Chapter 28: Weird Rumors

“…This child, really.”

Clearly, when we fell asleep, we were each in our own beds, but when I woke up, Alyssa was nestled in my arms.

The way she clung to me while sleeping would have been unbearably unpleasant in the past, but now that I’ve decided to cherish my younger sister, it was nothing but endearing.

“Alyssa, Alyssa.”

“Mmm…”

“Wake up. It’s time to start getting ready for school.”

“Sister…?”

After blinking a few times, Alyssa hurriedly got up and began fixing her disheveled hair.

…Fixing her hair is one thing, but why does she keep glancing at me? 

Her cheeks were flushed, perhaps from just waking up, and her expression carried a certain allure, making me feel strangely unsettled.

The important thing right now isn’t Alyssa’s charm.

Get a grip, Amy.

“…Alyssa. Before you head to the bathroom, I have something to ask you.”

“Ask me anything, sister.”

“About Orteza… Can you give me some advice on how to handle her? You’d know, right?”

Up until the moment I fell asleep last night, I was tormented by the question of how to deal with Orteza. 

If I were to follow through with the bet, as the winner, I would become Orteza’s master, but given the complexities of noble society, I can’t just do that.

On the other hand, pretending it never happened would undermine the honor of the duel we fought… 

That woman is so annoying. 

If it weren’t for her family’s influence, I’d have made her pay dearly.

“…Sister, what do you want to do with Orteza?”

“Are you turning the question back on me?”

“Yes. Please answer, sister.”

Alyssa sat on the bed, looking straight at me. 

The silly expression she had just moments ago was gone, replaced by the serious Alyssa I’ve been seeing a lot lately.

…Something about this doesn’t sit right with me.

“She’s annoying, but I don’t really have any plans. If you hadn’t helped me, I would’ve been the one who lost, after all.”

“Hmm… I think you would’ve won, sister.”

“Alyssa, you helped me because you thought I was in danger, so why are you denying it now?”

“It’s just my personal opinion. Anyway, if that’s how you feel, I have a good idea. Would you like to hear it?”

“Go ahead.”

“Yes! My idea is…”

What Alyssa suggested was, by my standards, utterly shocking.

“…Are you sure that’s the right way to go?”

Even though I’ve decided to trust Alyssa, this was something that my common sense couldn’t easily accept.

“Yes. Given that you’ve already clashed with Orteza, I think this is the best approach. Please understand that I’m not suggesting this because I like the idea.”

“Sigh… Alright. Since this mess is my fault, I’ll trust you this time, Alyssa.”

“…Thank you, sister.”

Is this really the right thing to do…?

Even though I’ve decided to go through with it, I’m not fully convinced. 

But since I’ve decided to trust Alyssa… I guess I have no choice.

— — — — — — — — — —

After entering the classroom, the first thing I did was look for Orteza. 

I was worried she might not have arrived yet since it was quite early, but fortunately, I found her sitting at her desk.

“Sister, you must do exactly as I said.”

“Sigh… Alright, Alyssa.”

After exchanging whispers with Alyssa, I strode over to Orteza. 

Orteza, who had been staring blankly out the window, noticed my approach and immediately tensed up.

“A-Amy Rosewell…!”

“Orteza. Follow me.”

“Huh… Huh!?”

No questions asked.

I picked up Orteza’s small frame and carried her out of the classroom. 

Normally, even though Orteza is small, I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own, but with Alyssa’s magical assistance, it was possible.

“Isn’t that… Orteza?”

“Yeah, and the one carrying her is the new S-rank lady, right?”

Students who were starting to arrive in the classroom were staring at us, but since this was part of the plan, I deliberately moved through crowded areas.

Alyssa said to make sure as many people as possible see us, right? 

…This is so embarrassing.

“P-Put me down! Where are you taking me!?”

Orteza, still in my arms, squirmed in embarrassment, but given her small size and Alyssa’s magic, she couldn’t break free.

She’s not using any magic, so does she realize she’s my slave now? 

I guess she’s the type of noble who knows how to separate public and private matters…

‘…This should be enough.’

We’ve walked around the entire academy, and it seems like enough students have seen us. 

Maybe it’s time to move on to the next step? 

This is getting exhausting…

I changed direction and headed to the auditorium where Orteza and I had fought. 

The auditorium was still empty, but since we couldn’t risk being seen, I moved to the back where Alyssa and I had shared a kiss.

Then.

“Eek!”

I set Orteza down in the corner and trapped her in my embrace.

“W-What are you… doing…?”

“Orteza.”

“Huh!”

I lowered my voice as much as possible and repeated her name. 

I gently placed my hand under her chin and used my other hand to wrap around her waist, forcing her to look at me.

“You lost to me, didn’t you? Right?”

“L-Lost…”

“Answer me properly.”

“…I lost.”

“Then, who am I to you right now?”

