Chapter 279: Sleeping Under One Big Quilt
What's wrong with carnivores? Seriously—nothing at all! Most people these days can't live without meat. Even monks in Japanese temples eat meat, drink sake, and still manage to take wives. The world has evolved, and so have appetites.
Meanwhile, herbivores struggle every single day—chewing grass endlessly, working tirelessly just to survive, and in the end, all they get for their effort is to be eaten by carnivores. What could be more tragic? Their entire existence feels like a cruel cosmic joke.
"Let go," Vigne huffed softly, her tone halfway between command and exasperation.
Kouya smirked faintly but released his grip on Satania's ear. The redhead sniffled, wiped the tears from her eyes, then immediately forgot all about it and went back to playing with Rikka as though nothing had happened.
"Don't bully Satania next time. She's just..." Vigne paused, her brows furrowing as she searched for a word. "...just lively, that's all."
'Lively, my ass. She's an idiot in high definition,' Kouya thought.
He didn't bother replying—just watched Vigne instead.
Fresh out of the shower, she looked radiant. Her flushed face glowed with warmth, and a single droplet of water clung to her long lashes, glinting under the light like crystal. The oversized shirt she wore hung loosely, making her slender waist look even more delicate. Beneath her graceful brows, her bright violet eyes shone clearly; her lips, slightly parted, gleamed with the kind of soft moisture that made Kouya's throat tighten.
Ah... suddenly, I really want to kiss her.
Would it feel different from that fallen angel next door?
Maybe her lips wouldn't taste like jelly—maybe more like pudding...
Wait.
I just kissed the fallen angel earlier this evening, didn't I? And now I want to kiss Vigne? Does that make me an actual two-timing bastard?
The internet always says scumbags meet their end via the legendary artifact—the kitchen knife. Is that thing an actual divine weapon? I should find out someday...
Vigne noticed his gaze lingering and the faint gleam of mischief in his eyes. Her heart skipped, and she bit her lip, taking a cautious step back.
"Y-you... turn your face away!"
She straightened her posture, feigning authority, as though that would make him obey.
'Hah. You really think I'm the kind of guy who just pounces out of nowhere? Get real. I'm totally not interested in that swan-like neck of yours, the faint lift beneath your shirt, or those smooth, pale legs pressed together under the hem... Didn't even cross my mind! Totally didn't!'
"Not turning." Kouya's tone was firm. "I'm the head of the household."
Vigne's expression froze, and then she gave him a small, pitying glance.
'What's that look supposed to mean? I am the head of the house! Don't make me prove it with house discipline!'
"I'm done talking to you." Vigne tugged at the hem of her shirt, cheeks reddening. "I'm going to Gabi-chan's room to wash my underwear."
"Mm—wait, what?"
It took a second for his brain to catch up.
Wash underwear?
Does that mean none of you are wearing any right now?!
'You've got to be kidding me! Walking around the house without underwear—are you trying to tempt fate? Aren't you worried about something slipping out of place?'
Vigne clearly caught the direction of his thoughts. Her expression sharpened, and her purple eyes narrowed dangerously. "You're imagining things. Gabi-chan's pajamas are too small for us, so we can't wear them. The underwear still fits... sort of."
She shifted her legs awkwardly—proof that "sort of" meant "barely."
Kouya pointed toward the washing machine in the corner. "You could just use that. It's literally for washing clothes."
Vigne rolled her eyes, her face turning pink. "I know what a washing machine is! But a girl's underwear isn't supposed to go in there."
"Why not? It won't clean properly?"
"It'll clean fine! But hand-washing feels more... secure."
Kouya blinked. "Does it fade or something?"
"You—" Vigne bit down on her lower lip, puffed her cheeks, and glared. "Stop asking about girl stuff already!"
...
After Vigne and the others went next door, it was finally Kouya's turn to shower. He grabbed a clean shirt and towel, sighing quietly as he walked toward the bathroom.
