In Academy City, the Paradise Project begins.

Page 125

"If someone were to harm Misaka right now, would Onee-sama protect Misaka?" Misaka 9999 asked earnestly.

Without the slightest hesitation, Mikoto replied, "Of course! I will do everything in my power to protect you!"

Misaka 9999 nodded and said calmly, "Then the answer is clear. The past cannot be changed, but the future can. Misaka 9999 believes that Onee-sama doesn't need to blame herself for what has already happened, but should focus on what she can do now," Misaka quoted Dr. Higashino.

"Misaka No. 10086 Supplement."

Another younger sister chimed in.

"Based on information available on the Misaka Network, dwelling excessively on past mistakes can lead to depression. We recommend that you, Onee-sama, receive psychological counseling. This is Misaka's professional advice."

Mikoto felt a surge of warmth as she watched them earnestly cite psychological theories to comfort her. These children, these sisters who should have resented her, were offering her the purest form of understanding in their own unique way.

"I......"

Just as Mikoto was about to say something, her stomach suddenly let out a loud rumble. Her face flushed red, and she awkwardly clutched her abdomen.

She went to queue up early in the morning to buy the limited edition Gekota shirt, then followed Higashino and Shokuhou on their date, and finally spent so much time here, took a nap, and now her stomach is completely empty.

"Misaka No. 15025 has detected that Onee-sama's blood sugar level may be too low. She recommends immediate nutritional supplementation," Misaka reminded her with concern.

"Misaka 10031 suggested ordering takeout. Considering the large number of people present, she recommended a family meal, a pragmatic suggestion from Misaka."

Higashino smiled and stood up: "No need, the ingredients in the villa should be enough. How about we all work together to cook dinner?"

Although Index just mentioned that there might not be enough food, she was considering it based on her own appetite; under normal circumstances, that amount of food would definitely be sufficient.

The suggestion was immediately met with enthusiastic responses from the younger sisters. Under Mikoto's surprised gaze, they skillfully divided the tasks—some went to the kitchen to prepare cooking utensils, some counted the ingredients, and a few gathered around Index, listening to her excitedly describe the "super luxurious dinner" she imagined.

Mikoto sat there, watching the lively scene, feeling a sense of unreality. She had never imagined that one day she would see so many "selves" laughing and busy together, let alone that she would be in Higashino's house, sharing a room with Misaki Shokuhou, Index, and so many of her sisters.

Aren't you going to help?

Higashino's voice pulled her back to reality. He stood in front of her, smiling and extending his hand.

Mikoto placed her hand in his palm, letting him pull her up: "I...I don't know what to do."

Just be yourself.

"I'm talking softly," Higashino said, reaching out to gently wipe away the undried tear stains on her face.

"For them, seeing the real 'Big Sister' is more important than anything else."

Mikoto nodded and followed Higashino to the kitchen.

There, a chaotic yet heartwarming dinner preparation was underway. Misaka 10086 and Index were arguing about the correct way to fry an egg, Himegami Akisa was silently chopping vegetables, and Last Order was tiptoeing, trying to sneak a bite of the ham on the cutting board, only to be sternly stopped by Misaka 19090...

Is this home?

As Mikoto thought about it, her chest was filled with an unprecedented feeling of warmth.

"A family like this, getting married like this wouldn't be so bad..."

Remembering the wedding she had just dreamed about, she took a deep breath, rolled up her sleeves, and joined in the preparations for the lively dinner.

Chapter 159 Precious Memories

Inside the kitchen, Mikoto stood in front of the stove, carefully flipping the fried eggs in the frying pan.

Misaka 10086 stood beside her, watching her movements intently.

“Big sister, you flipped the dough 3 seconds earlier than the recipe says, Misaka points out a technical error,” No. 10086 said earnestly.

Mikoto's hand trembled, almost causing the egg to spill out of the pan: "Uh... is this not okay?"

She usually makes fried eggs and gets good grades in home economics, but this is the first time she's been asked to be precise to the second like this.

"The denial was merely an observation and record. In reality, my sister's method resulted in a more even cooking of the egg yolks, and Misaka acknowledges that practice is superior to theory."

Mikoto couldn't help but smile and continued with her work. She never imagined that one day she would be cooking with a "sister" who looked exactly like her, let alone receiving such professional culinary feedback.

On the other side of the kitchen, Higashino was instructing his younger sisters on how to prepare vegetables. He personally demonstrated how to cut carrots, and his sisters gathered around him, attentively imitating his movements.

"Misaka No. 10032 confirmed that the key to swordsmanship lies in keeping the wrist fixed and only moving the fingers. Misaka summarizes the key points for learning."

"Misaka 17877 added that cutting carrots into even crescent shapes makes them easier to heat evenly, Misaka analyzed from a thermodynamic point of view."

Higashino nodded approvingly: "You learn very quickly. Number 10032, why don't you give it a try?"

Higashino handed them the knife and began to teach them earnestly. The younger girls were quick learners and picked it up easily, which gave Higashino a sense of joy, like a teacher encountering outstanding students.

