When Irefi’s crying finally subsided, people’s attention was already focused on her.

Whether appearances mattered amid overwhelming sorrow of unclear origin, she desperately tried to hide her tearful expression. Her retreating figure, covering her sunset-reddened eyes as she left the shop, looked pitiful.

After boarding the carriage together, we remained silent for a while. Though I wanted to break the frozen atmosphere somehow, I couldn’t find the opportunity.

Only when her sniffling had mostly subsided did I finally gather the courage to speak.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“I’ve unintentionally troubled you. This must be your precious vacation time.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

From Irefi’s self-reproaching words, I reflexively recalled the past. She once said to me when I was depressed, rejecting even reasonable excuses:

“I’m Nepy’s lover. Even if the world turns against you, I’ll always be on your side. That’s what I wish to be.”

She promised unconditional support regardless of my concerns. Because our relationship had evolved into one where we sustained each other.

“Sorry for giving you only unpleasant feelings.”

“At times like this, express gratitude rather than apology. We have that kind of relationship, don’t we?”

Because we’re bound to each other. Because we have a relationship where you can rely on me and I can trust you. You’re enduring one-sided patience toward me who still keeps my reasons silent.

Irefi, who doesn’t show this outwardly. You are unbearably precious to me.

So even if you’ve lost your memories, I hope you won’t offer apologies lightly.

“Irefi.”

“Speak.”

“It’s okay to cry.”

“I was just momentarily disheveled. Tears are unnecessary.”

“What’s unnecessary isn’t tears, but apologies.”

The dynamic of sitting opposite each other in the carriage shifted. I quietly changed seats to sit beside her. Irefi reacted instinctively to this unauthorized invasion of her personal space.

“Why are you moving seats?”

“Just because this is also part of our daily life.”

“What?”

Is she slow to understand? Or innocent? Or perhaps deliberately ignoring what she knows?

As Irefi questioned me, she began to lean. Her delicate form entrusted her weight to me as I gently embraced her nape, her body touching my chest. There was slight resistance at first, but it quickly subsided as if overcome by weakness.

“Because it’s our daily life. You’re just keeping your promise, Irefi. I’m the one acting selfishly…”

“What insulting behavior.”

“Yes, I suppose so. Thank you for enduring it, Irefi.”

“Yet you don’t listen at all…”

“I must be quite terrible.”

She seemed to have accepted, to some extent, that she was enduring something rather humiliating. Somewhere between resignation and adaptation, she found stability.

I slowly stroked her thin back. I felt like an adult comforting a dejected child.

Her snow-white hair reflected light like frost. The soft tresses that reached her waist moved with my touch.

At first, Irefi’s body trembled slightly. The subtle vibrations across her back gradually calmed with repeated caresses.

I wish that she, merely a speck of soul that has seeped in, would find some comfort. I hope the malice and sorrow she bears as the world’s great evil will be shaken off.

Even if she has lost her memories of that time.

Even if this personality will soon vanish like an illusion.

I hope this “what if” version of Irefi who couldn’t be saved finds a small light.

I want to give her the happiness she longed for, if only for a brief time.

Yes, perhaps fragments of scattered happiness. The catalyst for voluntarily offering her leash to the imperial family. An innocent girl turned away from the safety built by her sister’s sacrifice.

Will your sister, whom you desperately missed in a world full of ash and fire, be your slender salvation?

To find that answer, our carriage was heading to Marquess Justitia’s Manor.

“You must have been very anxious.”

“What do you know?”

“You wake up with hazy memories. Surrounded by unfamiliar relationships and feeling unwell. Anyone would be anxious.”

“You… I’m not at all… ugh.”

In her attitude, suspending both affirmation and denial, I glimpsed a vulnerable side. Perhaps allowing herself to be held revealed a measure of honesty.

“Irefi, I want you to always smile.”

“Why would you… Give me a clear reason.”

“Because I like you. I was happy that it was you, Irefi, who found me in that dark, cold solitude.”

“More nonsense.”