The day had been scorching hot, and the crowded train ride home with that fallen angel clinging to him hadn't helped. Even if he hadn't sweated much, the grime of the day clung to him like a film.
He opened the door to find the room heavy with steam. The air smelled faintly of floral body wash and the lingering sweetness of four different perfumes. Traces of warmth still radiated from the tiles, and droplets of water clung to the mirror.
Despite four girls bathing here before him, there were no cliché "benefits" like in manga. No cute underwear hanging around, no forgotten towels, no telltale pink traces of chaos. Everything was spotless.
No wonder Vigne had gone last—she'd done a full cleanup job. The floor was so clean it could probably pass for a mirror.
Kouya sighed. He hadn't expected much, but still, being treated like some lurking pervert felt unfair.
...
Once Vigne changed into fresh clothes, her "maximum defense" aura returned. She checked the clock, yawned softly behind her hand, and murmured, "It's late. Time to sleep..."
The night had deepened. Most of the building was already dark, the muffled rhythm of rain still whispering outside. Behind her, Satania and Rikka were already fighting off sleep, their eyelids drooping like tired puppies.
The group moved toward the bedroom.
The room wasn't large. The single bed inside looked comically small compared to four girls. One person? Perfect. Two? Tight. Four? Not happening.
"Shouldn't we just sleep in the living room together?" Raphiel suggested, her eyes sparkling playfully. "There's no way all of us will fit in here."
Vigne shook her head. "There are spare futons in the wardrobe. Rikka and Satania can take the bed, you can squeeze beside them, and I'll take the floor."
Raphiel pouted dramatically. "Kouya-kun, you should buy a bigger bed next time."
Kouya raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
If they weren't around, the bed would be more than enough. Why waste money on something that'd just take up space?
The angel pointed a slender finger upward. "Because only with a big bed can we all sleep under one big quilt!"
Kouya froze. Then scowled.
'Are you insane? From a biological and scientific standpoint, sleeping together like that is terrible for rest!'
Some people snore. Some kick. Some roll around like whirlwinds. Mix them all under one quilt, and it's not sleeping—it's war.
"Eh? All of us together?" Satania's eyes widened. "Perfect! I'll challenge Gabi-chan to a showdown in bed!"
Shut. Up.
'What kind of showdown are you thinking of—who can hog the blanket faster?'
At this rate, they'd probably tear the bed apart before morning.
"Satania, enough. Sleep," Vigne ordered gently. "Rikka too. You can barely stand."
"Mmm... okay..." Rikka murmured, clearly out of energy. Her ahoge drooped sadly as she climbed into bed and claimed a corner of the mattress, curling up like a kitten.
Raphiel pressed her hands together, eyes shining with mock devotion. "Kouya-kun, you're so noble—giving up your bed for us. The couch must be small and uncomfortable. If you need me to warm it up for you, I volunteer!"
Kouya didn't even look at her. "Stop. No. Goodbye."
Raphiel gasped dramatically. "Denied three times... You've become cruel, Kouya-kun!"
He ignored her.
"Oh, woe is me! Not only did I take your bed, I can't even help you with something so small! Truly, I'm a sinful woman..." she lamented, pressing a hand to her forehead.
'Yeah, right. You just want me to agree in front of everyone so you can tease me later,' Kouya thought grimly.
Vigne sighed, massaging her temples. "Raphiel, just sleep. Please."
Among them all, the scheming angel was the hardest to manage. When she started spinning her little tricks, no one could stop her.
Raphiel giggled, sticking out her tongue playfully. "Yes, yes, I'll behave."
Vigne brought a folded quilt to Kouya, holding it out with both hands. "Here. The rain's stopped, but it's still cool tonight. Cover yourself when you sleep on the couch—you'll catch a chill otherwise."
Kouya took it, suppressing a sigh.
'I'm supposed to be the man of the house, yet all of them are sleeping comfortably in the bedroom while I'm banished to the couch. My authority is a joke now! My title means nothing!'
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