I must have fallen asleep without realizing it, tossing and turning in regret.
The sun was clearly hanging in the sky, but before I knew it, the curtain of night had fallen.
I had so much to do today, but I ended up wasting my time meaninglessly…
I still need to handle Lady Orteza’s aftermath and review the classes I only half-listened to…
Someone as slow-witted as me needs to go over things multiple times, or I’ll just forget them.
“It’s all Alyssa’s fault.”
If she hadn’t made that request, none of this would have happened.
It was good that I helped her in the duel, but she forced me to do something incredibly rude to her own sister.
Yes, it was coercion.
As much as it frustrates me, Alyssa is stronger and smarter than me, so she cleverly manipulated me into doing it.
“…I’m such an idiot.”
No matter how many times I try to deceive myself, the fact remains that I stole a kiss from Alyssa of my own will.
The more I deny it, the more vividly that moment comes back to me, making my head burn.
…Fine. Let’s just cleanly pretend it never happened.
If I can’t deny it, then I’ll just forget it.
I told Alyssa not to mention it either, so if I forget, there should be no problem.
“Phew… That’s clean.”
Now that I’ve resolved the issue, I’m starting to feel hungry.
Even though the battle ended quickly, it was intense, and I haven’t had dinner yet, so it’s understandable.
I’ll ask Ameri to prepare some simple bread and salad.
I got up from my seat and headed towards the door to find Ameri.
I glanced at Alyssa’s bed, but it seemed she hadn’t returned yet, as the bedding was neatly arranged.
‘…She always follows me around.’
Did she really not come because I told her not to?
I know I shouldn’t blame Alyssa since I was the one who gave the order, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit lonely.
Living with Alyssa seems to be breaking me down.
I used to think of myself as a cool and rational person, but now I feel like an idiot.
Sigh… I should chat with Ameri and calm my mind.
Alyssa will come back at night, so I’ll subtly let her know that she can come in as she pleases now.
Click.
“Huh…?”
The moment I opened the door, the first thing I saw was…
“Sister…?”
Alyssa crouches by the door.
She must have been there for quite some time, as a layer of dust had settled on her shoulders and knees.
It was a pitiful sight, unbecoming of a noble lady, but Alyssa didn’t seem to mind at all, smiling brightly at me.
“Can I come in now…?”
“You idiot!”
I couldn’t help but shout.
Alyssa, not expecting my outburst, flinched and lowered her eyes like a scolded puppy.
“How long have you been here…?”
“…Since you went back to your room.”
“Did no one say anything about you sitting here like this!?”
“No. Everyone told me to go in, but I said I was fine. Oh! I didn’t mention your name…”
What am I going to do with this fool?
So smart, so strong…
Why did she take her wicked sister’s request so seriously?
“Alyssa…”
Hug.
“Sister! I’m dirty!”
I sat down on the floor and hugged Alyssa’s small body.
The dust and grime on her got on my clothes, but I didn’t care at all.
“It’s my fault for saying such things to a fool like you.”
“Sister, you didn’t do anything wrong…”
“Be quiet. You just need to stay still and let me hug you.”
If I was asleep, she could have just come in.
My sister, sitting outside for hours just to follow my ridiculous order.
It was laughable.
It felt stupid.
But.
More than that, it was endearing.
“Alyssa… You need to learn to be more flexible.”
“I…”
“Didn’t I tell you not to say anything?”
“…Yes.”
By now, even a fool would understand.
Alyssa is on my side.
She truly sees me as her sister and follows me.
It’s just that my nature is so flawed that I couldn’t accept her.
“Sigh… Alyssa. Have you had dinner?”
“…No.”
“Good. Follow me.”
I helped Alyssa up and brushed off the remaining dust.
Every inch, meticulously.
Good. Now she’s back to being the beautiful Alyssa.
“Let’s have dinner together.”
“Sister…!”
“I’ll decide the menu, so don’t get your hopes up. Understood?”
“Yes! Even if it’s just grass by the roadside, I’ll love it as long as it’s with you!”
“…Are you really an idiot?”
The fool wagging her invisible tail seemed especially cute.
The pain in my head and stomach told me that my brain definitely found this fool adorable.
…Will I have to endure this pain every time I see Alyssa from now on?
It’s not severe, but it’s bothersome.
Still… I’ve decided to be kinder to Alyssa from now on.
I can endure this much.
“Alyssa. Before dinner, we’re both dirty, so let’s take a bath first. I’ll wash you specially, so consider it an honor.”
“…Huh?”
The expression on Alyssa’s face at that moment was the most foolish I’ve ever seen in my life.
— — — — — — — — — —
When was the most nerve-wracking moment of my life?
If you asked a hundred people, you’d get a hundred different answers, but for me, it’s right now, this moment.