“But it’s true…”

I’m not always at peace either. If Irefi’s daily routine includes trembling with guilt at night, I sometimes fear falling asleep.

I’m afraid that this happiness, found after long endurance, might be a butterfly’s dream originating from the freezing Great Cavern. I actually have similar dreams quite frequently. Each time, I’m engulfed by a collapsing-sky despair and scream silently.

When I regain consciousness, convulsing all over, your breathing beside me soothes me. Your warmth gently teaches me that this is reality.

I hesitate to approach you when you’re sound asleep, fearing I might wake you. Instead, I make an internal promise: to support you as much as you comfort me.

Though small, this moment is precisely that time.

“Looks like we’ve arrived.”

“Where?”

“Where else but your family home?”

“What…!”

Irefi pushed me away with a start and looked out the window. The scenery outside reflected the familiar manor that even she, with her lost memories, would recognize.

Finally, as the carriage came to a complete stop, the door opened. Strangely, Irefi hesitated, fidgeting instead of going outside.

I silently took Irefi’s hand. As I extended my foot outside the carriage, she followed somewhat awkwardly.

I hadn’t particularly pulled her toward the outside. What had anchored her feet was nothing but the shackles in her own heart. I merely provided an opportunity to break free.

“How does it feel to be home after so long?”

“Unfamiliar… yet nostalgic.”

“Do you remember it?”

“How could I forget? The time spent with my greedy father and mother was the worst.”

“But you didn’t spend time with just your parents.”

I got the impression she deliberately avoided mentioning the only valuable memory. But this escape from precious memories was bound to end soon.

The large door of the manor opened wide on the other side. The owner of the house had come out personally after being notified of our arrival.

The owner who came to greet us was a pretty, adorable girl who would charm anyone.

Her charm, which captivated even the proud children of ducal families, remained unchanged.

While her sister, Irefi, had sharp eyes that functioned as a barrier against approach, she had round golden eyes and a gentle appearance like a puppy.

Irefi’s expression was disturbingly contorted as she looked at Miren.

“Elfi sister? Nepy brother? I don’t know why you’re here, but… welcome.”

“Sorry for coming without notice.”

“No need to apologize. You’re always welcome, sister and brother.”

“Even with Arnel around?”

“Ugh… don’t tease me! I still haven’t forgiven you for that incident when he secretly followed me on my outing!!!”

“Ouch. I’m really sorry about that…”

Miren looked genuinely upset as she hissed. I’d accidentally stepped on a landmine and got scolded.

While opening the conversation, my eyes glanced sideways. I observed Irefi, who was unusually quiet compared to normal.

‘This is the reunion you’ve longed for, Irefi.’

She repeatedly clenched and unclenched her hands, showing signs of instability. Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, and her steps were heavy as if weighted with iron.

She seemed to have lost the subject of what to say. Though Miren must be familiar in her memory, she appeared confused by the welling nostalgia from somewhere.

I don’t want her to remember the future. If this moment is destined to fade anyway, I want her to part with only beautiful memories.

Her greeting, conceived while alone in overwhelming dissonance, was awkward at best.

“Your eye color has changed since I last saw you… Miren.”

“What’s with the sudden observation, Elfi sister?”

“No, it’s just, your eyes were originally blue like mine.”

“Nepy brother, is sister sick today?”

“She’s not sick, just a bit strange.”

“W-what do you mean strange! What nonsense are you speaking in front of Miren?!”

“Elfi sister…? Huh.”

Noticing something unusual, Miren stared intently at her sister with her gleaming golden eyes. Irefi’s temple trickled with sweat, uncomfortable under Miren’s scrutinizing gaze.

After a moment, Miren sighed softly as if understanding the situation. Her golden eyes, capable of seeing through the form of souls, would easily comprehend the essence of the matter.

“… Yes, that’s right. When I woke up after being sick, my eye color had changed.”

“Oh my! Are you alright, Miren?”

“Nepy brother cured me completely. There’s no problem.”

“That fellow treated you?”

“Yes.”

