"So am I... are we... demons or not?" Shiki is glaring at his own sister with an emotion I can't describe. I definitely have never seen like this, it reminds me of Ciel when she takes off her glasses.

Akiha crosses her arms, she's glaring right back. "And if I am? And if we are? Is there some problem with that?" It depends whether you are the type of demon that eats humans or not.

Shiki grits his teeth. "Of course there is!" Akiha's glare gets even worse, Shiki choose the wrong answer. "How wouldn't there be!?"

I can see Akiha clenching her fists. "So you're afraid of being a big scary demon Big Brother? So much vitriol for something you don't even understand..." Akiha had now seemingly entered calm rich lady mode.

Her gaze settles on me. "And why are you even here anyways? This is a family disupute, so leave now." I agree that I shouldn't be here! But it was Senpai's idea... One that even Arcueid agreed with, and you know it's serious when they agree on something.

I bow. "S-sorry my future wife!" Her eyes widen a little bit at that, her cold gaze breaking just for a second. "I'm here due to the insistence of a dumb, yet cute Senpai of mine from the church!" Her right eye twitches at the mention of Ciel, I probably shouldn't bring up other girls right now.

I continue. "As you might imagine I am involved with the supernatural. In fact I am an executor... Oh, and one of my girlfriends is a curse." I might as well tell her everything.

I want Akiha to be honest with us, so it's only fair that we be honest in return as well. Besides, I don't her animosity, mostly because she's super cute! And also because we don't really know her motives yet.

Kohaku who is in the background gasps. "So that was the big scary girl! Who doesn't really look like a girl..." There's stars on her eyes. "Do you guys fight together!? Are you a puppet character!?"

Hisui sighs. "What does that even mean Honored Sister? A puppet character...? I fail to see how Yuta is a puppet." Yes, crush Kohaku's stupid joke. "And you have seen Yuta's curse before?"

Kohaku nods. "Nope." Then why did you nod!? "I mean, maybe! It was the during our crazy party, and I was messed up as everyone else!" That's definitely not true!

Hisui's eyes widen just a little bit. "Truly? How amazing... I definitely believed you had put everyone except for yourself under their influence." Please don't believe Kohaku's bullshit! You are far too innocent for this world Hisui.

Akiha raises a hand. "That's enough about curses or about drugs!" She then glares at me. "Considering your involvement with the church, I'm guessing this is all some sort of plot to kill me?"

I shake my head. "No way, to be honest we just kind of stumbled into Shiki learning about this." Thank you for knowing a suspicious amount of information about this family Senpai! "So there's no plot here, though if you want some assurance of it..."

I pause for a moment to think. "Well, a member of the Burial Agency is in this town, she's actually my mentor in fact. You understand that? You're still alive even though she's here, there's no need for some convoluted plot when she could just invade your house and kill you."

Akiha nods. "That's true... Though you might find that I am much stronger than you think." She sighs. "And what kind of assurance did you just give me? You basically just threatened me in a different way." Sorry!

Shiki interjects. "Now that Yuta explained why he's here, it's your turn to confirm whether I am a demon or not." Don't be so sad about this bro! You're like Japanese Dante!

Akiha rolls her eyes. "Explained why he's here? He explained his connection to the supernatural, that's all." She looks at me. "I see no reason why an executor should be in my house."

Before I can say anything Shiki responds. "He's here as insurance, in case you try to wipe out my memories." That's true! But please don't just coldly say it like that! Even if you have all the right to do it, considering she has kept this a secret from you for your entire life...

Akiha frowns. "I see. So you believe that I would hypnotize you into forgetting magic, is that it?" I mean... yeah.

Shiki nods. "Absolutely. If you're expecting to pull back my words, then you will be sorely disappointed Akiha." He looks down. "So just tell me if I am a demon or not already."

My bro then sighs. "No, I don't care about that. I'll still love you Akiha, even if you're a demon or an dead apostle or whatever." Now Akiha's eyes are fully wide. "I just want to know why you didn't tell me..."

He shakes his head. "But being super mad at you wouldn't be fair either. That's why I have to tell you when I learned of the supernatural... I didn't tell you about it either after all." That's true, but there's a big difference.

For Shiki the supernatural is something you have to choose entering, so he simply didn't want to put Akiha in danger. But it turns out both of them would always be entangled with it anyways, and Akiha still tried to keep Shiki in the dark... even when stuff like vampires could target the family of demons.

