Chapter 73

"Man, meeting my friend's older sister makes me nervous!"

...I'm always saved by Al's carefree attitude.

The letter I opened was really strange.

Usually, it's filled with tiny, densely packed letters, but this letter had large, bright red words, as if written in blood, that gave off an iron-like feeling. It read:

Page 1

Are you home today?

Page 2

If you ignore this letter...

Page 3 was blank.

Or rather, it was a sticky, bright red paper with no writing on it.

Is this what a real red letter looks like...

Oh no!

It's too scary!

When I saw that letter, I lost all concern for my classmates' well-being.

I don't have the courage to face my sister alone.

But I don't have the courage to ignore it either.

These guys might be sacrificed, but my top priority is to see the sunrise tomorrow.

So, I decided to involve my classmates.

"Ah, ah, my sister is unusually free today!

I'm heading back to the viscount's residence in the capital now, so anyone who wants to meet my sister, come with me!"

When I declared this with trembling hands, everyone looked puzzled, but five classmates—Fey, Jue, Kate, Al, and Rio—decided to come along.

Fey was wearing a frilly beige dress that looked like it was designed by a famous designer in the capital. Jue was in a navy blue dress that exuded elegance and quality, as if she was preparing to meet her parents.

They had no idea how dangerous the place we were heading to was...

"Al is as carefree as ever.

By the way, Rio, Fey, and Jue, is it okay to suddenly change your weekend plans?

You said your schedules were packed for months."

Jue, unaware that she might be sacrificed, answered cheerfully.

"Yes, things have finally settled down at home.

Even if I had a dinner appointment with His Majesty, I wouldn't miss this major event."

It's like a field trip...

But the risk of them backing out seems low.

In that case, it might be safer to give them a heads-up...

"Let me warn you, as you can tell from the Red Carpet Incident, my sister can be terrifying when she's angry.

To be honest, even all of us together might not be able to stop her once she starts rampaging...

Just be careful not to provoke her."

Upon hearing this, Rio said something stupid.

"Hmm?

Of course, I have no intention of provoking her, but if I get the chance, I'd like to spar with her."

I was speechless with exasperation and immediately shook my head.

"Jue, can you resurrect the dead?"

"...Such magic has never been heard of in history...

Of course, I understand the 'Iron Rule' of the External Magic Research Club, which states that a mage must have the resolve to pursue infinite possibilities...

I'm sorry, but I haven't even started working on it."

So, it probably doesn't exist.

But her positive response is admirable.

There's no need to dampen her spirits.

I nodded.

"Resurrection is the pinnacle of holy magic.

Take your time with it.

That said, Rio, if you want to spar with my sister, write a pledge that you won't hold her responsible and a will.

She doesn't hesitate to hit people, so you might die if you're unlucky."

When I warned Rio seriously, he held his palm up and made a 'tsk' face.

I warned you!

Everyone heard me!

"I'm starting to want to go home..."

When Al muttered this anxiously, I firmly put my arm around his shoulder.

Unlike the dangerous women and Rio, carefree Al is absolutely necessary.

I won't let him go no matter what.

When Jue suggested preparing a car, I told her it wasn't necessary since it was nearby, and we walked to the viscount's residence, which was just a regular house with a small front yard.

When I nervously pressed the doorbell, my sister, wearing a cool, light green dress with white flowers, immediately came out.

When I said, "I'm home," with a very tense face, my sister broke down in tears right there, regardless of the onlookers.

◆

After somehow calming my sister down and suggesting we go inside, she managed to stop crying and said,

"Ugh...

Ah!

I didn't expect Allen to bring friends suddenly...

The house is a bit messy, so could I have a little time to tidy up?"

That's the problem...

She's been living alone for four months.

The house must be in a terrible state.

But then, Fey said something considerate.

"I'm Feiron von Dragoon.

I'm a first-year student in Class A at the Royal Academy, aspiring to be a magic tool engineer.

When I saw Senior Roselia's outstanding research at the noble school, I wanted to meet her.

Magic tool engineers' research areas tend to be messy, and moving things around isn't always easy.

Would you like to have a barbecue in the garden?

Since we suddenly brought so many people, I've already arranged for equipment and ingredients to be brought over, just in case."

This sensible introduction and suggestion were unexpected, but thinking about it, this guy is from the noble Dragoon family and is expected to take on a leadership role in the future.

He must have a good sense of balance, even if it's not usually apparent.

By the way, the house isn't messy with research materials; it's just a sloppy person's mess.

"That's very kind of you!

I'm sorry, Sister, but everyone wanted to meet you, so I brought them along!

Sister, let's take them up on their offer!"

"Really!?

...Is it okay to be so casual on our first meeting?

Especially with a Dragoon lady..."

Sister, who had regained some composure, looked back and forth between me and Fey, flustered.

"Don't worry about it?

As I said, we came unannounced, so I feel bad for the inconvenience."

Then, Sister said, "Ah!"

"Um, while we're on the topic of inconvenience... My school friend wants to meet Allen.

I promised to let her know when I got back...

Allen, you never came home even after writing so many letters, so could she join us...?"

Sister, with a face that would make anyone want to protect her, pleaded with Fey, who agreed.

"Of course, that's fine!

An opportunity to interact with the excellent seniors from the Advanced Magic Tool Research Academy in a completely private setting is rare.

I'd even ask for it.

Is that okay with everyone?"

When Fey checked, everyone nodded.

"Thank you!

I'll contact her by magic bird."

A magic bird is a magical version of a homing pigeon, trained and lent out by specialized institutions.

It's convenient and available to the general public, but it's not cheap...

When I was wondering about this, Sister explained, "The school lends them to us."

"Then I'll contact them to prepare the barbecue."

Fey said this and clapped his hands toward the gate.

How does that work?!!