Case 78: When the spine becomes opal.

''...Ah, Lyra.''

It took a bit for me to notice her. How did she get so stealthy all of a sudden?

''Did you finish the class?''

''Mhm.''

Nodding her head lightly, the heroine got closer to where I was and nestled herself into my embrace. Even though she was bigger than me, I still felt the warmth of a little sister through and through.

As I stroked her head, Lyra perked up, looking a bit melancholic,

''Do you want to eat something? I'll bring it here.'' She said.

''I'll pass,'' I replied, shaking my head. ''I snacked a bit while you were away.''

Of course, that was a lie. I hadn't felt like eating anything lately, and I certainly didn't need to. After spending a few years inside this body, I more or less comprehended how it worked.

''Big sis, you need to eat.''

''I... okay.''

Since my little sister insisted on it, I had no choice but to comply. Watching her leave the room, I unconsciously let out a sigh. I knew I had to at least pretend to eat at some point to avoid suspicion, but I'd much preferred spending time with my loved ones more than that.

''...''

Now that I'd come to terms with my fate, the most precious thing for me was time.

Unexpectedly, as the last two years passed by, my anxiety level... decreased. I wasn't sure why, but it felt more liberating than anything. All I focused on at the moment was my sister and my three lovers.

In a sense, perhaps I became more cold-hearted.

No, would 'numbed' be more suitable?

''Big sis.''

''Ah, you're back.''

As I thought that, Lyra came back with a tray full of warm food in her hands. Freshly baked bread, egg soup, mashed potato, salad.. all very easy to consume food. The portions seemed quite large, so she probably wanted to eat with me, too.

I quickly made room for her, and we sat close together, gazing at the distant lights outside the window.

''Thank you.''

''It's nothing. Let's eat.''

When Lyra picked up her cutlery, I tried to reach for mine on the other side... but was promptly stopped. Puzzled, I could only look at her hand, which held my wrist, and then her still face.

''Lyra?''

Without uttering a word, the girl scooped a spoonful of soup and blew on it a few times. I immediately thought she was about to feed me, which, embarrassingly, happened quite often these days. I couldn't just push her away either. She was my little sister, and I felt as though the void in her eyes when she got upset only grew as time went by.

''Ah.''

But what I didn't expect was for her to put the spoon into her mouth and slurp it down in one go. Right when I wondered whether my little sister was trying to starve me or not, she nodded to herself, then once again scooped another spoonful of soup and blew on it.

This time... she held it out to me.

''...''

Needless to say, it was awkward.

It felt quite wrong to eat with the same spoon as Lyra's. I was conscious of it. But... thinking back, I vaguely remembered my mother feeding me in the same way as well, so maybe I was overthinking.

Swallowing the doubt, I yearned forward and obediently took what Lyra offered me into my mouth. While I didn't have any particular comment on the soup, just her sincerity was enough to satisfy me.

Moreover, seeing Lyra smiling so gently was one of my pleasures these days. I was so glad she became more expressive...

''Nn?''

Though, I had just one concern.

Wasn't my little sister being... a bit too intimate...?

At some point, the girl already had her arm wrapped around my waist, holding us together closer than most couples would. She fed me tentatively and meticulously, dividing the food into small, bite-sized bits. If something was stuck near my mouth, she would wipe it right away, and if the food was just a little too hot, she would take the time to cool it down at all costs.

Not even Rachael would do this for me.

No, to be fair, I would insist on eating by myself with Rachael... or anyone other than Lyra, for that matter. I didn't know why I wanted to please this little girl so much.

But coming back to the problem at hand...

''A-Aren't you too close?''

''Hm?''

In response to my spontaneous question, Lyra only tilted her head, making it seem like nothing had happened, even though she was mere centimeters away from my face.

If this was the little Lyra, I would think she was adorable, but this... this somehow felt wrong.

Nonetheless, I was able to calm myself down after a while, and we finished the meal in silence.

''I'll wash up first.''

''Go ahead.''

These days, Lyra practically lived in my room for some reason. She even had her clothing and toiletries here... which was a massive problem. I absolutely needed some time alone in case my guts were acting up, so I drew the last line by not allowing her to sleep on my bed... as often. She still did from time to time.

It seemed she would stay tonight, too, considering she had brought her pajamas. Just how clingy could she get...?

I began to wonder if I was spoiling the heroine too much...

''Hah...''

''Isn't it too cold out here...?''

''No, I'm fine, really...''

At this point, after two years, I thought I was getting used to Kiara's earnest worries, but every time she did it, my heart throbbed all over again. Her gentle, caressing tone, her affectionate hands, her warmth...

''Hah. Right when we need that arrogant jerk the most.''

In response to Penelope's blatantly disrespectful, borderline treason remark, both Kiara and I could only laugh awkwardly.

The three of us were hanging out in the snow-covered garden, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. Penelope and Kiara happened to visit me at the same time, so I'd figured we could spend some time together.

Having these two warming me up with their bodies was a plus, too.

''Thinking back, it's such a wonder how fast time can move, right?'' I smiled bitterly. ''I still remember when Kiara was a freshman.''

Perhaps that statement stirred some embarrassing memories for the royal princess, she hurriedly replied, ''C-Cecilia...''

''Now she's a reliable senior, it seems.'' Penelope chimed in, grinning. ''Popular with the girls, too.''

''Oh, right, you two are in the same class.''

How nice... it wouldn't be so bad if I had attended the academy with them, I suppose. Well, it was too late either way. I could only imagine...

Seeing Kiara getting flustered by Penelope's tease, I snapped back and tried to divert the conversation, ''How is it going lately?''

''Hm? Ah, my parents are trying to push for the marriage.'' The dark-haired lady replied.

''With my little sister?''

''Yes.''

A bit annoyedly, she clicked her tongue. At the same time, Kiara also joined in, ''Me too.'' And she wasn't so happy either.

But all of that only made me appreciate them more. I was so grateful that they didn't give in to that pressure. I couldn't imagine my innocent Lyra being forced into a marriage... with her sister's lover, no less.

When I voiced my thoughts out loud, what I received were two beautiful, heartfelt smiles... and some embarrassing words.

'I'd rather marry you.'

''Ugh...''

Wasn't this unfair? Even now, I was shaken by these cheesy confessions... but I was also glad to see the faint tint of worry disappear from their eyes as they looked at me like that.

...Yeah.