This Villainess Shall Vow to Live Humbly and Frugally this Time Around

Three: I'm Home... Once Again...

The limousine pulled up on the very front of the Kouzuki mansion. I stood in awe at the front door. I knew I shouldn't be surprised. I lived here before. I just didn't realize just how big it actually was.

As Rukako, I lived in a small apartment with my mom and my grandma. It was small, it had no proper heating and it had only one bedroom but I always felt warm inside it. Mom and grandma made it a warm and happy home despite its imperfections.

In my previous memories as Akina, living in this huge, perfect mansion had always felt cold. It's residents only eating together once or twice a month, maybe a week if there's more luck involved. People coming and going without even greeting each other. A family each living on their own despite living together. It happened gradually as I became older.

Maybe this time would be different. Maybe this time I could make it different. Maybe this time it could be warmer.

"Oi, Akina, you look like you haven't seen the mansion in forever."

"It felt like forever to me, Natsume-nii especially when you and Haruto-nii-sama were in school and I'm left at the hospital all alone."

"...Oh... W-Well, that won't happen anymore! You're back now and we can play video games! And... and... and video games... yeah... and... don't be sad... be happy again, Akina..." Natsume-nii has become a downtrodden puppy.

Kami-sama, I'm so sorry, I have greatly sinned.

I patted Natsume's head. I'm so sorry, my cute innocent puppy-I mean, dear brother. Your little sister will be careful with your heart from now on.

"I'm not sad anymore. I'm back with Natsume-nii and Haruto-nii-sama so I'm not sad anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing Yukine again too."

"Ok!" Gah! Your smile's too bright, Natsume-nii! "Let's go play video games now! I have a lot of games! Let's go to my room." He cheered up fast.

Natsume had grabbed my hand and was just about to drag me when Haruto interjected.

"Natsume, Akina is still tired from the trip. Let her rest first." As expected of Haruto, so gentlemanly.

"But-"

"Natsume-"

"I'm fine, Haruto-nii-sama. I don't feel that tired. But I would like to see to my room first. I want to unpack and organize my things from my stay in the hospital-"

"You can just let the maids do it, Akina."

"-And I haven't seen my room in a while." It was probably as garish as I remember. "How about we play games after dinner, Natsume-nii? Tomorrow's the weekend too so Okaa-sama and Otou-sama won't probably mind if we stayed a little late."

"Ok then." Natsume reluctantly agreed.