Case 88: When my sister is a genius.

'Miss Rael' was an identity I created not long after I got to this world. I had initially hoped I wouldn't have to use it for the worst, but that changed as I met Lyra.

Using a disguise to operate in the underground space is one thing, but to effectively turn it into a self-destruct button took some serious talent. Someday, Rael will be the catalyst for my downfall, and perhaps that motion—the momentum behind it—was already unstoppable by this point.

There was no turning back now.

In this ridiculous story, wouldn't I be counted as a tragic heroine?

''...Heheh.''

Stupid thoughts.

Still, looking at the little bottles Quasar gave me, I thought it would be nice to savour some of this affection I got. I wish I had more good friends like her. Really.

Some time after this body turned nineteen, the Syrus Academy's entrance exam gingerly began.

It was somewhat cold, yet I could feel the faint touch of spring. With my little sister practically hugging me all day, it always felt like spring, though.

''Lyra... you're a big girl now.''

''Mhm.''

''Mhm, yeah. So, could you walk normally in public, at least...?''

''...No.''

Honestly speaking, Lyra's unwavering affection sometimes troubled me, especially when it was expressed right in front of my girlfriends. Normal or not, they rightfully seemed a bit weird out by the displays.

The heroine was sly.

When alone, she even went as far as kissing my neck or cheeks on occasions, but she never did anything too outrageous elsewhere, likely to avoid confrontations. And it worked. It worked really well.

If I had to describe, her obsessive acts always sat somewhere between plain strange and somewhat acceptable, so no one, not even myself, was able to refute them.

Dangerous. I knew my little sister was a genius, but she was dangerous.

''You're not touching me for the next hour.''

''...?''

So, I mustered every ounce of courage I had and firmly reassured her that we would not cling to one another like this on the road. Right about time my chest was acting up anyway.

''Be a good girl and stay still. Sister is going to the bathroom, and we'll leave after that, okay?''

''Got it.''

Ruffling her hair for one last time, I trudged to the bathroom and, once entrusting the soundproofing to Lucy, I let out the clog that had been stuffing my throat for so long. It didn't hurt more than before... but not less either.

Painful.

''Hah... hah...''

As usual, my world swirled upside down, spinning like the inside of a washing machine, and my soul seemed like it would escape my mortal body at any time. It took me a good minute just staring at my blurry reflection on the blood-stained floor to finally calm down somewhat.

''Hoo...''

I was dead tired. But today was Lyra's entrance exam; I couldn't skip it.

Swallowing the gulp of blood still lingering at the back of my mouth, I dragged myself out of the room, posing an everyday smile.

''...Did something happen?'' Lyra narrowed her eyes, being perceptive as ever.

''No?''

By this time, my acting skills had become unparalleled. Not even my little sister could tell if I was lying or not... maybe. Nonetheless, time was pressing, so we set out for the academy right away.

Even along the spacious streets of Syrus, we definitely noticed the unusual crowd. The rates of demi-humans skyrocketed as well. It was indeed a rare sight for so many species to gather at one place, and I felt fascinated, but Lyra didn't show much enthusiasm.

''To me, they're the same.'' She nonchalantly said.

''...''

Again with those detached eyes... where did the empathetic and delicate heroine go, I wonder.

Well, either way, those people were all our rivals, in the sense that we both aimed for admission to the Academy. I wasn't sure if they could even lift their head to see my little sister's true height, however. I was that confident in Lyra.

Just thinking about her crushing other arrogant kids handily made me excited for the competition.

Gradually, the road became more and more packed, somewhat distinguishing my eagerness. Glancing to the side, I saw Lyra staring at me. Intently.

''...What are you staring at?'' I naturally asked. ''Is there something on my face—''

Before I could finish my sentence, Lyra almost lunged forward and embraced me deeply. As her warmth spread, I couldn't help but feel puzzled.

''One hour.''

''Huh?''

Burying her face in my hair, Lyra sighed, ''It's been one hour since.''

Ah.

So... she was counting to one hour exactly just to hug me...?

Never mind puzzled, this was just... too heavy of a love, no?

With the clingy Lyra in tow, we slowly made way into the academy, having no choice but to pass through a private route because of the masses occupying much of the space.

We obviously had connections with the former hero party, which helped us not have to queue for so long, at least. Predictably, Jeanne shortly appeared after we settled down in the reception room, looking for Lyra.

''Student.'' She uttered.

''Teacher.'' Lyra replied.

'''' ... ''''

No, what was that? Couldn't the conversation between two generational heroines last somewhat longer? Rather, why would you even come here if all you would do was stare at your student...?

Seemingly aware of my accusing gaze, Jeanne cautiously opened her mouth, ''...Did you learn the exam structure?''

''No.'' My little sister clearly responded, showing zero remorse.

It was such a strange sight. I watched as the zenith slumped down the table, sighing repeatedly. Then, she perked up and met my eyes,

''Your little sister is a menace, Lady Orleans.''

Like a teacher reporting on a child's misbehavior to their parents, Jeanne found a way to make it sound quite serious.

''We both know your Lyra has unquestionable talents, but she isn't too passionate about growing her power, you see.''

''O-Oh...''

Seeing Lyra darting her eyes around, what the former heroine told me must have had some grounds. And that just made Jeanne sigh once more.

''I told her to read up first on the exam rules, but... oh, well. I'm sure she is confident either way.''

Curious, I let out a hum, ''Your Excellency, do you want her to take first spot?''

''Not really. I want her to... chase after it more, you know? I know I'm just being nosy, but if your little sister really tried, she could easily grasp the world with her hand—''

As I heard Jeanne ramble on and on, I turned to Lyra, and our gazes coincidentally met. I sensed boredom in her eyes. Not like she disliked fighting, though; I was sure she only detested being told what to do all the time.

Typical puberty action, don't you think?

But feeling a need to at least respond, I casually poked at Lyra and said, ''Get first place for me then, Lyra.''

''Okay.''

The answer came instantly, stunning both Jeanne and me. Something told me that she was only now fully serious. I was half-amused, half-scared—scared at Lyra's overwhelming expression of love these days, and of Jeanne's soulless eyes that stared into the void ever since.

This way, maybe my little sister was a genius at messing up people's hearts.