Volume 8.5 Chapter 4

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Towano Chikai’s Passionate Interview

“Eh? An interview…?”

It was a certain evening. I was sittingin my room, working on the next manuscript I was going to send in fora light novel contest, when Shinozaki-san, Suzuka’s editor,suddenly called me. I was already feeling fed-up when I picked up,assuming that she was going to talk about random nonsensical thingsas usual. This time around, though, she actually sounded serious, andquickly cut to the chase.

So the thing is, they want torelease a magazine article about Towano Chikai, so we hoped that wecould interview you a bit. That’s the request I have for you thistime.

“I-I see… it feels weird thatyou’re calling me with some actual business…”

I did send you an email as well. Didyou not see it yet, by chance?

…Well, Suzuka is the one who handlesthe emails directed to Towano Chikai, since she’s the real one,after all… I’m nothing but a stand-in.

Well, I don’t mind. It’s aboutthe same thing anyway. So will you agree to having an interview? I’dlike to do it as soon as possible.

When she asked me that, I startedthinking.

…Should I ask Suzuka first? It wouldbe bad if I just accepted it immediately, right? …No wait, this isa job anyway, so there’s no way she wouldn’t accept. Also, aninterview shouldn’t be that big of a deal.

“Yes, it should be fine—”

Deciding on that, I accepted therequest, but…

“Onii-chan, I have somethingimportant to talk about…!”

At the same time, Suzuka stormed intomy room. When I saw her this flustered, I was surprised for a second,and quickly said “P-Please wait a moment!” to Shinozaki-san. Iturned back to Suzuka.

“I just received an email fromShinozaki-san, and… Wait, is the phone call about that…?!”Suzuka’s expression clouded when she saw the smartphone in my hand.”I-Is it about that? Did you already agree, Onii-chan?”

“Y-Yeah, it was a request for a job,after all.”

When I replied to the affirmative,Suzuka’s head dropped down as she muttered a detached “I didn’tmake it in time then…”

“I-Is there some sort of problem?”

I was starting to feel a bit restless,but Suzuka shook her head.

“No, it’s not exactly a problem.Just as you said, I was planning on taking it anyway, since it’sfor my job. But I felt like I needed to have a talk before that, so Ihurried over…”

“A talk about?”

“Since it will be an interview, theywill want to ask you all sorts of details. Naturally, since you willbe the one who answers them, I thought that I should create a sheetof questions I expect them to ask.”

…I see, that’s what she meant.That’s just like her, though. It explains why she was panickinglike that.

“But I can’t help it now that it’scome to this. Onii-chan, make sure to answer like the normal TowanoChikai would. I’ll be next to you so I can give you advice.”

“I-I get it… But is there reallyany need to be so worried about it? I’ve been acting as yourstand-in all this time, so it’s not like I won’t be able to keepup appearances now.”

Reminiscing about all the hardships andtroubles I’ve had to go through as her stand-in, I puffed out mychest in confidence.

“No, an article is always verythorough with detail, so we have to plan ahead even further.”

“That might be the case, but I thinkit’ll be fine…”

I’ve perfected mylittle-sister-loving persona, you know? …Although I really don’tfeel all too comfortable with that.

“And I’m saying that we can’t letdown our guard just yet. Onii-chan, you haven’t completely becomethe Towano Chikai character yet. If you did, you would be answeringthe phone saying things like ‘Hello, Towano Chikai here. I’m theman who wants to hug his little sister every time he sees her!’ Howabout saying things like that in the future?”

“You’re asking for too much here!”

I’d be like a completely differentperson! What kind of image do you have of the person Towano Chikai?!

“T-That’s not the case. Also, thistime around, a lot of people will be reading the article, so we haveto make an even stronger case than ever, and make people realize justhow much you love little sisters!”

“You’re not wrong about that, but…”

“A-Anyway, letting our guard downisn’t allowed, so remember that, Onii-chan.”

Being her stand-in is a hard job, andit’s because I’m never able to say anything back to her likethis. But, well, I can’t help it. It’s an official interview foran article, after all.

“I need to know the contents of theinterview, so could you please put Shinozaki-san on speaker so that Ican hear her as well?”

When Suzuka said that, I did as I wastold and put the phone on speaker. I called out to Shinozaki-san.

“Thank you for waiting. I had to havea quick talk with my little sister…”

Oh, so your little sister is closeby? I’m glad to see that you’re as close as always. Anyway, can Istart the interview right now?

Suzuka whispered a quiet “Good luck”,and she nodded at me.

By the way, Sensei, how many timeshave you pushed your little sister down so far?

But when Shinozaki-san started with anabsurd question like that, my confidence was immediately broken topieces.

“Wha—What kind of starting questionis that?!”

Well, this is unrelated to theinterview. It’s just a personal interest of mine.

“That doesn’t explain anything?!”

What? I was just trying to help yourelax and not be as nervous. So how many times now?

“…O-Onii-chan, let’s just go withfive…!” Suzuka leaned in and whispered into my ear.

“I won’t answer a question likethat!” I retorted.

There’s no reason to tell heranything more than needed!

Now then, since your tension shouldbe gone now, let’s cut to the chase.

“That question really wasn’tnecessary, I see…”

As I let out an exasperated sigh, Icould hear a faint giggle coming from Shinozaki-san’s end, and theatmosphere grew more relaxed.

First, I’d like to ask you whyyou wanted to become a light novel author.

So the actual questions are normal,huh? I’ll have to respond to these questions normally as well.

