Case 24: As the year turns.
Time passed by a lot quicker than I had thought.
As I quietly observed my adorable heroine grow, it was almost the end of December, meaning a new year would soon arrive. Counting from the day I first came to this world, around five months had passed.
While I initially struggled to adapt to this body, I gradually became content with who I had become.
Besides, staying with Lyra was such a blessing for my soul. I didn't like kids at all, but she was definitely an exception. She was cute, obedient, thoughtful, and intelligent.
A kid without a kid's annoying traits, basically.
''Hm...''
''Big sis?''
Though, I was quite concerned for a bit. At some point, I found out that I couldn't comfortably put my chest on top of her head while standing anymore. If she hugged me now, her face would go right in between my breasts.
Her growth spurt honestly scared me. It pained me to think that one day, I would forever lose this chubby and adorable creature to the hands of time. Every time I imagined facing a grown-up Lyra, the only image that came to my mind was me being embraced, not her.
''Whew... please don't grow up too fast.''
''...?''
As New Year's Eve approached, the people's mood within Syrus noticeably got livier.
On television, segments showed decorations being put up around the city. Amidst the busy scene of the streets that were filled with people, a unifying, happy sensation lingered.
Around this time, political affairs died down a bit across the channels, replaced by entertainment programs designed to lighten everybody's days.
It was refreshing to see nobles getting on comedy shows, still entertaining people yet maintaining that aura of loftiness. There wasn't anything like that on Earth.
''Darling, would you want to go to the festival?''
''On the Eve?''
''Yes. Just the two of us.''
''...Alright.''
Sitting beside me, who was holding Lyra like a teddy bear, were Lily de Orleans and Gloria de Orleans—our mothers. Today was a rare day where we had a chance to sit down with them—fortunately or unfortunately.
We, the children, didn't meet them often since they always went out on dates by themselves. In other words, we were no different than strangers, and I liked that about our relationship.
''Cecilia. Can you take care of Lyra in the meanwhile?''
''Of course, mother.''
The marchioness said that with a smile, so I replied with a smile.
As of late, she hadn't bothered me at all anymore, thanks to Lucy's work. Even her debaucheries seemed to have disappeared altogether. Yet Lyra was creeped out by this sudden change in the marchioness's behavior more than anything.
''...''
Right then, I noticed the woman with the same hair and eye colors as me—Lily—turning her meaningful gaze in this direction. Almost instinctively, my shoulders shook.
She must have misunderstood something, which worked in my favor.
No matter how I thought about it, there was no way to deal with Lily if she became hostile. This woman was dangerous. Perhaps she was the one from whom I needed to hide my condition the most. I was thankful to Lucy in this department, of course.
I also knew that I shouldn't disclose it to Lyra or the love interests. I wouldn't want to hinder my time with them by introducing these unsolvable problems.
''Hah...''
Really, everything was too stressful these days.
A snowy night.
I was sitting cozily with Lyra on the couch, staring at the television. The Orleans' manor was built on a hill, which was also a private property, so we had a pretty good view of Syrus out the window. Hopefully, we could see the fireworks from here.
''Big sis. Chocolate.''
''Hm? Thank you.''
As I happily let Lyra feed me a piece of chocolate, the ad break finally ended, and the countdown program finally started.
[Good evening, beautiful people of Syrus!]
The host enthusiastically began, embracing the festivity with colorful decorations around herself. After the introduction segment concluded, she cleared her throat,
[Ahem... the current year had certainly witnessed numerous breakthroughs in magical technology. One of them even brought us to this point, where I could sit together with so many of you like this!]
Clearly, she was building up to something, and I knew what it was.
[It is the first time we have been able to conduct a live program for everybody! Since it is such a special occasion, I would humbly like to introduce an incredible guest for tonight's countdown!]
''Here she goes.''
''...?''
[Please welcome the third princess of the prestigious royal house of Anjou, Her Highness—Kiara d'Anjou!]
[Hello, everybody.]
From below the table, Kiara popped up, holding two peace signs. That unusual entrance was enough to get a peal of laughter out of me and the host.
