Volume 13 Chapter 418 Sumeragi Kukuri, Responsibility as a Sumeragi
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I had been spending my days in a frantic blur, fighting to keep humanity from the brink of extinction.
”Haa…”
Having finished a mountain of work, I raised both hands, stretched my aching limbs, and slumped back into my chair. Building shelters, maintaining public order, protecting BERYL and the Boys, providing full support for BERYL’s upcoming concert in space… and on top of all that, preparing second and third-tier contingency plans to ensure Aqua-sama¹ definitely survives should President Maitrix’s primary plan fail. Oh, and the new school semester is starting, plus I have my personal activities as Milk Dipper and as the individual Sumeragi Kukuri. I’m so busy I honestly don’t know which way is up.
To clear my head, I idly scrolled through the Bulletin Board. My expression softened as I spotted a ridiculous post from Emily-oneechan. Honestly… “The Etiquette of the P**sy”? If she keeps posting such shameless trash, Kanon-san is going to tear her a new one again. I tucked my phone into my pocket, finished my remaining tasks, and stepped out of the office.
”Well then, I’m heading out. I’ll leave the rest to you,” I said.
”””””Yes, Ma’am!”””””
Leaving the headquarters of the Holy Aqua Church, I removed my mask inside the car and changed out of my Sister habit into my everyday clothes. Ah, that’s right—the Spring Maniac Biscuits Festival starts today, doesn’t it? I asked the driver to stop at a supermarket on the way home. That branch usually has a massive stock; I really hope there are some Maniac Biscuits left on the shelves.
”Thank you. I’m just going to run in and grab them. Wait here a moment,” I said.
Truthfully, considering my lineage and my position, I know I should just have someone else buy them for me. But still, as a girl—as Sumeragi Kukuri—I wanted to enjoy this simple moment. Like Kanon-san, Emily-oneechan, and Mary always say: the time spent hunting down merch or collaboration items of the person you love is a treasure in itself.
”Ah…”
When I reached the floor, someone in a Merry-san mascot suit was already packing up the special display. (Ah… I just missed it. They’re sold out. What a letdown… maybe I’ll get lucky at a convenience store on the way.) Just as my shoulders slumped in defeat, I made eye contact with the Merry-san, who had noticed me. He pointed to the product image on the sign.
”Yes, that’s exactly what I came for,” I said.
I nodded eagerly. Seeing this, Merry-san signaled in sign language: (Wait just a second.) I signed back: (I understand.) Merry-san finished clearing the display with practiced ease, then beckoned me toward the employee-only backroom.
”Um… are you sure I’m allowed in here?” I asked.
”Of course,” he replied.
I froze. The moment I heard Merry-san’s voice, I realized who was inside. After leading me into the changing room, Merry-san reached up and popped the mascot head right off. (So… that’s how those suits work.)
”Here, Kukuri-chan. For you.”
Aqua-sama reached into his bag, pulled out a box of Maniac Biscuits, and held them out to me.
”Wait… are you sure?” I asked.
”Definitely. Think of it as my paycheck for the day,” Aqua-sama said.
(You’ve got to be kidding me!) I listened as Aqua-sama explained the situation.
”I just happened to be hanging out at the Morinaga headquarters when Chacha-san’s back gave out. I heard Megumi-san was tied up at a different venue, so I stepped in as an emergency sub,” Aqua-sama said.
I see. So that was it. Normally, one would be stunned by Aqua-sama’s sheer spontaneity, but you can’t call yourself a member of the Holy Aqua Church if you let this level of surprise get to you. This is just a daily occurrence for Aqua-sama nano.
”But… are you really sure about these Maniac Biscuits?” I asked.
”Yeah. I was actually going to give them to Kanon, but I saw on social media that she already managed to snag some,” Aqua-sama replied.
(Fufu, that’s Kanon-san for you. She’s always one step ahead. Wait, what’s this…?) As I stared happily at the box, I noticed an illustration of Merry-san holding a sign that read: [NOT FOR SALE – SAMPLE]. (T-t-t-t-this is?!) My hands began to tremble as I gripped the box.
”Oh, that? The packaging is just a little different, but the biscuits inside are the same, so don’t worry. Since I was given a sample box, I can’t exactly sell it at the booth anyway,” Aqua-sama said.
(Ugh! Aqua-sama doesn’t realize it, but this is the one thing Kanon-san would kill for. Because every geek lives for “Not for Sale” items! Just imagining the look of absolute despair on Kanon-san’s face when she finds out… it makes my heart ache. Oh, God… for Kanon-san’s sake, I will take this secret to my grave.)
