NOVEL WEB Chapter 131: A Humorous Interaction Between Siblings!
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Chapter 131: A Humorous Interaction Between Siblings!
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Xanthia had already reached a remarkable level of proficiency with her “Little Insect” skill. Now, employing her newly acquired ability, “True Voice,” on Dionysius, she executed it with the same meticulous attention to detail. She would not keep him in a constant state of “True Voice”; doing so would surely result in his immense suffering, leaving him questioning the very fabric of his existence…
How could such benevolent as she was to allow her brother to endure such torment?
Thus, she deftly utilized the skill, toggling it on and off. The “Little Insect” merely perched upon him, never a threat of being squished, for it was far too minuscule. Moreover, when she activated the skill, he felt nothing at all.
In crucial moments, she would coax the truth from Dionysius, unearthing his innermost thoughts, ensuring delightful outcomes that not only validated her but also entertained her thoroughly.
Take this instance, for example—upon their first meeting, she unleashed a sudden ambush, catching Dionysius completely off guard, exposing his embarrassment in the most amusing way.
He had always strived to maintain the persona of a charming and dependable male, exuding an air of sophistication. Before his “sister,” Xanthia, he was especially mindful of his image; after all, as a brother, he felt compelled to embody a mature, responsible demeanor.
Yet now, he found himself flustered by his own unguarded words, a delightful contrast to his usual composed self.
Xanthia regarded him with a mixture of astonishment and mischief, teasing, “Dionysius, your acting is quite impressive! I had thought you hadn’t seen me emerge from the lift… And to think, you reckon seeing me smile is quite the jackpot?”
Dionysius, bewildered, lamented how he had blurted out his thoughts so foolishly. How mortifying! It was inevitable that his “pain points” would suffer a slight reduction.
Just then, Xanthia deactivated the skill, allowing him a moment to craft some diplomatic words to placate her. “Xanthia, please don’t take what I just said to heart. I was a bit daft for a moment there, and I spouted something rather crass. I—”
Yet Xanthia interrupted him with a gleeful laugh. “Not at all annoying! I found your earlier reaction rather amusing! How about we play a game of ‘Truth or Dare’? You share a truth, and I’ll take the dare—what do you say?”
Dionysius shook his head in refusal. “I’d rather not. I’ve always believed this ‘Truth or Dare’ game to be utterly pointless; one can never truly verify if the other is being honest. As for the dares, well, they can easily turn into a right farce.”
With a cheeky grin, Xanthia insisted, “How about this: as long as I determine that you’re speaking truthfully, I’ll reward you by calling you ‘Brother’. Would you like to partake?”
As the embodiment of mischief, Xanthia’s social skills were undeniably advanced, and she had no qualms about addressing Dionysius as “Brother.” In her classroom, she casually referred to Luciel as “Lucy” and Elena as “Ellie” without a trace of awkwardness.
After posing her proposal, she activated the “True Voice” skill once more.
Dionysius, caught in the moment, instinctively revealed his genuine thoughts. “How could I possibly refuse? I’ve dreamt of hearing my sister call me ‘Brother’. After all, you wouldn’t be able to discern whether I’m being sincere or not, so I could take advantage of that. But, of course, my dear sister might well play tricks!”
Xanthia, ever the dramatist, widened her eyes in faux indignation. “Oh! Dionysius, you heartless creature! You think you can take advantage of your elder sister and still believe she’d cheat you? Have we lost all trust between familia? Alas, this world is truly too cold!”
Dionysius, utterly flummoxed, hastily replied, “No, I didn’t mean that! Look, it’s my fault entirely. Please, don’t lose faith in the world because of me!”
These words emerged under the influence of the “True Voice” state, indicating his genuine concern that Xanthia might lose hope and retreat into her shell once more—a scenario he found quite unbearable.
Seeing his distress, Xanthia cheerfully declared, “Very well! We’ve a deal, then. You must speak your truths today. As long as I’m pleased and entertained, I promise not to play tricks… Brother~!”
