There seem to be brothers out there who just can’t understand why having a little sister is cute.
I’d love someone to explain the causal link between “sister” and “cute.”
If you don’t have a sister, it’s your freedom to fantasize about the perfect one.
But reality’s a harsh bitch.
Those ideal sisters don’t exist, and any brother who actually has a sister should get that.
A sister is… an enemy! A blood‑related enemy.
Somehow, there are brothers who’ve gone completely bonkers and think sisters are cute.
Can’t wrap my head around that.
To me, a “sister” is…
“Bro, when you get back, lend me some cash.”
Inside the Ainhorn ship.
We’re on the way back from the Republic of Alzer to the Kingdom of Holfart.
I cut my study abroad short and came home.
Marie, my sister from a past life, drops to her knees in my room, begging for pocket money.
“You already lent me some not long ago.”
“Alzer’s money is just paper! It’s basically worth less than a tissue.”
“That’s a harsh way to put it.”
But it’s true.
Since losing the Sacred Tree, the Republic’s military power has plummeted, and its currency is practically junk.
“Besides—Jilk took the money and it’s gone now.”
“That was rough. I feel sorry for you.”
I say I feel sorry, but a grin slips out anyway.
Marie looks up, points at my face.
“Don’t laugh!”
“Sorry, I’m laughing.”
How does one end up in a situation this terrible?
She tried to reverse‑harem the guys, ended up taking care of five idiots, earning money that got spent on her.
Pitiful, but not cute at all.
“Give me the money!”
“What do you think you’re getting for free? I’ve lent you a ton already, so pay that back first, okay?”
“Bro, you’re so stingy!”
“Sorry, I’m broke right now.”
“Liar! Then what’s that about!”
She says that while sipping tea brewed from fancy leaves.
The snacks are plentiful, too.
All thanks to Luxion who’s handling the spread.
“Being broke is rough.”
When I say that with a smile, she shouts,
“Someone as broke as you, bro—what a fool!!!”
She storms out, and I keep sipping my tea.
“What a character.”
While I’m laughing, Claire appears.
‘Your sibling bond is wonderful, huh?’
“Is that so?”
Claire walks in, looking like she’s got business.
‘I’ve got a lot to report. Lots happened in the kingdom too, so I need to tell you. And yet you’re just playing around with the queen. Libya and Angelica are gonna be mad.’
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m just having tea with the queen.”
‘Yesterday you two were strolling on the floating island you discovered, weren’t you?’
“Call it an escort.”
‘You’re the worst, Master.’
No, we actually talked. But come on—there’s no chance to hang out with Mylene anymore.
It was just a little tea‑walk.
◇
Meanwhile, on the Ricorne ship, Libya and Angelica are chatting with Luxion.
Libya’s eyes are watery.
“Leon‑san, you’re having tea with the queen every day. Even though we’re here.”
Angelica, trying to console Libya, looks annoyed too.
“It’s inevitable. From Mylene’s point of view, she wants to squeeze any info about Luxion out of you before you head back to the kingdom.”
‘Wise move. Master’s being friendly is probably lowering Mylene’s guard.’
Luxion’s words make Angelica raise a skeptical brow.
“—Really? It looked like you were actually enjoying yourself.”
‘Oh, you noticed? Correct. Master doesn’t believe Mylene’s scheming side at all. He’s already smitten.’
Luxion breezes through the facts, and Libya covers her face with both hands.
“Leon‑san, you idiot.”
Angelica rests a hand on her chin.
“This is a problem. If Mylene thinks she can toy with Leon, she’ll do anything. We can’t give her an opening.”
‘I agree.’
Luxion’s half‑hearted reply makes Libya ask cautiously.
“Lux, you sound like you don’t care either way.”
‘Honestly, I don’t mind either way. If Master says Mylene wants something, I’d even consider destroying the kingdom.’
Angelica’s eyes widen in shock.
“You’re taking the whole world‑ending thing lightly?”
‘I’m not that interested.’
“Don’t ever say that out loud. If Mylene hears it, we’re doomed.”
‘Then I’ll just destroy the kingdom.’
“You fool!”
‘Just kidding. It’s an AI joke. —Please laugh.’
Luxion’s flat tone didn’t sound like a joke at all.
“Not funny!”
Libya stares at Luxion, eyes wide.
Angelica steadies her breathing and gets back on track.
“Anyway! —We want Leon’s attention on us. So we need Luxion’s opinion.”
‘My opinion, huh? If you two just coddle him, won’t that solve it?’
“Don’t simplify it. Men are delicate, you know, so we have to be careful with what we say.”
When Angelica mentions that kind of education, Libya looks surprised.
“Eh, really? I heard boys are rough and don’t care about details. My family’s full of that sort of guy.”
Just then the head maid enters.
When Angelica grants her entry,
“Madam Angelica, Marie‑san wants to visit Leon‑san’s room again.”
Angelica replies,
“Again? That Leon… inviting Marie into his room—”
Sensing the tension, Luxion interjects,
‘If that’s the case—’
And offers his own brand of advice.
◇
Night.
Libya and Angelica show up in my room, dressed cuter than usual, bowing their heads shyly.
“B‑big brother?”
“—Your Highness.”
Their tone, the way they call me, sends a jolt through my body.
Have I ever heard words that hit this hard before?
“What’s up with you two?”
Libya hides her face with both hands, her ears flushed red—so cute.
“I thought if I did this, Leon‑san would be happy.”
Angelica, usually unflappable, is fidgeting and blushing.
This is peak cuteness.
“If you tell us, we’d call you right away. So… uh—Your Highness, please look at us.”
I collapse to my knees, can’t even stand.
“Leon‑san!”
“Leon!”
They rush over and hoist me up.
“Thanks, you two—yeah, I get it now.”
“Huh? Leon‑san, what did you get?”
The real sister isn’t cute, but the imagined sister—well, not really a sister, but the idea of a sister is cute.
They’re opposite sides of the same coin.
Marie? My real sister or sister‑in‑law? Nope, none of that is cute.
But these two?
Totally adorable.
“I… I always wanted a sister like you two.”
Not Marie. Not Jena. Not a real sister.
I wanted a cute, sister‑type presence like you two.
Now I understand that with my whole soul.
Angelica wipes the tears from my face as I start sobbing.
Look at that kindness! Real sisters never do anything like this!
“Hey, what’s wrong!? Leon, are you okay?”
Ah, the answer was right here.
—Sisters are insanely cute.