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“You must be tired, Ekaterina. Rest in your room today and prepare for tomorrow,”

Aleksei said as soon as they stepped out of the main hall. Ekaterina shook her head.

“No, Onii-sama. I’m fine… it’s just—”
“Yes?”
“I’ve realized something. I am—so weak…”

The sword was heavy!
Well, of course it was heavy—it’s a hunk of steel nearly ninety centimeters long.
But what really shocked me was that I had instinctively tried to lift it using the sense of strength from my previous life, and the unexpected weight completely floored me.
I probably could have handled it more easily in my previous life. Not that I’d ever handled a sword, but at least I had more physical strength. Not just strength, stamina too—being in the choir club through middle and high school had required it. They even made me do endurance runs before competitions.
…Honestly, it’s kind of unfair that choir and band clubs count as “cultural” activities.
Well, thanks to that stamina, I had managed to survive years of overwork at a black company—until I couldn’t anymore and literally worked myself to death, though.

“That’s… only natural. As a daughter of House Jurnova, you were never meant to handle heavy things. …Forgive me for pushing you so hard.”
“Please don’t apologize. I merely wish to better discipline both body and mind—as befits the lady of a knightly order.”

Come to think of it, this life hasn’t offered me many chances to build any strength. I couldn’t even go outside when I was confined. Even after that, I had secluded myself, studying constantly right after regaining memories of my previous life…
I-I guess I probably should do something about that. Especially since this same ceremony will happen again next year.

“Onii-sama, I’d like to start some form of physical activity. I promise I’ll only choose something appropriate for a daughter of Jurnova. Would you allow it?”

…I did recall deciding to play up her “sickly” persona to avoid another “Would you like to be Empress?” situation.
But being actually fragile is out of the question! If I keep getting sick, I’d just end up worrying and troubling my brother constantly. Best to be frail only in appearance—while secretly being in perfect health!
Yes. Since I would now be coming to the ducal estate every week, I could take up something fitting for a noble lady—activities that’d build stamina without seeming improper, such as horseback riding or singing, perhaps.

“As long as you promise not to overdo it, I don’t mind. I think that’s an excellent idea.”

Aleksei said, taking her hand with a gentle smile. Feeling the firmness of her brother’s hand, strengthened by daily training, Ekaterina noticed it anew.

“You’re admirable, Onii-sama. Even with your busy schedule, you still find time to train.”
“A noble’s magic exists to protect the people from monsters, after all. Even in times of peace, we must remain ready to lend our strength whenever needed—that’s our duty. …Ah, yes. There’s something I’d like to show you. If you’re truly not tired, come with me for a while.”

.

Saying so, the place Aleksei led Ekaterina into was a large chamber filled with weapons and armor. There was enough space for two armed people to pass each other without trouble. Rows of armor stood on display, and racks of spears and battle-axes lined the room. Along the walls, countless swords hung in neat order.
From the center of the display, Aleksei picked up one sword—its hilt adorned with gemstones, the scabbard beautifully engraved.

“This is the beloved sword of Duke Sergei, passed down through our family for generations.”

Oh wow… the founder’s sword. That means—
A literal family heirloom sword!
I’d only ever heard that phrase in political news in my past life, like “The Prime Minister’s heirloom weapon: dissolving the Diet for a snap election.” But this was the *real* deal—the original kind of heirloom sword. The *original model* tsundere Onii-sama owning the *original model* heirloom sword.
Just think about it, the heirloom of a ducal family that’s lasted four hundred years since the founding of the Empire—that’s awesome.

Then Aleksei handed the sword, still sheathed, to Ekaterina.

“Try holding it.”
“Yes, Onii-sama.”

She braced herself and took it—
—and her eyes widened.

“Oh my, Onii-sama, it’s light!”

It was far lighter than the knights’ swords she had held earlier.
Could it be a bamboo practice sword?

Sensing her suspicion, Aleksei took the sword back and smoothly drew it from its sheath.
The blade gleamed white even after four centuries. It was broad and looked even heavier than the knights’ swords.

“It’s said that this sword feels light in the hands of those of Jurnova blood, and heavier than normal to anyone else.”
“Amazing! Such craftsmanship exists?”
“Most likely, it reacts to the bearer’s magic. When it senses sufficient magical power, it triggers a lightening enchantment. See the gem set into the hilt? That’s a prismite—some say it’s a mineral formed from condensed natural magic. That reaction probably serves as the catalyst. There’s a legend that the Astra Empire once used them to test parentage, but it’s doubtful such precision is possible just by touching a sword.”
“…Yes, I agree completely, Onii-sama.”

Well, that was a bit disappointing from a fantasy perspective—but very much in character for him, logical and convincing as always. Still, even just the existence of such a lightweight sword was incredible enough.

And besides—Onii-sama looked so good holding it! The saber’s gentle curve was reminiscent of a Japanese katana, beautiful to behold. The double-edged tip over the last third of the blade reminded me of older model Japanese swords, too—but unlike those, it was meant for one-handed use. The sight of Onii-sama effortlessly raising the saber with one hand—oh, so captivating~.

Noticing the admiration in his sister’s gaze, Aleksei smiled faintly. He took a few steps back and assumed a stance, eyes fixed ahead.