Dionysius inhaled sharply, his cheeks flushed a deep crimson—how utterly mortifying! Though the way she called him “Brother” lacked sincerity, why did he still find it so endearing? It was merely a matter of honesty, after all! What was there to fear? Bring it on!
Once more, this heartfelt admission tumbled from his lips.
Xanthia was thoroughly delighted with the results of the “True Voice” skill; it was simply too entertaining to stir mischief, especially with a “campus crush” like Dionysius revealing such charmingly vulnerable moments.
“What do you mean by ‘lacking sincerity’? Merely uttering it has granted you my favor!”
“Indeed! Hearing you call me ‘Brother’ is my utmost honor,” Dionysius responded, sincerity evident in his tone.
“By the way, I’m rather curious as to why you won’t address me as ‘Big Sister’, insisting that I call you ‘Brother’. After all, I’m the older one by age… Now, do spill your true thoughts! No more fooling around!”
Dionysius replied without hesitation, “No sister could possibly be as adorable as you! You possess all the qualities of a younger sister—soft, delicate, and utterly charming. Even if you are older, I simply cannot bring myself to call you ‘Big Sister’. Hence, I strive to be a commendable brother, protecting a younger sister like you!”
Xanthia deactivated the “True Voice” skill, forcing back laughter as she quipped, “Brother, I see you’re quite the teachable one! It’s rare to hear such heartfelt words from you, indeed… Soft, delicate, and utterly charming… Pff!”
As she echoed the phrases Dionysius had used to describe her, she couldn’t contain herself any longer, bursting into laughter. The “True Voice” skill was simply too entertaining!
System Notification: Ding! Happy Points +22679!
System Notification: Pain Points from Dionysius +++!
Clearly, the more delighted Xanthia became, the more awkward and mortified Dionysius felt. He had never anticipated revealing his unfiltered thoughts so candidly!
Among his most revealing moments, of course, were those three descriptors from Xanthia—“soft, delicate, and utterly charming!”
Fortunately, Xanthia had already deactivated the skill; otherwise, Dionysius, adorned with his pain mask, would undoubtedly have lamented, “It’s all over for me! My reputation lies in ruins before my sister! How could my sweet, adorable sister possess such a devilish side?!”
However, upon seeing his sister’s joyous laughter—her smile so bright and radiant—Dionysius suddenly felt that perhaps this outcome was not entirely unacceptable to him.
As long as his sister was happy, what did it matter if he played the role of a jester merely to amuse her?
After all, it was just the two of them at that moment; no matter what heartfelt words he uttered, as long as they reflected his sincerity, it could only be a good thing.
With that thought in mind, Dionysius took Xanthia with him and climbed into the private car he frequently enjoyed, heading towards the private dining restaurant he had long since reserved.
In the presence of others, Xanthia certainly wouldn’t tease Dionysius as she had earlier.
The driver of Dionysius’s car evidently recognized Xanthia; however, witnessing the harmonious relationship between them prompted a hint of surprise to flit across his face.
The driver wisely refrained from asking questions, and in silence, they smoothly arrived at the restaurant.
Upon entering, Dionysius was greeted by a stunning hostess, who welcomed him with an enthusiastic “Dear guests of Papadopoulos Familia, welcome~,” clearly familiar with him as he was a regular patron.
Xanthia, on the other hand, received curious glances from the hostess, who seemed to possess an air of gossip and scrutiny.
They were soon escorted into a private room, the ambience of which exuded a classical beauty reminiscent of the Classical Antiquity style, decidedly elegant.
The dishes arrived swiftly, allowing the two to indulge in the restaurant’s culinary delights.
As they dined, Dionysius took it upon himself to detail each signature dish to Xanthia, clearly exhibiting the air of a “gourmet connoisseur.”
In his “future memories", Dematero had undoubtedly enjoyed countless high-end meals alongside Dionysius, proving that it was not merely a haphazard simulation by the system.
Xanthia relished the dining experience as well; the upscale cuisine significantly boosted her “foodie” status, confirming that dining out often was indeed a clever way to indirectly rack up coins.
