Chapter 26: Chapter 26: From Big Brother to Little Sister
Haruto frowned.
Was this anomaly an expert at disguising and concealing its presence? If so, it would be troublesome.
Nao also noticed the two girls.
She glanced at him, then at the adorable pair ahead.
"Wait… Is big brother finally giving in to his primal instincts and planning to make a move on some random sisters?" she whispered teasingly into his ear.
Haruto rolled his eyes.
"Judging by your reaction, that's not it… So, they're the anomaly?"
Nao quickly connected the dots.
Without making a scene, she continued acting naturally, accompanying Haruto on their "casual stroll."
Meanwhile, the two girls chatted and laughed softly.
Their voices were low, almost impossible to hear unless one was close.
But for Haruto's sharp ears, it was no problem.
The following conversation reached his ears:
"You can't replace meals with snacks, Onii-chan."
"Eh? What's the difference? Food is food. It's fine! No problem, no problem!"
"Too much sugar is bad for girls! Plus, Onii-chan, your body is still in its growth phase."
"Minori, please!"
"No way!"
"Ehh? Why are you being so mean?"
The dialogue was adorable, radiating the cozy atmosphere of a slice-of-life scene.
However…
"Onii-chan?"
Haruto's frown deepened. That Older Girl Called the Middle School-Aged Girl "Brother"?
How could that not seem strange?
Regardless of age or gender, it didn't make sense at all.
Unless the two were playing some kind of bizarre role-playing game…
Haruto thought of a certain possibility. Considering the words they had exchanged, such as "this current body"...
An idea formed in Haruto's mind.
Could it be that the pink-white-haired girl was not originally a girl?
However, as Haruto carefully observed the other party's every move-
Her behavioral patterns, manner of speaking, and even subtle gestures...
She was entirely a cute girl.
Haruto found himself in a state of confusion. Thus, he and his companion continued tailing the two sisters as they wandered around the mall. Along the way, he also managed to buy the seafood ingredients he needed for making congee.
But despite all his observations, apart from their conversation, he couldn't find anything truly abnormal.
So…
Haruto decided to ask directly.
Neither of the two exhibited any dangerous traits. Although, typically, such initial contact should have been handled by D-Class personnel.
But there was no time for that now.
Both groups left the mall one after another.
Haruto gave a glance to Nao.
She immediately took the shopping bags and turned to leave.
Seeing that the timing was right, Haruto quickly walked up to the two sisters.
"Hello, may I trouble you for a moment?"
Haruto's voice was particularly captivating; it was a clear and refreshing young man's tone, making people feel as if they were basking in a cool spring breeze.
The two sisters turned their heads in unison.
The older, black-haired girl looked a little puzzled.
The younger, pink-white-haired girl, however, hid behind the black-haired girl in a flustered manner.
"Who? A pick-up artist?"
Her reaction was just like a shy little girl afraid of strangers.
"And you are?"
The black-haired girl asked in confusion.
Haruto casually flipped open an ID and held it out in front of them.
"I'm a JC from the Chiba Metropolitan Police Department. I'd like to ask you two a few questions—would you have some time to spare?"
The ID was real.
Through the Foundation's financial maneuvers, Haruto had secured an official title at the Chiba Police Department. This made interactions with civilians much easier in situations like this.
The two girls exchanged glances.
The young man before them… didn't look old enough to be employed.
But his etiquette was impeccable, and his words were sincere, making it hard to feel any dislike toward him.
Thus, the black-haired girl nodded. "That's fine, but what do you need to ask about?"
Haruto put away his ID and smiled.
"Thank you for your cooperation. This way, please—I'd like to treat you both to some desserts."
Not far away, there was a dessert shop called "Umbrella."
"Huh, really? That's quite generous of you."
The black-haired girl responded with a smile.
The pink-white-haired girl, on the other hand, remained hidden behind her, peeking out with a pair of bright, beautiful eyes—an absolutely adorable sight.
At the same time—
Nao stepped into the Umbrella dessert shop.
She gestured toward the staff.
The employees immediately understood. One by one, they began politely ushering out the other customers in the store. By offering large discount vouchers and claiming that they were closing soon, the customers left without much complaint.
Then, from the back of the store, several people dressed as regular patrons emerged one after another.
They took their seats, ordered desserts and drinks, and engaged in casual conversation—while secretly keeping a close eye on the entrance.
That's right.
This "Umbrella" dessert shop was actually an SCP Foundation establishment.
A branch location, to be precise.
Through clever marketing strategies, "Umbrella" had quickly taken Japan by storm.
Branches were opening all over the country. Many of these locations also served as hidden Foundation outposts.
The largest "Umbrella" flagship store even had an SCP containment facility beneath it.
And these "staff members" were, in fact, armed operatives in disguise, ready to act at any moment.
Haruto led the two girls inside "Umbrella" with a smile.
"Wow, it's Umbrella! This place is so popular lately; I've been wanting to come here!"
The pink-white-haired girl, now more at ease after some interaction, no longer seemed as shy.bShe looked around at the unique desserts and decorations with excitement.
Haruto truly had an incredibly deceptive appearance. His looks alone were enough to put people at ease and draw them in.
Even a seasoned warrior like Annie had been fooled by him before.
"You're being very generous," the black-haired girl said a bit apologetically.
Haruto waved his hand dismissively.
After seating the two and ordering desserts and drinks, he sat across from them and smiled.
"This is our first time meeting. My name is Takamine Haruto. May I ask how I should address you?"
"I'm Oyama Mihori, and this is my younger sister, Oyama Mahiro."
The black-haired girl introduced them.