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“It’s so peaceful, isn’t it…”
“Yes, it is.”

During a short break between classes at the Magic Academy, Ekaterina said thoughtfully, and Flora nodded with a smile.

“I’m sorry for causing you trouble because of me.”

Olga shrunk back, looking apologetic. Ekaterina hurriedly shook her head.

“Not at all. Being able to spend time with you, Lady Olga, is a joy for me.”
“That’s right! Being able to spend three years with a classmate who was invited by the God of Music is something I’ll boast about for the rest of my life!”

Marina exclaimed excitedly. Those words undoubtedly reflected the class’s collective sentiment.

.

But it was true—last week had been quite an ordeal.
Olga and Renat had been invited to the Garden of the God of Music. That fact had been reported to the academy by the Temple of Music.
And the two, who had been summoned from the detached palace to the Temple of Music, returned to the academy dormitory the very next day.

Apparently, if one accepts a god’s summons and enters the temple, it is possible to withdraw from the academy. While those possessing the required amount of magical power are obligated to enroll in the Magic Academy, it seems there is an exception for those who have received a god’s summons. If one wishes to devote themselves to that talent, it is permitted.
However, the two chose to continue their studies. They reasoned that, as individuals possessing magical power, they should properly learn to control it, and that no matter what path they take in life, it is always better to acquire a well-rounded education.
A perfectly reasonable way of thinking.

So, the two were sent back in a carriage from the Temple of Music. They reportedly entered the dormitory while being kept at a distance by the students and seen off by priests bowing respectfully.
Naturally, word of the situation spread throughout the academy in no time.

Well, since it was such a joyous occasion, perhaps it wasn’t really kept under wraps… But this major news came out of nowhere, right when the buzz from the “Evening of Music” event hosted by Ekaterina’s class—a topic that really does linger for a long time in this world—hadn’t quite died down yet. Consequently, the academy was thrown into a frenzy, like a beehive that had been disturbed.
And so, days went by with students crowding the classroom windows, eager to catch a glimpse of Olga and Renat—and, if they were lucky, to hear their singing or the sound of their instruments… that’s how it went.

For a school full of nobles, it was rather unseemly behavior, but even among the nobility, most were the sons and daughters of lower-ranking nobles. And since they were a group of teenage boys and girls, it seems many of them let their energy and curiosity get the better of them rather than maintaining their dignity.

The students were satisfied enough just to have seen the two of them, and thanks to the school’s intervention—with teachers patrolling the area to admonish the students—things have managed to settle down this week.
.

“Once again, I am truly delighted that you decided to remain at the academy, Lady Olga”
“Thank you. School life with everyone has been so much fun that I wanted to stay until the very end.”

Olga smiled brightly, then blushed slightly.

“Besides, Lord Renat said that to truly enrich my music, I should cultivate a broader education…”
“My! How lovely that you two get along so well!”

Marina covered her cheeks with both hands, grinning mischievously while pretending to be bashful. Just as Mikhail had said, it seemed Olga and Renat were in love with each other.
Not only had Renat started addressing Olga by her first name, but apparently Olga had admired Renat—renowned as a musical prodigy—even before she entered the academy… According to Marina, who told me that Olga had liked him from the moment they met after enrolling, it was obvious to anyone watching.

Am I really that dense…? Even though I’m in my late twenties… even though I’m the Onee-san here… Why…?

Ekaterina muses, her gaze distant.

Just like how a drunk person insists they aren’t drunk, the fact that she isn’t aware of it is probably proof that it’s the real deal.

.

While all that commotion was happening at the academy, a minor uproar was actually about to break out at the Duke of Jurnova’s residence as well.

That day, after returning home from the villa to the duke’s residence, Ekaterina reported what had happened to Aleksei.
As soon as Aleksei heard that the God of Music had descended, he turned pale and embraced Ekaterina tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re back…!”

No, Onii-sama, I wasn’t the one invited by the God of Music. You’re too sure of yourself—your auditory siscon filter is just too good!
Unable to say that, Ekaterina explained that it was Olga and Renat who had been invited to the Garden of the Gods. Aleksei seemed relieved, but he tilted his head in confusion.

“I’m relieved nothing happened to you, but I can’t understand why you weren’t chosen.”

As expected of you, Onii-sama…
Unable to say, “It seems the God of Music isn’t infected with your Siscon virus,” Ekaterina told him that the God of Music had declared her “not his own.” At this, Aleksei’s expression changed once more.

“I see. We must summon Rozen immediately.”

Not understanding why he would summon Rozen, the Knight Commander, Ekaterina tilted her head in confusion.

“Onii-sama, for what purpose are you summoning Sir Rozen?”
“I believe we need to reinforce the Knights’ Order. It’s unclear which god is targeting you, but no matter who it is, I can never allow them to take you away unless you wish it. I’ll stake everything Jurnova has to protect you. So please, rest assured.”

No, I can’t rest assured!
Strengthening the Knights’ Order to fight a god is reckless! It’s an unreasonable demand on Sir Rozen! Please, stop this!”

“O-Onii-sama…”

Ekaterina took her brother’s hand and clasped it tightly.

“I believe the God of Music’s decree simply means that I lack musical talent. Besides, I will never leave your side, Onii-sama. Even if I were invited by another god, I would tell them myself that I wish to remain by your side and politely decline the offer on my own. After all, I am no longer a child. So please, stop troubling Sir Rozen.”
“Ekaterina…”

Uncharacteristically, Aleksei’s neon-blue eyes flickered as he squeezed his sister’s hand in return.

“The thought of losing you… terrifies me…”

Aleksei, who had never feared either monsters or political enemies, was trembling with anxiety.

“Onii-sama!”

Ekaterina wrapped her arms around Aleksei and hugged him tightly.

“I’m not going anywhere! I wouldn’t want to go anywhere without you, Onii-sama! And I don’t want you to be sad! I’m right here—there’s nothing to be afraid of!”
“Ekaterina…”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Aleksei held his sister close.

“Even if the sun were to vanish from the sky, or the earth were to vanish from beneath my feet, I’d be fine as long as you’re here. You are my everything. My Ekaterina. You are my life, my heart…”

Aleksei spoke with pain in his voice, but when Ekaterina stroked his head comfortingly, he closed his eyes for a moment and then smiled.

And so, the siscon brother’s rampage was halted by the brocon sister’s outburst.
Ekaterina often worries, “My brocon can’t beat Onii-sama’s siscon!” But in a way, Ekaterina’s brocon—which can rein in even Aleksei’s siscon—might actually be winning out over his siscon.

.

“The school festival is drawing near, after all. The whole school will be completely absorbed in that, so things like what happened last week won’t happen again. Our class will have to come up with a performance, too!”
“I suppose.”

Ekaterina nodded at Marina’s words, but for some reason, she felt uncomfortable under Marina’s cheerful gaze.
No, Marina-chan, I don’t want to stand out, okay?