“T-That’s obviously because I lovelittle sisters. I love them so much that I can barely contain it, andbefore I realized it, I had already written this story…”

Apparently, my response wasTowano-Chikai-worthy. Suzuka nodded at my words, still looking closeto bursting out with an “Ehehe” laugh.

I see, that sure sounds like Sensei.Pretty hardcore, if you ask me. Do you have any stories of when youhad trouble writing on your novel?

“N-No, I never ran into a slump likethat or anything. I just feel my fingers move naturally, and before Irealize it, another volume was done…”

Since Suzuka says that she feels likeshe’s possessed while writing it, it’s not necessarily a lie.

So you immediately just startwriting a volume, and you don’t think of a general plot first?

“Y-Yes. I’m moved by my love forlittle sisters so to speak, so I’m just overwhelmed by the will towrite.”

Impressive. By the way, how manynovels did you write before you debuted?

“Uhm… That’s…”

I looked over at Suzuka to ask forhelp.

“…Onii-chan, say that this was yourfirst novel ever.”

Suzuka softly whispered into my ear,and I repeated exactly what she said.

Basically, the first novel you everwrote turned into such a great hit. Sensei really is a genius.

“H-Haha, thank you…”

“…Don’t forget to pretend youlove little sisters…!”

“W-Well, that just shows how great mylittle sister power is, ahaha!”

With Suzuka pointing that out, Iquickly added that last sentence. What is ‘little sister power,’anyway? However, Shinozaki-san showed no signs of suspicion at myresponse, and continued away. In response to every question, I triedto emphasize that I love little sisters, and every time I was unsurehow to answer, Suzuka whispered some advice to me, so we managed toprogress through the interview fairly quickly. The questionsthemselves were also rather normal, like ‘What do you pay the mostattention to while writing?’ or ‘Which scene needed the mostenergy and attention from you while writing so far?’ and so on. Theinterview was fairly orthodox as a result.

Sensei, which kind of pattern do youprefer the most for your little sister’s panties?

…And she’s suddenly dropping abombshell of a question on me?!

“Are you trying to make fun of me?!”

In light novels, panties are prettyessential, so a question like this should be expected. I reallywanted to ask you about your favorite thing you always think about.

“Have you heard of the term ‘sexualharassment,’ Shinozaki-san?!”

Of course I have. It’s the thingyou’re doing most of the time when you’re on the phone with me.

“O-Onii-chan?! What do you normallytalk with her about…?!”

“The same sort of thing that’shappening right now! Me suddenly turning into the bad guy!”

Ohh, I know. There was something Iwanted to ask Sensei a long time ago, and I finally remembered.

“W-What is it this time?”

The thing is, no matter how oftenSensei says that you’re close with your little sister, even thoughyou wrote a little sister novel, some people might not believe you.They want some sort of proof, so I thought that maybe you could takea picture together so that I could add it to the article.

“A picture for proof…”

Maybe even where you push down yourlittle sister.

“As if I could do that?!”

“N-No, let’s take one, Onii-chan!It’s a request from your editor!”

“What are you talking about?!”

“T-This might be a good chanc—Notthat! This is all to illustrate the qualities of Towano Chikai!”

“…Eh? S-Seriously? But I’mcurrently on a phone call so I can’t take a picture—”

“Please wait a moment! …………………I’mback! We can use my laptop or this digital camera!”

“That was fast! You went to get yourstuff that quickly?!”

“N-Now, hurry! I really don’t wantto do this, but it’s for our job after all!” Suzuka said. She setup the digital camera and laid down in wait on my bed. Since I wasleft with no other choice, I climbed on top of the bed above her.Anyone looking from the outside would definitely haev thought thatI’d pushed Suzuka down like a perverted older brother.

“Ehehe… I really don’t like thisat all, but I can’t help it, can I?! Let’s send this toShinozaki-san immediately!”

Once we had done that, Shinozaki-sanwas thoroughly pleased with the finished product, Suzuka was contentthat we had managed to emphasize Towano Chikai’s closeness with hissister, and I was left as the sinner again… Well, after that,things went fairly smoothly, and it felt like we were coming close tothe end of the interview, but…

…Hm, that should be all of thequestions.

“Phew… Is there something else? Ithink that I’ve answered enough of your questions.”

When I voiced my exhaustion,Shinozaki-san sounded like she wanted to finish the interview, butwasn’t quite satisfied.

Well, you answered all the questionswe prepared and my personal questions, but I still feel like we’relacking something.

“You’ve been interviewing me foralmost an hour now, so shouldn’t that be more than enough?”

…No, something is lacking. Thiswon’t really showcase Towano Chikai’s greatness enough.

“G-Greatness, you say…?”

I want to let more and more peopleknow about your charms as an author. Both concerning your work andyourself. Everything I love about you from the bottom of my heart…That’s why I planned this interview. I want it to be perfect.

“Shinozaki-san…”

“…Shinozaki-san really thinkshighly of Towano Chikai.”

Oddly enough, Shinozaki-san seemed tobe fairly serious for once… I remembered that she might joke aroundall day, but at her core, she’s always serious about light novels.Realizing that, I felt my chest burning hotter.

“Um, thank you very much. If that’sthe case, then I’ll gladly answer whatever question you have.”

Thank you very much, Sensei. Itwould be fine to continue just interviewing you like this, but…

After saying that, Shinozaki-san fellsilent, as if she was thinking about something. Once a short momentpassed, she said Ah, I know! as if she remembered something,and spoke up again.

I thought of something great. Wecall the personal interview with Sensei done, and we go interview thepeople in Sensei’s surroundings as well. How about it? It soundsinteresting, right?

