The sky was already dark, it's likely none of us are making it back home before the date changes. That's how far the Koiwai house is.

It's no wonder Reina doesn't currently live with her family. This would be a hell of a commute to make every day.

Even though it took a long while, we managed to safely arrive at the Koiwai residence. Lizel-senpai also had the bright idea to call beforehand to inform them of our arrival. I hadn't even thought of that, we would have probably had a lot more trouble if we simply arrived out of nowhere so late at night.

"Let's go in, Yuuto."

"Shouldn't Reina come with us, Lizel-senpai?"

It makes sense to me that Reina would be coming along, since we're going to talk with her family. She may be a homunculus and not their actual daughter, but since they had her made and gave her a home so she could go to school easier, they surely care about her.

Reina herself seemed strangely unsure, which I find a little odd.

"Yuuto, I think it's best if we go just the 2 of us."

"Yeah, senpai and Yuuto go. Reina and I will stay here in the car."

"R-Reina would also like to stay desu…"

It seems the girls didn't share my opinion. It seems strange to me, but maybe there's something I don't know or that I'm not seeing.

So Miyabi and Reina stayed behind in Lizel-senpai's car while I and Lizel-senpai entered the Koiwai residence.

This place was quite big. It was as big, if not bigger than Miyabi's place. Again, I'm not really sure on the specifics of what's a mansion, what's just a big house, and whatever else there might be, but I feel confident in calling this place a mansion.

A man that looked to be about in his later 30s or early 40s came to greet us. I'm guessing he's some sort of butler or servant. He guided us inside the main house and took us to a room where we were told to wait for a little while.

I was about to get uneasy, thinking we had come at a bad time or something, but Lizel-senpai seemed so graceful as she waited that even I managed to calm down.

Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long until someone came to talk to us. Actually, 2 people came, a man and a woman.

They both had small statures and silver hair. The woman bore such a resemblance to Reina I almost thought she would be her sister or something, but after meeting Miyako, I think mother is a safer bet.

"We apologize for coming so suddenly."

"It's no trouble. Actually, I'd like to thank you for the courtesy of calling beforehand."

The man and the woman took their seats opposite to me and Lizel-senpai. I think I'll let her handle the talks, I'm afraid I'll end up doing something rude and treating them like children without thinking. To be fair they do look really young, so I guess it runs in the family.

Wait… the door isn't quite closing… it's hard to see, but is that… a child?

The only way I could think of describing her is child Reina. I don't know how old Reina actually is, given she's a homunculus, but she looks to be about 13 years old, but this child is much younger. She looks to be about 3 or 4 years old.

"So… to what do we owe this visit?"

Before I could ask them about the girl, the man started speaking. I didn't want to interrupt, so unless the child does something dangerous I think I'll just let them notice by themselves. I don't think it'll be a problem if I just pretend I didn't notice her.

"We came to talk about Reina. You might have heard she's currently a Card of Lovers."

"I believe there's some kind of mistake. Reina, our daughter, died years ago. She can't possibly be taking part in this Devil King War."

"Ah, no, we don't mean the devil Reina, but the homunculus Reina. I'm Yuuto, Lovers' Candidate, by the way."

It seemed like a strange mistake to make, but I thought I should correct the man before we continued talking. I also took the chance to introduce myself.

But the man didn't even turn to look my way, like I didn't even exist. The woman didn't say a word, but there was clear disgust on her face when she looked at me.

I'd like to think that maybe I had something on my face, but I know the truth. They probably knew Lovers' Candidate was human, and I just told them I'm the guy. A lot of devils don't take kindly to humans.

"I'm sure you heard what my master said, so I'll cut to the chase. We would like the contact of the person you had create Reina."

By the way, the reason why Lizel-senpai is calling me master is because we're here as Lovers' Candidate and his Card. Personally, I wouldn't mind if she just called me Yuuto, but I get we need to act formal sometimes.

"So the rumors that the Himekami daughter had fallen were true. Your parents must be ashamed."

"They are, but I haven't needed their approval for years. Now tell us."

"… Fine, but we no longer have the information you want. Ever since my Aina, our new daughter, was born, we've been slowly erasing all evidence of any connection to that homunculus. In fact, given a little more time, we'll even erase her name from places such as Ginsei Academy."

They… want to make it like Reina never existed? But why? Shouldn't they love her like they loved their own biological daughter?

I was clearly surprised, but Lizel-senpai didn't seem to be the same.

"I see… I was afraid that'd be the case."

"If you have nothing else you wish to speak about, then we're done. But considering our long history with the Himekami house and simple good manners, we would still like to offer you some snacks and drinks if you're not in a hurry."

Not long after saying that, the man and woman got up and left the room. We could leave right now, but the trip would be long, so a glass of water wouldn't hurt. Plus, I needed a moment to go over everything I'd just witnessed.

"How could they disregard Reina like that? Isn't she also their daughter?"