“W-What kind of…”

“Answer.”

Huu—

“Hah!”

“If you don’t give me a proper answer, I’ll keep tormenting you. Come on, say it with that little mouth of yours. Who… am I?”

“Ah… Ahh…”

Tears welled up in the corners of Orteza’s large eyes. 

But despite her frightened expression, her breath and flushed face clearly showed excitement.

…Alyssa was right. Orteza responds well to being pushed aggressively.

“You are… my master…”

“Good answer, Orteza.”

I gently stroked her head, and Orteza closed her eyes like a cat, savoring the touch.

Is this really the same Orteza who tormented others?

…It’s hard to believe. 

Given how she acted toward me at first, the rumors weren’t false, but now she’s like a completely different person.

“Orteza. As your master, I have a command for you.”

“…What is it?”

“Take back the position of class president for A-class.”

“Huh?”

“At the same time, spread the rumor that you and I have reconciled and become friends. Easy, right?”

“Why… are you making me do this?”

“Because I hate troublesome things.”

“…I understand. If that’s your wish.”

This was the plan Alyssa had come up with.

To pressure Orteza into taking back the class president position and spreading the rumor.

…The method of pressuring her felt more like seduction, which made me uncomfortable, but I agreed with the overall plan, so I went along with it.

I never thought this would work. 

I thought it was ridiculous when Alyssa suggested seducing someone as wild as Orteza, but it turned out to be surprisingly easy.

Did Alyssa know all along?

It’s hard to believe anyone else knew Orteza was weak to being pushed around.

…How long will it take to uncover all the secrets Alyssa is hiding?

Still, at least we can rebuild our sisterly relationship from here on out. 

I’ll find out everything when we can fully trust each other.

“S-So! How long are you planning to keep holding me!?”

“Ah.”

I released her, and Orteza quickly stepped back, standing tall as she looked at me. 

It’s almost funny how she’s trying to act dignified after melting just moments ago.

“You! You’re not as useful as Lady Alyssa, but you’re still quite capable!”

She’s back to being arrogant already? Her attitude changes so fast.

“Specifically! I’ll allow you to be my friend. Consider it an honor!”

“…Just spread the rumor. We don’t need to actually be friends.”

“No! The Noxfer family doesn’t lie. Even a small lie is unacceptable! So, you are my master and my friend!”

She’s such an honest fool.

Isn’t Orteza the embodiment of that? 

At first, she seemed clever, but now she just seems like a fool.

“Ahahaha~! Come on!”

“…What are you doing?”

Orteza stepped closer to me again, spreading her arms wide and looking at me. 

I tilted my head, confused by her behavior, but Orteza started getting annoyed.

“You brought me here, so you should take me back, right? You’re not going to make me walk back on my own, are you?”

“No, of course you can—”

“Amy Rosewell! As a noble who defeated me, you should know about honor!”

Orteza spread her arms again, and it was clear she wouldn’t budge unless I carried her.

…Is the seduction effect too strong? She’s changed so quickly.

“Sigh… Just this once.”

I picked Orteza up, and this time, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, snuggling closer. 

She seemed to find a comfortable position and smiled contentedly.

“Such a smooth ride. I should use this service more often.”

There’s no way I’m carrying you again, so what are you talking about?

Orteza, oblivious to my thoughts, chattered away happily as we headed back to the classroom.

— — — — — — — — — —

“Alyssa!”

“…Yes.”

After class, I hurriedly dragged Alyssa back to our room. 

Alyssa, knowing why I was upset, hung her head low, but that didn’t calm my anger.

“Orteza is clinging to me too much! Come up with another solution!”

“…Please bear with it, sister. Now that you’ve gotten close to her, there’s no escaping.”

“What do you mean!?”

“Exactly what I said. Orteza has an obsessive personality…”

Ugh… I’m going to develop an Orteza neurosis.

I’m grateful she took back the class president position and spread the rumor, but she’s meddling in everything I do.

She clings to me at every opportunity…

It’s so annoying…

“…What if I make Orteza angry and distance myself from her again?”

“That’s not a good idea. It’ll be tough for a while, but please trust me.”

“Sigh…”

Honestly, having someone as small as Orteza cling to me isn’t entirely unpleasant. 

Unlike Alyssa, who lacks charm, it feels like I’ve gained a real younger sister.

But the frequency is just too much… 

She’s overly affectionate and friendly, to the point where strange rumors are already spreading among the students after just one day.

…Maybe I can threaten her again to make her back off? She seems like she’d listen.

“Sister.”

“Yes?”

“In return, I’ll disinfect you.”

“…Disinfect?”

“Yes. I couldn’t stop her today, but starting tomorrow, I’ll keep Orteza at a reasonable distance.”

“I get that, but… why are you getting so close? Alyssa.”

“It’s for disinfection.”

I realized what Alyssa meant by “disinfection” shortly after.