Case 69: At the first signs of the heroine’s mischiefs.

''Hmm...''

Around this time, I had a problem on my mind.

Even though everything was going quite smoothly, I thought Lyra was showing some strange behavior here and there. It wasn't to the point that I seriously 'worried' about her, just mildly 'concerned.'

How should I say this...

''...Is it puberty?''

I mean, perhaps she became a little rebellious?

The first few months I spent with her, I had a strong impression that she was quiet and shy—exceptionally so. Of course, I'd expected that to change over time as I eased her into being more social, but I felt this problem was something fundamentally different.

Looking at it objectively, all the unusual behavior shown to me was an extension or a byproduct of her jealousy. I thought about it, but Lyra tended to rely on me a lot—sometimes too much, even. 'Clingy' might be a suitable word for it.

Anyway, even if I could be as dense as a black hole at times, I still grasped that she wanted to, in rough terms, monopolize me. That alone I could make do with, but it would be problematic if she growled at everybody every time. She would get a pass now since no one really minded a child being rude, but when she grew up...

''...''

As I imagined the various scenarios where those lofty nobles insulted Lyra for her rough manners, my heart ached. I wouldn't want that to happen to such a pure soul. Oh, no.

So, I steeled my will.

From this point on, I would try to correct the little heroine!

''Lyra, I have something important to tell you.''

''...?''

Sitting Lyra down on the other side, I soon settled on my own seat. There was only a flower pot on the table—no snacks, no drinks—looking very serious.

I hesitated for a moment, facing those round and innocent eyes, but I had to do it.

''...It's about your behavior recently,'' I uttered.

''...''

Lyra froze. As if greatly surprised by something, she completely zoned out, seeming a tad pitiful. I understood it since I never really scolded her or anything... but that doesn't mean I did not feel bad.

Gritting my teeth, I continued, ''I've been noticing your disrespect toward royal princesses and other ladies. As your big sister, I think I need to tell you to maintain proper etiquette in the future.''

''...''

''Answer me, Lyra.''

There was only silence for quite a while. At this point, I was too deep into it to chicken out, and my reasonings were valid, anyway.

But what I didn't expect was for her to stand up, go around the table, and wordlessly sit herself in my lap. She hung her head low for a bit more, then softly smiled at me.

''Lyra...''

As expected, my proud little sister was a good child who listened to me. A sense of pride surged inside me, and I couldn't help but want to embrace her even deeper—

''No.''

''...Huh?''

Until that word dropped onto me as though it were an anvil. Still with the same expression and the same tone, she shrugged my serious talks off nonchalantly,

''You are my sister, and I won't give you to anybody else, be it princesses or emperors.'' She declared. ''Don't worry. I know what I can do.''

Somewhere, I wanted to retort, saying that she was but a child, but I had to realize the very real weight of the words. My instinct told me that she was... right.

Maybe I forgot she was Heaven's darling.

Yet... I still wanted her to behave in a more ladylike manner. Gently stroking her head, I spoke in a pleading tone, ''I know our Lyra is amazing, but... I just don't want you to get into trouble. Can you listen to me just this once?''

''...''

It worked.

She seemed contemplative for a while and ultimately nodded. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. If I could correct her behavior like this from time to time, I could create good habits for her later on.

That was that, but I noticed she kept staring intently at me. When I tilted my head in confusion, she hit me back with just a few words,

''Compensate me, then.''

''Compensate...?''

''Big sis. You haven't kissed me yet, but you kissed those women.''

''...!''

At once, I was flabbergasted by the fact that the quiet heroine I knew had become this honest—so honest that I hardly believed those words came out of her mouth.

And... it was extremely cute. Like a needy little lady, she wanted to be equal to the others. Mature at times but deceptively childish—who could resist such an adorable creature?

''Heheh...''

Chuckling, I slightly held her body and pressed my lips onto her forehead.

''There, a kiss.'' I softly said. ''Are you satisfied now?''

''...''

Apparently, that wasn't enough.

Knitting her brows, Lyra turned to me directly and put her hands on my cheeks. As if wanting to test the water, she slowly itched closer while observing whether I was comfortable with it.

''Heheh... go ahead.''

Of course, I was. We were sisters, after all. A little bit of cuddling wouldn't hurt.

Receiving my permission, Lyra went ahead and carefully kissed my forehead, too. Then, she slowly moved to my cheeks, my nose, and even my eyes. Her pecks did little to stimulate anything other than... ticklishness, I suppose.

But perhaps Lyra was embarrassed to display affection in this way, seeing that she was blushing somewhat.

It was adorable.

''Oh, wait.''

As any responsible big sister would, I promptly stopped her before she kissed my lips. Lyra was a smart girl, so I knew that was only accidental and that she realized the implications—I thought so.

Deep in thought for a few moments, Lyra then stared at me with two indiscernible eyes before... moving down...?

''Ah, wait...!''

For some reason, she insisted on kissing my neck. Beyond ticklish, it had definitely entered the 'weird' territory. No sisters would do something like this. I really thought so.

Of course, I tried patting her shoulders or even shaking her off, yet my measly strength couldn't possibly match hers, so I had no choice but to endure it for a while.

Eventually, after pecking at me with her skinny lips repeatedly, she seemed satisfied. Once again, I sighed in relief.

''...Lyra. I'm not sure if you're intentionally teasing me or not, but we're sisters. You shouldn't—hyah?!''

My sisterly correction was sharply interrupted by a clear, vividly distinct sensation felt on my delicate skin—she bit me. No, really, she bit me.

Realizing I had let out an inappropriate sound, I quickly covered my mouth. It was all Rachael's fault—who told her to make my neck so sensitive? But the immediate problem was still Lyra.

''You—''

''Big sis is an idiot.''

''Eh?''

Stunned by what the pouty princess just said, I let her escape my arms and out of the room. Left alone with probably a bite mark on my neck, I thought for a long, long time.

''...I definitely need to correct her.''