Chapter 51

“How did you even manage to get rid of someone like that in the first place? No matter what you say, they don’t back off—in fact, they just get more pushy, right?”

“By understanding the other person’s position and persistently poking at the parts of the interaction that would become weaknesses, without making them feel too uncomfortable. That’s it.”

“…Sorry, what you said is so ridiculously complicated I have no idea what it means.”

My sister seemed to stop moving for a moment to try and understand, but quickly gave up with a wry smile.

“Well, the person in question is in the same club as one of my usual friends, and they’re pretty close. So I told her I was worried about him. That way, if she didn’t go to him quickly, she’d seem like a terrible woman and feel awkward about it, right?”

“Ugh, that’s so underhanded and manipulative it’s actually terrifying… How do you even come up with such nasty tactics on the spot?”

“Yeah, I really can’t deny it this time… I ended up hating myself for it too.”

“Well, if we consider that you’re trying to quietly protect your relationship with Reika-oneechan, then it’s actually kind of amazing. Seriously, you’re just completely beyond the norm in all kinds of ways. I can’t even come close.”

“Could you please not turn this into some weird competition? Just aim to be a smart and decent woman, okay?”

I really didn’t want my sister turning into someone who could think up such shady tactics.

“Also, this kind of thing only works on people who use their heads to some degree. If they’re more impulsive or ruled by desire, it won’t work.”

“Hmm. So that means, from your perspective, you think that girl actually has a decent brain?”

“Well, it’s more accurate to say she’s just drawing on a staggering amount of past experience. She knows and can use so many different options that it just looks like she’s being clever.”

“Wow… harsh. Now I’m kind of scared about what you think of me.”

“Nah, when it comes to you, I just think of you as my proud little sister. But come on—she’s butting into things between me and Reika, throwing in snide comments, and even showing open hostility toward Reika. So yeah, I do see her as an enemy to some extent. I think venting a bit about an enemy in the house 

is fine, right?”

“…Yeah, I’m starting to see that going up against my big brother is a seriously bad idea. I feel like I just caught a glimpse of the ‘Dark Knight’ again.”

For some reason, my sister seemed weirdly excited.

“So, can I assume that whenever I’m looking especially cool, I’m in ‘Dark Knight’ mode?”

“Yeah… probably. I guess I admire how you’re willing to come up with cruel strategies and act on them without hesitation for Reika-oneechan’s sake.”

“Oh dear little sister, your big brother is now deeply worried you’re going to fall for some bad boy  one day…”

“And besides, when you’re in ‘Normal Knight’ mode, it’s not even clear if you’re protecting Reika-oneechan or not!”

“Ugh!”

“I mean, it’s more like she’s the one protecting you, right?”

“Say no more. I’m about to flatline…”

“Well, usually Reika-oneechan protects you, and then in really important moments, you protect her. When I think about it that way, you two are actually a pretty great couple.”

She said it so kindly, but from Satoru’s point of view, it didn’t feel like things were going as ideally as she made it sound.

“…Still, isn’t it reaching the limit of how much you can keep hiding it? That other girl’s not gonna stop coming after you, right?”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“And… I know I just finished praising you, but… Even if you’re just relying on experience, if the amount of experience is massive and the other person’s base level is high enough, isn’t there a limit to how much you can endure or dodge them? Am I wrong to think that?”

“No, you’re absolutely right. I’m impressed you could pick up on that, dear sister of mine.”

He tried to say it in a cringey, over-the-top tone, but she didn’t even react with her usual jab, instead continuing the conversation seriously.

“…Maybe it’s time you seriously considered making your relationship public?”

“Yeah, I know…”

“And of course, it’ll be you who makes the move, right?”

“Eh? Me!? Not her!?”

“Of course! You’re the one who has to act when it really matters! Besides… wouldn’t it be a great surprise for Reika-oneechan? I think she’d be genuinely happy.”

“I mean… I get that, but still…”

“Come on, go full ‘Dark Knight’ already. That way, all your embarrassment and guilt will disappear, right?”

“Don’t say it like it’s some kind of game where I can just casually switch jobs!”

“I’m counting on you, my amazing, unbeatable big brother.”

“Damn it…”

It felt like his sister had just perfectly voiced that little thorn that had been stuck in Satoru’s heart all along.