“………Eh? W-What do you…?”

Shinozaki-san sounded rather lax aboutit, but I had a bad premonition.

I was thinking that I shouldinterview people who know Sensei as well and ask them for theirimpressions of you. If I did that, I would receive countless otheropinions about you, from all sorts of people, don’t you think?

“The people around me…”

First should be Ahegao DoublePeace-sensei. She’s the illustrator for your novel after all, soshe’s your partner at work, so there must be a lot of things sheknows and thinks of you. After that is Enryuu-sensei. She’s afellow author, and you even knew about her earlier, since you’reclassmates. Then, let’s see… oh right, you’re on pretty goodterms with the voice actress Minazuki Sakura-san, right? Interviewingher alone would be beneficial either way, but I’m sure that she hasa lot to say about you as well.

“So that really is your plan, huh?!”

My bad premonition turned out to be thetruth when Shinozaki-san started to name all the people that I didn’twant her to name… I mean, her idea isn’t bad in any way, and herchoice of people shows that she knows what she’s doing, too, but Ican already tell how this is going to end!

Not to mention that Shinozaki-sanwasn’t quite done with her list of names.

Ah, I know! Since this is a goodopportunity, let’s talk to your little sister as well!

“E-Even Suzuka?!”

I really started to panic when I heardShinozaki-san’s words, but she didn’t seem to think that anythingwas weird at all. She just continued talking.

I’ve never had the chance to talkto a real little sister of an author who only writes little sisternovels, after all! Fufufu, even I’m scared at how genius I am!

“No no no! Hold on for just asecond!”

Don’t you agree that this is awonderful idea? Also, you don’t have to worry. I’ll keep heridentity a secret. After all, I am a considerate, honest editor!

“If you’re that considerate, thendon’t come up with a plan like that in the first place!”

Your little sister must be with you,right? I’d like to talk to her personally, if possible.

Ignoring my reply, Shinozaki-san justmoved on with her plan… H-How could this happen? At this rate, I’llreally end up looking like a perverted older brother who gets hislittle sister into all these situations! No matter how much of astand-in I am, I can’t allow that to happen at any cost. Thus, Iwas about to shoot down her idea, and also her idea to interview Maiand the others, but…

“Y-Yes, I’m listening! I’llgladly accept that offer!”

“Wha—?!”

However, before I could open my mouth,Suzuka responded. What are you thinking?!

“…C-Calm down, Onii-chan! Just asShinozaki-san said, this isn’t that bad of an idea. After all, Ican show everyone just how close Onii-chan and I are—Nevermindthat! I will be able to fortify the image of Towano Chikai as much asI want, myself!”

“You don’t seem to be aware of whatpeople will think of me if you do that!”

“Also, I can’t allow anyone else touse this chance to talk about some sort of romantic relationship withOnii-chan…! A-Anyway, all things considered, I have to accept thisno matter what!”

Her cheeks were red, and she avertedher gaze. I was left unable to say anything, and let out a defeatedsigh… Ugh, since I’m just a stand-in, I can’t go against theauthor’s orders…!

Ohh, is that your little sister!? Soyou’ll accept it?!

“Y-Yes, it’s my duty as a littlesister to assist Onii-chan’s job in any sort of way!”

Really, you are a gift from theheavens, Imouto-san… I’m really envious that you have such awonderful little sister, Sensei!

“Oh I sure am happy!”

I gave up. I had already accepted thefact that my opinion would never matter in this cruel reality.

Fu fu fu, now that it’s decided,let me quickly give everyone a call, and decide on the exact time forthe interview…!

“Ehehehe, what a wonderful chance…!W-Well, I’m not really happy about this, though?!”

“………Ugh.”

The two of them were just sayingwhatever they wanted at this point, and I could only let out adefeated sigh.

“I’m really thankful that you’veall gathered here today for this occasion. Thanks to you all, I’mcertain that we will get even better results than before.”

It was another day. Suzuka had acceptedShinozaki-san’s request for an interview with her, and we had goneto the Sumeragi Fantasy Publishing editorial department in Tokyo.However, it wasn’t just the two of us that were there…

“…Why is everyone else here aswell?”

“I thought that we might as wellfinish up all the interviewing at once. Luckily, everyone had an openschedule for the day.”

“Since it was an interview about you,I ignored my dangerously close deadline to come all the way here, youknow?!”

“I can’t miss out on something asinteresting as this, desu, so I slipped away from my eroge job!”

“Right! Sakura also barely managed toshift her schedule around enough to make it here! She’s lookingforward to the interview, though!”

Mai, Double Peace-sensei, and evenMinazuki-san were all there, too… Again, I have a really badfeeling about this…!

“…Hmpf, I thought that things mightend up like this. It would have been a miracle if it didn’t, to behonest. I’ll just have to work hard to show everyone how close weare, to make sure that I don’t lose against anyone…! Ehehe…”

Suzuka was acting like always,muttering something to herself, which didn’t exactly make me feelany better.

“Now then, you’ve all made it heredespite your tight schedules, so let’s start immediately.”

Shortly after, Shinozaki-san took aseat and pulled out a writing tablet to record our conversation.

“…Hm, what to do about this? I hadplanned to ask everyone questions one at a time, but since we’reall here, maybe we have everyone answer the same questions at once.”

“Sounds good, desu. You’re going toask everyone the same questions, after all.”

Everyone nodded along with DoublePeace-sensei’s suggestion.

“Then, let’s do it like that. Thefirst question is… Can I ask you all about your relationships withSensei?”

“I am his number one fan, and hislifetime rival.”

