As the droplets of water fell from Kai's fingers, a sudden cold presence filled the room. The air grew tense as Ryoko's head maid, a tall figure with a severe bun and sharp eyes, stepped into the washing area. Her gaze was like the edge of a blade, cutting directly at Kai.
Kai, sensing her scornful approach, didn't bother with formalities. "Yo, what's up? Got something to say?" He spoke casually, his modern-day lingo clearly out of place in this medieval setting.
The head maid's eyebrows arched in surprise, her lips curling in a sneer. "Such strange language, young master. It's hardly fitting for someone of your station. And here I thought the rumors of your peculiar behavior were exaggerated."
Kai shrugged, not in the mood to engage in a battle of words. "Just being me. Got a problem with that?" His tone, light and filled with Gen-Z nonchalance, contrasted sharply with the heavy atmosphere the maid brought with her.
Kai, no longer willing to let the head maid's accusations go unchallenged, turned to face her, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and genuine curiosity. "Why would you say something like that? Why claim I harmed Ryoko when I've done no such thing?"
The head maid, looking momentarily taken aback by his direct confrontation, regained her composure. "Because you did," she stated flatly, her gaze unwavering.
Kai's eyes narrowed, the implication of her words not lost on him. "If I'd physically assaulted her, she'd be bedridden, wouldn't she?" he retorted, his tone growing colder.
The head maid smirked slightly, realizing Kai had fallen into her narrative trap. "Not all harm is physical, young master," she said cryptically, the hint of a malicious smile playing on her lips.
The head maid's eyes glinted with an unsettling mixture of triumph and disdain. "It's clear what I mean, isn't it? An act far more... intimate," she hissed, every word dripping with implication.
Kai's face flushed with a mix of anger and disbelief. "If I had done anything of that sort, don't you think Ryoko would've told our mother right there in the dining room?" His voice was raised, the very suggestion offending him to his core.
The head maid, fueled by some unknown vendetta or twisted sense of duty, took a menacing step closer, her voice low and threatening. "You think because you're the heir, you can escape the consequences of your actions? Believe that just because she didn't voice it loudly, she wasn't affected? Or that you can simply molest her without repercussions?" Her words, charged with venom, were a slap, carrying with them a heavy warning.
"I don't get what you are saying. She is a kid why I would molest her " He replied
Kai said as he refused to accept it.
Kai, feeling the weight of the confrontation, made a hasty exit. He needed space, a moment to breathe and process. Pushing open a nearby door, he found himself on a balcony, the expansive view offering a temporary escape from the suffocating atmosphere inside. The horizon stretched out, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the shadows of the evening beginning their slow creep. Kai took in a deep breath, the cool evening air filling his lungs. As he exhausted.
"Onii-chan," she said, her voice soft and tinged with curiousness. The title, simple yet filled with affection, was like a balm to Kai's agitated soul
"You alright?" she asked, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her dress.
Kai managed a weak smile, appreciating her presence and concern. "Yeah," he replied, "Just... needed some fresh air, you know?"
"You shouln't mind what Euphy says...she hate you after all" She says while raising her head a little.
Kai, taking a deep breath, decided to confront the issue head-on, even though it was difficult. "Ryoko... did I... rape you?" His voice was blunt, the weight of the word hanging heavily between them.
Ryoko blinked, a flash of confusion crossing her face. "What...? What does that even mean?"
Realizing she might not comprehend the full implication of the term, Kai rephrased, his voice filled with concern. "Did I... hurt you? Physically, I mean?"
Ryoko's eyes widened in realization, "Oh! No, Onii-chan! You've never hurt me. Not ever." She looked earnestly into his eyes,
Kai, with a furrowed brow and eyes filled with pain, asked, "Why do they say I've... defiled you? Used you? I mean, family doesn't hurt each other, right?" There was a desperate undertone to his voice, as if pleading for reassurance against a dark reality he couldn't accept.
Ryoko hesitated for a moment, searching Kai's eyes for understanding. Taking a deep breath, she began, "You didn't do anything wrong, Onii-chan. Remember that day you... umm..."
Ryoko hesitated just a moment, lifting her hands in a gentle, mimicking motion, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "You touched my chest once, saying it was to help them grow. You did it because you cared, right?" She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with innocence and trust. "You never hurt me as they speak....They are just bullies" She replied with smile in her face
Kai's face turned dark
Ryoko quickly added, "But you didn't harm me, Onii-chan. It was just... playful. We're family. And family trusts each other."