”By the way, Kukuri-chan, do you have plans after this?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Um, I was just about to head home,” I replied.
”I see. Well, wait here while I change. Since we’re both out, let’s go on a date,” Aqua-sama said.
(D-d-d-d-date?!) Wait a minute, I’m in my totally basic everyday clothes! I scrambled for the hand mirror in my bag to check my appearance. (Dammit! If I’d known this would happen, I would have put some actual effort into my outfit. No… this is my fault. I let my guard down because I was “too busy.”) As I was cursing my past self, the phone in my bag vibrated. A call? From who?
’Hey, Kukuri! Dinner tonight is curry!!’
(Haa… only Emily-oneechan would call for something like that.) I told Emily-oneechan that I’d run into Aqua-sama by chance and that we were going on a date, so I wouldn’t be home for dinner.
’Kukuri… you’re actually gonna do it?! Today?!’
”We are not ‘doing’ anything! You idiot!” I hissed and hung up. Just then, the changing room door opened, and Aqua-sama stepped out in his normal clothes.
”Sorry to keep you waiting. Huh? Kukuri-chan, your face is beet red. Are you okay?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Ah, yes! I’m perfectly fine!” I replied.
I sent a quick message to my driver and hopped onto the back of Aqua-sama’s motorcycle. As we sped into the night, I watched the people passing by. In countries where things are unstable, nighttime curfews are the norm. The fact that people in Japan can still walk the streets at night like nothing has changed feels like a minor miracle.
”Alright, this looks like a good spot. Kukuri-chan, anything specific you want to eat?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Hmm… honestly? I’m kind of craving some junk food,” I said.
The only person who ever takes me to get junk food is Emily-oneechan. This felt like a rare, precious opportunity.
”Works for me. Shall we try that diner over there?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Yes!” I said.
I followed Aqua-sama into a nearby diner. (Wow… I think this is my first time in a place with this kind of vibe.) The black-and-white checkered floor, the red vinyl booths, and the glow of the neon lights… I couldn’t look away. The other customers nearly choked when they saw us walk in.
”W-what can I get you?” the server asked.
”I’ll take the Thick and Juicy States Burger,” Aqua-sama said.
”I-I’ll have the same!” I added.
Instead of a booth, we sat at a high-top round table. (Wait, hold on! At this table, our faces are way too close!) My heart was pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.
”Kukuri-chan.”
Aqua-sama leaned in. (Wait! Aqua-sama, hold on! A kiss here would be way too embarrassing!!) He reached out, his hand grazing my cheek as he gently touched my hair.
”Your hair’s a bit messy from the ride. Let me fix it,” Aqua-sama said.
”Ah… thank you,” I said.
Thud. Thud-thud-thud. I looked around. Every single customer in the diner had simultaneously slammed their heads onto their tables.
”Ah, looks like the food’s here. Smells amazing!” Aqua-sama said.
”Wow, it really does,” I said.
The burgers arrived, dripping with juice, served with a mountain of fries. It felt so “States.” Aqua-sama took a massive, satisfied bite.
”Nn… it’s not just thick. The sear, the seasoning… it’s perfect. And there’s a hint of something in the background… I wonder what the secret ingredient is? Interesting,” Aqua-sama said.
Spoken like the true successor to Mikuni. I followed his lead and bit into the burger.
”Mmh… it’th tho good,” I said.
Sauce smeared across my lips. I set the burger down and reached for a napkin, but Aqua-sama was already moving. He leaned across the table with a napkin in his hand.
”You missed a spot on the tip of your nose,” Aqua-sama said.
”Ah… thank you,” I said.
Having my nose wiped by Aqua-sama made my face flush a deep crimson. (Ugh, what a total failure. Why am I being such a klutz today? Am I just exhausted? Or is this Kanon-san’s curse?) I finished the rest of my meal in a daze. After paying, we stepped back out into the night. My heart was racing; I’d never wandered through an entertainment district this late at night alone before.
”Kukuri-chan, stay close so we don’t get separated. Grab my arm,” Aqua-sama said.
”O-okay,” I said.
I looped my arm through his, pressing close. (At this distance, surely he could feel my heart hammering against my ribs.) Aqua-sama stopped in front of a place with a security guard at the door.
”Hey, Kukuri-chan. Have you ever been to a club?” Aqua-sama asked.
”N-no! Never!” I replied.
Clubs are for adults. We’re minors, and… well…
”Let’s just ask,” Aqua-sama said, approaching the guard. “Can high schoolers get in?”