“I thought he was just a layabout, but I’m indebted to him. I’m glad… very glad… if I lost you too, I would…”

Irefi embraced her sister intensely, sighing with relief. Beyond this affectionate embrace that made breathing difficult, Miren’s eyes met mine.

At that moment, with a face enduring all sorts of discomfort, Miren’s lips moved. Since she couldn’t speak openly, she was communicating through lip movements.

La.ter.

‘Later.’

You.must.ex.plain.pro.per.ly.

‘You must explain properly… is that it?’

I nodded silently. Even with this simple non-verbal expression, her intention was clearly conveyed. With her quick wit, Miren would naturally lead the conversation.

“Sniff… Elfi sister. Shall we talk inside first?”

“Y-yes, of course. I’ve kept my frail child standing outside. I’m sorry, Miren.”

“No, no, it’s fine. Let’s go in.”

In Miren’s smile, I glimpsed desperate efforts to hide awkwardness. Naturally, she would be bewildered, starting with the unfamiliar speech pattern.

I saw maturity in Miren’s back as she naturally guided us to the reception room. It was admirable how she was gradually adopting the demeanor of a viscountess.

Irefi, her sister, seemed to find Miren’s changes unfamiliar. It must be due to seeing Miren, whom she always felt she needed to protect, now wrapped in the dignity of an adult.

“When did you become so…”

“Irefi…”

I quietly took Irefi’s hand. As usual, she flinched at the contact.

“This is also part of our daily life.”

“Hmph…”

“Haha.”

It was ironic that she, who should have blended most naturally into the scene, had become a stranger. I wanted to let her know, even by holding her hand.

That she is not alone. That she is different from a lonely person stranded in a parallel world.

Miren, who had reached just in front of the reception room, opened the door without hesitation.

“Please come in, Elfi sister, and Nepy brother.”

“Mmm. Thank you, Miren.”

“Sister, really, there’s no need to thank me for such things.”

“I… suppose so. I’ve been a bit strange today. Please understand.”

“Honestly. My sister is peculiar, though I love her. Nepy brother, what are you doing over there?”

Among us, only I remained at a distance from the reception room. Miren, finding this strange, hurried her steps.

“I’ll stop here.”

“Nepy brother?”

“It’s a rare reunion. Why don’t you sisters have a nice chat together? I’ll step aside as the intruder.”

“What?!”

Miren was shocked, as if facing a bolt from the blue. Soon after, she desperately appealed with her round golden eyes, tinged with anxiety.

“W-wait a moment. Nepy brother, are you in your right mind?! How can I endure the awkwardness alone… sniff.”

Golden eyes slowly rolling. Those eyes reflected her future sister, who was covering her mouth and avoiding eye contact.

“Y-yes. I apologize, Miren. Yes, that’s right. You’ve grown up so healthily… now you must find your blood relative burdensome.”

“Elfi sister?! That’s not what I meant… it’s just…!”

“No, no, Miren. Don’t mind me. I can’t always stick close to you forever… can I… ugh, sniff…”

“Eek!? E-Elfi sister, are you…!!?”

Undoubtedly, from Miren’s perspective, the sight of Irefi whimpering pitifully must be a genre horror.

Miren knows full well that her sister is the world’s strongest knight.

Moreover, she has seen Irefi as an iron lady and dignified head of the family since childhood.

The dignified head of the family had sealed her personal emotions and always existed as a gentle sister.

How bewildering it must be to realize she had made such an Irefi cry.

“Aaaaaaah! I love Elfi sister so much, super much!!! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to come? Let’s go in quickly, okay? Come on!”

“I’ll be inconvenient for you…”

“What sister would find her sister inconvenient? Why are you acting like an amateur, seriously! It was a joke. A joke.”

“Ugh. Yes. A joke. I’m glad to see your sense of humor has improved. I suppose my own sense of humor has deteriorated.”

“This is the trend these days. Anyway, shall we go in? Elfi sister. And… Nepy brother, I’ll see you separately later. It’s a promise. Un.der.stand?”

