Chapter 186: The Grand Gesture

&R;eａ&d; oｎ Ka‍tR̂ｅａ​ｄing̀Ḉ​a‌fe

She dragged him out to the marketplace. Just yanked him out without a second thought.

Staying inside the café would limit her opportunities to tempt him. Outside, she could show off her charms in all sorts of ways and make him aware of her! Or so went her brazen little plan.

And so, Sugar clung tightly to her childhood friend’s right arm, pressing it snugly between her breasts as they walked.

At this moment, whether others saw them as a couple or not didn’t matter. The goal was to make some kind of impression, no matter how small.

‘I’m your friend and family, sure—but I’m still a girl. I’ve got proper breasts too. You’ve seen them. They’re not that small, you know. I-I-I mean, they’re not exactly cliffs, but… you could still feel a little something for me, right?’ That was the gist of her thoughts.

As they walked, she deliberately took a route far from the knights’ training grounds. It absolutely wasn’t because she wanted to avoid that towering, busty, perfume-drenched she-knight who was always in heat.

“Riley.”

She called his name shyly as they walked, deliberately softening her voice and tilting her head up to glance at him.

“What.”

Riley met her gaze.

So Sugar rubbed her chest against the arm she was holding and gave him a dewy-eyed look. Her face burned from the sheer audacity of doing this sober, but she was trying her best.

“What’s up? You want something to eat?”

But, tragically, he interpreted it as her begging for food.

Of course, Sugar had expected this much. She was the type to cling and pester him all the time.

She needed a stronger stimulus.

“Nooo… I just… like being with you…”

She drew out her words, lacing them with sweetness, while smoothly guiding Riley’s right hand. A masterful maneuver—before he knew it, his palm was pressed against her chest, fingers curling around the softness.

She covered his hand with hers and kneaded gently. The warmth of her breast, completely enveloped in his grasp, sent shivers through her.

“Mmm… ngh…”

She stood frozen on the street, dazedly working his hand like it was her own.

Squish—

Squish—

Squish-squish-squish—

Then, at some point, his hand slipped away.

As if to say enough, his fingers instead stroked her head a few times before settling around her shoulders in a loose embrace.

“…Ah.”

Sugar ducked her head, ears burning too hot to speak.

What the hell did I just do? Sure, she’d initiated it—but the fact that she’d gotten into it was what really set her face aflame.

And the way he’d smoothly redirected things? That stung even more.

“Want me to buy you ice cream?”

“…Mmm.”

She nodded meekly at his placating tone, as if soothing a child.

Still, she couldn’t back down now.

“…Not soft serve. I want one on a stick.”

She tugged lightly on his tie as she made her demand. Even in her embarrassment, she was already plotting her next move—truly, her dedication was unmatched.

The two headed to a popsicle stand—the kind often called “hard ice cream.”

After picking her favorite strawberry flavor and clutching it in hand, she glanced at Riley.

“What’d you get?”

“Soda flavor.”

The man stepped out of the shop, biting into his sky-blue popsicle, his free hand still resting on Sugar’s shoulder.

“C-Can I… have just one bite of yours?”

Sugar asked, feigning calm. Riley readily held it out to her.

But she didn’t take it. Instead, she leaned in and bit it directly from his hand.

“Aaah~”

She licked and nibbled at the popsicle in his grip, staring up at him with wide, expectant eyes.

Riley stared right back down at her.

His gaze was… strange.

Oh no. Did I take the bait instead?

“Mmmph…”

She swirled her tongue teasingly, flashing a provocative smile. Melted ice cream coated her lips, seeping into every crevice.

“Hey.”

Riley finally spoke.

Here it comes. Is he finally reacting?

Anticipation bubbled up. Sugar pretended not to notice, replying with an innocent, “Hmm?”

And then—

THWACK!

“Ow!”

“You said one bite, you pig. You made a whole mess of it. You’re finishing that.”

Scolded, Riley snatched her strawberry popsicle instead and crunched into it.

Sugar pouted, chomping grumpily on the soda-flavored one before thumping her fists against his chest.

“Nggh! Nnnn! Nnngh!”

You didn’t complain when we were making out, so why fuss over a little drool?!

Why’d you take my ice cream?!

Why won’t you react no matter how much I tease you?!

Her flurry of punches was pure, indignant frustration.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid! Where was all that enthusiasm when you were sucking on my chest?! Or when you marked me?! Or when you said my lingerie looked sexy and pretty?! Or when you got all messy with me?!”

She knew how ridiculous she was being right now.

Notice me. See me as an object of desire.

She was asking too much of someone who was both her friend and family. She knew she shouldn’t, but a part of her still craved that reassurance—something to soothe the gnawing insecurity. Mixed in was a childish, petty thought: I feel this way, so why don’t you?

It hurt. And it scared her.

Lately, Riley’s demeanor had been oddly subdued. Even after their brief distance during the Zenrock incident, he’d seemed… withdrawn.