“I am his number one partner, desu.”

“Sakura is his number one futurelittle sister.”

“I-I am his number one real littlesister!”

Everyone answered at once, and chaosbegan to ensue.

“Hey, I’m his true number one, sodon’t copy me!”

“That won’t do, Mai, desu. I won’tgive away the rank of being Sensei’s number one!”

“Yeah yeah, Sakura won’t allowEnryuu-sensei to hog all the attention.”

“You all say that, but consideringthat I’m his real little sister, I deserve the title number one themost.”

…What is this situation? Immediatelyafter they answered answer her question, a fight broke out?

“Hmm, I see…”

And Shinozaki-san was just calmlywriting on her tablet.

“U-Umm, is it really fine to not geteverything back under control?”

“Hm? Why is that? They’re allanswering me fine, and I can feel their raw emotions this way. Thanksto that, I can feel like the article will be even better thanbefore.”

Ah, this one’s done for. Now that theinterviewer is acting like this, I’ll never be rid of this chaos.

“Then, the next question. Could I askyou to describe the first meeting between you and Towano-sensei?”

“It was a fateful encounter, yes…After I received an immense stimulus from Towano Chikai’s novel, Ifound out that the author was actually a classmate from my school, soI called him up to the roof. Then, Yuu said to me ‘That’s EnryuuHomura for you. You definitely have the right to be my rival’ andaccepted me—”

“When I first read Sensei’s novel,I was very aroused, desu! I became acomplete victim to the hidden perversity and the erotic actions ofthe characters! The next day, I happened to meet Sensei at an erogeshop, and when I called out to Sensei, he said ‘It was good of youto immediately realize it. I see that we both share the sameperverted soul’ and smiled at me—”

“Sakura read Sensei’s novel, andshe thought that he must be the ideal older brother! Then she becamea huge fan of his, and she was really surprised when she went to thesigning session! After all, Sensei was the spitting image of theOnii-chan in the novel! That’s why Sakura swore to herself that shewould definitely become Sensei’s little sister one day! When herealized that, Sensei said ‘I wish I had a little sister like you,Sakura’, which made her really happy—”

“W-Wait a second please?!”

Mai, Double Peace-sensei, andMinazuki-san all started talking about my first meeting with each ofthem. They were all enthusiastically arguing with each other, whichreally made me feel their passionate feelings for the person TowanoChikai, but the contents of what they’re saying are way too overthe top?! And I don’t remember ever saying any of those things?!

“E-Everyone, please don’t lie aboutthese things!”

Even Suzuka felt the urge to respondafter that, but…

“I-It’s not a complete lie!”

“Right, desu. It’s just a slightalteration of memories.”

“Eh? But Sensei really said that,though? And least in Sakura’s memories.”

And all they’re doing is trying tocover it up, rephrase it, or blame it on their bad memory!

“I see, I see… So you all metSensei like that…”

Not to mention that Shinozaki-sancompletely believed their ridiculous lies, and just kept writing onher tablet… Are you really fine with this…?

“Hmph… I see what you are trying todo, everyone…!”

But when Suzuka saw through theirplans, Mai said the following.

“But, Suzuka-san, since you’re hislittle sister, your first meeting was nothing special at all, right?”

Those words made Suzuka twitch inshock.

“T-That’s not the case! EvenOnii-chan and I have had a fateful meeting! I remember it clearly!The moment I was born, Onii-chan said ‘I have been waiting for yourarrival, my cute, beloved little sister…’!”

“You’re joining them?!”

There’s no way you’d have anymemories from the exact day you were born! Also, we’re only oneyear apart, so I find it unlikely that I was able to say somethinglike that back then!

“Suzuka-san, I really think that thatstory might be fabricated…”

“That just sounds like your fantasy,desu!”

“Even Sakura can’t even muster thecourage to laugh at that.”

Funnily enough, everyone was now makingfun of her. Do you still wonder why I’m exhausted every time I’mforced to be with them?

“I-I’m not lying or anything! And Idon’t think that anyone else has the right to scorn me for this!”

“T-That’s… I just tried to makeit sound more interesting…!”

And thus, another war of words brokeout. Why does a normal interview have to end up like this?

“Um, Shinozaki-san, I really thinkthat we should be stopping them…”

“—Like this, each and every singleone of them has their own special relationship with Towano Chikai,and is ready to prove that with fighting words. That is Sensei’scharm. Every woman around him, including his little sister, thinksdearly of him—Hm? Did you say something? I was just thinking abouthow to phrase this, so I wasn’t listening.”

“Is this really going to be anarticle for a special issue?! This sounds more like a women’sgossip magazine than anything?!”

In response, Shinozaki-san just laughedoff my words with “Sensei really says some funny stuff at times”,but I didn’t mean it as a joke at all! Not! One! Bit!

And as if to make things worse, Suzukaand the others were getting even louder… I-I have to do something…!

“S-Stop stop stop! We’re allstarting a war here, so I think that having everyone answer one byone is more efficient, Shinozaki-san!” I quickly stepped betweenthem.

“I don’t really mind. But Sensei,you’re unexpectedly keen on taking responsibility for things.”

The one who should be takingresponsibility and breaking up this situation is you, though! Whycan’t you see that?! …Well, I’d really like to say that, but Iwouldn’t gain anything from it, so I might as well just shut up…!

“But that way might still be moreefficient. There are some individual questions that I would like toask, as well.”

Apparently, my desperate effortsweren’t in vain. With this, we should avoid the worst-case scenarioof everyone going rampant… or so I wanted to think.