[Wow... it's such a surreal experience, sitting here in the studio with a royal of all people! How do you like the experience so far, Your Highness?]
[...I haven't done a thing.]
[Oh, right, hahahah... that was on me. Let's change to a more relevant topic, shall we?]
[Like reducing carbon waste emitted into the air by factories?]
[Er... no, no, Your Highness. I meant something light-hearted. Hmm... may I ask, what have you been into these days?]
[This.]
Then, out of nowhere, Kiara pulled out her phone, opened the social media app—Q-io, and began to introduce it as what she had been occupied with. Since there were floating explanations and such on the screen, I assumed it was a scripted advert.
That much was fine, but...
''Big sis. That's us.''
''Y-Yeah...''
Why was she doing it on my profile...?
The picture I took with Lyra was the wallpaper, so both of our faces were on television.
H-Hey, don't scroll to the selfie I did?!
Damn it. If I had known this, I would have put more effort into that photo.
[This is my good friend. Been chatting with her a lot.]
[Oh, my! What a gorgeous lady! Is she one of your ladies, perhaps?]
[Not... yet. I'm single anyway.]
Kiara...! What the hell are you—why are you teasing it like that on air?!
Eventually, they wrapped up the whole shameful romance arc since the clock was ticking toward twelve. When I finally calmed down, thanks to the fear of being an embarrassment in front of the scrutinizing Lyra, the countdown had officially begun.
Burying those feelings for the moment, we eagerly focused on the television, on which Kiara was nodding along with the host's counting.
[Five!]
I tightly hugged my little sister, who I had come to love.
[Four!]
A wish for a smooth new year.
[Three!]
A wish for this world, which would soon face many calamities.
[Two!]
A wish for myself, who was doomed to disappear someday.
[One!]
And... a wish for Lyra, my beautiful little sister.
[Happy New Year!]
''Big sis.''
''Mhm.''
Outside the window, fireworks were blooming colorful flowers in the sky, giving light to the dark canvas. I silently enjoyed that spectacle with Lyra, thinking about the moment.
With the television providing background noises, in a cozy room, and with my beloved sister. It was something I knew I wouldn't experience often in the future, especially now that I was Cecilia.
A mix of regret, pain, and frustration.
Still... let's enjoy it for now.
bzzt—!
''Hm?''
My phone vibrated. When I opened Q-io, there were new messages from Penelope.
[Can't call you since I am in a meeting. Sorry]
[Happy New Year. I sent a gift.]
[See you soon.]
The next moment, a different notification rang. It was the sound of a hefty sum being transferred into my bank account. Yes, it was a thing here as well. More than that... w-wasn't this at least quadruple my monthly allowance...?
While gasping in shock and smiling like an idiot, I texted Penelope back, wishing her a happy new year.
''Who are you texting with?''
''Oh, it's...''
Before I could answer Lyra's question, the phone once again rang. This time, it was a video call from Rachael. As soon as I saw her avatar—a portrait, which was beautifully taken, by the way, I picked it up right away.
''Hello, Your Highness.''
[Mhm. How was your evening?]
''It was fantastic! I got to stay with Lyra here, although it would be even more amazing if Your Highness were here...''
[...Next year. I'll be there with you.]
''Heheh... it's a promise!''
It would be hard since the emperor liked to have the imperial family gathered for the eve, but it was the thought that counted.
Nevertheless, after we exchanged some pleasant talks, Rachael calmly alluded to an event soon to be held at the imperial palace.
''A banquet?''
[Yes. The invitations should be arriving soon.]
''Is that so... um... not counting my mothers and my sister, am I invited?''
[Of course. The minister of imperial affairs would be fired otherwise.]
Please don't joke like that. That person is so powerful that if he were suddenly fired, chaos would ensue in the palace.
But a banquet, huh...
''I'll have to consider my dress...''
[The banquet starts at six in the evening of the 12th, so I will drop by your manor by five, okay?]
''Ah, understood... huh? You will drop by?''
[Isn't it obvious? You will be my partner, Cecilia.]
W-What?
