Chapter 15: The Invitation – Elena Stellarium

A wave of exhaustion washed over me the moment I got home. It was my first time out in a while, and with everything that had happened, I was utterly spent.

Back in my room, I tossed my uniform jacket over a chair and sat on the edge of the bed, still in my skirt.

I rubbed my thighs, trying to soothe the ache, though the mental fatigue was probably worse than the physical.

I wanted nothing more than to dive into bed and sleep, but I still had one last thing to take care of.

I took a deep breath, then stood and walked down the hall. I stopped in front of my sister’s room and knocked lightly.

“Elena, I need to talk to you for a moment.”

From inside, I heard a cheerful “Coming!” in response.

I heard footsteps approach the door. A moment later, it opened slowly, and my sister, Elena, peeked out.

“Is something wrong?”

Elena asked gently, a look of concern on her face. My exhaustion must be showing.

“Yes, I just wanted to talk…”

“…? I see. Please, come in.”

Tilting her head in confusion, Elena invited me into her room. In contrast to my own, hers was girlish and whimsical.

Cute animal pictures decorated the walls, and on the bed sat the stuffed sheep I’d given her as a gift last year.

Every corner of the room strongly reflected Elena’s tastes, and the sheer cuteness of it all began to soothe my weary heart.

“Please, sit here, Nee-sama.”

Elena pointed to a chair with a cute, floral-patterned cushion.

I did as she suggested and took a seat. Elena sat across from me, waiting quietly for me to continue.

“Elena, how has school been lately?”

I started with some small talk. Elena smiled, clearly pleased.

“Great! I actually got promoted to the advanced class after they discovered my latent magical power!”

“…That’s wonderful. As your older sister, I’m very proud.”

While I was happy for my sister’s talent, something else churned in my chest: the fear of no longer being special, and the gnawing anxiety that she might surpass me.

But I did my best to look calm, pushing those complicated feelings down.

“Have you made any friends? The advanced class must be full of exceptional students.”

“I have! All of my classmates are really nice, and we even made plans to go to a café together soon.”

Elena spoke cheerfully, her eyes filled with excitement.

“That’s good to hear.”

Once she finished, I decided to get to the real reason for my visit.

“Actually, for our next practical training, we’re going to the dungeon beneath the academy.”

I began. Elena’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“And I want you to come with us, Elena.”

At my words, Elena’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Me?”

“Yes! I need your power.”

I looked Elena straight in the eye as I said it. Her face instantly brightened.

“If my power is what you need, then I would be honored to accompany you, Nee-sama!”

Elena replied emphatically, looking moved.

And with that, all the members were assembled.

Carnelia, Ichinose, Prefa, and now Elena. The first step of my ambition begins here.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

“I’m so glad Nee-sama seems to be doing better…”

I murmured to myself, gently lifting the cup of lukewarm tea to my lips.

The faint scent of Earl Grey helped calm my nerves.

Outside, the evening light streamed in, softly illuminating the rim of my cup.

It had only been an hour, but it already felt like a dream.

—I need your power!

Nee-sama’s words echoed in my mind. Every time I recalled them, a gentle warmth spread through my chest.

She had always been my goal. My older sister—prouder, more beautiful, and stronger than anyone. I had always been chasing after her.

But she always felt so distant. Like a flower on a high peak—the closer I tried to get, the more out of reach she became…

But today was different.

Nee-sama told me she needed my power. She smiled and took my hand. I felt like, at long last, the sister I so admired had finally acknowledged me.

“…Still, a dungeon. I’m so nervous.”

The thought brought me back to reality, the words escaping my lips unconsciously. I want to be of use to Nee-sama—it was the single-minded thought that made me answer instantly. But I’ve heard the dungeon beneath the academy has dangerous monsters, and that it can even be life-threatening.

“I have to prepare properly.”

I stood up and pulled my practical training bag from the back of the closet. I opened it and began picking out what I’d need, one by one.

The bag grew heavier. But strangely, the weight was comforting. The weight of the hope that I might be useful to Nee-sama. The weight of the pride I felt, being able to stand by my beloved sister’s side.

—Nee-sama. I will be of use to you. I promise.

I closed the flap of the bag and hugged it tightly with both hands.