“Then, could I start by interviewingEnryuu-sensei first?”

“Bring it on!” Mai said with anarrogant snort.

Really, why are you like this with justa normal interview…?

“To make sure that she doesn’t giveany false testimony, we have to fact-check her!”

“Mutual monitoring it is!”

“Sounds good to me, desu!”

Everyone else was now preparing tostart a new type of war… Even Suzuka. In the meantime, though,Mai’s interview was progressing smoothly, and she was answeringquestions like ‘What do you think is the charm of Towano Chikai’snovel?’ and ‘As a fellow light novel author, what do you thinkabout Towano Chikai’s novel from a literary standpoint?’ and soon, seeming to focus on the fact that Mai was also a light novelauthor.

Fundamentally, Mai is clumsy, and shehas stalker tendencies, but when it comes to light novels, she’s asserious as can be, and her answers were equally diligent… Thatbeing said, knowing the questioner and the one being asked, it shouldbe obvious that these happy-happy fun times wouldn’t continueforever.

“Since you’re Sensei’s classmate,Enryuu-sensei, I was wondering what he’s like at school. Is hepopular with the girls, by any chance?”

“What kinds of questions are youasking her now?!”

“I just thought that I’d focus abit more on your private life, as well. So, what about it,Enryuu-sensei?”

“L-Let me see. Yuu doesn’t talk toany girls aside from me at school, I think?”

“Oh? So do you think that Senseidoesn’t have any charm as a male?”

“Eh? I-I-I don’t think that that’sthe case, but I haven’t really paid any attention to that! But I’venever seen him talking with any other girls!”

Ugh… I can’t argue against that.

“Hmpf…!”

Suzuka had a similar glare on her face,though I don’t know why.

“That reminds me, since you’vestarted attending the same school as Sensei, have there ever been anyfanservice events that have happened?”

“Hold on, isn’t that questiontaking it too far?!”

“Don’t worry. This is a personalquestion, so it won’t appear in the article!”

“That doesn’t mean that you canjust ask that?!”

“F-F-F-Fanservice?! Well, stuff likethat might have happened?! Yuu is a perverted demon, after all?!”

“Hey! Nothing like that has everhappened! Don’t just answer her question in such a vague andmisinterpretable way?!”

“O-Onii-chan…!”

“Mai is lying, okay?! Why are youglaring at me?!”

The person who had brought thissituation upon me, Shinozaki-san, didn’t pay me any heed She justleisurely continued with her questioning. “Alright. Next question,then…” Shortly after, Mai’s interview came to an end. It feltlike I was the one being interviewed…

“Next I’d like to interviewAhegao-sensei.”

“OK, desu!”

Naturally, that didn’t mean that Icould relax yet… Next is Double Peace-sensei’s interview, huh…?This could go just as bad as Mai’s… or even worse…

“What do you pay the most attentionto when working on the illustrations for Sensei’s novel?”

“The dirtiness, of course!”

There it is!

“Oh, and what specifically?”

“I can always feel an intensedirtiness from Sensei’s novel, desu! I make sure to pick up on thatand put it into my illustrations! It’s my duty as his number onepartner!”

“I see. I’m glad that you’re soenthusiastic about your job.”

“Hold on, you can’t just agree tothat?!”

“Why is that, Sensei? Lightnovels and perversity are closely intertwined. There aren’t manyillustrators who are this passionate about their work, you know?You’re really lucky.”

I do agree that her illustrations areinsanely good, but that’s not the point here!

“I-I don’t think that Onii-chan putany of those kinds of thoughts or feelings into his novel, though…!”Suzuka interjected.

Well, it is her novel after all.She probably isn’t able to keep quiet about it any more than this.

“No no, it definitely is there, desu!I can tell for sure. Well, it’s still too early for Imouto-san tobe confronted with the world of pervertedness, so you can’t beblamed for it, desu.”

But Double Peace-sensei immediatelydestroyed Suzuka’s argument.

“Wha—?! M-My mistake! Theredefinitely is a sublime pervertedness in Onii-chan’s novel! So muchso that even I understand!”

“Heeeeeyyyyy?!”

Suzuka took back her words, and is nowblurting out total nonsense?! I know that you don’t want to loseagainst Double Peace-sensei, and I know that you’re aperfectionist, but do you even understand what you’re saying rightnow?!

“I see! So Sensei put sublimepervertedness in the novel, and it was enough for even Imouto-san tonotice it! …I need to write that down. Fufu.”

“I didn’t! And don’t take notesabout weird stuff like that!”

“But the two of them said it, youknow? I felt something like that in there, so I agree.”

“Don’t just agree with them! I’mdenying it, and I’m the one who wrote it!”

“Oh my, so Sensei did itsubconsciously! Just how much of a genius are you…?!”Shinozaki-san continued to jot down her notes.

Damn it… no matter how much I try todeny it, they won’t listen…!

Shortly after, Double Peace-sensei’sinterview came to a close. The whole time it went on, Suzuka stilltried her best to make it sound like Towano Chikai was even more of alittle sister lover, which resulted in Shinozaki-san constantlywriting down notes about how much of a perverted bastard TowanoChikai is… Suzuka, are you really fine with that?

“Now then, Minazuki-san? Can Iinterview you next?”

“It’s finally Sakura’s turn!”

Though she isn’t the type of personto tell lies or badmouth people, her honesty is scary in a differentway. You can never guess how she’s going to answer thosequestions…!

“I’d like your honest opinion. Whatkind of person is Sensei to you?”

“The perfect Onii-chan! He promisedthat he would make Sakura his little sister in the future!”

