Volume 3 Chapter 61: Three-Way Meeting of Strength

My dear little sister, Sierra Arlens, is in an absolutely foul mood, as always. No, scratch that—her mood seems to be worsening by the day. Honestly, I’d love nothing more than to call off this completely futile and stomach-churning discussion, but Sierra insists we continue, so I have no choice but to endure.

“Basically, Noil and I are husband and wife.”

Regarding what happened with Mina, I ended up telling the whole truth. I had no idea what would’ve happened to Mina or me if I hadn’t. So, I confessed everything. Every single detail, leaving nothing out.

“…A kiss alone doesn’t make you husband and wife. Even I’ve done that. And much more than you, in fact.”

Do you understand the severity of this situation?

I mean everything. Not just the specifics of the events, but also the emotions we experienced at the time.

“Oh? That’s not something I can just ignore.”

Yes, I had to explain exactly what I thought when I saw Mina’s body. What I felt, what stirred within me, and how Noil-kun evolved into Noil-san.

All of it, confessed, right in front of Mina herself.

Is this some kind of hell?

“…You just resorted to cheap tricks. I won’t forgive you.”

Describing Mina’s naked body while Mina herself listened… What kind of hell is this?

Talking about what was most captivating, how it felt—this is hell incarnate.

“I heard from Fiona that you two aren’t blood-related. Isn’t the real underhanded one… you?”

And it wasn’t just me. Mina had to talk, too. She had to describe her impressions of my body.

The mental state we were in during those conversations? I don’t think anyone in the world could imagine it. Nor should they. If someone could, I’d fear for the world.

“…I’m going home…”

With her face flushed bright red and tears streaming down her cheeks, Mina sobbed out those words before running off.

I don’t know how I’m supposed to face her the next time we meet, but… let’s pretend this never happened. I’m sure Mina will want to do the same.

“If I were in your position, I’d probably do the same. Honestly, I’m jealous. But if it were me, I’d have already borne his child by now.”

None of us spoke. None of us asked questions.

Let’s just pretend this conversation never happened. Otherwise, I won’t survive this. I can’t survive this.

“What you’ve done is unacceptable. If I could, I’d drag you off my husband’s lap right this instant. But regardless of how you feel, it seems you’re an important sister to him. I’ll act accordingly and won’t harm you. I’ll treat you with care.”

No, nothing happened.

The fact that Sierra moved onto my lap after Mina stormed off and started pressing her rear against me had nothing to do with me saying I liked Mina’s butt earlier.

That’s not it at all. At the time, her chest was unusually emphasized, so I looked down to avoid staring at it, and then—wait, no, that’s not what I meant.

Nothing happened.

“But if you were to cross the line and engage in behavior unbecoming of family, then that’s a different story. I wouldn’t hesitate to use my strength to ensure the truth is known and that my husband isn’t taken from me. Though, if possible, I’d prefer not to. Most of all, I don’t want him hurt.”

Oh, and about that promise I made to take a bath with Sierra tonight—that’s not some attempt to make amends. It’s just normal sibling bonding.

Because, as everyone knows, siblings taking a bath together is perfectly normal. It’s common sense.

“So, stay just as you are. As my cute little sister. It’s okay, isn’t it? Why don’t you live with us, as a family? It may not be what you want, but we’d still be together, wouldn’t we? I’d love it if you got along with our daughter, Sophie, too.”

…Later, I’ll have Sophie use her hypnosis to erase this memory.

I’m sure Mina will want the same.

“………”

By the way, what are we even talking about?

Is this supposed to be a serious conversation?

It was Elle’s turn now.

Apparently, while I was busy reliving one of the most humiliating moments of my life, the discussion had progressed quite a bit.

I caught bits and pieces of it, but I was too distracted to really follow. Even if I had been paying full attention, I doubt I’d have understood much. Probably.

For some reason, Elle—like Fiona—was dressed in an elegant gown.

She sat gracefully on the sofa opposite us, smiling gently. Her dress, a light green slit gown that highlighted her figure, paired with refined earrings, exuded an air of elegance. Her crossed legs, pale and smooth, were exposed just enough to captivate without crossing the line.

She was, without a doubt, a work of art.

However, Sierra, seated on my lap, didn’t seem to share my appreciation.

Though I couldn’t see her face, I could feel the intensity of her anger radiating from her back. Beneath that anger, there was perhaps a touch of unease. It was rare for Sierra to show such agitation.

Elle let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes and shrugging her shoulders slightly.

“Hmm… I suppose it’s unreasonable to expect you to accept it. Noil.”

“Ah, yes?”

What? What’s happening?

Sorry, but I have no idea what you’ve been talking about. Is there something you need from me?

“Your sister—or rather, Sierra—is—”

“Stop it!”

Suddenly, Sierra raised her voice, standing abruptly. I blinked in surprise. It was rare to see Sierra so agitated, let alone shouting.

As I stared at my trembling little sister, Elle chuckled softly—a rich, velvety laugh. It wasn’t mocking; rather, it carried the air of someone firmly in control.

“I told you, didn’t I? That I want to cherish you—that I don’t want to hurt Noil above all else.”

I was completely out of the loop.

I had no idea what was going on, but it seemed the conversation was over. Elle stood gracefully, her movements fluid as she approached Sierra. She gently patted Sierra’s head.