While savoring the delectable fare, Xanthia refrained from playing pranks on Dionysius, recognizing that it would be rather impolite to disturb his meal.
During the meal, the owner of the private dining restaurant, “Norsiee Cuisine,” even took the initiative to greet Dionysius, raising a glass in toast.
Clearly well-acquainted, the owner teased, “Monsieur Dionysius, is this the first time you’ve brought a girl here to dine alone? Care to introduce her?”
His playful jest also served as encouragement; he did not allow Xanthia’s modest attire to elicit any judgment. Regardless of how ordinary she appeared, she was clearly a distinguished guest brought by Dionysius, deserving of respect.
Dionysius chuckled, introducing her candidly, “This is my younger sister, Xanthia.”
The owner was momentarily taken aback, thinking that the pair bore no resemblance whatsoever; however, upon learning that Xanthia was also the “daughter of a wealthy familia,” respect swiftly replaced his surprise. He raised his glass to Xanthia, exclaiming, “Mademoiselle Xanthia, welcome!”
Xanthia graciously returned the gesture with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. She could have opted for wine, but at her tender age, how could Dionysius possibly allow her to drink?
After receiving the toast, the owner beamed, feeling pleased. He noted that the young heiress appeared to be quite well-mannered. Moreover, setting aside her ordinary attire, her looks and poise were undoubtedly exceptional—truly befitting the young lady of the Papadopoulos familia!
Indeed, under the continuous influence of the “White Moonlight” attribute, Xanthia's temperament had grown increasingly refined, glowing like the moonlight when she maintained her composure without a grin.
Nevertheless, Xanthia was clearly a girl who loved to smile, especially among familiar faces; however, she still tended to put on a facade in front of strangers.
The owner, leaving with a courteous “Enjoy your meal,” gracefully withdrew, clearly mindful not to intrude too much upon the sibling—though technically they were siblings.
“Dionysius, are you going to introduce me as your younger sister to everyone you meet from now on?” Xanthia quipped.
Dionysius, enjoying the moment, replied cheerfully, “Well, you didn’t contradict me, so it seems you truly are willing to acknowledge me as your brother.”
“Don’t get too cocky. I merely spared you some face in front of strangers. Among your friends, I shall not hesitate to expose your little lies,” Xanthia retorted, showing no signs of letting up.
Dionysius chose not to counter her words. Thankfully, Xanthia had yet to activate her “Voice of Truth” skill; otherwise, he might have found himself vocalizing this inner thought—
“Haha, I am rather pleased! After all, I was genuinely happy just now; whatever my sister says about exposing me later is simply her being tsundere. She’s so gentle and kind; how could she possibly fail to give me face?”
“Quickly, eat up, eat up! Have a bit more while it’s still hot. It won’t taste as good once it’s cold,” Dionysius shifted the topic seamlessly.
Xanthia, without an ounce of hesitation, activated her “Gourmet” skill, which conveniently retained the previous effect of her “Foodie” trait. Her eating seemed never-ending.
Yet, she wasn’t the sort to devour food in a hurried, crude manner. On the contrary, her posture was graceful, elegant even. Her pace was unhurried, though her consistency meant that her average speed of clearing dishes was remarkably swift.
The more she ate, the happier Dionysius became. After all, his sister had always been so thin, often giving others the impression she was malnourished. Naturally, it was only right for her to eat more—being able to eat was a blessing indeed!
Once they’d enjoyed their delicious lunch, Dionysius asked gently, “Are you full?”
Xanthia patted her stomach, pretending to be content, “Of course.”
“That’s good to hear,” Dionysius responded, visibly pleased.
“Now then, let’s play a bit of Truth or Dare, just to pass the time after our meal. Let me ask you casually—earlier, the owner mentioned that you’ve only ever brought one girl here alone, and that girl was me. Was he telling the truth?” Xanthia asked, her voice carrying a note of curiosity, while activating her "Voice of Truth" skill.
Dionysius felt a shiver down his spine the moment he heard "Truth or Dare." He dearly wished to maintain his image of the perfect older brother in front of his sister. However, this mischievous younger sister of his, having activated her crafty mode, seemed intent on tearing away his facade.