"Unfortunately, it's not all that uncommon in noble devil families. If a house only has 1 child and that child dies, it's not uncommon to create a homunculus to save face until the next child is born, and then pretend that homunculus never existed. Many devils don't believe homunculus are actually alive after all."

That's just horrible! Even if I understand Lizel-senpai's explanation, I still can't accept it. I mean, do they not even care about the life they created? How can they just use someone else as another person's substitute and then disregard them once they're done?

While I was thinking that, I felt a tug on my arm. I looked to the side to see the little girl from before. Woah, where did she come from? I'd forgotten about her, but did she seriously manage to stay hidden all this time?

"Mister, do you know onee-chan?"

"Onee-chan? Could it be Reina?"

"Aina's not sure. Mommy and daddy never tell Aina anything about onee-chan, even though Aina said she wants to meet her."

Aina… that's the name Reina's father mentioned. So is this little girl, Aina, Reina's little sister?

But her parents won't even tell her about Reina. In all likelihood, if they have their way, she'll never even know about the homunculus Reina. They really do plan on making it like she never existed.

"Yes, I know you sister. One of them at least."

"Aina has many onee-chans? Aina wants to meet them! Mister, let Aina meet them!"

"No, you only had 2 sisters, but 1 of them unfortunately passed away. But your other sister is alive and she's helping me."

Aina seemed confused. Maybe it was still too much for her little head to comprehend. I didn't want to butt into her education, but I feel she deserves to know about Reina, or rather Reinas.

"Aina!"

That's when Reina's parents came back, and this also marked the first time I heard the woman's voice.

She quickly snatched Aina away. Aina struggled a bit, but she couldn't win against her mother and was taken away.

"I hope Aina didn't do anything… unnecessary."

"It's fine, nothing happened, and we didn't tell her anything. Thank you for the water. We'll be on our way now."

Lizel-senpai quickly dismissed Reina's father. She really lied to his face as if it was nothing. We left as soon as we drank the water that was brought to us.

I wish I could do more for Aina and Reina, but I can't see any way to help them. Unless I kidnap Aina that is, but of course I'm not going to do that.

"Is Yuuto thinking about Reina's little sister?"

"Y-yeah. I was wondering if there is a way to allow them to meet."

"There is. You just have to become Devil King. By then, making people meet will be as easy as breathing."

A-ahaha, it feels like killing an ant with a bazooka, but I suppose Lizel-senpai is right. Besides, for now, we should focus on helping Reina. The Koiwai house won't be much help in that unfortunately.

We returned to Lizel-senpai's car. It was late now, we weren't getting much more out of this day, so it was time we all returned home. I did message mom and dad saying I'd be late, but I don't want to make them worry too much.

"… They… didn't want to help Reina desu?"

Suddenly, while we were on our way, Reina asked that. I wasn't sure how to answer, but Lizel-senpai cut right to the point.

"No. And they'll likely have all records of Reina's existence erased in a few years."

"Reina sees… but it couldn't be helped. Reina's little sister is so cute after all. Did Yuuto-san and senpai meet her?"

"Yeah… has Reina ever met her?"

"Reina once sneaked in to see her desu. Reina wishes she could act more like a big sister, but it can't be helped desu. Reina would do whatever is best for her."

Even never seeing her? I wanted to ask Reina, but it didn't feel right. It's not that she didn't want to meet Aina, it's that she wasn't allowed to.

Reina was only supposed to be a placeholder, and there was no more need for her once a new child came along. But Aina also isn't the one at fault here.

Actually, there's no point in figuring out who's at fault. What matters now is that we do something about Reina's situation, we can worry about the rest later.

Reina is the one who needed to rest the most, so we'd leave her home first. Lizel-senpai had already taken her a number of times, so the driver already knew where to take us.

Once we reached the right place, Reina exited the car.

"Thank you for bringing Reina home desu."

"Ah, wait. I'll accompany you."

"E-eh?!"

Well, we were already in the dead of the night. I didn't want Reina to walk around alone, besides, it shouldn't take too long.

I confirmed with Lizel-senpai that they had no problem waiting for me for a minute and exited the car with Reina. She tried insisting she was fine alone, but I didn't give up.

So I walked with Reina for a bit. And a little longer, and a little more… this is taking longer than I expected.

"I-it's fine already desu. Yuuto-san can leave Reina on her own."

"Of course I can't. Besides, I've already come this far. But your house is really far away, huh. Why didn't you tell Lizel-senpai to ask the driver to come this way?"

"… Reina didn't want anyone to see…"

See what? My question would be answered sooner than I thought.

After about 5 more minutes of walking, we arrived at Reina's house. Though my first thought was that it was an abandoned building.

When Reina opened the door, the thing almost fell over. The infiltrations and mold were the least of this place's problems. I'm amazed this building is still standing.

"H-hum, since Yuuto-san is here, Reina will try to find something to offer."

Things weren't better once I got inside. There were holes in the floor and ceiling, exposed wiring and the appliances like the stove or the refrigerator were clearly older than Reina herself.

"Reina, what is this? Weren't you living in the place the Koiwai family prepared for you?"

