The Sekirei’s Covenant

"Um… Sora, I… I want to tell you something."

"What is it? Go ahead, Yuri. There's nothing you should feel shy about between us."

"Well… this weekend, do you have time? I… I want to invite you to my house."

"Huh… to your house? That's not a problem, but Yuri, are you okay? This doesn't seem like you!"

"Ugh… it's… it's my mother. She said I've been acting strange lately and asked me what's going on, so I told her…"

"Hahaha, so you told your mother about us, right? Well, well, so I'm going to meet my future mother-in-law? I better prepare well then!"

"Sora!!!"

…

Recalling Yuri's shy and adorable expression when she invited him to her house at school, Sora still wanted to laugh. But after all, this was his first time meeting his future mother-in-law, so he had to prepare properly.

In the room, Sora stood in front of the mirror in a brand-new, well-fitted suit, letting Erica fuss over him. It might be hard to believe, but he was actually a little nervous!

It had to be said, Sora was quite good-looking. Buttoning up his shirt and adjusting his collar, even Erica couldn't help but nod in approval, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

"My King, do you want me to go with you?"

Erica wrapped her slender, fair arms around Sora's neck, smiling mischievously.

Compared to her youthful, spirited self, Erica now exuded a mature and alluring charm. Her baby-smooth skin seemed to glow with an enticing luster, making one want to take a bite.

Well, it was the result of someone's diligent "nourishment" these days…

"You little rascal, are you going with me to cause trouble?!"

Sora knocked on Erica's head, who was clearly teasing him, and sighed helplessly.

"Hahaha… what a pity. I won't get to see Yuri's shy and adorable expressions."

Erica laughed, her face full of regret as she started to show her mischievous side again.

"Shizuka, I'm going to Yuri's house. Don't wait for me for lunch."

As Sora and Erica left the room, he called out to Shizuka, who was tidying up the house in her pure white apron.

"Damn it, Onii-chan! You even went after Senpai! You better never come back!"

Seeing Sora, who was full of energy, Shizuka-chan's eyes flashed with a strange light, but then she angrily kicked Sora, made a face, and ran into the kitchen.

Shizuka-chan already knew about the relationship between Sora and Yuri. At first, she was furious, thinking that her older brother was becoming more and more depraved and evil!

She had tried to save him, but after repeated failures, Shizuka-chan finally realized that this guy was beyond redemption!

"That Shizuka brat has been getting more and more outrageous lately. It seems I need to find some time to discipline her!"

Not really angry, Sora stroked his chin and thought to himself.

Hmm, discipline… that feels somewhat familiar…

"Athena, since you have time today, why don't you stay at home and learn cooking with Arianna?"

"Even though you've lost your divine powers, you're still a goddess. It's not right for you to laze around all day. Don't slack off; I'll check on you when I get back. If you don't complete the task, you won't get any allowance for the next three days."

Looking at Athena, who was sitting on the couch munching on chocolate and watching TV, Sora spoke.

Ever since he brought this loli goddess home, he had been providing for her, buying her delicious snacks and treats. Although she was becoming more and more qualified as his cuddle buddy, she still needed to do some work!

"Hmph!"

With a twitch of her eye and a cold snort, Athena turned her head away.

"Damn it, Kusanagi Sora! Just you wait! One day, I'll regain my freedom, and then…"

Athena-chan secretly vowed in her heart, but she understood the principle of not provoking trouble when it's not necessary. She got up from the couch and headed towards the kitchen.

Of course, Athena had no intention of actually learning how to cook. How could she, a noble goddess, stoop to doing such mundane tasks?

As for that damn Kusanagi Sora's task, Athena didn't care at all. How could such a trivial matter trouble her, who was known for her wisdom? She would just have that human maid do it for her!

Hmm, that little maid seemed quite in awe of her divine self, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Actually, there wasn't much else to do. After casually giving a few instructions to the girls at home, Sora set off, accompanied by Erica and the maid, Arianna.

He carried two gift boxes that Erica had prepared for his future in-laws. Sora didn't know what was inside, but given Erica's taste, it probably wasn't bad.

As for the gift for Yuri, Sora naturally had to prepare it himself. Initially, he was quite confident, but when it came time to choose, he found that nothing seemed quite right. Yuri was a simple girl, and those elegant, expensive items didn't match her personality. Plus, she would probably lecture him about it.

Forget it, he would just buy a bouquet of flowers. Although it might seem a bit old-fashioned, it was the most suitable choice.

Location: Shrine—

Yuri, as the high-ranking shrine maiden protecting the Kanto region, came from a family whose lineage dated back to the Edo period. Like other magicians and curse users, this was a bloodline inheritance. After all, the probability of an ordinary person developing spiritual abilities was extremely low, let alone someone like Yuri, who possessed special abilities.

Shichiyou Shrine was Yuri's home, a serene and ancient place. Climbing up the hundreds of stone steps, Sora looked at the completely traditional architecture before him and nodded. Only such a place could nurture a girl with the traditional temperament like Yuri.

Knowing that he was coming, Yuri, dressed in her shrine maiden attire, was already waiting for him. From a distance, Sora could see the shy yet expectant expression on the girl's face, and a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

However, to Sora's surprise, there was another petite figure standing beside Yuri—a cute girl of about eleven or twelve, who bore some resemblance to Yuri.

The girl was holding onto Yuri's arm and looking around, her lively and innocent eyes darting back and forth.

"Is she Yuri's relative? Why haven't I heard her mention it before…"

Sora muttered to himself, puzzled, but he didn't pay much attention to it.

"Yuri, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Waving to Yuri from a distance, Sora smiled.

"Sora!!!"

Although a bit shy, Yuri's face lit up with joy upon hearing Sora's voice, and she ran over excitedly with the girl beside her.

"Onii-sama, it's great! I finally get to see you!"

Yuri's delicate body seemed a bit weak, but the lively girl beside her ran ahead. To Sora's astonishment, the little girl immediately hugged him and called him "Onii-sama," appearing even more excited than Yuri!

"Yuri, who is she…"

Looking at Yuri, who had finally caught up, Sora asked, puzzled.

But before Yuri could answer, the girl once again took the initiative—

"Hello, Demon King-sama! I'm Hikari, Yuri-nee-sama's younger sister, and I'm also a miko!"

"Tehehe, it's great! Now I don't have to worry about my slow sister anymore, and I have an Onii-sama too!"

With a face full of joy and excitement, the girl clung to Sora's arm, showing great affection.

A glint of light flashed in Sora's eyes. Now that the girl mentioned it, he could sense a peculiar curse power emanating from her. Although it was still quite weak and different from Yuri's spiritual sight, this ability seemed somewhat special…

Moreover, she was Yuri's younger sister, which made her his sister-in-law! He had no idea before!

"Hikari, let go of Sora! Don't be rude!"

The shy Yuri blushed at her sister's words but still tried to pull her back.

"No, no! I finally have an Onii-sama; I won't let go!"

Still tightly clinging to Sora's arm, the girl called Hikari hid behind Sora and made a playful face at Yuri.

Stroking his chin, Sora looked at Yuri, who was blushing and fuming but helpless against her lively and mischievous sister, and thought to himself that Yuri must have a hard time at home too…