As Mikoto watched this scene, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

Higashino's attitude towards his younger sisters was so natural, just like how he would treat any ordinary girl. There was no pity, no special treatment, only equal respect and patience.

This attitude is exactly what these children, who were once used as experimental subjects, need most. And their fondness for Higashino, even going so far as to vote in the last collective vote to have Misaka 9999 kiss him, is probably partly due to this.

"Big sister! Egg! Egg!" Last Order suddenly shouted, pointing at Mikoto's frying pan.

Mikoto snapped back to reality and realized the edges of the fried egg were already starting to burn. She hurriedly turned off the stove, giving an embarrassed laugh: "I-sorry, I was daydreaming..."

"Misaka No. 10086 suggests reducing the furnace temperature by 20% to avoid localized overheating. Misaka provides a remedial solution."

"Th-thank you..." Mikoto said softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. She secretly glanced at Higashino and saw him smiling at her, so she immediately turned her face away.

"Misaka-san," Misaki Shokuhou's voice came from the kitchen doorway, "Could we speak in private for a moment?"

Mikoto hesitated for a moment, then handed the spatula to No. 10086: "Excuse me..."

"Misaka 10086 has confirmed that she will take over the omelet-making job and will guarantee to meet the standards expected by her older sister. Misaka solemnly promises." Misaka 10086 solemnly accepted the spatula, as if she were receiving some kind of mission.

Mikoto followed Shokuhou to the restaurant and found that it was almost fully furnished.

A pristine white tablecloth covered the long table, adorned with exquisite tableware and fresh flowers. Himegami Akisa and Mikoto Meiya were setting out napkins.

Before cooking, Mingya officially appeared in front of everyone with Higashino's ability, which surprised everyone for a while, especially the younger sisters, who were extremely surprised by the existence of a ghost.

"This is..." Mikoto looked at everything in surprise. She hadn't expected that Higashino would arrange such a lavish dinner for an ordinary meal.

“Higashino-kun arranged it this way on purpose.” Shokuhou leaned against the wall, her eyes filled with a complicated expression. “He also wanted to hold a celebration party while you and so many of your sisters were there.”

As for Higashino's arrangements, she didn't mention herself, nor did she intend to tell Mikoto about Dolly, as that would only add more psychological burden to the girl in front of her who was prone to overthinking.

What Higashino really wanted was to gather all his sisters together to celebrate, but that was too difficult, since it involved 10,000 people, and even he couldn't do it now.

However, if given the chance, Higashino would still like to do it once, as that would be the most perfect opportunity.

Mikoto lowered her head, feeling both happy and disappointed.

"I...I don't know how to thank him..."

"Hmph..." Shokuhou snorted lightly, "Given your relationship with Higashino, do you think he needs your thanks? I called you over just to tell you..." She paused, her voice softening, "Those children really like you."

Mikoto looked up, surprised, at Shokuhou. She hadn't expected Shokuhou to call her over just to say something like that.

"Don't look at me like that." Shokuhou turned her face away. "I'm just stating the facts. Besides Higashino, you're the one they talk about the most."

Mikoto's chest suddenly tightened, and her eyes welled up with tears again: "Shokuhou...you..."

"Alright, stop being so fussy." Shokuhou waved her hand dismissively. Mikoto, who had been crying all day, was completely different from the Mikoto she usually saw, and she didn't like this side of Mikoto.

Compared to this weak appearance, she still felt that the Misaka who was usually at odds with her was better.

"Dinner is almost ready, go wash your hands."

Mikoto nodded and turned to walk towards the restroom.

As she passed by the kitchen, she saw Higashino bending down to listen to Last Order excitedly saying something, a gentle smile on his face.

That smile made her heart skip a beat. She stood there for a long time, staring at him, until Higashino was about to turn his gaze to her, at which point she quickly fled in embarrassment.

The bathroom mirror reflected Mikoto's flushed cheeks and slightly moist eyes. She took a deep breath and splashed cold water on her face: "Cheer up, Misaka Mikoto..."

After raising her fist and encouraging herself for a while, Mikoto calmed herself down before going outside.

When she returned to the restaurant, dinner was almost ready, with a long table laden with various dishes.

Golden fried eggs, vibrantly colored vegetable salads, fragrant cream stews, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside fried chicken nuggets, perfectly grilled steaks, juicy and flavorful mapo tofu, and a variety of other Chinese dishes that Dongye specializes in... While not exactly exquisite, each dish is made with heart.

"Big sister, please sit here." Misaka 10032 pulled out the chair for the head of the table, gesturing for Mikoto to sit down.

"Ah, no, I..." Mikoto waved her hand in a flustered manner, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with this serious demeanor.

“This was arranged by my brother-in-law,” No. 10032 explained. “He believes that my sister should sit in a position where she can see everyone, so that Misaka can convey the design concept.”

Mikoto looked at Higashino, who nodded to her. She could only sit down, blushing. Higashino sat to her right, while Shokuhou chose the furthest seat, elegantly crossing her legs.

The younger sisters took their seats one by one, and Last Order excitedly climbed onto the chair to Misaka's left, her little face full of anticipation: "Misaka Misaka has never eaten with so many people before! Misaka Misaka excitedly announced!"