“O-O-O-Onii-chan?! When did you makethat promise…?!”

“Never! I never did! AndMinazuki-san, don’t say weird stuff like that!”

“Oh, really? Apologies, Sakura isalways talking with her imaginary Onii-chan, so she wasn’t sure ifthat had happened in reality or not.”

“Imaginary Onii-chan?!”

“Yes! Thanks to him, Sakura canpractice being a little sister all the time!”

“That’s a popular voice actress foryou. She sure is dedicated.”

I-I mean, I can tell that she’spassionate, sure, but isn’t she taking it a bit too far…?

“But, is that so…? So you didn’tpromise it yet…? So, Sensei, you won’t make Sakura your littlesister?”

Minazuki-san’s shoulders sunk, andshe looked at me with the eyes of a thrown-out puppy… Uuuu, if youmake that face, it makes me feel like I did something bad…

“O-Onii-chan, why aren’t yourejecting her?!”

“E-Even if you say that…!”

“So since you’re not saying no,you’ll make Sakura your little sister in the future, then?! Yay yayyay~” Minazuki-san’s face lit up immediately. Unfair.

“Hmm, but if that were to happen, Iwonder what Imouto-san would think?”

Shinozaki-san muttered to herself,which made Suzuka nod.

“I don’t know about Onii-chan, butI don’t think that doing that is a good thing!”

“But won’t you get in each other’sway, then?”

Minazuki-san shook her head.

“That’s not going to happen! I alsolove Suzuka-chan, so I’m sure that we can be the best sistersever!”

“W-What kind of ridiculous things areyou talking about?!”

“Eh? Suzuka-chan, do you hateSakura…?”

“T-That’s not what I meant bythat!”

You’re unable to say no yourself nowthat she’s acting all depressed, aren’t you?!

“Then it’s fine! Sakura and Suzukawill surely be as close as we can be as siblings! And I think thatSuzuka-chan should be the Onee-chan!”

“A-Again, what makes you think it’llend up like that?!”

“…Minazuki-san is already veryclose to Towano-sensei’s little sister, so there might be a chancethat she could actually become his little sister in the future… Isee…” Shinozaki-san continued to mutter to herself as she wrotethings down.

…What in the world is going on here?At the least, Minazuki-san’s interview went rather smoothly afterthat, and even though Suzuka continued to complain here and there,nothing bad happened… Still, I wonder if I’ll get killed if fansof Minazuki-san end up reading this article… I’ll definitely haveto look it over one last time before they release it.

“Alright, then let’s finish thisoff with an interview of Imouto-san.”

“P-Please treat me well.”

And now, it was Suzuka’s turn. Well,since it’s Suzuka, she surely won’t go as overboard with herresponses as the others.

“In your eyes, just what kind ofolder brother is Sensei to you?”

“He’s a crazy little sister-lovingOnii-chan who thinks about little sisters 24/7!”

“Why?!”

Alas, my expectations were subverted,and Suzuka’s response sucked the rest of my hope out of me. I-Iknow that she’s trying to emphasize the character traits of TowanoChikai here, but don’t you think that response is taking it toofar?! Aren’t you forgetting that everyone will see me in a verystrange light?!

“I see. So if even Imouto-san thinksthis, then it must be the truth.”

“Y-Yes, Onii-chan really is ahelpless, good-for-nothing, fanatic little sister lover. I-I reallyam troubled because of him!”

“Oho. Then, while we’re at it,could you tell us a story that’s a good example of thatlittle-sister-loving side of your older brother?”

“Of course I can.”

…Hey, wait a damn second. Thereshouldn’t be any story like that, so why are you going along with it?…W-What is she going to say…? I have a really bad feeling aboutthis!

“F-For example, whenever I’m makingfood, he suddenly hugs me from behind, softly whispering ‘Thatapron looks cute on you’ into my ear, or he’ll come over to mewhen I’m sitting on the couch and ask me to give him a lap pillowall of a sudden, or he’ll pinch me in my cheeks, saying ‘You’rereally cute…’ and many more things…!”

“Heeeeeeeeeeeey?!”

And my bad premonitions seemed to beright on point. Of course, I didn’t have any recollection of everdoing any such things.

“Ohh, so that’s what he normallydoes.”

“Y-Yes, but these things are the onesthat are more on the gentler side. A while ago, he said ‘I want tothoroughly enjoy your scent’, and he went and sniffed me rightafter I got out of the bath…! H-He really is a troublingOnii-chan…! Ehehe…”

“Time out!!”

I couldn’t just keep quiet and watchanymore. This is going way too far! I’m slowly turning into afiendish, perverted older brother!

“Uwah… you do that to Suzuka-san ona regular basis? That’s a bit tough…”

See? Even Mai is looking at me with adisgusted expression! I really want to die now!

“I-I really am not doing any of that,okay?! Don’t just take her words for granted!” I tried tofrantically deny it, but…

“O-Onii-chan, don’t interrupt ourinterview.”

“Exactly. There’s no reason to beflustered. These stories will be wonderful material for thisarticle!”

I was immediately shot down yet again.Why is the original creator being treated this way?! But I wasn’tgiven any time to complain, and Suzuka happily told more made-upstories. Shinozaki-san herself was more than satisfied with the waythings were going. Are you actually fine with Towano Chikai beingregarded as the most perverted older brother imaginable?! Also,Shinozaki-san, do me a favour and start questioning her stories alittle, please!

Still, neither of them could sense myinternal anguish, and the interview continued as chaotically as ever…

“Alright… Thanks to this, it’llbe a wonderful article!”