Is he still not fully healed?

Is it because of his mom, who abandoned him for Zenrock?

Or…

Is it because of me?

Even she knew she was exhausting. Her personality was one thing, but Sugar as a person came with too much baggage.

Will he leave me one day?

Will he get sick of me—someone with small breasts and no charm—and turn away?

Even though they’d promised to stay together, doubt and anxiety never left her.

No—problems could arise while they were still together, too.

‘Sugar, you’re my precious childhood friend, so of course I’ll stay with you, but physically, you’re not my type. I’ll just find a sex partner elsewhere—’

Thud.

The popsicle slipped from Sugar’s fingers.

Her legs gave out, and she crumpled to the ground, clutching her chest.

“Sugar?!”

“Hah… Hahhk…!”

“Hey—! What’s wrong?!”

Riley rushed to her side, panic in his voice.

“Hk… Kkh… Hahh…!”

“Why are you—? Breathe. Slow, deep breaths.”

“Hhh… R-Riley… D-Don’t… hate me…”

Her childhood friend held her—gentle but firm. Sugar clung to him, tears welling, struggling to breathe as she buried herself in his warmth.

Because of him, I can’t breathe. Because of him, I can.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Sugar… You’re okay.”

Riley stroked her back tenderly, calling her name, his usual sharpness replaced with rare affection.

He’s so kind…

Too kind.

And that only made her doubt him more.

Is he just pretending to like my body? Even if he seemed to enjoy touching and tasting her, he never reacted physically.

What if all the sticky, heated affection he’d shown her so far was just him picking up on her desires and playing along out of obligation?

Riley did love her. She knew that. He was possessive, protective—it made sense he’d want to satisfy someone he cherished so much.

But what if there was no desire in it?

What if it was purely for her sake?

And yet, sexual desire was a fundamental part of a man’s nature. It couldn’t just be ignored.

Maybe Riley wasn’t looking at other women because he knew how jealous Sugar was, because he knew how much she depended on him.

But what if one day… he grew tired?

What if he wanted to be free in that way?

Just like in her earlier delusion—

No… Not yet… It’s not like that yet…!

She wouldn’t break.

She wouldn’t lose.

She’d seduce him no matter what.

Just wait and see.

Nothing was set in stone yet. She could still move.

Clenching her teeth, Sugar exhaled deeply, steeling herself with stubbornness, obsession, love, and possessiveness.

I won’t lose to a stupid delusion. That’d just make me a fool.

Riley’s scent filled her lungs, flooding her with energy and resolve.

But just as she bit her lip and tried to calm herself—

She was suddenly lifted into the air.

“…Huh?”

“Hold on tight. We’re flying.”

“Wh… Where to?”

“The clinic.”

“N-No! I’m fine now! My breathing’s back to normal! We don’t need to go!”

“You’re getting checked. Who knows what’s wrong?”

With that, Riley hoisted her up—

Oh.

This was a bridal carry.

“Ah…”

Sugar’s lips parted slightly.

She was fine. Nothing hurt.

She’d just… short-circuited from her own delusions and temporarily couldn’t breathe.

How am I supposed to explain that…?

Her face twisted in shame, but she had no choice but to obediently let herself be carried.

For now, she’d take this as a short break—a chance to regroup before her next move. She’d stay still, grateful for his warmth.

But just wait.

Just wait and see.

…Wow. Riley’s chest is so broad… His jawline’s sharp… His Adam’s apple sticks out… Wow…

But somehow, it feels like I’m the one being seduced here.

At any rate, that day was entirely wasted on their back-and-forth at the clinic.

***************

The next day passed much the same.

First thing in the morning, Sugar forced Riley to drink a stamina-recovery potion. Whether it helped with seduction or not, she’d already decided to make it for him—he had been a patient for a while, after all. Of course, she didn’t add any aphrodisiacs.

Getting a reaction that way would be meaningless.

Then, she tied her hair up to expose her nape. Pressed her thighs against him.

Hugged him from behind. Pressed her thighs against him again.

Showed off her sweat-drenched skin. Dangled her bare, stocking-free thighs in his face—only for his reaction to become even more ambiguous.

After all that, Sugar thunked her head against the wall.

The more she acted, the sturdier and more impenetrable his defenses became. Every time, he’d just stare blankly or pat her head, and that was it.

Her pride was in tatters.

It felt like she’d become the wind in that fable about the sun and the wind competing to strip a traveler of his cloak. No matter how hard she blew, he only buttoned up tighter.

So what was she supposed to do?

How could she strip him bare?

Should she become the sun, like in the fable? Would gentle warmth really solve everything?

“…No. That’s not the point.”

Sugar pondered seriously, drawing inspiration from the tale.

What was she missing?

What had her seduction lacked so far?

Lukewarm warmth like sunlight wasn’t enough.

What she needed was—

“A grand, decisive strike…!”

A stimulus Riley could never have imagined!