(*Ah…*)

Ekaterina’s eyes widened again. In the space before him, she imagined the same monster that had appeared at the training grounds.

With a sharp *whoosh!* the blade sliced through the air.
A single, precise strike cleaved through the phantom beast’s neck.

“Magnificent, Onii-sama!”

Ekaterina clapped before she realized it.

“If you’d had that sword when the monster appeared, you would have slain it easily, wouldn’t you?”
“…You saw that? Yes, that’s exactly what I was imagining.”
“As expected, Onii-sama. I feel safest by your side. I truly understand that now.”

At her words, Aleksei smiled
He then lowered his gaze to the sword in his hand, murmuring softly:

“I may be the master of the knights, but not a knight myself…”

Then, suddenly, he dropped to one knee before Ekaterina—offering the unsheathed blade up to her.

“If ever danger should befall you, I would cast aside both my title as duke and my position as commanding officer, and protect you as nothing more than a single sword. I have lived—and will continue to live—for the sake of the ducal house, but you alone are precious enough that I would abandon even that house for your sake. My lady Ekaterina. Will you accept the sword I offer to you?”
“Onii-sama…”

At those unexpected words, Ekaterina’s eyes flew wide open.
What do I do—my Onii-sama is just…

An insanely handsome man straight out of my strike zone is telling me he wants to dedicate his sword to me.
I’m dead. I’m ODing from Moe.
My oshi Onii-sama is killing me with moe.

No! That’s not the problem here! Stop getting lost in the sauce, me!

“I-I cannot, Onii-sama. You are the head of our house. I am your younger sister, and it is my duty to serve you.”
“I am an incomplete master. Though my retainers and subjects support me so dearly, I cannot imagine living if you were not by my side. If you truly care for me… please, accept this sword.”

D-don’t look up at me with those sorrowful eyes, Onii-sama! I’ll die of pure moe on the spot!

Summoning her courage, Ekaterina accepted the sword and gently rested the blade on Aleksei’s shoulder.

“I, Ekaterina, accept the sword of Duke Aleksei of House Jurnova with love and loyalty. I give thanks for the affection and protection you have shown me, and I wish that we shall continue to be together, supporting one another.”

She tapped his shoulder softly.
Following the proper ceremony, she presented the family heirloom sword, then returned it to Aleksei’s hands.

…Yet even after he received it, Ekaterina did not let go.

“Onii-sama, please stand up.”

Urged on by his sister’s mischievous smile, Aleksei rose. Ekaterina took the sword from his hand—and this time, she knelt before him.

“Ekaterina…?”
“Onii-sama, though I am weak and powerless, I too wish to protect you in my own way. So please, allow me to offer this sword to you.”

Sure, it’s wonderful to be cherished by your beloved—but in my book, *you’re supposed to be the one cherishing them!*
That’s how I define devotion!

“Ekaterina, but… you are a lady.”
“And you, Onii-sama, though the master of the knights, offered your sword to me. My dearest brother, with love and loyalty, I dedicate this sword to you. Please, accept it as my very soul.”

Looking up at him, Ekaterina smiled.
Aleksei, uncharacteristically flustered, finally seemed to make up his mind and took the sword from her hands. He rested the blade upon her bowed shoulder.

“I, Duke Aleksei of Jurnova, with the deepest respect for my lady, accept the sword of my beloved sister Ekaterina. I thank her for her devotion, and I swear to love and protect her for all eternity.”

He was supposed to tap her shoulder lightly with the flat of the blade—but he didn’t.
Puzzled, Ekaterina lifted her gaze just as his hand brushed her cheek… and then Aleksei bent down and kissed her on the temple.

“……………………”

KYAAAAAA!
Live! Endure! Get a grip, me!

Before she knew it, Aleksei had taken her hand and helped her to her feet.

“Onii-sama… was that not improper, compared to the formal manner?”
“My apologies. But I could not bring myself to strike you. If I were to touch such delicate shoulders with this crude weapon, surely they would break. And if that happened, my heart would shatter too.”

He said it so helplessly that her soul nearly left her body.
A cool, monocled, handsome man—being *adorable* like that? Damn it, I want to shout ‘HE’S TOO CUTE, DAMN IT!’ to the echoing Alps! Why the Alps? I don’t even know!
What am I even saying!

“…”

When she gestured for him to bow his head, Aleksei chuckled, thinking she meant to ruffle his hair again, but obeyed and lowered his head.
Placing her hand on his shoulder, Ekaterina kissed his temple.

KYAAAH, I actually did it!

But without letting her inner turmoil show, Ekaterina smiled serenely.

“I heard that the tapping on the shoulder is meant to carve the oath deeply into one’s heart so it will never be forgotten. In that case, I think this way will make it even more unforgettable, don’t you think, Onii-sama? A new custom of House Jurnova, created by you.”
“If you like it, then I must have created something worthwhile.”

Aleksei smiled broadly in response.

“For a lady to offer her sword to the master of the knights—such a thing has never been heard of. But your kindness, always wishing to give rather than receive, is truly noble and pure. Ekaterina, you are the finest lady of all.”