can’t blame them. Even I… I’ve grown very, very fond of this child...’

She stepped aside and gestured softly. “Anyway, please come in.”

“Yes, Mrs. Tohsaka.” Irisviel gave a polite nod, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she followed.

As the three moved together down the hallway, Aoi hesitated. Then, on a sudden impulse, she reached out and gently tugged on Ryuuto’s hand, slowing him down.

“Hmm? What is it, Aoi-neesan?”

She looked down, her lashes casting shadows over her flushed cheeks. Her fingers fidgeted with the ends of her hair as she spoke. “Um... Ryuuto-kun, could you... maybe call me by my name? Like you do with Alice?”

Her voice was quiet, uncertain—almost like a schoolgirl gathering the courage to ask for something just a little bit selfish.

He blinked, surprised by the request. Then he smiled. “Alright, Aoi.”

The sound of her name in his voice was so clear, so gentle, that it made something flutter deep inside her. Aoi’s breath hitched. Her slender shoulders trembled ever so slightly, and before she could stop herself, her thighs pressed together beneath her dress.

A strange heat welled up in her chest. She didn’t speak—couldn’t, for just that moment.

Instead, she simply held onto his hand, just a little tighter than before, as they walked side by side into the house.