“Of course, it’s true! How could I possibly bring other girls here alone? I’ve got no particular connection with any of them. Though, to be fair, back in middle school, I did bring quite a few friends here—both boys and girls. Among the girls, the prettiest one was a young lady named Evelonia La Melodia,” Dionysius confessed all at once. Under normal circumstances, he’d have known better than to say too much—sometimes, the less said, the better. Simply admitting it was true would have sufficed. But now, he'd gone so far as to mention Evelonia, the middle school belle!
The phrase “sweating bullets” seemed all too apt for his current state.
Upon hearing the name "Evelonia," Xanthia’s interest piqued. She couldn’t resist teasing him further. “Well then, dear brother, tell me… Am I prettier, or is Miss Evelonia La Melodia more so?”
Dionysius was startled by the way she addressed him as "dear brother." Her voice was soft, brimming with respect—an almost exaggerated portrayal of the world's most perfect younger sister. Yet, her question was practically a finishing blow!
Once again, under normal circumstances, his response would’ve been swift and certain—
It would undoubtedly be his sister. His sister was the most beautiful; she was the fairest girl in all the world. No other girl could possibly compare to her beauty or charm!
But at this moment, he couldn't help but objectively compare Xanthia with Evelonia, before uttering the truth, “Each has their strengths, I suppose. You’ve definitely got Miss Evelonia La Melodia beat in terms of complexion, charisma, and lively elegance. And, of course, those perfectly proportioned legs of yours? Absolutely unmatched! However, if we’re comparing overall looks and figure, you might be slightly behind at present. But I believe in your limitless potential, dear sister. One day, you'll surpass her in every way!”
The moment Dionysius finished speaking, he couldn’t help but cover his face in utter embarrassment.
How could he say such a tactless truth to his sister? How could he talk about girls like they were products to be evaluated, even exposing his particular liking—those perfect legs of hers! Absolutely unmatched!
What did that reveal about him? It clearly showed that Dionysius had been sneaking glances all along. Good grief, wasn’t he supposed to be a paragon of integrity—righteous, poised, and above reproach?
Xanthia heard the system prompt ringing in her ears, and she clapped her hands with delight. Her "Voice of Truth" skill was far too entertaining!
To be honest, she felt not even the slightest bit offended by her brother’s candid words, even though he objectively mentioned that her looks and figure didn’t quite match up to those of Miss Evelonia La Melodia.
After all, when it came to looks, she needed to don her system's purple outfit to exceed the score of seventy. As for her figure, given how short a time she’d spent in this world since her transmigration—and with the system, no less—how could she possibly have turned things around that quickly?
At least she wasn’t entirely outmatched. Xanthia did have her own advantages—first, her classic porcelain skin, as pale as snow, reaching the level of “fairness eclipses all.” Then there were her perfectly proportioned legs. Given time for further growth, she would undoubtedly become an angel of beautiful legs, much like her mother, Ella La Fielsola.
“Dionysius, I must say, your honest answer was quite satisfying! It’s much more interesting than just saying ‘of course you’re prettier’ as a way to brush things off,” Xanthia said, giving him a nod of approval.
“As long as you’re happy… It’s getting late now, so let’s put an end to this truth game and head to the skating rink,” Dionysius said hurriedly, sweating profusely.
“One moment! Just one more round! Let me call you ‘brother’ again. After all, you do seem to enjoy hearing it. So, brother, what do you think of my skating skills?” Xanthia continued, smirking.
“Oh, stop, stop! Sister, I surrender!” Dionysius responded, flustered. “As for your skating skills? Well, they’re not up to much, are they? No doubt you’ll end up falling over, teary-eyed, looking all adorable… And then, this perfect brother will swoop in, teach you step by step, and rack up another wave of favorability points. A flawless plan!” he blurted out.
“Hahaha! Calling me ‘sister’ now, are we? Alright, little brother, I must admit your plan sounds pretty good!” Xanthia laughed heartily, finally showing mercy by deactivating her skill.