“Haha.”

I waved my hand, glossing over with an appropriate laugh. In response, Miren revealed her heavy feelings with puffed cheeks and reproachful eyes.

Miren’s figure, pushing Irefi’s back, eventually disappeared into the reception room. Beyond the firmly closed door, I could hear Miren’s efforts to liven up the atmosphere by forcibly exuding energy.

All I did was entrust the aftermath to her and wander around Marquess Justitia’s Manor.

◇

A sense of debt weighs on my shoulders.

My sister, still showing traces of youth, made all sorts of gestures to accommodate my unusual behavior.

She’s still unskilled at hiding her emotions.

Her innocent appearance brings a subtle contentment to my lips.

“… and then Nepy brother brought you…”

Miren mainly talked about her fiancé.

Nepy, she called him.

It seems undeniable that this man and I were close. Honestly, I can’t imagine it, but my face feels somewhat hot.

Perhaps the stability I felt from his free-spirited behavior stemmed from latent memories.

Looking back, Nepy’s actions throughout the day contained hidden consideration. Once realized, a strange warmth rises from deep in my chest. The instinct nestled in my pulsing heart is undoubtedly directed toward that man.

‘My fiancé is a peculiar person…’

Even while acting recklessly, when he’s occasionally serious, he treats me like a glass artwork on the verge of shattering.

It would be a lie to say I didn’t detect genuine affection. I feel guilty for hesitating to honestly rejoice in his sincere affection.

But I had my grievances too. It was behavior difficult to reconcile with my already established values. How could his every word and action be so bold and lascivious?

‘Well, I was at fault too…’

I wasn’t the only one confused by the memory loss. Nepy, who naturally woke up in the same bed, was truly the bewildered victim.

It’s as if all the precious memories built with his beloved woman were lost in an instant. He might have experienced a chill from head to toe.

Even I, with no memories, sometimes feel an ache in my chest when I look at him…

“…ni.”

“Hmm…”

“Elfi sister!”

“Ah, yes, Miren.”

“Are you listening?”

“I… I apologize. I was momentarily lost in other thoughts.”

“Thinking about Nepy brother?”

“That’s… no, no! Who said I was thinking about that fellow…!”

“Yes, yes, everything my sister says is right.”

Miren, crossing her arms and sneering. Since when could she respond with such expressions? This aspect is quite different from the past and feels unfamiliar.

“You’ve really changed, Miren.”

“Don’t you like it?”

“Of course not. How could I?”

My sister was born to worry. Even while questioning me almost accusingly, she glanced around nervously in a way that was so like her.

A gentle spring breeze blew in through the open window. The warm, soft air seemed to linger in my palm.

Before the warmth in my palm could fade, I moved. Toward the memory I missed and longed to draw for a lifetime.

“Don’t worry, Miren.”

I gently placed my hand on her small head. Afraid of hurting her, I slowly and clumsily stroked the top of her head.

“Even if Miren undergoes any eccentric changes. Even if everyone points fingers at you. Even if you suddenly become a wrinkled old lady. I will always be your sister.”

The only blood relative who illuminated a childhood surrounded by calculation and corruption. The radiance of a precious life. All concepts that described you.

“There’s no need to be anxious about anything. I’ll endure whatever it takes for your happiness…”

What does it matter if I have to dig through filth with my hands? I’m prepared to kill my heart as much as needed. I will gladly accept even countless grudges and malice.

I pray that you grow happily in the bright sunshine.

“Sister…”

Miren rejects my caressing hand and says:

“You haven’t changed at all… Sister… Elfi sister has always been the same, consistent sister…”

“Yes.”

I nod with a brief answer.

But Miren’s subsequent request surprised me.

Her wish, accompanied by moist eyes, scattered my consciousness like morning mist.

“But… don’t say such things… Don’t sacrifice everything for me… That would make you unhappy. I want Elfi sister to be happy too… Why do you always put yourself last…!”

“Miren…!”

