"The effect of this magic… is that I can take someone with me to another world. And after staying there for a while, we can come back."
Rain spoke slowly, laying bare the truth of the Gate of Time and Space.
He told Mira everything...how it worked, its limitations, its risks.
"This… this kind of magic really exists?"
Mira's eyes widened, stunned into silence. She had braced herself for something unusual, but even so… this was far beyond her expectations.
A magic that allowed travel between worlds? The very thought was staggering.
Her lips trembled. Isn't this… too much for one person to bear?
But then, her expression hardened.
"Rain. Listen carefully."
Her voice was serious now, filled with resolve.
"From this moment on, you are not allowed to tell anyone about this magic. Not even Lisanna or Elfman. Do you understand?"
Rain hesitated, then shook his head slightly. "It doesn't matter with outsiders. But Lisanna and Elfman… they're our family."
"I don't think we should hide everything from them. Of course, I'd explain it differently. For example, I could just say we're going to train in a secret place."
Mira blinked. She opened her mouth to argue… then stopped.
"…You're right."
After a long pause, she finally nodded. "If it's described like that, then fine. A 'secret dimension for training.' But Rain, you must never let the truth slip beyond us."
"Got it." Rain agreed, relieved by her compromise.
Mira's expression softened, though her eyes still burned with determination.
"So, all this hesitation of yours… is because you're worried about my safety, isn't it?"
Rain froze. He hadn't said it aloud, but she saw right through him.
Before he could answer, Mira's lips curled into a proud smile. She patted his shoulder with a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Rain, you still don't get it. I can now fully receive the demon. Even if it only lasts for about fifteen minutes, during that time..." she leaned closer, her voice firm,
"I'm stronger than you."
Rain's eyes widened. "Complete Take Over? Already?!"
He could hardly believe it. It had only been a month since she first awakened her magic, and yet she'd achieved this so quickly.
Mira's smile only grew brighter, brimming with confidence. "Naturally. Do you think I'd make a joke about this?"
Rain stared at her in silence, caught between admiration and disbelief.
"In that case, Mira… you really have surpassed me."
Rain's lips curved into a gentle smile, his expression full of pride rather than jealousy.
Mira's growth didn't make him feel bitter it only made him feel relieved. Happy.
"Then… can you take me with you?"
Mira's voice was soft, but her eyes shone with determination as she looked at him.
"Of course."
Rain smiled warmly, a hint of teasing slipping into his tone. "When the time comes, it'll be you protecting me, Mira."
"Don't worry. Leave it to me!"
Mira puffed her chest proudly, her confidence almost glowing.
"Mm."
Rain's smile grew even softer at her expression.
"Alright, go get some rest now. It's already late. Tomorrow, we'll take on a long mission as our cover… and then we'll set out to explore that world."
"Okay."
Mira nodded, agreeing without hesitation. She glanced at the clock already past midnight.
Rising from Rain's bed, she leaned down with a bright smile, gently kissed his cheek, and slipped out of his room humming softly.
Early the next morning.
When Rain woke, the smell of food reached his nose. In the kitchen, Lisanna was already bustling about, neatly arranging breakfast.
"Brother Rain, you're awake?" She turned with a bright smile. "Come on, breakfast is ready."
"Thanks, Lisanna."
Rain sat down at the table. He gestured for her to join him. "Sit, let's eat together."
"Okay."
Lisanna nodded, quickly grabbing her own plate before sitting beside him. For a while, they ate quietly, the comfortable warmth of family filling the room.
Then Rain spoke casually.
"Oh, right. Lisanna, Mira and I are going to take on a mission out of town for a while. You and Elfman don't have to worry."
Lisanna blinked. "Eh? A mission?"
She tilted her head, suspicion flickering in her eyes as she studied him carefully. Then, her lips curved mischievously.
"…Are you going on a honeymoon with my sister?"
"The word honeymoon isn't really the right one here."
Rain let out a bitter smile at Lisanna's teasing before his face softened into seriousness.
"Actually… I just want Mira to relax."
"Relax…?" Lisanna blinked in confusion. "You mean… let Sister Mira relax?"
"Yes." Rain nodded firmly. "She's worked too hard for years, carrying everything for you and Elfman. But now, things are different."
"That burden has finally lifted. So I want to take her out, let her breathe, let her enjoy herself. Just once, without worries."
"…Ah."
Lisanna's breath caught. For a moment she sat frozen, and then guilt welled up in her heart.
Of course. She had always known how much Mira sacrificed for them. How Mira had stepped forward to protect them time and time again, shouldering more than anyone her age ever should.
If not for Mira and Rain, their lives would have been unbearably harsh.
"…I see."
Her expression turned serious as she straightened in her seat. She looked at Rain with earnest eyes, her voice steady.
"Brother Rain. Then I'll leave Sister Mira in your care. Please, make sure she truly relaxes this time."
"As for things at home, Elfman and I will take care of it. You don't need to worry about anything."
Rain's lips curved into a smile. Her seriousness reminded him just how much she had grown.
"Of course I trust you, Lisanna."
He reached out and ruffled her hair gently, his voice warm.
"Then I'll leave the family in your hands."
Lisanna's eyes widened slightly, then softened. She pressed her lips together and nodded firmly.
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