Shiki looks down. "So, remember when I was young and suffered an accident? And then I got sent to that hospital?" Ah yes, the good ol' Resident Evil looking place.

I hated that hospital, everyone was so weird. Thankfully it did change eventually... a few months after we met Sensei actually. Does she bring good luck or something?

Akiha nods. "How could I forget that 'accident'? You lived years and years away from this house because of it." Why did you say accident with such a mocking tone?

Shiki nods. "So because of that accident I developed something special in my body." He takes off his glasses. "For some reason, be either because of the death experience or because I hit my head or whatever... I developed mystic eyes."

Akiha gasps. "Then those are...!? Mystic eye killers!? That's why you wear glasses without a prescription!?" Well, he certainly doesn't wear them as a fashion statement.

Shiki smiles awkwardly. "Pretty much, my eyes have some bad effects on my brain, so I need these to not go crazy. Which brings me to how I got them in the first place... Basically that woman who tried to kidnap us a few years ago was actually a magus."

He continues. "She gave the glasses and helped Yuta with some stuff too. It goes without saying that she's the one who introduced us to the supernatural." She may have also gives us brain damage by kicking our face many times.

Akiha grits her teeth. "That woman...! Aoko Aozaki...!" Wow, that's a lot of hate in your tone! How do you even know her anyways, did you remember her name from the news...? Wait, Sensei is a super special mage or whatever, of course Akiha knows about her.

The maybe demon sighs. "Though I guess this confirms she didn't kidnap you two because of sexual matters. I'm glad the fifth true magician isn't a monster."

Kohaku in the background giggles. "Eh, don't worry Lady Akiha! Kidnapping kids for sex is a classic among the supernatural! Less monstrous and more common sense!" That's a dark joke! You even made Hisui and Akiha flinch with that!

I sigh. "Kohaku's incredibly dark, and yet accurate joke aside..." The yellow eyed maid giggles, her master and her sister flinch yet again... "I think it doesn't need to be said, but our Sensei is not a monster, she's just an idiot." Oh shit, I just realized something.

Hisui doesn't like men touching her, that's been confirmed for me multiple times now... Kohaku keeps making jokes about magical rape... Is Kohaku making fun of Hisui for being magically raped!?

Just the shock of that is enough to silence me for a few moments. Our chat stops, it seems no one knows where to lead the conversation now. Including me... I mean, what am I supposed to do know!? Get up and punch Kohaku or something!?

That joke has clearly left Hisui uncomfortable, for obvious reasons... To be honest, it has made me genuinely angry at Kohaku, so I want to admonish her right here and now.

But there's one thing stopping me... Akiha didn't say anything at all, and I know her well enough that she wouldn't just flinch at this comment and let it slide. There's more here than I can understand, so I'll just sit back and observe for now... Unless Kohaku makes more comments like that, even I have a limit.

That said, something even greater than anger at Kohaku has risen inside of me. It's sadness about Hisui, I know victims of that horrible crime hate being pitied, but I can't help it.

I guess I shouldn't be the one talking about such things, since I groomed Rika... But I'm a hypocrite, so it's only natural I would feel bad about Hisui in this situation.

After collecting my thoughts I break the silence that has filled the room until now. "Okay, that's our backstory Akiha. What's yours?" I have decided to focus on this for now.

I can think about Hisui later... Most importantly, I can spend time with her later, I'm hopeful that Shiki and I confronting Akiha won't end with us cutting ties.

Akiha slowly nods. "I suppose I might as well share everything. I am the woman who is now dating you with the explicit purpose of getting married after all." You're still going for that!?

Kohaku smiles. "Wow, so romantic!" For some reason I think she's more angry than happy! My Rika senses are tingling again...! They do that a lot on this mansion.

Hisui nods. "Indeed, it is very romantic that Lady Akiha has fallen for a man in two encounters. It reminds me of movies where the romance happens so quickly, that once you put your thought in order, you realize how foolish it is." Hey!

The worst... best...? Part is that Hisui seems to genuinely lack sarcasm when she says that. Does she really think something like this is romantic!?

Akiha glares at them. "I haven't fallen for anybody! I just feel... some affection for Yuta, and it's only natural someone starts a relationship with the intent of marriage." I guess that... kind of true? But they normally don't go as hard as you do!

She shakes her head. "But back to the matter at hand... Yes Big Brother, I am a demon, or at least part demon." So Senpai was right huh... That's pretty cool, I wish I had demonic powers.

