Because of this awkward situation, we couldn't look at each other, much less clearly think straight.

My mom was even more excited than the two of them at this strange behavior of ours. And as the three of them talked about worldly things, most of the things being BS in this situation, their eyes never left us.

My first aunt was calmly smiling while preparing this delicious tea and our futile attempt to have each other's hand under the table was easily seen through by her.

Even my second aunt... even though she felt that we had already had enough of this, we were just too nostalgic and entertaining for her to let go just yet.

Zoe was doing her work properly, and even though I asked her, actually begged her to just let us do it for a while, she politely declined, saying she has made a secret deal with the three ladies.

Unknown to all these schemes even while knowing the distinct feels of each of us right now, my pure innocent Anna just poured tea, milk, and water to her dear guests.

'You are using her party aunts... this isn't too much fun, ok? At least... don't do this to us...'

I looked genuinely pitiful right now, and Rein could see that despite her own troubles.

This was a trail for her from these ladies who all had 'loved' in their own way, and they wanted to see what she will do in these kinds of situations.

And naturally, because I understood this, just like they knew I would, I couldn't even do anything in this situation.

I was in the middle, sacrificing myself for good and evil.

Now, the executioner, my dear friend Rein, had all the power to decide what she wanted.

They cared about me, as much as their own children, and that was even more of the reason to do what they were doing.

I knew this was just the first time, not that I would know when they will be satisfied with this 'bride test' of theirs.

It was just their fun, and it was with her... I shouldn't have anything to do with this in normal situations.

But here, I also wanted to see what she would do even if I had to endure these stupid things.

It was actually hilarious if one thought about it...

They helped her dress up this well, prepared these amazing things, prepared my own clothes, and set this tea party.

It actually should have been a time to have some fun, talk about things we usually don't, and enjoy our time.

But because this situation was this perfectly set up, who would think the two young people who liked each other couldn't even simply hold hands, much less talk lovely things?

Our spectacular appearance made things worse, so, in the end, all I could do now was wait until Rein somehow grasp the situation and... well, that would be enough.

If this girl, who was also oblivious to their schemes, could just clear up her head a bit and think about it... I already knew what kind of decision she would make.

I even knew what her first words would be in that kind of situation.

But this dead shot gaze of theirs... just like the folk of ferocious hunter birds, watching over the couple prays they had left to grow with an evil smile... well, I went too dramatic but they sure were enjoying this.

It was a fact that she looked fiiiiiiiine~ and things will be difficult in the future when we have to dress like this in official gatherings, if we couldn't get over this deep desire for skinship... hand holding should fit this line better.

'Well, anyway... tea is nice. The cake is delicious too~.'

I continued my perfect acting which wasn't coming out so perfectly in this situation and in this particular setting, before these experienced people.N0vel--Biin hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

Some time passed since then, not much though, just a few minutes. An hour from the very start of this tea party and ten minutes since I ate my first piece of cake.

From the looks of things, Rein had thought things through and had now grasped the situation.

She had been mostly looking down, avoiding eye contact and talking as less as she can, as if actually feard by them, but now, she was looking into all their eyes with a calm smile on her face.

She definitely took longer, not that I would blame the girl who had been oblivious to this scheme in the first place.

But after she saw the fake calmness on my face, sensed the desire, tension, anger, and reluctance, and deeply thought about everything from the start from her true 'Reinelle' point of view, which was that 'difficult to handle' one, she came to the slow realization.

She was enlightened at that moment, understanding that there existed family members like these who cared about someone so much they would even do something like this... though with pure intention and for fun at the end.

She wasn't angry right now, this was actually funny when thinking about it.

The three of them already knew this was funny, but they were also serious to see what she would do.

She was smiling calmly at them right now, both with eyes and a smile.

Three of them were also smiling at her, calm and happy but actually serious.

I was free from the moment I knew that she had realized that, so I was just looking forward to hearing what she will say.

Anna was chuckling, Taika was drinking her third bowl of milk even though mom had taken her in her lap for a while to play a while ago, clover was just sleeping there, knowing things were alright and nothing to worry about, and Mr. Rice didn't have anything to do in this complicated situation.

So, the four ladies were looking at each other, Rein asking with her calm eyes that now that she knew, if she could hold hands.

And they just smiled blankly in reply, clearly meaning try it if you can.

Zoe's work was only to prevent the hands from becoming one with each other under the table, so... it was simple what she will do now.

And as I had expected, the first words to come out of her mouth at the end of this complicated situation...

"Well, ladies... fuck this shit."

And without caring, she grabbed my hand on the table and interlocked our fingers, clearly claiming me for eternity.