“Why exactly are you so happy aboutthat…?”

Everything after that was hell for me,and the interview for the others came to an end. Safely, more orless. To make sure all that information doesn’t end up in theactual article, I’ll have to confront Shinozaki-san later, but fortoday, I’m tired. I want to go home.

“S-Shinozaki-san, that will be enoughinterviewing, right?”

“Yeah. That should be more thanenough for the interviewing part, but…”

With her eyes still looking down at thetablet, Shinozaki-san didn’t have a face that showed satisfaction…Hey, are you trying to tell me that something is still missing?

“Excuse me. Shinozaki-san, the headeditor is asking for you.”

Another woman who seemed like an editorentered the room and took Shinozaki-san with her. Shinozaki-san gaveus a short “I’ll be right back.”

“…Oh.”

In that moment, Shinozaki-san lookedlike she had a moment of weakness when she tripped ever so slightly.

“Ah, are you okay?”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, please waitjust a moment.”

I did feel a bit confused by thatexchange, but in the meantime, the other editor brought us somecoffee and spoke up.

“Recently, Shinozaki-san has beenvery passionate about Sensei’s article, and she’s been workinglate every day trying to write the best article ever. Maybe she’sreally tired.” She sounded worried.

After that woman left again, the topicof the conversation naturally drifted towards Shinozaki-san.

“Shinozaki-san really is enthusiasticabout anything Sensei-related, desu. Such as when we’re talkingabout the light novel illustrations.”

“I’m not all too familiar sinceshe’s not my editor, but I hear that she always devotes herself toYuu’s novel.”

“Amazing. She really likes Sensei’snovel, huh?!”

While the others were talking aboutthings that, Suzuka spoke to me in a quiet voice.

“…Onii-chan, did you notice thatShinozaki-san didn’t seem quite satisfied just now?”

“…Yeah.”

“That just shows how much she wantsthis article about Towano Chikai to be perfect. I think we have tohelp her out.”

I agree with that. Since she’sworking so hard despite being tired, I feel nothing but gratitude forher.

“…M-Maybe I should think of an evenmore extreme story about Onii-chan…!”

“Don’t make things any worse thanthey already are!”

That’s not what I meant! Anyway, Idon’t want my image to suffer any more than this, but if there’sanything else I can help with, I’m more than ready.

“I’m sorry for making you wait likethat.”

While I was thinking that,Shinozaki-san returned.

“Umm… What were we talking about…?Ah, I know. I wanted to thank you all for gathering here to join mein this interview session. Thanks to that, I… should be able towrite the article, but…”

“Is there still something missing?”

“Yes, that’s how it looks, Sensei.It’s not directly related to the interview, but there’s one moretopic I really need to clear up…”

It seems like Shinozaki-san is reallyaiming higher and higher.

“Onii-chan…”

Suzuka gazed at me, and I nodded andopened my mouth.

“Well, if there’s anything we cando, then we’d be glad to help out.”

“Hm? …Haha, well thank you forthat, Sensei. You really are a kind man. Just how can I thankyou—?”

But then, she realized something, andstopped mid-sentence.

“Oh, I know!”

“W-What happened?”

“I’ve heard all about it! You’realways collecting data by being flirty with your little sister,right? If I could put that into the article, it would be perfect, I’msure!”

“Ehhh?!”

Shinozaki-san added an enthusiastic”Why did I never realize it?!” but that didn’t exactly help us,either… C-Collect data?

“So how about it, Sensei? Could youshow me right now how you normally collect data with your littlesister?”

…S-So basically, you’re telling meto be flirty with Suzuka right now…? T-That’s a bit…

“Y-Yes, I understand.”

“Suzuka?!”

Contrary to my expectations, Suzukagave immediate consent.

“O-Onii-chan, we were just sayingthat we should support Shinozaki-san in any way possible…!”

“…I-I know that, but collectingdata for the article? Are you really fine with that?”

“…I-I don’t mind. On thecontrary, this is a perfect chance…! With this, I can show it toeveryone…! A-Anyway, it’s for Shinozaki-san’s sake, so let’sdo this.”

Ugh, I can’t talk back if Suzuka isthat adamant about it…

“U-Umm… What exactly should we bedoing, then…?” I asked.

“Hm? The same things you do all thetime should be fine… But let’s see… How about reenacting ascene you’ve already written? Maybe the scene where the protagonistis tickling the little sister’s chin as he lifts her face up,maybe?”

“Why is there a scene like that inthere?!”

“You were the one that wrote it,weren’t you? Now, hurry.”

No, Suzuka was the one that wrote it,not me…!

“O-O-O-O-O-O-Onii-chan, h-h-h-hereyou go…!”

Wait, there really is a scene likethat?! What kind of situation does that happen in?! But this isn’tthe atmosphere where we can just back down. Suzuka’s face turnedbright red as she waited for my next move. Shinozaki-san aside, evenMai and the others were completely engrossed in watching us, waitingfor me to act… Shit!

I steeled my determination—althoughrather half-baked still—and stretched out my hand towards Suzuka.

“Hyau?!”

S-She said tickling, right? Somethinglike this, then? …While I carefully started to trace my fingersaround Suzuka’s chin, Suzuka let out moans and groans like”…Mmm…” and “Hyan!” Each one made me twitch every singletime. Shortly after, Suzuka’s breathing grew more rough, tearsstarted building up in her eyes, and I could feel something very badwelling up inside me.

“Oohhh, now this is wonderful!”

“Grrr… Yuu…!”

“Nowthis looks very erotic, desu!”

