It had been a week since Esdeath brought Yoshino back to the mansion.
During that week, the situation in the Imperial Capital had been anything but calm.
Perhaps because the plan to take Yoshino had failed, Night Raid had begun acting more frequently, stirring the waters of the capital into greater chaos. The upper class of the city, already on edge, was becoming even more anxious.
In just this short span of a week, five merchants, nobles, and officials—people with recognizable names—had been assassinated by Night Raid. It seemed as though every night, another prominent figure was killed in the outer city.
But in contrast to Night Raid's aggression, Esdeath, who had recently returned from the frontier and was tasked with eliminating them, made no move at all.
All of her original plans to deal with Night Raid were shelved. Even the Three Beasts, whom she had planned to dispatch, remained idle in the General's Mansion without taking any action.
The reason was quite obvious.
News spreads fast. The story of General Esdeath finding her younger sister, who had been missing for eight years, had quickly become the talk of the upper echelons of the capital.
Previously, Esdeath search for Yoshino had been carried out in secret. Even the wanted posters distributed to city guards only included a portrait, without revealing the identity of the person. Whether in the northern barbarian cities or elsewhere, the search was entrusted only to people she could trust. As a result, many were hearing for the first time that the great General Esdeath of the Empire had a younger sister.
To the noble class, this was huge news.
With various motivations in mind, nearly every notable figure in the capital tried to invite Yoshino to their banquets.
But Esdeath rejected every single invitation outright.
Though she was certain that if Yoshino debuted in high society, she would become the Empire's most dazzling diamond, Esdeath had no intention of exposing her sister to such a seemingly glamorous but inwardly filthy environment.
She had no interest in politics, nor in noble socializing.
Moreover, considering Yoshino current condition, she was in no state to attend any banquets at all.
Ignoring Night Raid and uninterested in entertaining the nobles' invitations, Esdeath spent almost all her time building a relationship with her sister.
Though they were still far from regaining the close bond they once had, Esdeath could feel Yoshino perception of her improving day by day.
At the very least, Yoshino was no longer completely unresponsive like a doll.
Today, as usual, Esdeath was taking care of her sister.
Midday, General's Mansion, Dining Room.
The grand dining room was furnished with a rectangular table and luxurious chairs. The table was covered with an embroidered velvet and fine linen tablecloth. Each seat was set with elegant silverware, porcelain, and crystal glasses.
Though it was just a lunch for two, the table was filled with over a dozen exquisite dishes, each made from the finest ingredients and crafted by top-tier chefs. Just the sight of the food was enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Fresh seafood platters were paired with lemon and herb butter, juicy and refreshing. Crisp salads were topped with fresh vegetables and fruits, drizzled with a special vinaigrette that made them even more vibrant.
Perfectly roasted tender steak with a golden crispy crust was accompanied by a fragrant mushroom cream sauce.
Beside the steak was a rich risotto mixed with seasonal roasted vegetables, emitting a delicious aroma with every bite.
To cater to various tastes, the table also included numerous side dishes and snacks, such as roasted potatoes, baked cheesy pasta, red wine braised chicken thighs, and garlic lentils. A bread basket held a variety of freshly baked breads.
"Do you like today's meal?"
Esdeath hasn't touched her own equipment yet. Instead, she smiled as she watched Yoshino chewing quickly like a little bunny.
Normally expressionless and still, Yoshino was now eagerly stuffing her mouth with food, her eyes sparkling.
When she heard Esdeath question, she swallowed her bite and gave a thumbs up in response.
"That's good to hear."
Esdeath smile deepened, her eyes full of affection.
She had never noticed before, but it turned out her little sister was quite the foodie.
But it made sense—whether in the tribe or in Tam Village, the living conditions were harsh, and good food was rare.
After discovering Yoshino apparent love for delicious meals, Esdeath began ordering a variety of highly praised imperial dishes every day to win her sister's favor.
And it turned out to be a great decision.
During meals, Yoshino emotions were far more expressive than at any other time.
"Really, thank you, Miss Esdeath, for letting Yoshino eat and drink for free every day like this."
Though Yoshino continued eating, it was Yoshinon who spoke without stopping.
"This week of constant feasting must've cost quite a bit, right?"
"Money isn't a problem. Spending money on family is the most natural thing in the world. You don't need to feel any burden," Esdeath replied nonchalantly. "Besides, I'm a general of the Empire. I've received more rewards than I can count, and I have very few personal expenses. If not for Yoshino, I'd just be distributing it to my soldiers."
"Miss Esdeath really is a kind and considerate commander."
"You flatter me."
Esdeath pulled a napkin from the box, folded it a few times, and gently wiped the sauce from Yoshino cheek.
"Whether I'm a good general or not doesn't mean much to me. What I truly want… is to be a good sister in Yoshino eyes."
Yoshino didn't resist the affectionate gesture.
Her cheeks only reddened slightly.
She exchanged a glance with Yoshinon, as if confirming something. Then she put down her tools and looked at Esdeath. "What is it?"
Esdeath noticed that Yoshino seemed to have something to say, and a trace of surprise and excitement crossed her face.
Although they'd spent time together and Yoshino no longer resisted physical contact, she had never actively tried to communicate with Esdeath before.
Now, it seemed she was finally ready to speak.
To Esdeath, this was a huge step forward in their relationship.
"Re…turn gift…"
Although the voice was very soft, Esdeath clearly heard her sister's words.
It wasn't the sharp, comical voice of Yoshinon, but the soft, ethereal, childlike voice from her memories.
"Miss Esdeath… what would you like?"