A Sudden Illness and Unexpected Care

Sick children should rub their backs nicely~

About twenty minutes later, five or six people arrived at the Hoshimori Shrine, all of them invited by the grand Igarashi Rie. Leading the group was the Igarashi family’s butler, a robust and spirited elderly gentleman with a touch of gray in his beard. He skillfully flipped the wok and stirred the pan. The others, dressed in work overalls, quickly cleaned Shion’s kitchen until it sparkled.

They didn’t just clean efficiently; they moved swiftly. Within ten minutes, the kitchen was as bright as new, and within half an hour, a table of steaming hot dishes was prepared, specially made light for Shion, who was still running a fever. In the following five minutes, the pans used for cooking were washed spotless.

Shion lay in bed, stunned, watching the team Igarashi Rie had brought. Their efficiency was astonishing, and if Shion had fallen asleep, she probably wouldn’t have been disturbed.

“So this is how Igarashi-senpai is treated at home……” Shion marveled, dreaming of a future where she could afford to hire people to cook, allowing her to sleep in until she naturally woke up, no longer disturbed by Ayane’s early morning antics.

“Miss, as per your instructions, the cleaning is complete, the meal is ready, and the hot water is prepared. Do you have any further orders?” The butler bowed slightly to Igarashi, inquiring.

“Thank you for your hard work. You may leave now.” Igarashi was equally polite. “Oh, and please don’t mention my visit here to my father today.”

The butler nodded. “Understood. I wish your friend a speedy recovery. We’ll take our leave now.”

Igarashi watched the butler and the cleaning crew’s retreating figures, then returned to Shion’s room.

“The butler and his team have cleaned everything, and the meal is ready. Are you feeling hungry yet?” Igarashi asked considerately.

Shion touched her forehead, feeling it was less hot, and sensed a return of her strength. Her stomach began to rumble. “I’m a little hungry. Let’s go eat, then.” Shion tilted her head, her weak voice adding to her allure as a fragile girl.

Igarashi supported Shion as she got out of bed, walking slowly towards the dining table. Shion was light and obedient, making Igarashi feel as if she were carrying a large doll.

“Wow! Is this the restaurant-level service?” Shion stared at the table filled with a variety of dishes, barely believing her eyes. Tears of gratitude flowed from her mouth. Although it was just the two of them, the butler had prepared five dishes, including a dessert. The rice was already served, and a fragrant mug of barley tea awaited.

“Eat quickly before the food gets cold.” Igarashi ruffled Shion’s hair. “Should I feed you?”

Shion shook her head. “I’m much better now. Igarashi-senpai, you really treat me like a child. I’m in high school, you know.”

“You’re still a year younger than me, so in my eyes, you’re still a child.” Igarashi propped her head up and laughed.

“You’re impossible.” Shion pouted, playfully putting a piece of meat in her mouth. It was as delicious as the lunch she had shared with Igarashi on the roof.

Igarashi pulled her chair closer to Shion. “After all, you’re still my little sister who’s sick, and you need my care.”

“I’d be grateful if you didn’t break my dishes……”

About half an hour later, the meal was completely finished. To prevent another disaster like the morning’s, Shion decided to wash the dishes herself, even if she wasn’t fully recovered. Otherwise, half of the shrine’s dishes would surely be broken.

“I’m so sorry, I came to visit you, and now you have to wash the dishes.” Igarashi felt a bit embarrassed as she watched Shion wash.

“Not at all, I’m doing this for my own selfish reasons, like ensuring the safety of my dishes……” Shion sighed, her hands moving deftly as she cleaned and put away the dishes.

“I’m not that clumsy, you know.” Igarashi showed a hint of displeasure and gently poked Shion’s cheek. Shion’s skin was soft and warm, like a pink marshmallow.

The usually popular Igarashi family’s big sister was actually a clumsy, caring older sister. This contrast was too great!

“Should I give you a sponge bath? I promise I’ll do a good job this time.” Igarashi suggested.

“Ehh?!” Shion’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze fixed on the hot water the butler had prepared.

So that’s what she meant!

“Taking a full bath might give you a cold. How about I help you with a sponge bath instead?” Igarashi had already entered Shion’s room with the water.

“Ah……” Shion’s face flushed, wondering if she should let a girl help her bathe. This was a new experience, and if her memory served her right, even Ayane hadn’t helped her before.

Well, Ayane would be lucky to not make fun of her being flat-chested. After all, the sisters’ most noticeable difference was in their figures.

“Igarashi-senpai……”

“Listen to your elder, okay?” Igarashi had already wet the towel and started wiping Shion.

Shion finally gave in and lay on the bed, undoing her miko outfit and lifting her shirt, then flopped down like a student finally home after a long day of school.

“Igarashi-senpai, go ahead.” Shion buried her head in the pillow, her voice muffled, sounding like a defeated, innocent fool.

Shion’s skin was incredibly smooth and soft, almost translucent. Although her chest wasn’t particularly full, just exposing her fair back was enough to create a hint of allure.

Even Igarashi, known for her meticulous skin care, gasped when her towel touched Shion’s skin.

“Hnng!~” Shion couldn’t help but let out a yelp when the warm towel touched her.

It was like…… but really cute!

“Did it burn you?” Igarashi asked, though she felt her own breathing becoming uneven. She tried to calm herself.

Shion shook her head through the pillow. “No, it’s just…… I’ve never had my back touched before, so……”

The white-haired girl bit her lip and finished the last two words, “sensitive……”

****