The light in Kaito's eyes gradually dimmed as he casually said,
"Alright, the problem's been dealt with. Seventeen can go back to cuddling his little girlfriend tonight."
Eighteen still didn't know her brother had almost been "eaten" by a monster just moments ago, but she could more or less guess that Kaito had helped him out of some serious trouble.
She walked up behind Kaito, reached out to massage his shoulders, and spoke softly,
"Good work, Kaito. Seventeen's still as troublesome as ever!"
Kaito shook his head.
"This time it's not his fault. It was my oversight—I forgot there was still something like that lingering around."
Marcarita couldn't help asking,
"So what exactly did you just do?"
"I just erased a bug, that's all."
"Then why did a shadow of the Super Dragon appear behind you?"
"Because I've already become a Dragon God. Oh, right—within your hierarchy, what rank does a Dragon God hold? Does that make me your superior now?"
"You're a Dragon God!? What's going on? What did you and Vados do in Universe Six?"
"Nothing much. Just absorbed the seven Super Dragon Balls. From now on, if you guys have any wishes, no need to go through all that trouble—just come to me directly."
"...You can even do that? Then make me a remote control right now!"
"Sorry, that kind of wish is too low-level. I can't be bothered to grant it."
"Nani!? You're such an irresponsible Dragon God! How can you just ignore small requests like that?"
"Because I feel like it."
Marcarita puffed up her cheeks in frustration at Kaito's unyielding attitude and grumbled,
"Hmph! You and Vados just love bullying me! Am I the only outsider in this house or what!?"
"What else would you be?"
"...I'm hurt! Seriously!"
Eighteen sighed helplessly. She had seen these two bicker many times before, and without exception, Marcarita was always the loser. This time was no different.
Marcarita hopped off the sofa and hurried upstairs to complain to Vados.
However, only a few minutes later, she came back down, sulking. She seemed to have forgotten that ever since Seventeen left, she'd been the lowest in the household hierarchy.
In the end, Kaito took pity on her and went to Vados to retrieve the remote on her behalf.
The moment Marcarita saw the remote, she became so excited that she impulsively planted a quick kiss on Kaito's cheek.
Both of them froze. Marcarita's face turned pink, and her twin ponytails perked up like antennae.
Kaito touched the spot where he'd been "attacked" and said with a disgusted look,
"Seriously? I help you out and that's how you repay me? So gross!"
His teasing actually eased the awkwardness. Marcarita coughed twice, turned her head away, and muttered,
"It's not gross! That was an angel's kiss! My first kiss, by the way! You should feel honored!"
Kaito just rolled his eyes, waved her off, and went upstairs without another word.
Marcarita sat back on the couch holding the remote, staring blankly at the TV news broadcast without even changing the channel.
She kept glancing toward the stairs, only to quickly avert her gaze like a guilty thief. After repeating this a few times, she grew frustrated, scratching her head and muttering to herself,
"Damn it! What's wrong with me just now? Why did I even..."
Before finishing, she covered her mouth and then vented her emotions by pounding the sofa twice with her fists.
Unfortunately, that scene was spotted by Vados, who had just come downstairs to pour herself some coffee.
"Marcarita, what's gotten into you this time? Didn't you already get your remote back?"
Startled, Marcarita jumped up like a frightened rabbit—she'd been so lost in thought that she hadn't even noticed Vados coming down.
Vados finished pouring her coffee, walked over, and sat beside Marcarita. Taking an elegant sip, she said,
"It's only been a while since you last watched a show, and you're already this restless? What's with that reaction?"
Marcarita tugged nervously at the hem of her pajamas and stammered,
"It's your fault! You're supposed to be the older sister, yet you teamed up with him to bully me!"
"Oh? Now you remember you're the younger sister?"
Marcarita lowered her head. For some reason, she suddenly felt guilty under Vados's gaze.
Vados soon sensed something off. She glanced at the TV and noticed it was still on the news channel—something that definitely wasn't normal.
She frowned slightly.
"You look strange. What's going on? Still worried about the universe being erased?"
Marcarita seized the opportunity to change the subject and nodded vigorously.
Vados smiled faintly, reached out to pat her head, and said,
"Don't worry. You know, Kaito's already a Dragon God now. With him around, the universe won't be destroyed—as long as you don't make him mad."
"As if I'd dare! I can't outtalk him, and I can't beat him either..."
Marcarita sighed, looking like a helpless wife.
Vados tilted her head curiously.
"Then why do you still live here? Is it really just for the TV shows?"
Marcarita froze. She hadn't expected that question.
Right... she could have stayed in her own universe, high and mighty as ever. Yet here she was, cooped up on this little planet Earth, constantly being teased by Kaito.
Was it really just for the shows? Or maybe... the food Kaito cooked?
Marcarita fell silent. Vados seemed to understand but didn't press further. She simply lowered her head and took another sip of coffee.
The two angels sat quietly until Kaito's voice broke the stillness.
"What are you two doing here, sitting like a couple of statues?"
Kaito walked straight over and sat beside Vados. Marcarita pouted slightly at the sight.
Vados smiled, lifted her cup to his lips, and asked softly,
"Want some coffee?"
Kaito took a sip and commented,
"A bit bitter. You didn't put much sugar this time."
"Coffee tastes better with some bitterness. Too much sugar ruins it."
"Maybe, but I still prefer it sweet."
On the other side, Marcarita nodded quickly in agreement.
"Yeah! I don't like bitter things either! I like sweet ones!"
Vados glanced sideways at her and said coolly,
"This cup isn't for you. If you want one, make it yourself—and add as much sugar as you like."
Kaito looked between the sisters, a puzzled expression on his face. Somehow, their conversation felt loaded with meaning.
Marcarita puffed her cheeks and muttered,
"You said it. I'll make my own then!"