Chapter 111

Mariwa helped me, if only a little.

She accepted me even though I was pathetic and lost my way. Where I was hopeless and stuck, she filled me with confidence and courage. She kindly provided guidance when it seemed like I would be shattered to my core if I stopped and hesitated. And she gave me a single piece of advice on what to do.

She said that I should see Michelie.

I cant argue against her advice, and I dont feel like protesting now. Mariwa even said that she was going to a.s.sist me in any way she can. Nothing can be more rea.s.suring than that.

After I smiled and thanked her, she gave a strong nod and went home.

She went straight home.

It was a little cold of her. I was going to see Michelie, so it wouldve helped if she came along. Well, its not like I really need her there. Patching things up with Michelie is a piece of cake for me. But still, I thought it wouldve been nice of her to see it through with me.

Thats within her obligation as my teacher.

Then I guess you dont really have to go all the way and make it up ouch!

Leon jabs Surfania as she was about to say something.

Were on our way back from the reception room to the dormitories. I should make hay while the sun s.h.i.+nes. Better being rough and ready than slow and elaborate. Im a genius so I figured I should go and apologize to Michelie right away.

What was that for, Leon?

That was me telling you to stop joking.

I wasnt trying to make a joke.

Surfania pouts at Leon, whos admonis.h.i.+ng her.

Its good that Leon is finally standing his ground against Surfania. Ill stop calling him a worthless fool.

Dont worry about it, Leon. Im not one to be deceived by Surfanias words.

Really? Normally you would helplessly listen to Surfania, and by now you would be coming up with excuses not to see Michelie.

Dont get ahead of yourself, commoner.

Leon shrugs his shoulders as I glare at him.

Whether shes trying to divert my attention or ease the tension, I wont be swayed by her jokes. Theres no way a genius like me would run away in the face of any difficulty.

Also, Mariwa told me that I didnt have to beat around the bush.

She cheered me on, saying that as long as I apologized to Michelie, everything would be resolved. So its alright.

Im going to Michelies room to make it happen. Or so I thought, until I suddenly realized that I dont know where her room is.

Come to think of it, where exactly is Michelies room?

Its just next door.

Next to your room, Surfania?

Huh?

She looks at me like Im an idiot.

Hey, stop being so rude.

Impossible. Its your fault for being an idiot.

She adds insult to injury before telling me where Michelies room is.

The wicked girls room is next to yours.

Its fine, you know.

The moment I bow my head in apology, Michelie forgives me without a second thought.

All three of us entered her room, having come straight from talking with Mariwa.

Michelie didnt look confused at my sudden visit. She let me in right away and accepted my apology. That was a disappointing turn of events, considering the fact that I was prepared to get on my knees.

Arent you going to ask me about the details?

Hmm

I look up slightly to see Michelie stroking her chin in thought.

She may have forgiven my foolishness just because shes so pure and kind at heart, but that wont work for me. I want her to judge me for my actions. Its my own selfishness at work, but I cant forgive myself so easily.

Instead, Michelie looks straight at Surfania.

I mean, I already know that Miss Surfania is trying to hide her smile half the time because of her hara.s.sment towards you, and that she called Miss Mariwa here to try to do something to you

Hey, stop, Surfania! Dont hit her! Violence wont solve anything!

Dont stop me, Leon. This wicked girl is an exception. She must receive divine punishment!

Surfania is having a sudden outburst.

So she had already figured everything out. Michelie continues on, ignoring Surfania, whos getting rowdy, and Leon, whos holding her back by the neck.

When I finally got the chance to see you in the dining hall, I knew that you were trying to be the way you were as before. And I also know why you tried to cast me away on that day, so Im not angry.

You found out.

Yeah, I knew. I knew about my real mother, and what my father tried to do with me.

I see.

She saw through my every intention.

This world really is different from Labyrinth Destiny.

In Labyrinth Destiny, Michelie never knew her background until the end of the game.

The sister I thought I knew has grown to be so much more strong-minded than I expected.

Ive become stronger. Thanks to Miss Toinette, Ive become almost as strong as you. Im no longer the younger sister who always needed help from my big sister.

I know for a fact that shes become stronger. She beat me fair and square at the debate. I cant imagine how much effort she put in to that end.

You cant go sacrificing yourself. Ill never let you become unhappy.

I see.

Yeah. Ive worked hard. I just want you to understand that, so accept me wholeheartedly without causing any more misunderstandings. Otherwise, I wont forgive you no matter how many times you apologize.

Michelie is showing me not only her adorable side, but also the strength of her own will.

I wont let anyone call me a poor little girl, ever.

Im proud that she has something to stand for.

She has a firm belief. Thats one thing she wont allow. Michelies resolute and firm att.i.tude is n.o.bility in and of itself.

I understand. Michelie, youre an awesome girl.

I really think so, from the bottom of my heart.

Ive done horrible things to Michelie.

And she has overcome that. I surrendered to fate, whereas she carved her own path. And she has bested me.

Theres no way I can see her as a poor little girl any longer. Michelie is strikingly strong now.

Ive been a useless sister. Is that fine with you?

Even though were the Best Sisters?

I see. In the end, that was it.

I finally understand as she grasps my hand firmly with a bright smile. I understand my own foolishness and stupidity, and why Destiny was crushed to bits.

It never stood a chance. It had nothing to do with my genius, or my knowledge of fate.

There is no older sister who can beat such an adorable younger sister.

Hey, Michelie.

Whats up, big sister?

I cant erase my sins. Ive definitely hurt Michelie through my actions. Michelie forgave me because shes kind, but I want to atone for what Ive done. Its my selfishness at work, but I want her to say something.

Please scold your useless sister.

No way. But if you really wanna make it up to me, there is one thing you can do.

Okay. Tell me. Ill do anything.

The angel smiles as she flatly rejects my request.

And she has a request of her own. Anything is fine. As I wait for her to state her request, she sticks her head out to me.

Praise me, again and again.

Thats an unexpected request.

Is that all you want?

Thats exactly what I want.

Im confused by such a vague and abstract request. She answers with a smile of an angel.

I havent forgotten. That was where I started from.

It was the first time we met. I praised her wholeheartedly when she was so fragile and vulnerable. Michelie is telling me we can start again from there.

Perhaps Destiny faded into thin air at that point.

Really?

Really.

The tension disappears, and my strength with it.

As I let myself go, Michelie embraces me, and smoothly puts my head on her lap. For some reason, it seemed natural.

And naturally, her lap feels the most comfortable to me.

Michelie, youre the cutest in the whole wide world.

Ehehe.

Praising Michelie is a simple task. I can praise her endlessly. Its just like breathing.

Michelie breaks into a smile and strokes my hair gently.

Big sister Youre just a little lame, but youre the coolest in the world.

I see. I love you, Michelie. Youre adorable and strong.

I love my cool big sister, but honestly, I kinda like it when shes lame too.

Thus, we restored our sisterly bond. Were the Best Sisters.

Leon, lets leave right now. Its so disgusting I feel like throwing up.

Yeah, I cant stand this either. Lets go.

Now that I think about it, Leon and Surfania were in the same room. They turned around and left, but it didnt matter if they were there or not. It felt the same to me.