Deep down, I already knew the answer, but I didn't want to believe it. That's why I still asked Reina.

"T-this is that place desu. It's an old house that was abandoned long ago, and the appliances are old things no one wanted anymore. R-Reina knows this looks bad, but since Reina only uses this place to sleep it doesn't really bother Reina desu."

"But this isn't a place anyone should live, no matter if they're human, devil, homunculus or whatever else. Let's go back, Reina."

Reina seemed fine staying, but I wasn't fine with letting her stay. I took out my phone and took a few photos and videos of the place. I also sent a message to my parents. I know it's quite late, but we'll have to talk.

I almost had to drag Reina out, but she didn't really have any strength to resist. When we arrived back at the car, both Miyabi and Lizel-senpai were surprised to see Reina back with me.

That's when I showed them the photos and videos. Now it made sense why Reina always had Lizel-senpai drop her off so far away. Even if you saw the place, you'd never imagine it's where Reina lived.

"Why is this the first I'm hearing about this?"

"R-Reina didn't want to be a bother."

"Hey, that's the excuse I used! That's a 'bii' for copying."

Miyabi was trying to keep the mood light with a joke, but I'm not sure if that was the best idea.

In any case, we all agreed we couldn't let Reina stay there, even for a single night. I asked Lizel-senpai to take us to my house next, so that was our next destination.

Miyabi took Reina inside first. I told my plan to Lizel-senpai, and she gave me a nodding approval before leaving for her own house.

I entered my home. Reina was sitting with my parents at the kitchen table. Miyabi had probably already gone to tell Miyako she was back.

"Yuu-kun, you were out for so long!"

"And what were those things you sent us?"

I had sent the photos and videos to mom and dad before telling them I needed to talk with them. I felt bad for keeping them up so late, but I felt like it was best to get this over with as quickly as possible.

"Mom, dad, I have to talk with you both about Reina."

"Y-Yuuto-san?!"

Reina seemed in distress, but I decided to go ahead. I told my parents the story I had just learned today, Reina's story.

About how the devil Reina had died long ago, and then how this Reina, a homunculus, was made, but then disregarded by the people who were supposed to be her family. And I told them the photos were of the place Reina had been living in until now.

Of course, I also explained about what was happening to Reina, how we were going to have to help her get better or she'd die. I'm not sure I was able to give a good explanation on that, since I'm not too sure on things myself, but I think I was able to get the point across.

Then I asked them to let Reina stay with us, at least for some time. We had been housing Miyabi and Miyako until now, but they'll be going back to their own home now that Ibiza is gone, so I knew there wouldn't actually be a problem, but I still thought it was best to get my parents to agree with me on this.

"Y-Yuuto-san shouldn't have said all that…"

I'm sorry, Reina. Maybe I should have kept some things hidden, but I felt like I had to tell everything to my parents. I knew they wouldn't be like Reina's parents.

So I asked them "can Reina stay here? At least until her health gets better."

"Yuu-kun, you know we're not going to send Reina-chan away. But I have a different idea. If I understood right, the Koiwai family doesn't want anything to do with Reina-chan anymore. Is that right, Reina-chan?"

"Y-yes desu…"

"Then, rather than just staying until your health gets better, doesn't Reina-chan want to stay with us forever?"

Both Reina and I were surprised. Dad just nodded along, as if he had been thinking the same thing.

Mom walked up to Reina and then gave her a hug. Reina didn't even know what to do.

"You know, Reina-chan, I think everyone deserves a loving family. If I had known about this before, I'd have asked Reina-chan to stay a long time ago. We've already spent so much time together, so I already love Reina-chan like a daughter."

"I haven't spent as much time with Reina, but I've always wanted a cute daughter since… well, it doesn't matter. If Reina wants to stay, we'll be glad to receive you."

Didn't this work better than I expected?! I was only thinking of convincing them of having Reina live here for a while, but I suddenly got a little sister?!

No, but I guess there's still the matter of Reina herself. Does she want to stay here just until she's better, or does she want to join the family?

"Reina… Reina…"

"It's fine to answer later, Reina-chan. It's late, so just sleep for now and tell us your answer whenever you're ready."

Yeah, I suppose you can't just throw something like this at someone and expect them to answer back immediately.

For now, we would all just sleep. It was already really late, and we all had an early day tomorrow.

Reina would be sleeping in my room for now. I gave her my bed and grabbed a sleeping bag we had lying about for me to sleep in. It wouldn't be comfortable, but I can live with it.

"Yuuto-san… should really sleep in Yuuto-san's bed desu."

"It's fine. You're sick, so it's fine to be a little selfish. Besides, a few nights on the floor won't kill me."

My back might kill me, but I'll endure it for Reina. Besides, this will only last until Miyabi and Miyako are back in their own home, so it's only a small sacrifice.

Reina fell asleep within minutes of laying down. She must have been really tired. I also quickly went to sleep.

Starting tomorrow, my days are going to be busy trying to help Reina.