Vol 3 Chapter 38.1: Interlude – 7: Girls’ Party, Part 1

“So, this is how things turned out? Hey… are you trying to get me angry on purpose?”

“No way. But the kid we’re going to work with says she has nowhere to stay. We can’t have her lodging here by herself, can we?”

“…Even so, why? We have to have her stay in your room!! And you staying here?!”

Right before my eyes, clinging to Allen Onii-san, is my beloved Onee-san, Lidia Linstar.

She, known by the nickname 『Sword Princess』, is a talented lady currently holding the position of Royal Palace Mage (and not because she favors family—it’s a fact). But when it comes to Allen Onii-san, look at her! From an outsider’s perspective, it only seems like she’s throwing a tantrum.

It is nearly evening now. In the office room are Onii-san, Onee-san, me, and one other.

“You seem to be watching calmly, but you were like that too, weren’t you?”

“That’s rude. I’ll return the exact same words to you. Oh—let me correct myself. It was even worse. Who was it that said to Onii-san, ‘Sensei, you have no sense of propriety at all! First, I’ve never even stayed over before!’?”

“…because—”

“What?”

“But you too want to stay, don’t you? At Sensei’s house.”

“…Well, that is—”

It’s Tina’s infuriating opinion, but to be honest, I’ve always wanted to try staying over too. But I can’t bring myself to say that.

If Onii-san thinks I’m unseemly, I’d certainly want to die.

I suppose Karen can’t be blamed. She’s my step-Onee-san, and she’s not so naive. But Felicia suddenly staying over… even if my logic accepts it, my emotions reject it.

While I was wrestling with my feelings, Onii-san—saying, “Can’t be helped”—lightly hugged Onee-san, and my complaining instantly stopped.

I silenced Tina, who was about to scream beside me. Glare all you want; it’s useless. “Wait a moment.”

Onii-san slowly stroked Onee-san’s hair, speaking as if imparting wisdom.

“Lidia, don’t be so selfish. I’ve already made arrangements with the Linstar Family, so she’ll have a place in no time.”

“…But let me say, I’m not satisfied with that.”

“Yes. I’ll make it up to you.”

“Don’t you forget that, okay?”

“I won’t forget. I think I’ve always kept my promises with you, haven’t I?”

“You haven’t kept them!”

Onee-san’s tone softened. She withdrew her hand from her mouth. Her anger seems to have lost its outlet; she now casts a withering look, though I don’t mind. Besides, Onii-san and Onee-san are always like this, you know? It might be hard if you’re not accustomed to it.

“So, where are they? The ones staying over are Karen, Stella, and that Felicia, right?”

“They’re out shopping now. Being girls, they probably need various things. I think they’ll be back soon. Oh, Ellie went to make tea.”

“Then, you should step out for a bit.”

“That’s sudden again.”

“And also, I’m staying here tonight.”

“Lidia…”

“I won’t concede any further.”

“What about changing clothes, etc.?”

“Get them. And I want to have fish today.”

“…Understood. Understood. As you command, Princess.”

“You should have said that from the beginning.”

Onee-san, having looked away from the bowed-over Onii-san, turned toward me with a mischievous expression and winked one eye. Ah, could it be?

While pinning down the reckless top student next door, I too winked one eye.

“Thank you, Onee-san. I love you!”

“Nevertheless, you’re so noisy,” I whispered in her ear.

“(Hey, be quiet)”

“(B-because, allowing Sensei and Lidia to stay here all by themselves right in front of me… I’m already so behind, I can’t let them pull further ahead!)”

“(You’re foolish. Think again about what Onee-san said)”

“(What do you mean… huh?)”

She’s perceptive. Damn it, this kid is smart. This afternoon, she was discussing complicated matters about crops with Onii-san.

…I’m not jealous or anything. Onii-san also complimented me.

“Sigh, seriously. Tina, Liene, as you’ve heard, I have to step out for a bit now. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to see you off.”

“It’s alright, Onii-san.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m truly sorry. I’ll make it up, I promise. And please, apologize to Ellie and Stella as well.”

Ah, Onii-san… please don’t worry so much.

Liene is a bad child—after all, she’s been lying to Onii-san.

But even so, I—I too…

――Inside the room from which Onii-san departed, Onee-san and Tina wear wicked smiles. And I…

“You understood, didn’t you?”

“It’s because that’s what Onee-san does. But is that really alright?”

“Yes. I’m happy—really happy—but it seems that Lidia just wants to monopolize Sensei.”

“Of course. He’s mine. Now and always. But there is also a troublesome matter that needs to be solved. It’s about time we talked.”

“Troublesome matter, huh?”

I can’t imagine that any problem is unsolvable when Onii-san and Onee-san are together. As I tilted my head in puzzlement, I saw understanding in Tina’s eyes.

…This is really infuriating.

“I see, that’s how it is.”

“Yes. Well, if it can’t be solved, then that’s fine. We could just run off to the Water Capital.”

“No way! I won’t allow it!!”

“Ah? Do you even have that right? You haven’t even been acknowledged yet, have you?”

“Grr… Th-this is just getting started. Lately, people often say, ‘Tina is as cute as a kitten.’ And besides, men—well… according to this book I borrowed, they ultimately like younger girls!!”

“W-wait a minute! And that phrase should be ‘kittens’—including me and Ellie! Onee-san, did you perhaps get Onii-san kicked out?”

“Of course.”

Onee-san smiles defiantly. She looks very pleased, yet her eyes are full of determination.

“What a perfect opportunity. While he’s away, let’s discuss everything. It’s a girls’ party!”