“You should really be grateful to Nepy brother. He works hard for you, who always puts your own happiness last. Because he likes you enough to put his own happiness second!”

“…”

“… I’m sorry for suddenly shouting. Let’s rest for today, Elfi sister.”

Miren stared at me for a while, then opened the door of the reception room and left.

I remained rooted to the spot where we had been talking.

As if chasing the afterimage of Miren who had vanished.

◇

“It’s already dark…”

The conversation between the white sisters seems to be taking quite long. Women’s conversations tend to chain one topic to another, so it’s not unusual.

Lounging in Irefi’s room, as directed by a servant, is starting to tire me. Shameless as it may be, perhaps I should knock on the reception room door now.

While useless thoughts were invading my mind:

The door that showed no signs of opening slowly revealed the corridor scene. Finally, Irefi had finished her long reunion and come looking for me.

“Irefi! Did you enjoy catching up?”

“…”

“Hm? Irefi? Ms. Irefi?”

“…”

I’m starting to fear my future fiancée’s sudden silence. One thing I’ve learned while living with her is that silence often accompanies painful consequences.

I closed my babbling mouth with a “hup” and assessed the distance. Understanding Irefi’s state of mind is necessary for appropriate response.

As I reflexively curled up and switched to a defensive posture, she opened her previously heavy lips.

“… Nepy.”

“Yes… Irefi. Wait, what did you just say?”

I have the illusion that she called me “Nepy” rather than “you” or “that fellow.”

Anyway, all three words share the common “ne” sound, so there’s a high possibility I misheard.

Dispelling such imaginative flights, Irefi carefully sculpted the form of language.

“Nepy.”

“Gasp! Ah, um, yes!”

Just being called by name makes me stiffen from head to toe.

My posture, forming a perfect straight line at attention, is rigid.

Cutting through this tense situation, she gradually closes the distance.

‘What is it? What’s happening? What’s about to occur?!’

Next, Irefi, who approached to close proximity, gently pushed my chest.

My body, losing balance ridiculously easily, was welcomed by the soft bed sheets.

She didn’t stop there.

She sat demurely beside my back, which had touched the sheets, and repeatedly fidgeted with her fingers.

Her wandering fingers eventually settled on the back of my trembling hand.

In a space where excitement should be blooming, what emerged was untimely fear.

Should I speak? Is it time to flee? Did I do something to upset her in this short time?

As if mocking me for keeping various possibilities open, she spoke:

“Nepy. Do. You. Like. Me.”

“I’ve been expressing that since this morning…?”

“Even if I become ugly. No matter what I look like. Can Nepy… love… love me as your fiancée.”

“Irefi. You’re so consistent.”

Who would have thought that even future Irefi would harbor the same concerns? It’s strange, considering she should have lost her memories.

If you’re uncertain, I’ll engrave the same answer a hundred or thousand times.

If you feel guilty about living, I’ll tell you to live for me. I’ll ask you to hold my hand for my happiness.

I’ll endlessly repeat that night’s confession.

“Including the you that you like and the you that you hate, all of you, I love you.”

Irefi’s lake-like eyes held the cold moonlight. Her lips formed a satisfied curve, and her fingers, which had wrapped around the back of my hand, became restraining hooks.

She smiled.

Her ordinary demeanor was like a pure white wildflower that bloomed cheerfully after enduring hardship under cloudy skies.

A thin sunbeam piercing through thick layers of clouds to visit the empty ground. Upon it, I witnessed the fantasy of Irefi standing tall.

“I thank Nepy.”

“Why so formal between us?”

“Perhaps. With Nepy. It would be alright… it would be good… I thought.”

“Irefi?”

She collapsed onto the spot where I lay, as if falling.

Her upper body, diagonally mounting me, softly leaned against me for support.

Her sweet scent stimulated latent instincts, urgently sounding alarms.

“After careful consideration, this is my conclusion. I also like… Nepy.”

“T-the change is a bit radical, Irefi?”

“This is a space for just the two of us, is it not? Nepy, do you… dislike it… when I act this way…?”