“How nice, Suzuka-chan…”

All of them… Damn it…! But stoppingthere was out of the question, so I carefully lifted Suzuka’s face.

“O-Onii-chan…”

Suzuka seemed more absent-minded thanever, and looked up at me with a passionate gaze. Finally, she closedher eyes and—

“Ohh, finish it now, Sensei!”

“As if?! Also, Suzuka, don’t justget swept along with the mood here!”

My heart skipped a beat there justthen! Ahh, for crying out loud…!

“What, you’re going to stop there?But it really was wonderful to look at! Now this is what I expectedwhen you were talking about gathering data!”

“Y-Yes… Now you should besatisfied, and will be able to write a perfect article, right?”

“Now then, to the next scene!”

“E-Ehhh?! Next?!”

“Of course! I never knew howwonderful this was! I want to see even more! With this, I’m surethat I’ll write the best article there ever was!”

“B-But, what next scene, um…”

“How about you reenact the scenewhere the older brother is hugging his little sister while sniffingher?! That one’s in the next volume!”

“It is?!”

“It is. You’re the one who wroteit.”

Ugh…!

“O-Onii-chan, hurry up and sniff me…nya…!”

Suzuka had already bugged out from theprevious event, and now she’s looking at me with distant eyes,unable to resist in any way—Ahh, whatever happens, happens! Suzuka,don’t blame me for this!

“Ah, Onii-chan…!”

I stopped thinking and just tightlyembraced her, breathing in her scent… Now I’m truly a pervert…!

“O-Onii-chan, it tickles…Ehehehehe…”

Suzuka is bugging out, I’ve stoppedcaring, my brain cells are being attacked by this sweet aroma comingfrom her, and behind me, I can hear people getting louder and louder.

“What a wonderful sight! So this isthe secret to Towano Chikai’s quality! Next, if you would!”

“Ahh, just do whatever you want!”

Until Shinozaki-san was satisfied, Ihad to continue showing her all sorts of ways that we would collectdata… For crying out loud!

“Imouto-san, could I ask you one lastquestion?”

Shortly after, Shinozaki-san seemedcontent and satisfied, and boldly stated that she would be able towrite a wonderful article. After she thanked everyone, we went ourseparate ways again. After the others left, Onii-chan said he wouldgo wash his face, and headed to the toilet. This left me alone withShinozaki-san, and that’s when she spoke up.

“After today’s interview and seeingyou collect data firsthand like that, I could once again see Sensei’simmense love for little sisters, including you, and your devotion tohim. Thank you.”

“N-No, it wasn’t that big of a dealor anything! I’m just helping Onii-chan out, although unwillingly,because it’s my duty as a little sister!”

Fufufu, the operation was a perfectsuccess! We showed everyone just how much Onii-chan loves littlesisters, and now there’s no way they could doubt that we’re closesiblings! While I was happily humming to myself, Shinozaki-sancontinued.

“So my question is this. I think thatyour relationship with Sensei is truly magnificent. However, is itreally all that pleasant to have an older brother who’s so fanaticabout little sisters? You keep saying something about a duty as alittle sister,” Narrowing her eyes, Shinozaki-san spoke in aserious tone.

…I see. I understand what she wantsto say. If Onii-chan really was like that, then it’d spell troublefor any little sister. But I am different. I love Onii-chan, afterall. Also, it is my wish that he acts more like the older brother ina little sister novel, so this is even better for me. More than that,I also wish that he’d always act like that, flirting with me…Ehehehe…

A-Anyway, since things are like that, Ihave to reassure Shinozaki-san that I’m perfectly fine. However,saying “I love Onii-chan, so it’s fine” would be tooembarrassing, so I can’t confess that, either…

“It’s fine. It’s true thatOnii-chan can be a bit troublesome at times, but I don’t feeluncomfortable or anything.”

“Oh, and why is that?”

“It’s not just my duty as a littlesister. I really—don’t hate Onii-chan after all.”

When I said that, Shinozaki-san lookedslightly startled for a moment, but that changed into a smile shortlyafter.

“I see I see. So he isn’t hated…is it? That’s a nice response, yeah. The truth is, I was thinkingthat Sensei really was magnificent as an author, but I felt like I’dneed to jump in if he did things to you that you hated… But, thatseemed to be a waste of energy on my part. Imouto-san, I’m countingon you to take care of Sensei.”

“Y-Yes. And you don’t have to tellme. I am his little sister after all.”

“…You really are the perfectexample of a little sister. I’m starting to like you siblings moreand more.”

When I heard that from Shinozaki-san, Ifelt truly happy. And I started seeing Shinozaki-san in a betterlight. She’s worried about the novel itself, but also about theauthor and his family…

“Thanks for waiting… Let’s gohome, shall we? Also, Shinozaki-san, just to make sure, you’dbetter not write anything weird in that article!”

Onii-chan took that moment to returnfrom the bathroom.

“I know that. I won’t do anythingto ruin your image, Sensei,” Shinozaki-san laughed.

I joined in. “Don’t worry,Onii-chan. Shinozaki-san really treasures Towano Chikai, after all.”

The following day.

“What is this article?! There’s aShinozaki-san filter all over it, and it’s gotten even worse?! NowI’ve leveled up to be a perverted, fiendish, disgusting sisconolder brother?!”

The day when the article was releasedarrived, and Onii-chan immediately went to call Shinozaki-san aboutit. But while I was reading that article, I could barely hold back mygrin. After all, Onii-chan had been portrayed just as I wanted him tobe. He came across as a little sister lover who could barely holdhimself back!

—Shinozaki-san really is awonderful person!