”As long as you’re not in uniform and you don’t touch the alcohol, we’re fine with minors,” the guard replied.
So that’s why uniforms are banned. I walked with Aqua-sama down the stairs into the basement. As we descended, the bass began to thrum in my skull. At the bottom was a massive door; when it opened, a wall of sound hit us. The place was huge! Hundreds of girls were already on the floor, dancing.
”Let’s go,” Aqua-sama said.
He pulled me onto the dance floor. A few women did double-takes, their jaws dropping as we passed.
”Kukuri-chan, do you know how to dance?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Of course not!” I replied.
He laughed. “Me neither. But maybe… something like this?”
As expected of Aqua-sama, his sense of rhythm was incredible. He melted into the crowd instantly.
”Here, just follow my lead,” Aqua-sama said.
”Okay!” I said.
I swayed my body to the house music, my eyes locked on his.
”So, Kukuri-chan… you looked pretty exhausted earlier. Feeling a bit more refreshed now?” Aqua-sama asked.
(He noticed.) He knew I was pushing myself. My heart started beating even faster than the music.
”Kukuri-chan, don’t overdo it. You’re younger than me, remember? It’s okay to stop being ‘Sumeragi Kukuri’ for a while. You’re allowed to just be Kukuri,” Aqua-sama said.
(I love him. I love him so much for treating me like a normal girl. Is it the dancing? The heat? No… it’s his words.) Big Sister Emily’s voice echoed in my head.
’Kukuri… you’re actually gonna do it?! Today?!’
(This is it! Make your move, right now!)
I couldn’t hide it anymore. I couldn’t lie to my own instincts.
”Aqua-senpai,” I said.
”Yeah? What is it?” Aqua-sama asked.
I let my weight fall against him, leaning into his chest. Then, I whispered into his ear, my voice trembling with sweet resolve.
”I… I don’t want to go home tonight.”
Aqua-sama slid his hand around my waist and pulled me closer, his breath warm against my ear.
”In that case… shall we find a hotel?” Aqua-sama asked.
”Yes…”
I didn’t even need to nod. I simply surrendered my body to Aqua-sama.
—
Summary:
Kukuri is overwhelmed with her duties involving a global crisis but finds a moment of respite when she runs into Aqua-sama at a supermarket. After he gives her a rare sample box of biscuits, they go on an impromptu date to a diner and a club. The chapter ends with Kukuri deciding to follow her instincts and stay the night with him.
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Trivia:
- Kukuri is a high-ranking member of the Holy Aqua Church.
- The ‘Maniac Biscuits’ are a highly sought-after collaboration item.
- Aqua-sama is acting as a mascot because the original worker was injured.
- The world has a 1-99 gender ratio favoring women.
- Kukuri’s internal conflict centers on her role as a ‘Sumeragi’ vs. her personal desires
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Character Insight:
Kukuri shows significant growth by choosing to prioritize her own happiness as ‘just a girl’ over her heavy responsibilities for one night.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author references TikTok trends (Turn The Lights Off) to ground the club scene in a modern setting.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Kukuri – A poised, sharp-eyed student and Vice President of Otomezaki Academy’s council, she wears a crisp uniform while secretly serving as Servant—one of the Twelve Bishops—and a high-ranking member of the Sumeragi family and the Holy Aqua Church; relentlessly leading the hunt for the Saint’s body double amid global extinction crises, she balances her deadly duties with fervent fandom for Lord Aqua, making her a dangerously charismatic and enigmatic figure.
• Aqua – Charismatic male idol and BERYL leader, once a hikikomori now posing as a high-schooler at Otomezaki Academy, he serves as the central figure of the Holy Church of Aqua, known for his light footwork, spontaneity, and kindness toward followers. Husband to Yukishiro Emily, father of a newborn, he wields a legendary sword, emits pheromones that subdue women, loves baseball, and is emotionally driven—juggling multiple wives, children, a U.S. tour, and a space mission amid a skewed gender ratio, all while working as a mascot sub.
• Emily – Emily (Yukishiro Emily) is a graceful, beautiful heir of the Yukishiro family, known for flawless vocal impressions — especially Kanon — and crowned “Impression King”. She co‑hosts variety shows with Shirogane Aqua, is one of his wives, and is now a heavily pregnant partner nearing her due date.
• Kanon – Kanon‑sama, Aqua’s domestic partner and celebrated Internet Master/fashion icon, exudes a cool, jealous aura yet warmly accepts Aqua’s hand‑knitted socks, revealing a tender side. As a close associate of Emily, she recently welcomed her own children.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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