“Uwaaah…”

What should I do?

The gap in Irefi’s usually cold and prickly demeanor swallows my reason like a massive tidal wave.

Her courage to express affection despite embarrassment after much deliberation is so lovable that I want to respond passionately.

Perhaps sensing my explicit desire, she quietly closed her eyes.

I have a general idea of what Irefi is asking of me.

“Thank you, Irefi.”

“…”

For accepting me even after losing your memories.

For allowing my affection to reach you.

For holding onto me in this uncertain and doubtful reality.

I like you in the most special way in the world.

“Mmm.”

“Haah.”

Don’t rush. Our lips meet, suppressing signs of impatience.

Irefi’s efforts to respond, albeit awkwardly, are unmistakably evident.

Unlike before, it’s a brief kiss. Yet it was ample to confirm each other’s sincerity and desire.

“Nepy.”

“Irefi.”

“Thank you for truly loving someone like me.”

“I want to be the one to tell you that.”

“For becoming the daily life I love… I am happy.”

“We’re not there yet. I’ll make you even happier.”

“… Yes. Mmm… indeed.”

She added finally:

“Remember me from time to time.”

Irefi’s palms caress my cheeks. It was impossible to resist the direction her touch pulled me. To do so would require overcoming even the barrier of instinct.

Between disheveled clothes, fair skin is tinted by the light. Especially below the collarbone, a part that stimulates men’s hearts, though not quite… prominent, tempts me.

There’s no particular reason to hold back. Irefi has essentially given implicit permission. It would rather be shameful not to respond.

Just as the vulgar words I heard earlier today, as I was about to express my lewd and lascivious intentions!

“Nepy.”

Irefi called my name. I was moved that she finally addressed me by name and wanted to embrace her more.

Just as I was about to bury my face against her skin in earnest, my name dispersed into the air once more.

“Nepy.”

Happily, I pressed close to Irefi’s body. There was some resistance creating dissonance, but this much was just playfulness.

As my fingertips traveled up her waist toward her chest, my name was called with an eerily desolate sound.

“Nepy.”

A quiet resonance devoid of emotion. The usual sensation of a shiver running down my spine.

… Usual?

“My patience ends at three times. You know that, right? Nepy.”

“I-Irefi. Could it be you…? Has your personality returned…”

“Yes, I’m back. I’ve returned. But somehow, Nepy doesn’t seem pleased?”

“No! I’m happy… extremely happy…?”

“Is that really true?”

“How could there be any doubt!”

“Hmm.”

For some reason, Irefi started rotating her wrist. Why is there a cracking sound coming from my neck? Truly incomprehensible.

Ahahahaha.

“You enjoyed cuddling at the dessert shop, didn’t you? Despite never feeding me even once.”

“No, wait. The future you is still you after all…”

“You must have enjoyed embracing me affectionately in the carriage.”

“We’ve done that often too, haven’t we…?”

“Now. Not just anywhere, but in my room. You boldly kissed me. And were about to do various other things, weren’t you?”

“This occurred with mutual consent…”

“Yes. It was executed with mutual consent.”

“Right?”

“Yes.”

“Haha.”

“Huhu.”

Snap.

The awkwardly blooming laughter was cut off abruptly, as if a knife had been placed at my throat.

“Come here, Nepy.”

“Why…?”

“We need to continue what comes next. Hurry and come here.”

Am I witnessing a hallucination?

I have no idea why Irefi’s figure, arms spread to guide me, reminds me specifically of a Venus flytrap.

“Shall we postpone this for later?”

“No. We must do it now.”

“Is there perhaps a specific reason why…”

“Because I need to fold Nepy’s waist with a snap?”

“It’s a Venus flytrap!!!”

I screamed and bolted.

“Nepy!!! If you don’t stop right now, know that I’ll reverse-fold all your joints!!!”

“S-save me…! Aaaaaaah…!!!”

The woman dominating our game of tag on this peaceful moonlit night was like a demon rakshasa.

Our passionate night was beautifully blood-colored.