— — — — — —
The car rolled to a stop in front of the hotel in the port district.
Inside, Yuri Mariya drew a few deep breaths, forcing herself into the calm, composed image of an elder sister before turning to the girl beside her.
"Hikari, listen carefully. When we get inside, don't say a word. Leave everything to me."
Next to her sat a girl with short brown hair, a red headband, and a face that still carried a childlike cuteness—Hikari Mariya.
"Got it, got it. You nag too much, sis~"
Hikari leaned against the window, staring at the hotel's lavishly decorated lobby below, and muttered under her breath.
"You…"
Yuri pulled her back, irritation creeping into her voice. "I told you—no leaning on the window. And stop rolling it down already."
"You nag like some grumpy old aunt. You're only sixteen, y'know." Hikari sighed dramatically. "Guess that's what happens when you've got zero romance in your life."
"Hikari!"
Flustered and furious, Yuri grabbed her sister's cheeks and tugged them from side to side.
"Are you asking for trouble again?"
"Mmphh, I'm soooorry!" Hikari mumbled through squished lips.
The car door opened just then, and Touma Amakasu smiled politely from outside. "Ladies, it's time."
Yuri froze for a second, then released her sister's cheeks. With a complicated look, she said softly, "You're almost twelve now. It's time to start acting your age."
"So naggy. We're just meeting a Campione, right? Watch me scare him silly."
Hikari hopped out of the car with a grin and made a silly face at her sister.
"You!"
Yuri hurried after her, caught her hand, and held it tight, face dark. "No running around. And remember—don't say anything you shouldn't. Got it?"
"O-okay…" Hikari shrank back instantly.
Experience told her: if she didn't listen now, she'd be stuck in a two-hour lecture later. That was a nightmare she wanted to avoid.
Seeing her sister behave, Yuri finally let out a breath of relief.
Amakasu adjusted his glasses. "This way, please."
"Ow! Sis, you're squeezing too hard!"
"Ah—sorry!"
Yuri quickly let go, guilt washing over her as Hikari rubbed her hand.
"Sorry, Hikari. I was… distracted."
"Distracted? More like plotting my punishment."
Hikari eyed her suspiciously, then teased, "With that grip, were you thinking about your ex-boyfriend?"
"…Huh?"
Yuri blinked, stunned, then flicked her sister's forehead. "You little brat! What kind of things are you filling your head with?"
"Because my friends have already broken up like, three or four times. You're the only one who hasn't even had a crush yet," Hikari muttered.
"…What?"
Yuri stared blankly.
Her classmates—sixth graders—already had breakup histories?
Meanwhile, she, a first-year high schooler, hadn't even dated once. The thought made her feel oddly out of step with the times.
"Ladies, if you would," Amakasu urged again.
"Ah—yes!" Yuri tugged Hikari along and followed him toward the elevator.
Inside, her little sister's eyes darted everywhere, full of curiosity.
Yuri stayed silent. Meeting the Campione. Becoming a sacrifice in his ritual. Even dying—she had made her peace with all of that.
But Hikari… No. She was only twelve, still a child. Yuri squeezed her sister's hand tighter, sighing quietly.
The elevator slowed, then chimed as the doors slid open.
A silver-haired girl stood waiting, clad in a blue-and-black battle uniform, a knight's sword at her waist.
Yuri recognized her instantly.
Liliana Kranjčar.
Four years ago, they had been offered together as sacrifices in the Marquis Voban's summoning ritual.
Back then, it was Liliana who had comforted her panic and stood with her until the clash of kings finally ended.
"I've been waiting for you, Yuri." Liliana said stiffly.
"Liliana… you too were summoned by the Campione?" Yuri asked, her face showing shared misery.
But Liliana arched an eyebrow. "No. You misunderstand. I chose this myself. I am the King's knight."
"…What?" Yuri froze.
Before she could process it, Hikari's eyes lit up.
"A knight? The Campione's knight? And you're a girl knight too!"
She yanked free from Yuri's hand and circled Liliana, eyes sparkling like she'd just found a treasure chest of gold.
Liliana looked uncomfortable under the sudden attention. "You are… Yuri's sister?"
"Mm-hm!" Hikari nodded vigorously and grabbed Liliana's hand. "Wow, so soft!"
"Hikari!" Yuri rushed forward, flustered. "Show some manners, will you?"
But Hikari just tilted her head, curiosity brimming.
"Skin this smooth—you must be stuck to the Campione all the time, right?"
The room fell silent.
"Hikari!" Yuri clapped a hand over her sister's mouth, forcing a stiff smile toward Liliana.
"Sorry, she doesn't know any better—"
She cut off, noticing Liliana's crimson face, turned away in embarrassment.
Wait. No way… Did Hikari guess right?
If the new King had an eye for women, then she and Hikari might be in even greater danger than she feared.
Liliana glanced at Amakasu, who tactfully stepped back into the elevator and left.
Clearing her throat, face still red, Liliana said, "We don't have much time. Prepare yourselves to meet the King."
"Hm? That sounded fishy, Knight-sis. You didn't answer my question—ow!"
"Hikari!" Yuri pinched her, glaring. Then she turned to Liliana with a stiff bow.
"Please, lead the way."
Liliana nodded. She paused, though, casting Hikari a meaningful look before quietly warning: "Be ready. Mentally, I mean."
Yuri's heart lurched.
Be ready? What did that mean?
And why had Liliana looked at Hikari before saying it?
A wave of dread washed over Yuri as her unease deepened.
.
.
.