Shiki frowns. "I see..." There's nothing else he can say. I bet Shiki was hoping that Senpai would suddenly pop up from a corner screaming that it's just a prank or something, but that won't happen.

Akiha continues. "However, only I am a demon in this house... Well, me and Gotou." I have no idea who that is, but that doesn't matter right now, because what she said is super surprising.

First Akiha motions to the maids. "Kohaku and Hisui are adopted from a branch clan that belonged to a demon hunting family. They possess a... unique ability, and therefore father pulled quite a few strings to obtain them." They way you said that sounds super messed up, but okay. I will ask more about that later.

Akiha sighs. "That... doctor, is fully human. Father met Arach in college, she is no demon." Really? But I certainly felt something strange coming from her.

She crosses her arms. "Toji Fushiguro is purely human as well... He comes from a demon hunting family, from one of the big ones." I see, so I was right. That man isn't normal at all.

Shiki's fists are clenched. "They way you're talking almost makes it seem like I am a human too."

Akiha nods. "Yes. You are fully human, you actually come from the same clan as Toji Fushiguro... the Nanaya clan. F-father adopted you after that family... s-suffered an accident."

It's not hard to imagine what sort of accident Akiha might be talking about, if they were demon hunters, I imagine they must have faces lots of danger every single day.

What does surprise me is how chummy the Tohno's are with demon hunters. Apparently Kohaku and Hisui come from such a clan, and so does Shiki... I guess maybe it's because the Tohno's aren't full on demons?

But what I'm thinking doesn't matter, because Shiki's face is completely empty. I don't think I will ever be able to understand what he's feeling right now.

He nods. "Okay, I got it. Now explain why you didn't tell me anything until now." Shiki swiftly moves away from the topic of his deceased family. It's... understandable, so no one questions him.

Still, now that I'm thinking about it... Akiha's father must have been quite the hero huh? Saving Kohaku, Hisui and Shiki from a cold life in a orphanage somewhere.

Something's wrong. Magical . Unique abilities. Accident. For some reason my entire soul is telling me to look into this deeper.

One day the red haired maid wishes to leave this mansion. That talk with Kohaku keeps repeating in my mind, over and over again... But for now I'll wait for this discussion to end.

"Give me everything." I mutter silently, I ready my grain, it's family feeling of strength filling my body. I don't know why I did it, but it was purely instinctual, I feel like something important is about to happen.

I can feel Rika's questioning gaze on me, but I don't say anything. I have to wait for now, soon the time will come, I will ask Akiha the most important question I have.

Akiha looks down. "I... didn't want you getting hurt Big Brother. You may be technically from a family of demon hunters, but..." She sighs. "You are just a normal human, you can be skilled and such, but there are certain things you cannot do."

She sighs. "And the very world I live is hostile to you. Everyone in my... community, is furious at everything even in the best of days, and you are a demon hunter, their natural enemy."

She continues. "And your anemia didn't help either, still..." Akiha then bows. "I'm sorry Big Brother." At least she's isn't trying to make up excuses.

She's just letting so many things remain ambiguous. Wait for a moment, I just need to hold up the question I have for a little while longer.

Shiki smiles. "Then that's fine Akiha... I hid the supernatural from you too, so I understand." He bows as well. "Sorry that I confronted you like you're some sort of villain! You're my precious little sister after all."

Akiha smiles. "I-it's fine Big Brother, I understand you must have been horribly confused... I still kind of hate your Sensei however." Both of them giggle at that. Everything is now settled, the siblings have reconciled.

So it's time. "By the way Akiha, I have something to ask you as well. It will sound weird and confrontational, but please be aware that I mean no harm."

Both Shiki and Akiha raise an eyebrow at his, the little sister looks particularly confused however. "W-what is it? If it's about marriage the-" I interrupt her, this is a serious discussion.

A white ribbon is all that can be found in my mind. "If Kohaku and Hisui wanted to leave, would you let them?" Are they Akiha's adopted siblings, or Akiha's adopted slaves? Why are they maids while Shiki is her brother?

Kohaku wants to leave this house. Hisui doesn't like being touched by men. Unique abilities. Why would a demon ever help a demon hunter?

How old are Kohaku and Hisui? They look around the same age as us, they played with Shiki in the past... at least one of them did. So why is it that they don't attend school? Are they homeschooled?

