Era of Heroic Spirits: I Was Exposed by Alaya

Oh no!

It's the feeling of the right atrium receiving venous blood from the whole body, pumping it through the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, sending it to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins, then through the left ventricle's aorta to the entire body!

What the hell is this situation?!

Souma suddenly found it hard to breathe.

The angelic face of the little loli before him sent his heart racing.

Don't misunderstand—he wasn't into lolis. He was just genuinely startled.

This white-haired, red-eyed loli was none other than Illya.

She was in the same class as Roya and occasionally visited.

But this time, the surprise was way too big!

Souma feigned confusion and asked, "Why do you ask that?"

"Because, big brother, you're as handsome as the Nameless Heroic Spirit!"

Illya smiled sweetly.

Her smile was sweeter than honey, instantly melting hearts.

Ah, I'm dead!

Souma couldn't help but smile too.

If his own mischievous child could be half as obedient and adorable as this one, he wouldn't have to worry so much.

But considering the kid's past, she was already being remarkably well-behaved now.

If she wasn't causing complete chaos and dragging everyone down with her, that was enough—what more could you ask for?

Thinking of his troublesome child, Souma's lips curled slightly as he said, "Did Roya put you up to this?"

"Huh?"

Illya hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Every time she faced this brother she inexplicably felt drawn to, she experienced a very strange sensation.

It was as if they'd met countless times before and had spent years together.

Even though Roya had repeatedly warned her not to reveal anything, she still didn't want to lie to the young man before her.

This feeling was truly peculiar.

They'd only met a handful of times—could this be what they called love at first sight?

At this thought, a faint blush spread across her cheeks, reaching all the way to the tips of her ears.

Seeing the shy little girl, Souma suddenly raised his voice: "Roya, if you don't come out now, no dinner for you, no snacks, and no phone either!"

"Nooo!!!"

Roya instantly burst out from the bushes in the distance.

Her golden twin tails swayed violently behind her.

She ran up to Souma in one breath, wrapping her arms around his and said in an ingratiating tone, "Someone as magnanimous and handsome as the Nameless Heroic Spirit wouldn't be so cruel to a cute little angel, would they?"

After being caught playing with her phone during class earlier, she'd begged Illya endlessly to prevent her phone from being confiscated.

She'd asked her best friend to first compliment him on being as handsome as the [Nameless Heroic Spirit] to put him in a good mood.

Flattery will get you everywhere!

With two angelically adorable lolitas buttering up this otaku, surely he couldn't stay angry!

Then when she appeared, the big problem would become small, and the small problem would disappear.

A perfect plan.

The problem was, why had Illya betrayed her?

She'd clearly promised not to tell.

Yet, Illya had betrayed her without hesitation, giving her away.

There's a traitor among us!

"Hah, and you call yourself a little angel?"

Souma couldn't help rolling his eyes.

Other people's daughters were considerate little sweethearts—why did his turn out to be defective goods?

Still, there were others present.

If he wanted to discipline his child, he should at least preserve some dignity in front of her classmates.

After everyone else left, he'd let this troublemaker choose which stick she wanted.

Souma waved his hand: "Alright, Illya, come in too. Let's have dinner together."

"Eh, is that really okay?"

Illya's eyes lit up.

She'd tasted his cooking once before, and it had given her an indescribably nostalgic and beloved flavor.

Ever since then, she couldn't forget it.

The only reason she'd agreed to Roya's scheme was because she wanted to come over for dinner.

"What kind of person wouldn't want to host such an adorable little princess?"

Souma smiled warmly.

Come to think of it, he did owe her slightly.

In one timeline, she'd been willing to sacrifice herself to save him.

Fortunately, all disasters had been erased by him, finally ushering in the current peaceful life...

"Hmph, I really feel like I was picked up from a trash can!"

Roya couldn't help but mutter with sourness on the side.

These two seemed more like family, while she had become the third wheel.

Damn it!

Even though it's three people having dinner together, why don't I deserve to be named?

"Silly girl, how can you say that?"

Souma reached out to touch her golden ponytail, just as her eyes lit up.

He smiled with utmost gentleness, his voice soft: "From now on, drop the questioning tone. Because, you really were picked up from a trash can!"

This bargain daughter was indeed found in the ruins.

He hadn't wanted her at first, but seeing her pitiful little appearance, he took her in like a stray kitten.

In this world rebooted through the Star Grail after sacrificing everything of himself,

Where everyone and every heroic spirit in the world had forgotten him, he felt just a tiny bit lonely.

This little one was practically his only family now.

"...I'll bite you!"

Roya ground her shiny little fangs together and pounced without hesitation, grabbing his hand to sink her teeth in hard.

This guy wasn't content with breaking her heart once - he just had to twist the knife further.

Are you a wholesale dealer of knives?

"Hey, hey, don't bite so hard! If you hurt me, you'll have to cook from now on!"

Souma played along with her antics.

"Why does your hand smell like that flower? Did you secretly do some 'needlework' again?"

Roya immediately let go of his hand, spitting repeatedly.

Her expression was one of utter disgust, as if she were looking at a pervert.

"You—"

Souma was completely speechless at this black-hearted little brat.

Where on earth did she even learn such inappropriate things?

The worst part was—Illya was still here!

Where was he supposed to hide his dignity now?

The little angel tilted her head innocently and asked, "What does that flower smell like?"

"Ahem, don't listen to her nonsense. Come on, let's eat!"

Souma swiftly changed the subject.

Tempted by the delicious food, Illya naturally forgot all about it.

The three of them began enjoying their meal.

This time, Souma had only prepared a few simple dishes—Wensi tofu, sweet and sour fish, and the like—nothing too elaborate.

Not to brag, but when it came to cooking, he ranked himself second, and few could claim first.

Over countless years, traversing endless worlds, his culinary skills had absorbed the essence of every era and culture.

Even Gilgamesh had praised his cooking!

And that gluttonous Artoria had nearly emptied Britain's treasury just to eat his food!

After dinner, Souma looked at the two little girls with their round, stuffed bellies and dutifully went to wash the dishes.

This was what daily life was all about—the simple, mundane rhythm of firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea.

In the living room, Roya couldn't resist whispering to the other little girl, "Do you like him?"

"Eh? N-No!"

Illya froze for a moment before shaking her head vigorously.

But her ruby-like eyes couldn't help stealing glances at the busy figure in the kitchen.

Just looking at him made her mouth water uncontrollably.

His cooking was just that good!

If only she could eat it every day…

Definitely suspicious!

Roya watched her drooling expression and suddenly felt like she'd invited a wolf into the house.

Ding dong~

Just as she was about to press for details, her phone buzzed in her back pocket.

Pulling it out, she saw a notification—a new upload from a specially followed content creator.

The creator in question was none other than—

[Alaya]

Who had just posted a new video titled—

[The Perfect King]

***

Hey readers!

Want to read ahead? 📖 Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster.

🔹patreon.com/aarvan🔹