“Well then, let’s get along, little sister-in-law. I’d appreciate it if you could tone down the… physical bonding.”

With a warm smile, Elle walked toward the back door of the shop. Partway there, she stopped, as if remembering something, and turned to face me. Her emerald eyes sparkled as they met mine.

“By the way, I never asked—what do you think, Noil? Does it suit me?”

“Ah, um… I think you look… really beautiful.”

“Oh… Thank you. That makes me very happy.”

Elle’s cheeks flushed faintly as she smiled, her expression melting into one of pure delight. She turned away, walked gracefully to the door, and opened it.

“Sierra, I truly want to get along with you. After all, you’re Noil’s precious little sister. I hope you’ll stay just as you are.”

Without looking back, Elle left the shop, her parting words lingering in the air like the faint scent of a blooming flower.

◇ 

Sierra’s mood had reached a critical low. I could feel it—one wrong move, and things would turn dangerous.

And yet, just as I was treading carefully, the one person who always appears at the worst possible time made her entrance: the Manager—Milis Albama.

As usual, the Manager sat on the sofa across from us, lounging comfortably with her arms and legs crossed, her expression alight with curiosity as she directed her gaze at Sierra, seated on my lap.

Seriously, give me a break.

She hadn’t shown up earlier, so I’d let my guard down, assuming she’d appear last.

Couldn’t she have picked any other timing?

Having Sierra and the Manager, two people who had literally clashed recently, face each other at this moment was nothing short of a punishment game.

Actually, this whole meeting felt like a punishment game for me.

What did I do to deserve this twisted sequence of encounters? Couldn’t they have placed a buffer in between? Stop ruining the atmosphere so relentlessly.

Why was Sophie first? At this point, I actually missed her. Who could have guessed that her silent presence would turn out to be the best mood of the day?

“Hmm… so you’re not blood-related after all. That explains a lot. You two don’t look alike at all.”

After staring at Sierra for a moment, the Manager nodded to herself, seemingly satisfied with her conclusion.

It’s true, Sierra and I coincidentally share the same hair and eye color, but our features aren’t very similar. Fiona must’ve had some kind of filter on to think we did.

But the Manager wasn’t talking about appearances. She has the ability to see others’ mana. While I have no idea what it looks like to her, she’s mentioned that blood relatives tend to have similar mana.

From her perspective, it must have been puzzling that Sierra and I were siblings.

“…You’re a monster. You shouldn’t even be near my brother.”

Come on, Sierra.

Even if it’s true, saying that to someone’s face is a bit much, don’t you think?

“Hmm… seems I’m disliked. Why, I wonder?”

How can she look so genuinely puzzled?

You beat her to a pulp last night!

Well, at least Sierra wasn’t cowering before the Manager despite the murderous intent she had faced. But yeah, I think it’s fair to say she doesn’t like her. If it were me, I’d probably be wetting myself.

“Well, no matter. I don’t think too highly of you, either.”

Please get along.

I’m begging you, please just get along.

“Even as his sister, the fact remains that you tried to take Noil away without so much as consulting me—or even considering his feelings. Out of respect for familial ties, I’ll let it slide this time. But there won’t be a next time, got it?

That said, as long as it’s within my sight, do whatever you like. I won’t be angry. You can act however you please. My issue was that you attempted to forcibly separate us, despite us having no intention of being apart.

Admittedly, you didn’t know the nature of our relationship, so I can’t blame you entirely. Perhaps I went a little overboard in response. Still, it was an unforgivably foolish act. So it’s no surprise I can’t bring myself to like you.

Moreover, the fact that Noil defended you, even though you tried to separate us, does bother me a little.

No, I understand. Noil is a kind man—of course, he’d protect his sister. Even if he treasures me more than you, he’d still act that way. Right, Noil?

Ah, you don’t need to answer. I already know. But understanding something logically doesn’t always align with one’s emotions. I suppose I’m still struggling with it.

To think that I, of all people, would feel jealousy over a mere child like you… How petty of me. Perhaps it shows just how deeply I care for him. Physical connection is crucial, after all. It’s so comforting.

I wonder, if we were to take things further, what would happen to my heart? Hah… Last time, we came so close, but he’s so shy… Maybe I need stronger candles this time… Or perhaps something more intense…

Huh? Oh, pardon me. I got carried away. In any case, let me retract what I said earlier. I no longer hold any resentment. I’ve realized there are more important things to consider. As long as you don’t try to take Noil away again, I’ll leave you be.

Sierra, was it? You plan to stay here from now on, don’t you? Get along with me.”

Please don’t get along.

I’m begging you, please don’t get along.

The Manager, who had been delivering a long and intimidating speech, suddenly mumbled to herself, then raised her head and smiled brightly, like nothing had happened.

She was, without a doubt, completely unhinged.

I didn’t want Sierra anywhere near someone like that.

“…She’s dangerous.”

Yeah, you’re right.

Sierra, who hadn’t shown fear earlier, was now trembling as she clung to me.

As I patted her back, I glanced at the Manager, who tilted her head, looking genuinely curious.

“Manager.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“I hate you.”

“Why?!?!”

As usual, the Manager leapt to her feet and shouted in protest, her reaction as over-the-top as ever.