Case 101: On imperial marriage and the heroine’s social life.

*****

''Fufu...''

In truth, I had already spotted her a bit ago, but... seeing the two girls who were with her, I couldn't help but halt and admire the scene. It was, without a doubt, the heroine squad I was familiar with.

Kang Hye-rin, the cozy ice mage, and Ludinia de Levis, the hot-headed magic swordswoman—those two were the pillars of Lyra's school life, who were often involved in the heroine's business, intentional or not. They were also popular sub-heroines whose routes remained quite extensive if the player chose to pursue them.

It might not look like it, but they already seemed so compatible.

Well, looking at Lyra's chilling face, I should intervene now before her impression of those two became worse.

''Ah, here you are.''

Walking through the breezy, cherry blossom-laden path, I soon approached the group. Immediately, my little sister, who was now a prime, proper lady, rushed toward me. With a gentle smile, she hugged me into her arms, almost purring like a big cat.

Being much smaller and shorter, I couldn't easily move.

''Now, now... why are you acting like this? You're a big lady now, aren't you?'' I said, patting her back. ''The uniform. It suits you.''

''Mhm.''

We stayed that way for a bit longer.

Resting my chin on her shoulder, I stared into the distant swaying trees. Five years had passed since I first met this girl. In those years, lots of things happened... but I was still here, doing relatively well.

And most importantly, even at the age of seventeen, Lyra was still my beautiful, lovely little sister. Well, I did put my utmost into raising her, after all. For five years... but now, it was perhaps time for her to leave my arms.

As Lyra tightly grabbed my hand, intending to lead me back to the car, I spoke up, ''Wait.''

''?''

Posing a sisterly smile, I continued, ''Go with your friends. Come back after you've had fun. Sister will wait for you at home, okay?''

''...They're not my friends.''

''Even so, can't you see they're wanting to befriend you?'' I replied sternly, pinching her cheek. ''Sister didn't teach you to ignore people, did she?''

Finally, under my pressure, Lyra paid a fleeting glance to the two girls, who remained dazed for some reason. Still, perhaps in the last of her defiance, the heroine pouted, ''I don't want to go with them.''

Adorable as she was, I couldn't help but sigh. Unfortunately, that did more damage to her than whatever I was preaching, seeing that she trembled, albeit slightly. But as Lyra's big sister, I had the responsibility to make sure she wouldn't become an anti-social, sis-con weirdo. Cupping her face, I leaned closer, making sure she took in my determination,

''Lyra, you're a big girl now—almost an adult. Your life can't revolve just around me. Get along with other kids, too, okay?''

''...Mhm.''

Like a big, sad puppy, my little sister followed me back to Hye-rin and Ludinia.

''Sorry for letting you two wait. I'm Cecilia, her big sister.''

While the red-haired girl remained stunned, Hye-rin quickly bowed her head, ''I-I'm Kang Hye-rin! It's an honor to meet you, Lady Cecilia!'' She excitedly introduced herself. ''C'mon, Ludinia! Your turn!''

Ludinia, who was repeatedly hit on the back, finally snapped. Bending her body ninety degrees and extending her hand, Ludinia almost shouted, ''I'm Ludinia of House Levis, my lady! It's an honor to meet you!''

''A-Ah, okay...''

A bit taken aback, I reluctantly put my hand on hers, letting the flustered girl kiss the back of it. Only then did I realize that murderous gaze behind me. Ludinia, however, seemed to be lost in her own world, all giggly.

''Y-You know, I was showing Hye-rin places. She's new here, yeah?'' She lied as she breathed. Even Hye-rin had a look of utter confusion on her face. Regardless, Ludinia continued, ''But our house... is a rural noble house, you see. So I'm not too familiar with Syrus's layouts.''

Or so Ludinia frantically reasoned. At that point, she elbowed Hye-rin, prompting the black-haired girl to follow, ''R-Right! We were thinking if Lyra could help us...''

Of course, I saw through those words right away.

They weren't getting along so nicely like that yet. How should I say it... I could understand their feelings? With an older family member of someone I know, I think I'd panic like this.

In any case, they had created convenient excuses for me already, so there was no reason to back out.

''Oh my... then, can I entrust my little sister to you two?'' I smile. ''Lyra might be a bit cold, but I promise she's well-behaved.''

From behind me, Lyra seemed to be protesting something, but I was the bigger sister here!

So, I gave the big little sister a kiss on the forehead and left her with the two cute girls.

''Then, have fun!''

''Phew...''

As I stepped into the car, relief washed over me. I was afraid Lyra might vehemently reject social interactions, but it seemed she was okay, after all. Then, I felt someone pulling me closer.

Rachael rested my head on her shoulder, soaking me in her scent. She stroked my hair, her touch gentle.

''Your sister is?'' She softly asked.

''With friends. I finally got her to talk to some girls.'' I replied. ''We can return to our mansion as per schedule, but if you want a date somewhere else...''

''I think we should go to the palace.''

''Huh? Did something happen?''

Somewhat surprised, I turned to Rachael. Even after these years, she hadn't changed at all, which was a good thing. Well, vampires were supposed to be eternally youthful, so...

More worryingly, the princess let out a sigh unbefitting of her usual demeanor, ''The Emperor wants to meet you.'' She said.

When that name came up, I instinctively realized the problem—marriage.

At this point, Rachael was undoubtedly the closest to the imperial throne. She had worked tirelessly over the years to cement her position, and even the Emperor recognized her.

However, Rachael was already twenty-two. Compared to the other kids in her house, it was strange that she didn't have a fiancé yet. Most would expect a crown princess candidate to be already married at twenty-two, even.

All because of... me.

Not just Rachael, but Kiara and Penelope, too. I'd intended to take care of my lingering shackles when they discovered a way to somewhat restore my health back then, but it was quite... complicated. It would take a while more, at least.

Until then, I wouldn't be ready to be their wife—no, I couldn't.

Smiling apologetically, I faced Rachael, ''I'm sorry. If you would wait for me a bit more... just... a year, at most.''

''...I understand.'' Rachael's tense expression softened.

''Thanks. I love you.''

''I love you, too.''

We shared a romantic kiss in the car.

But as we moved toward the imperial palace, I struggled to think of a way to deal with the emperor. She had been restless these days, which was understandable, considering the situation with the demons.

She must be quite mad.

I couldn't rely on Rachael to defend me either. It was probably because of me that she hadn't gotten her title, after all.

''Hah...''

Oh, my life...