“Alyssa. You’re taking baths too lightly. If you want to maintain your hair, you need to take care of it properly. Understood?”
“Yes…”
Because I’m in the bathroom with none other than my beloved sister, Amy Rosewell.
There was a time when I forced my way in while she was bathing, but back then, I had my reasons and couldn’t properly observe her body.
After all, I saw her as an enemy, not someone I loved.
But now?
What about now?
Behind me is… the person I love.
The most noble and beautiful being in the empire.
Isn’t it a privilege only I can enjoy, being here with her just because we’re sisters and both women?
Sister takes bath time very seriously.
‘Ah… I’m so nervous I can’t even look at her properly…’
I know I could see her noble body if I wanted to, but I couldn’t muster the courage to turn around.
Could I maintain my composure seeing her pure body?
My affection grows day by day; could I even protect myself?
Just… the sensation of the kiss we shared earlier still lingers.
Squish.
“Alyssa! Are you listening to me?”
‘Ugh!!’
The moment my sister approached from behind, a soft, squishy sensation touched my back.
The large chest that always made its presence known even through the dresses she usually wore now unleashed its destructive power, far surpassing any high-level magic.
“I… I’m listening…”
“If you’re listening, then behave properly! What are you doing staring at the wall?”
“…Sister, you’re absolutely right.”
Right. Now that sister has opened her heart to me, acting like a fool will only disappoint her again.
To make up for my earlier impulsive actions, I need to show her a sharp and composed side.
I steeled my heart and turned around confidently, but the sight before me left me speechless.
“Alyssa?”
Unlike the young ladies who couldn’t control their appetites and needed corsets to fit into their dresses, sister’s figure was nearly perfect.
Sister might not know it, but the number of love letters mother received from men could form a mountain.
…If it were just her figure, men wouldn’t be so infatuated with a lower noble like Rosewell.
But my sister is more than just beautiful.
The Amy Rosewell I knew had committed numerous misdeeds, but her charisma and overwhelming beauty had gathered countless followers.
If sister wanted, she could form a faction in the academy, right?
A faction so large it would dwarf Sharen or Marybell’s.
…Hmm, that’s something I must prevent at all costs.
No matter how beautiful my sister is, I mustn’t lose sight of my goal, Alyssa.
“Alyssa!”
“Ah!”
“Are you… feeling unwell? Did you catch a cold from sitting outside…?”
Did I act too strangely?
Sister started suspecting I might be sick.
She stared so intently at my chest and thighs, but my sister, whether naive or kind…
“I… felt a bit dizzy, but I’m fine now. Thank you, sister.”
“…That’s good to hear.”
My beloved sister nodded, accepting my weak excuse.
This won’t do.
I need to be stricter with the people approaching my sister.
“Alyssa. Follow me.”
Sister, walking ahead, held her chest to prevent it from swaying.
It didn’t seem intentional, but the sight of her ash-gray hair flowing over her chest created a devastatingly beautiful image.
Yes. So captivating I couldn’t look away.
…This makes me look like a pervert, not a sister following her sibling.
“Now, Alyssa? Wash my back. Normally, I’d ask Ameri, but today is about strengthening our sisterly bond.”
“Ah… Ah…”
Sister, sitting on the luxurious chair in the corner of the bathroom, exposed her defenseless back to me.
From behind, her large chest, supported by her thin waist, made me want to touch it endlessly.
‘Hold back, hold back… I must hold back…’
…Wait, what am I holding back for?
Sister asked me to wash her.
All I need to do is rub her back with this soft sponge she handed me.
“Alyssa, what are you hesitating for? I want to get into the bath soon.”
“I… I’ll do it now…”
Squish.
“…Huh! E, Alyssa?”
‘…I’m in trouble.’
I tried to wash her back, but my hand, defying my will, touched my sister’s chest.
I had touched it indirectly before, but this was the first time I felt it directly…
The incredibly soft sensation was moving, but the happiness was short-lived.
“What are you doing…?”
The moment I saw my sister’s cold glare, all the blood in my body turned to ice.
Ah. But my sister’s expression is beautiful…
“…Alyssa? Wait, you…?”
“Huh…?”
Drip, drip… Drip.
The moment I felt something red fall to the floor, a strong sensation hit my nose.
A sticky fluid seemed to be flowing directly…
Yes. Like a nosebleed.
“Blood! Alyssa! Are you hurt!?”
I got excited seeing my sister glare at me.
If I tell the truth, she’ll despise me again.
“…I think I’m not feeling well. I’m sorry, sister.”
“That… seems to be the case. Alyssa, go rest first. Understood? I’ll ask Ameri to prepare some medicine for you!”
“Yes…”
I ruined such a precious chance with this stupid act.
I’m… really… an idiot…