Kai looked at her, the weight of the situation evident in his eyes. The line between innocence and impropriety was thin, and crossing it, even unknowingly, had consequences. He grappled with the truth and the perceptions of others, wishing for a healthy relationship.
Kai reached out, his fingers gently brushing Ryoko's raven-black hair, then settling into a rhythmic, tender petting motion. Ryoko's eyes widened for a moment before they slowly closed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. With a slight tilt of her head, she leaned into his touch, a soft, almost inaudible sigh escaping her lips. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress, conveying a mix of comfort and shyness.
Kai, with a twinkle in his eyes, said, "Let's play lots of games, okay? Just you and me. Some sibling bonding time. I really want to spend more time with you."
Ryoko's eyes sparkled with delight. Without a word, she raised both her arms high, her motions exuding pure excitement. A soft giggle escaped her lips, "How about chess, Onii-chan? I always wanted to play but you say it's boring" The playful challenge evident in her voice.
e4 e5
Kai (White) moves his king's pawn two spaces forward, and Ryoko (Black) mirrors the move. It's a common opening called the "Open Game".
Nf3 Nc6
Kai advances his knight in front of his king's pawn. Ryoko moves her knight in front of her queen's pawn.
Bc4 Bc5
Kai moves his bishop to target the f7 pawn, a weak point in Black's defense. Ryoko positions her bishop in a symmetrical manner.
Nc3 Nf6
Kai develops his other knight. Ryoko places her second knight to defend her e5 pawn.
O-O O-O
Both sides castle for king safety.
d3 h6
Kai makes a quiet pawn move, and Ryoko advances a pawn to prevent any of Kai's pieces from coming to g5.
Be3 Bxe3
Kai offers a bishop trade, and Ryoko accepts.
fxe3 Ng4
Kai takes back with the pawn, opening up his rook's file. Ryoko's knight jumps into an aggressive position.
Qe2 d6
Kai moves his queen to defend the e3 pawn. Ryoko solidifies her center.
h3 Nf6
Kai pushes a pawn to kick Ryoko's knight back, and she retreats it.
Rad1 Be6
Kai places his rook opposite Ryoko's queen. Ryoko develops her bishop.
Bxe6 fxe6
Kai decides to trade his bishop for Ryoko's. Ryoko captures back with her pawn, opening up the f-file for her rook.
d4 Nh5
Kai pushes his pawn, trying to challenge the center. Ryoko's knight jumps to the side, eyeing some potential squares.
dxe5 Ng3
Kai captures the pawn in the center. Ryoko's knight jumps into a more aggressive square, delivering a fork between Kai's queen and rook.
Qf2 Rxf3
Kai moves his queen out of the threat. Ryoko captures Kai's knight with her rook.
Qxf3 Nxf1
Kai takes Ryoko's rook, and Ryoko captures Kai's rook with her knight.
exd6 Nd2
Kai captures a pawn, threatening to promote his pawn soon. Ryoko moves her knight, preparing to create threats of her own.
Qf2 Qxd6
Kai repositions his queen for defense. Ryoko brings her queen into the game, setting her sights on Kai's king.
Nb5 Qh2#
Kai tries to create threats with his knight, but Ryoko delivers a checkmate with her queen.
Kai realizes that he's been checkmated. The path of the game highlights Ryoko's understanding of chess, especially her ability to create and capitalize on threats.
Kai leaned back, both surprised and impressed. "You're amazing at this, Ryoko. Seems I have a lot to learn." He chuckled, appreciating the time they spent together even if he lost the game.
Ryoko delicately positioned the chess pieces back in their starting spots, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You know, onii-chan, winning's fun and all, but..."
Kai raised an eyebrow, urging her on.
Her gaze lingered on the board, the pawns and knights seeming to reflect the memories of their match. "Playing with you? It's... different. Better. Even if I lose all our future games, I'd still want to keep playing."
Kai, noticing the genuine warmth in her eyes and the slight tremble in her fingers as they touched the pieces, smiled softly. "Guess I've got a lot more losing to look forward to then."
Ryoko's cheeks tinted a faint pink, her fingers fidgeting with a chess piece. "It's just practice, onii-chan. But... thank you," she murmured, her eyes shining with a mix of pride and gratitude. The playful glint in her eye returned as she added, "Maybe next time, you'll stand a chance."
Kai grinned, playfully ruffling her hair. "Challenge accepted. I'll definitely beat you one day."
She giggled, swatting his hand away. "Dream big, onii-chan." Their laughter echoed in the room, a simple yet profound testament to the strengthening bond between the two