Chapter 8

After my stubborn confession, we finally became lovers. To avoid any further matchmaking proposals, I decided to quickly report the situation to our parents.

When Alto and I announced our intention to marry, both Father and Mother looked at us with lukewarm eyes.

"Finally, Alto has realized his love. Despite being head over heels in love with Loreta, he always acted so aloof, which made me nervous."

Father laughed. Head over heels... I never noticed. I even thought he hated me, since he said he hated me.

"I was also worried that Loreta, who loves Alto so much, couldn't express her feelings properly and was misunderstood."

Mother also chuckled. It seems our romantic affairs were well-known to our parents. The reason Father didn't adopt me as his daughter might be related to this. Once adopted as siblings, we wouldn't be able to marry.

"Moreover, Alto started looking for his destined woman. The candidate had brown hair, sapphire blue eyes, and a beautiful mouth. It was obvious who he was thinking of."

Father smiled warmly.

"Um... The masked woman was my sister."

Alto said, blushing. After all, he had already had sexual relations with his sister, and it was a passionate and intense experience. It was a bit embarrassing to report this to our parents.

"Really?"

"Yes, but I don't want to marry her because I gave her my virginity. I want to marry her because I love her."

Oh... My cheeks flushed at his straightforward confession. I think Alto has become much more open with me. While the teenage Alto was cute, I definitely prefer the gentle man. Especially since I thought he hated me, this happiness is even more profound.

"What do you think, Loreta?"

"If you insist, I can become your wife. (Translation: I'm thrilled to be asked so passionately, so I want to be your wife.)"

"You should tell him you like him sometimes, you know?"

"I don't hate you. (Translation: I love you.)"

Mother looked a bit troubled. Why do only insincere words come out of my mouth? I sigh. I want to say "I love Alto" more openly.

"Loreta takes a unique attitude, but is it okay, Alto?"

"Yes, I've started to understand what she means."

It seems Alto has become adept at translating "Loreta-speak." Communication is indeed powerful. I have a bad habit with my words, so I'm often misunderstood. But when someone understands what I mean, we can become very close.

"That's good. It's a bad habit, but it's 'Loreta's indispensable spice.'"

"Yes, even when she acts mean, her true self is a cute girl, and that contrast is incredibly adorable. I've been missing out on such a cute contrast in my life."

Alto's love talk is in full swing. He's describing my cuteness to our parents with a dreamy look.

"Alto, if you keep saying such sweet things, your mouth will rot. (Translation: I'm embarrassed, so stop the love talk.)"

"I've said so many harsh things to you, so I want to whisper sweet things to you from now on. Be prepared for a mouthful of sugar."

"...Idiot."

We decided to report our engagement and plan the wedding. We discussed having the ceremony in the fall of next year. There were no objections. The wedding preparations will be busy.

"By the way, it seems you've already had your first night, but you should abstain until the wedding. If the bride gets pregnant, she won't be able to choose the size or design of her wedding dress."

"Really?!"

Alto looked shocked. Young people, huh? They do love sex. I don't dislike sex either, but... I want a mermaid-style wedding dress with a long, flowing train and a long veil. I want to wear my ideal dress for a ceremony that will be a lifelong memory. I want Alto to fall in love with me all over again.

"It's just a year of abstinence. Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime memory, you should be able to control your desires."

Father consoled Alto, who looked dejected. From the first time we had sex, it seemed Alto was quite enduring.

"Alto, are you only interested in my body?"

"Of course not! I love everything about you."

"Then, be patient."

Alto seems a bit giddy now that our love has been fulfilled. I'm happy too, but...

***

We were enjoying tea in the living room. I added honey to the overly sour herbal tea. Alto, sitting on the opposite sofa, sipped the same drink and grimaced. It doesn't seem to be his favorite taste.

"Sister, this tea is beautiful in color, but it's very sour."

"It might be a taste that's too advanced for your young palate. Hehe. But it's good for beauty. (Translation: It's a taste that divides people, but I'm trying to stay beautiful.)"

I took another sip of the herbal tea. The indescribable sourness and the subtle sweetness of the honey were pleasant. The aroma was lovely.

"By the way, I thought you hated me because of my bad habits, but when did you start thinking about me?"

"Hmm... Let me think."

Alto began to recount his memories.