Though I’m not entirely sure why, since it seems I’ve been assigned a bodyguard, I said my farewells and returned home.
After finishing dinner, I was relaxing in my room when Toko suddenly barged in without knocking.
“Big Brother~ How was your day?”
“What do you mean?”
“You went to the president’s house, right? Going over there on a Saturday means you’re officially dating her now, huh?”
Even if that were true, would you really be interested?
I certainly have no interest in whatever you’re implying.
“Today, Sharl showed me some alchemy.”
“The president seems to be the type who imposes her own hobbies on others, huh…”
Well, isn’t that the kind of person who thinks if they enjoy something, others will too?
“Everyone’s like that, right? Even I get proud showing Sharl some martial arts.”
“That’s a bit different, though…”
Same, same.
“So? How about you? Did you head to the forest today?”
Your usual bear hunting.
“Not at all! There aren’t any bears in that forest!”
Looks like they’re pretty averse to you, huh?
“Maybe you’re leaning in too much and scaring them off. They probably think ‘something dangerous is coming!'”
“Why!? I’m not dangerous! I drop small white shell earrings, that’s all!”
What’s that supposed to mean?
“I don’t know, but maybe you should give up? Also, stop dragging Ilmera and the others along. It’s a bother.”
“Aww, Big Brother is being reasonable…”
Ugh.
“You should go with someone more energetic, like Yuika.”
“But actually, we all talked about it this afternoon.”
“What? Stop going entirely?”
Did Noel bring it up?
“No, we’re thinking about changing the location.”
“Location?”
“Yeah. There are other hunting spots besides that forest, and they even have checkpoints.”
Oh, right…now that you mention it, Frank said something about starting with that forest.
Of course there’d be other places too.
“I see.”
“Exactly. So, Ilmera suggested we consider mountains or rivers next.”
Nature, huh?
Since it’s summer, maybe we could even go camping?
“Uh, there are weird birds in the mountains and lizards by the rivers.”
Well, there are birds in the mountains and lizards by the rivers, so…
“Are they monsters?”
“Yeah, exactly. And apparently they’re valuable ones too.”
“Huh…which place are you planning to go to?”
“That’s the thing, Big Brother, haven’t you outgrown the forest? If you do, then it makes sense for us to split up where we go.”
I see.
Until now, we’ve been going on different days to avoid overlap. Splitting locations would simplify things.
“You’re pretty smart. Impressive for my little sister. It must be the genetics.”
Probably.
“Right? And…Big Brother doesn’t really like birds, does he?”
“Well, I can only do ranged attacks with stones anyway.”
Toko has her magic.
“Yeah, exactly. So I’ll take the mountains while you take the river.”
Sounds reasonable?
“Wait, what about Yuika?”
She can use magic too, right?
“Yuika’s got this terrifying ‘finger-shot’ technique. I saw her demonstrate it this afternoon, and she made a hole in a tree.”
Is she some sort of manga character?
“Hmm, a river, huh…”
“Actually, Noel said she doesn’t like lizards, so it’s been decided we’re going to the mountains.”
Ah, maybe it’s something most girls don’t like.
“In that case, I understand. I’ll take the river while you take the mountains.”
“Exactly! And speaking of which, I want to learn how to fly through the air!”
“Fly?”
“Like on a broomstick? That’s the stereotypical image, but… wait, didn’t the president fly during the duel?”
She did. And teleported too.
“Right. I saw her.”
“To fight birds, I want to be able to do that. So, Big Brother, ask her for me.”
“Who? What to do?”
“Ask ‘Onee-chan’ to teach me!”
Me?
“You should ask her yourself, Miss Toko La Folle.”
“That’s why I’m asking you! It’s awkward.”
Then I can’t help you.
“I could ask, but I doubt she’d agree. For one thing, La Folle and Iver have their issues, and even before that, you’re rivals from first year, aren’t you?”
“Rivals elevate each other! The source of this wisdom is manga!”
Shonen manga, huh?
“In that case, you should offer something worthwhile in return.”
“Of course! I’ve got a special spell to teach her!”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Guess what? A spell that lets you walk on water!”
…Do we really need that?
“If Sharl can fly, we don’t need it.”
“We do! It’s the ultimate show of strength! Imagine this: A character flying down from the sky versus a character walking towards you on water— which one looks more powerful?”
Hmm, perhaps the one walking on water would appear stronger…
“Why’d you learn such a spell anyway?”
“I thought of it in the bath and practiced there!”
That explains the long showers…
“Stop wasting time and get out already. Otherwise, I’ll go in first.”
“Big Brother’s bath water is gross.”
Ugh, teenagers…
“Alright, alright. So will you offer this and ask her to teach you?”
“Yep yep. Could you ask her? I don’t even have the president’s phone number.”
“In that case, let me give her a call.”
I pulled out my phone and dialed Sharl. She picked up after a few rings.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Sharl. Sorry for calling so late.”
“No problem… But what’s up? We just saw each other earlier.”
…Every word feels like a love-stricken line from now on.
Shut up.
“There’s something we need…”
Toko’s voice carried over somehow.
“It’s Toko, right? She wants something?”
“Apparently. She wants a favor.”
“Do you need another potion, Toko? What flavor?”
Is that all she thinks of?
“President, is that all you’re capable of?”
“Then what is it?”
Her tone dropped a little…
“Honestly, I’m planning to go to the mountains soon and hunt some birds. To help with that, I’d like to learn how to fly. President, can you teach us aerial magic?”
“No.”
There it is.
“That’s harsh!”
“Why should I teach you that? So you can beat me with it later?”
What a person!
“Not gonna fight you. Won’t chase you down if you run away either.”
Even though he’s saying it casually, it seems to have the opposite effect.
“Hmph, see? You’re planning revenge from the last magic tournament, right? But sorry, I’m the judge this time!”
Wait, what’s this about?
Hmm…
On the count of three…
““What’s a magic tournament?””
Perfect sync!
“…Did you two plan that?”
She’s stopped laughing altogether now…
Looks like she’s lost interest.
Thank you for reading.
If you found this story “interesting!” or are curious about what happens next, I’d greatly appreciate your bookmarking the story or giving it a ★★★★★ rating. It really motivates me to keep writing!
Thank you so much!