Index, sitting next to Misaki, couldn't wait to pick up her fork: "I'm digging in!" she said, reaching for the nearest piece of fried chicken.

"Wait a minute." Higashino quickly stopped her. "Before we start, shouldn't someone say something?"

Everyone fell silent, their gazes all turning to Mikoto. She suddenly felt a surge of pressure: "I...I..."

“Onee-sama, there’s no need to be nervous,” Misaka 9999 suddenly said. “Misaka 9999 suggests that Onee-sama just say what you really want to say right now, and Misaka will provide emotional guidance.”

Mikoto took a deep breath and looked around at each expectant face at the table. Her gaze swept over her sisters one by one, finally settling on Higashino's encouraging eyes.

“I…” Her voice trembled slightly, “I’m so happy to have dinner with everyone. Really… so happy.”

These few simple words seemed to have exhausted all her courage.

To her surprise, her sisters looked at each other and then smiled together, though it was a faint smile, it was a genuine smile from the heart.

"Misaka Network unanimously agrees that this is the most sincere statement made by Onee-sama to date. Misaka 10086 announces this on behalf of the entire organization."

"Then, let's begin," Higashino announced with a smile.

Dinner proceeded in a pleasant atmosphere. Although the sisters maintained an orderly pace while eating, their individual personalities were becoming apparent: some preferred vegetables, some focused on meat, and a few cautiously tried the "secret sauce" that Index had strongly recommended.

These changes have broken away from the uniform template inputted into them by the learning device. In just a few days, they are already moving closer to normal people. Given enough time, the girls will surely become just like normal people.

Higashino was very satisfied with today's arrangements. He had seen the changes in Mikoto, Shokuhou, and the sisters, and his arrangements had not been in vain.

"Onee-sama, please try this." Misaka 19202 pushed a small dish of tomato salad in front of Mikoto. "This was made by Misaka using tomatoes that she had taken care of for several days. Misaka recommends it with great anticipation."

She even asked Higashino to teleport back to the hospital to pick it so she could use it.

Mikoto took a bite, and the sweet and sour taste burst in her mouth: "It's delicious! You really... grew it yourself?"

Number 19202 nodded, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes: "There's a small vegetable garden on the hospital roof, which the head nurse allows the Misakas to use. These tomatoes are cultivated from seed, and their growth data is recorded daily. Misaka explains the planting process in detail."

Although the tomatoes were already fully grown when she took over, she still took good care of them.

"Misaka 15025 is responsible for recording daily light and water data to ensure optimal growth conditions, with contributions from the Misaka Supplement Team."

As Mikoto listened to their proud recounting of their planting experiences, she felt both moved and heartbroken. These girls, who should have had ordinary lives, had even made caring for a single tomato a cherished achievement.

"Here you go." Higashino's voice interrupted her thoughts. He picked up a piece of fried chicken and placed it on Mikoto's plate. "Don't just listen, eat some too."

Mikoto nodded and took a small bite of the fried chicken. The skin was crispy, the inside juicy, the seasoning was just right, and it had a unique flavor.

"This is...you taught them how to make it?" Well, how should I put it, it's pretty good, especially since it has a very distinct flavor compared to the fried chicken sold in shops on the street.

Higashino smiled and said, "Yes, number 10031 is the head chef, and I'm the assistant."

"Misaka No. 10031 confirmed that the fried chicken recipe was inspired by her brother-in-law's hometown recipe, with the addition of special spices. Misaka revealed the cooking secrets."

Dinner continued amidst this warm conversation.

Mikoto noticed that as time went on, the stereotypical "Misaka self-reference" in the sisters' speech would occasionally be dropped, replaced by more natural expressions.

They started discussing the taste of food like ordinary girls, and even occasionally cracked little jokes.

"Misaka No. 17877 believes that Her Majesty should try hot sauce, which is said to boost metabolism. Misaka pretends to give scientific advice but is actually playing a prank."

Misaki's eyes widened: "Oh dear, you little rascal, when did you learn to play tricks on people?"

Misaki has a bit of a problem with spicy food; she's not the type to handle spice very well. After all, she prefers desserts to spicy food.

But it was her sisters' suggestion, and even if it was a prank, she wanted to try going along with the kids' ideas.

"Misaka No. 17877 denied any intention to play a prank, insisting it was purely for health reasons. Misaka innocently defended herself, but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly."

Mikoto couldn't help but laugh out loud, then covered her mouth in surprise. The interaction between the sisters and that Shokuhou guy was quite amusing.

In particular, it was very interesting to see Misaki Shokuhou's face turn completely red after eating fried chicken dipped in hot sauce; it was the first time she had ever seen Misaki Shokuhou like that.

Even though her sisters' affairs shouldn't have anything to do with her, she was still so serious and treated them so well. This discovery deeply moved Mikoto.

She has let go of her resentment about Shokuhou and Higashino going on a date today, and even thinks that making Shokuhou Misaki the fourth one is actually a pretty good choice.

Mikoto was startled by the sudden thought. She glanced at Higashino, who was still interacting with Last Order and Index, and muttered to herself, "I won't hold it against you for coming to school to see me today!"