TVS 05

Chapter 05…

Is this what they call a sister complex?

The growth of a baby is remarkable.
I couldn’t even crawl before, but after three years, I could already speak short words.
I could even use magic — to some extent.
I haven’t tried using it without chanting yet.
Apparently, chanting helps control the amount of magical power released, so if you try to cast without it, you might end up blowing yourself up.
Given my current ability, that risk would be pretty high.
So I haven’t practiced non-chanting magic.

Also, I’m not sure if being able to use magic at this age means I’m developing fast or slow, so I haven’t told anyone yet.
From my past life’s knowledge, I know that saying something like that carelessly can lead to a lot of trouble.
If things go well, I could end up on the “strongest” route; but in the worst case, I’d spend my life as a test subject.
Either way, I wouldn’t be able to read books anymore.
So if I’m going for the strongest route, I’ll take the “hidden strongest” route instead.

After a while, I could hear a loud sound approaching.

— She’s coming…

Then, with a loud bang!, the door flew open.
Eliana burst into my room.

“Yuriiiii~~!!”

Eliana immediately hugged me tightly.
It was really painful, but I knew it would end soon, so I quietly endured it.

“Ahh~~ Yurii, you’re just so cute…!”
— You said that yesterday too, you know?

Since that day, Eliana and I have been getting closer bit by bit.
I think she’s already told Fehri and Deal about her feelings, and the four of us have been spending more time together.
When I see Eliana smiling and enjoying herself, I feel peaceful too.

“Mmm~ Yurii’s hair is always so pretty and fluffy, like snow! And those eyes—like the ocean itself! I just can’t handle how cute you are!”
— So this is what they call a sister complex instead of a parent complex?

But honestly, I completely agree with Eliana’s opinion.
It might sound narcissistic, but I, Yuliana, really am adorable.
My skin is fine and smooth, and my rare combination of white hair and blue eyes gives me a mysterious aura.
My slender, delicate body makes people feel like they want to protect me.
And the glossy way my hair is braided, along with the refined yet lovely dresses I wear, reflects the full power of the ducal family’s wealth.

— I always imagined nobles were all beautiful, but it’s really true.

Of course, it’s not just me—Eliana is a beautiful girl too, and both our mother Fehri and father Deal are extremely good-looking.
They’re rich and attractive. To be reborn as the second daughter of the Lindor Ducal Family… I’d say I’m incredibly lucky.
And I can read books, too.

“Hey, Yurii, the weather’s great today! Why don’t we have a tea party outside? Mother’s joining us too!”
“Understood.”
“Yay! It’s settled then!”
“Thank you, as always, for inviting me, Sister Yuliana.”
“……”

Eliana stared at me intently.
Did I say something wrong?

“…Yurii.”
“Yes?”
“I told you before not to call me something so formal like ‘Sister Eliana,’ right?”
“…But we’ve been told to always be mindful of our speech and manners so as not to disgrace the name of the Lindor Ducal Family.”
“That’s true, but… at least when it’s just the two of us, you can call me ‘Eli’ or ‘Eli-neesan,’ okay?”
“…Eli… neesan…”
“Right! You can call me Eliana if you want, but I prefer the nickname. It’s proof that we’re close, after all.”
“Close…”

No one had ever said that to me before.

“Yurii, you’re amazing. You seem so much more mature than I am. But I feel like one day, that might make things hard for you. So promise me this — when you’re with me, just be your natural self, okay?”
“…Understood.”
“Yurii~?”
“…I promise, Eli-neesan.”
“That’s it! Good girl, Yurii.”

Eliana patted my head.

“Well then, see you later!”
“Yeah. See you.”

And just like that, Eliana left as quickly as she had come — like a storm.

Author’s Note:
From here on, Eli’s love for Yurii will only keep increasing. There will be a few more hug scenes, but there won’t be any overly romantic ones like this chapter.
Think of this one as an introduction to Eli.
The story will get more interesting as it goes on, so I hope you’ll keep reading!