Something he’d never experienced before!

The real answer to the sun and wind fable wasn’t gentleness—it was a typhoon strong enough to blow away not just the cloak, but the person wearing it!

Pathetic! If I’d just been stronger, I wouldn’t have lost and had to pretty it up with some moral lesson!

Sugar clenched her fist.

Truthfully, she’d already prepared something.

She’d gone to great lengths to get her hands on it—measuring every detail to ensure the perfect fit.

It wounded her pride beyond belief. The mere thought of wearing it made her teeth grind, which was why she’d kept putting it off.

“Now… there’s no other choice.”

If she thought about the motif of this costume…

If she threw herself into the role completely, just for one day…

If she remembered how he’d looked at them that day—surely he’d like it, right?

Huu… Steeling herself, Sugar reached for her choker.

“…Riley. Can you meet me now?”

Sugar was a wind mage—a woman as capricious as the breeze. One moment, she was a gentle spring wind; the next, a biting gale.

And now, her journey to summon a typhoon had begun.

***************

Riley seriously considered using a wish coupon.

His friend had been acting insane since yesterday. At the café, he’d thought, No way… but her behavior hadn’t changed since. She was blatantly declaring, “I’m seducing you ♡”, and pretending not to notice was getting exhausting.

If he even hinted at wanting a little distance—

…She’d absolutely lose it.

Kidnapping. Or maybe a bloodbath. Either way, nothing good would come of it.

Now she’d contacted him again, demanding to meet—even saying she’d come to his room. What was she planning this time?

His head already hurt.

It felt like preparing for battle every time.

Why is she suddenly like this? What’s gotten into her? Did she secretly want him to make a move when we were in Zenrock?

She’s the one who kept her distance first, but… women are impossible to understand.

Of course, he could touch her. He could play along happily.

But right now, Sugar gave off a dangerous vibe, so he was deliberately playing dumb. Her persistence, her clinginess, her saccharine advances—all of it set off alarm bells.

If he indulged her in this state, he had a feeling it wouldn’t end like usual. The usual Riley touches her → Sugar feels good → cleanup routine wouldn’t cut it.

Not to mention she suddenly had trouble breathing yesterday.

The clinic said she was fine, but he couldn’t help worrying.

Was she doing this because she’d seen him sulking in Zenrock? Because he’d kept his distance, and now she was lashing out? Was she so burdened by guilt that she was forcing herself to offer her body to relieve his stress?

So he gritted his teeth and endured, pretending not to notice. The reasons were complicated.

‘At this point, shouldn’t she realize I’m deliberately ignoring it?’

Riley sighed and shifted in his seat.

He could sense Sugar’s mana approaching. Any second now, there’d be a knock.

-Knock, knock.

There it was.

Alright. Bring it on.

When he called for her to enter, the door cracked open, and his childhood friend peeked in with a grin.

“Hehe… Hi.”

‘Don’t smile at me like that. You’re making me weak.’

“Pardon the intrusion.”

With an awkward smile, Sugar slipped inside, carrying a bag. For some reason, it looked suspicious.

“So… remember when we went to the casino a while back? Thinking about it made me want to play a game. I was bored anyway, so… let’s play together.”

The way she fidgeted as she spoke was cute—but also concerning.

“A game?”

“Yeah. A game.”

Sugar set the bag on the table and unpacked it. A deck of cards. Next to it, the Dream Lantern, equipped with the Eyes of the Liar.

Something about this felt very wrong.

“Just the two of us?”

Card games were more fun with three or four people, so he used that as an excuse to probe.

“Yeah. A two-player game. And… today, I only want to play with you.”

“…”

Normally, he’d be happy to hear that. So why did it sound so ominous today?

“So… is that a no?”

“No…”

The moment he answered, Sugar perked up.

“Then let’s start right away! First, the setup…”

Humming, his childhood friend began preparing the cards.

As Riley watched her quietly, her small lips parted slightly.

“Oh, by the way… I’ve already decided on a penalty.”

“…”

Something about this felt extremely bad.

Translator Note

Hi hi everyone!!! It’s your translator LegoMyEggo here, has everyone been enjoying following Sugar, Riley, Leon and Ian on their insane antics and adventures? I certainly have been!! The progress that Sugar and Riley are making on their relationship is delicious, and for those of you curious about when the next r19 chapters will be… well you won’t have to wait long at all as tomorrow both chapters will be r19.

here to recommend one of our café’s other novels, I have Doll Friends translated by our beloved Esthr!!!

I have Doll Friends is a novel that features one of the tried and true tropes! A TS Girlfailure protagonist!! Our protagonist is Mari, a introverted, cautious girl who doesn’t really know how to talk to people. Oh and she has wooden dolls that she controls with magic threads, (but she struggles a bit with that whole thing)

It’s a super cute, super fun novel, that is more slice of life fantasy!

You can find it on the main page of the Café and on Novelupdates!! So please go ahead and give it a look!!