Siberia — The Eve of New Year's Eve
The wind cut like knives.
Snow the size of goose feathers whirled through the sky, blanketing the world in an endless sweep of white, as though heaven and earth were being wrapped in the same frozen shroud.
A brown-haired woman trudged through the drifts, holding the hand of a small girl. Their boots sank deep with every step, leaving ankle-deep craters in the snow as they passed through sparse woods, one uneven footprint after another, until at last a grand orphanage emerged ahead.
"Elysia, we're here."
The woman brushed the frost from her scarf and pulled the fabric down from her face. Her breath fogged the air and vanished into the wind.
She turned slightly, her voice gentle.
"This is the place I told you about. I didn't lie, did I?"
The girl tilted her head up, her eyes glittering like stardust.
"Wow! It's huge ♪"
The orphanage stood alone on the Siberian snowfield, yet warmth seemed to cling to its walls. The windows were lightly misted, and the orange glow of a stove flickered behind the glass. Laughter drifted out in clear, chiming bursts.
And more importantly—
There were so many girls inside.
"So many…!"
The woman looked down at the little figure bouncing in place and curved her lips in amusement.
"Well? Have you decided?"
"I've decided, Mama Cocolia!"
Elysia slipped free from her hand and leaned toward the window, nearly pressing her nose to the cold glass.
"They're all so cute~"
Her gaze locked onto the girls playing inside. Snowflakes gathered on her lashes, but she did not notice.
For a fleeting moment, Cocolia felt something strange. As if she had personally invited a cunning little wolf into a pen full of gentle lambs.
Surely that was just her imagination.
The child's smile was sweet and innocent, even more charming than the other children inside.
"Ah-choo!"
In the cozy living room, Bronya suddenly frowned, brushing her nose with her fingertips. Something inexplicable flickered across her expression.
"Big Sister?"
Seele peeked out from behind the sofa, clutching her rabbit plushie, her voice soft and hesitant.
"Are you catching a cold?"
"I'm fine, Seele."
The girl with spiral twin-tails shook her head and gently patted Seele's hair, motioning for her to go back and play.
Seele tilted her head slightly. Her eyes happened to catch the unfamiliar girl's silhouette through the doorway. A few seconds later, she scampered off with a light patter of footsteps.
Meanwhile, Bronya turned toward Cocolia's office. From down the corridor drifted a sweet, lilting giggle.
"From today onward, Elysia is one of us. Elysia, would you like to meet everyone first?"
Cocolia's voice carried warmth.
"Okay! Mama Cocolia!" Elysia nodded eagerly, her eyes flashing with barely concealed excitement.
"Heehee…"
She could hardly wait to "play" an interesting little game with these girls.
"I'm heading out now, Mama Cocolia—ah!"
The moment she opened the door, she smacked straight into a solid "wall."
"Oof…"
She stumbled back half a step and looked up, straight into a pair of clear yet cool eyes.
The girl before her was half a head taller. Spiral twin-tails rested against her shoulders, her small face taut and composed, her chill expression oddly adorable.
"Hello there…"
"I'm Elysia!" She smiled first and extended her hand.
"…."
The other girl simply watched her, silent, unmoving.
This girl…
Inside the office, Cocolia paused mid-page, fingers lightly stroking the edge of the folder. She said nothing. She wanted to see how Bronya would respond.
When no hand met hers, Elysia's lips curved downward slightly, as though genuinely wounded. Her voice softened.
"…Can I get to know you? Should I call you big sister? Or little sister?"
"Bronya."
The girl answered calmly. After a brief pause, she made her choice.
"…Big sister."
Then she added, "Nice to meet you, Elysia. I'll take you to meet everyone."
"Mhm!"
It was exactly what Elysia wanted.
Any hint of disappointment vanished at once. She swallowed the urge to lean closer, to brush against Bronya's hand, and instead nodded obediently.
Watching them, Cocolia smiled like a satisfied mother. It seemed Elysia would blend into this family without trouble.
She could finally relax.
—
In the hallway, the two walked side by side. Bronya kept her gaze lowered, her pace even, saying nothing more.
Elysia nearly burst from the silence. Her eyes darted, and a small idea sparked to life.
"Big Sister Bronya… I'm cold…"
She deliberately slowed her steps, her voice fragile and soft. Her cheeks carried a faint flush, carefully prepared by pressing her palms against the icy wall beforehand.
"…."
Bronya stopped without hesitation.
"Give me your hand."
"…Okay."
She's adorable~ Elysia's lips curved faintly as she stretched out her hand, fingertips still cool by design.
The moment their fingers touched, delight bloomed in her heart. Now she had an excuse to keep talking.
"Is everyone here easy to get along with?"
"Yes."
Bronya assumed she was worried about fitting in.
But only Elysia knew the truth.
What she really wondered was whether these girls were interesting enough.
If they were too obedient, too docile, that would be dull. But if they were all mischievous little troublemakers, that would grow tiresome too.
Her smile deepened secretly.
A mix would be perfect.
"What are you thinking about?"
Noticing her distant look, Bronya finally turned her head.
"Ah… I was just worried."
Elysia looked up at her, and in that fleeting instant, a sly spark flashed through her eyes.
"There's no need. Everyone's very kind."
From the moment their fingers met, Bronya had sensed something deliberate in that manufactured chill.
This girl was good at pretending. She would not be easy to handle.
Though she called Bronya "big sister" so sweetly, her true age was still a mystery.
Bronya glanced at the girl bouncing lightly at her side.
For a brief second, an absurd thought surfaced.
What if she was the one who should be calling her big sister?
"…."
"…."
The lively hall fell silent as though someone had pressed mute.
A toy dropped to the floor with a sharp clack. Every child stared wide-eyed.
Who was this beautiful newcomer?
And where had Bronya "picked up" such a dainty little sister?
"That's the girl from outside the office…" Seele murmured to herself, clutching her rabbit, her lips parted in quiet awe.
But Elysia had already surveyed the room.
In the next instant, her bright eyes shone like a full moon rising over the night sky.
"Is this heaven? So many pretty, adorable girls—!"
Her voice was sweet and unrestrained, her joy laid bare for everyone to see.
After years of searching, she had finally found it.
Her flawless paradise.
"My name is Elysia! Elysia!"
"Elysia!"
"Over here, hug me too! Elysia!"
"…!"
Only Seele remained rooted to the spot, unsure. She wanted to step forward, yet lacked the courage.
"Hello!"
"H-hello… Big Sister Elysia…"
…
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