I am a piece of garbage who groomed Rika, so I can tell when kids were taken advantage of. And Kohaku and Hisui scream fucked childhood.

Akiha glares at me. "What does that even mean? Are you implying that I'm holding my maids here against their will?"

I nod. "Yeah." Everyone's eyes widen at that. "Don't get me wrong, I don't think you're the type of person to do that... but I never knew your father." I sigh. "So again, sorry if this sounds combative, but..."

I frown. "Can Kohaku and Hisui leave if they want to? Did they receive an education? When did their employment start? Did your father receive an okay from the government to adopt them?"

I continue. "Are they like Shiki? Can I call them Kohaku Tohno and Hisui Tohno? Or did your father just throw them here and forgot about them? These are all things I need to know."

I give her the most serious look I have. "Because if they want to leave, I'll take them out of here right now. I don't think you're a bad girl Akiha, but I know that the statuos quo can be hard to break... so... do I need to take them out of here?" Sorry Senpai! I'm gonna have to use your apartment for a while!

Kohaku is the one who answers me, she giggles, it's the most disturbing sound I have heard in a while. "Geez! You sure went somewhere weird with that! Don't worry, everything is okay~!" And that's that.

I'm not a hero of justice, so I won't meddle in further. "Okay, got it. Sorry to go all weird about tha-" Someone that cares much more about Kohaku than a hero of justice interrupts me.

It's Hisui, she's crying. "P-please take Kohaku out of here!" It comes so sudden that I can't help, but be surprised. I didn't notice while giving my speech, but Hisui slowly broke down. She isn't even calling Kohaku 'Honored Sister' like usual.

Kohaku puts her hands up. "W-wow!? Where did that come from!? Is it because I ate your food without asking yesterday Hisui!? Now you want to get rid of me? I'm fine staying here."

Hisui just keeps giving me a pleading look. "Don't listen to her! Be her hero! Take her out of here!" She looks at Shiki. "Please help her too! Why aren't you helping her!?"

My bro looks back at her, he's clearly confused. "I... Okay, got it." It's only natural Hisui would ask Shiki for help, and it's only natural he would answer. "Let's get Kohaku out of here."

Kohaku for one steps back. "C'mon guys, you're all acting so weird... I mean, just look at Lady Akiha! She's looking all scared!" that's true, Akiha is just silent, her face frozen in shock.

I nod. "Yeah, you're right." Before Hisui or Shiki can snap at me, I look at my bro. "For now take care of your sister. I'll handle this."

He nods back. "Got it. Just remember that Hisui doesn't like men touching her." So he already figured out my intentions huh? As expected, we are in synch.

I walk towards Kohaku and grab her hand. "Let's go." That's really all I can say towards her, I'm fulfilling my promise.

To that Hisui smiles, it's a pretty one I have never seen on her face before. Kohaku's face however, looks completely blank, there's no emotion to be found there.

Her tone is cold. "I can't leave Hisui here. Take her instead of me, I'm used to it." I see now, Kohaku was the one that took the blunt of the abuse huh? That's why she made the jokes, and that's why the other ones flinched.

I smirk. "Don't be a dumbass, I'm taking you both. I just can't grab Hisui 'cause she's afraid of being touched, that's all." My smirk turns into a smile. "So hold your sister's hand as hard as you can, and let's leave."

Wordlessly Kohaku does so, Hisui can't even say anything in response, she just follows us along without a word.

Akiha finally says something, it's quiet, and I can barely hear it. "Finally. I'm a greedy woman, so I was waiting for someone to take them out of my hands." I want to say she isn't, but I'll leave that to Shiki for now.

For now I'll take these twins to outside the mansion. Sorry Senpai! But I brought two new roommates! It's just until I buy them a house with my money from Vlov, so please wait for a bit!

Kohaku and Hisui leave the mansion holding each other's hands. No one stays behind to look from the window.

AN: This chapter was a pain to write, and I actually rewrote it a bunch... It's why it took so long for it to come out.

It's pretty crazy seeing the original version where Yuta wasn't even gonna get involved with the mansion confrontation, instead Shiki would just hear everything from Ciel and Yuta and go confront Akiha by himself.

As you can see, a lot changed. This chapter is what I would equate to Shirou deciding to save Sakura.

If this was a VN you can bet the choices would be something like this:

1. Don't meddle in.

2. Become Hisui and Kohaku's hero.

The first one obviously leads to a bad end! Or at least it doesn't lead to the true end!