Chapter 45: Interrogation from Carmilla

“This is such a strange request.”

Yuriko had thought Carmilla would ask her to do something serious, but it turned out to be just a change in how they addressed each other.

“That’s not right. Changing how we address each other means our relationship has become closer. Yuriko, try calling me Mira.”

A symbol of their relationship? Thinking about it that way, it did feel a little different.

“Then… Mira?”

“Mm, that’s me~”

Sure enough, after changing the way they addressed each other, the closeness between them became much more obvious.

“Honestly, since you chose to board my thief boat, there’s no getting off now. Even if you want to leave me in the future, I won’t let you go.”

“Then I’ll just stay Yuriko’s friend forever~”

Yuriko sat down on the sofa, and Carmilla sat right next to her, pressing close against her.

“Um, isn’t this a bit too close?”

“Is it? Aren’t we friends? This is normal, right?”

Carmilla even deliberately squeezed closer to Yuriko.

Yuriko lowered her head.

Her expression remained calm, but the tips of her ears turned red.

It really was close…

Being this close to another girl, she could even feel the softness of Carmilla’s body.

“If being friends isn’t enough, I can also be your best friend. We’ve both been in each other’s rooms, so that makes us close confidantes, right?”

“Best friend…?”

That sounded way too girly.

It was something only girls had, as if she had truly become one.

“You don’t want to?”

“I do.”

“Sigh… since she chose this friend herself, she would just accept it. Best friend it is.”

Maybe it was her imagination, but Yuriko felt that Carmilla had suddenly become much more proactive.

“Oh right, since we’re best friends, can you tell me who the girl living with you is?”

“Huh?”

Yuriko was stunned by the question.

When had she ever lived with someone?

“I live alone. Where would a roommate come from?” Yuriko asked back.

“If you live alone, then why is there another girl’s hair on your bed? There are several strands, even more than yours. You sleep together at night, don’t you?”

Hearing that, Yuriko immediately understood—this was about “Phantom!”

But why did Carmilla care about who she slept with?

“Oh, that. It’s my younger sister. Don’t I have a lot of siblings? There’s one who’s especially clingy and insists on sleeping with me,” Yuriko lied.

“Really? Then why hasn’t she come back yet at this hour?”

Why did she sound like she was interrogating a criminal?

“Oh, she usually has a part-time job. But judging by the time, she should be back soon.”

Yuriko gave Phantom a look.

Phantom got up, stretched lazily while crouching, and walked out of the room.

‘Remember to give me overtime pay, meow.’

‘Got it, got it. I’ll buy you some snacks later.’

After a short while, ‘Phantom’ returned in human form.

“Big Sister Yuriko, I’m back, meow.”

Her flat, emotionless voice echoed.

She stood at the door, looked at Carmilla, and asked knowingly, “Big Sister, who is she?”

“This is a friend I made at school. Her name is Carmilla.”

“Oh.”

Phantom sat expressionlessly next to Yuriko and leaned against her.

“Xiao-ling, that’s rude. At least say hello.”

“Hello,” Phantom said coldly.

‘Can’t you act a little warmer? What if Mira thinks you hate her?’

‘No choice. This is just how I am, meow.’

Even though Phantom was cold, Carmilla still smiled and said, “Hello. What should I call you?”

“Xiao-ling.”

Phantom’s attitude left Carmilla unsure how to respond, so she turned to Yuriko for help.

“Yuriko, your sister doesn’t seem to like me.”

“Don’t mind her. She’s always like this—cold to everyone.”

Yuriko had already decided that once Carmilla left, she would spank ‘Phantom.’

“I see…”

Carmilla secretly glanced at Phantom, only to see her suddenly wrap her arms around Yuriko’s arm and say:

“Big Sister, is she staying over tonight?”

“No. Why would you think that?”

“Isn’t she your girlfriend? I thought you were planning to—”

Yuriko quickly covered Phantom’s mouth before she could finish.

“Seriously, what was wrong with this cat today? Why was she causing trouble?”

‘Phantom, what are you saying?!’

‘I’m acting, meow. My role right now is a kuudere blunt girl.’

‘You even gave yourself a character setting? Please stop talking nonsense!’

Yuriko tried to pull her hand away from Phantom, but this girl, who usually wasn’t this clingy, was acting strangely today.

She turned back and apologized to Carmilla.

“Sorry, Xiao-ling is just very straightforward. She says whatever comes to mind. Don’t take it seriously.”

“I-I see…”

Carmilla’s gaze fell on Phantom’s arms wrapped around Yuriko.

Feeling a bit jealous, she hugged Yuriko’s other arm, which made her feel a little better.

With both arms held, Yuriko was completely confused.

“Why are both of you suddenly holding onto me? Am I a body pillow?”

“Ah, it’s already so late. I should head back.”

Carmilla finally realized how late it was.

Although she had already informed her family, going back too late wouldn’t be good.

“It’s already this late. Why not stay for dinner before going?”

Yuriko herself was starving.

It was already nine in the evening, and her stomach had long been empty.

Carmilla hesitated.

If possible, she still wanted to go back earlier.

But dinner at home must already be over, and no one would have saved a portion just for her.

“Alright, then.”

Yuriko brought Carmilla to a nearby restaurant.

It was actually her own place, and business was usually good.

Even now, past nine in the evening, there were still scattered customers dining.

“This is the best restaurant nearby in my opinion. I especially recommend the braised beef in soy sauce—you’ll definitely like it!”

“Then I’ll have one braised beef in soy sauce and one mashed potatoes.”

After the meal, Yuriko waved her hand generously and paid the bill for Carmilla.

Carmilla had wanted to pay herself, but Yuriko beat her to it with, “Aren’t we best friends? Treating you to a meal is nothing.”

After all, this was her own restaurant.

She was the owner.

If Carmilla paid, wouldn’t that just mean she was taking Carmilla’s money?