CH 3

Chapter Three

[Welcome home, Big Brother.]

[!!!… I’m back, Sheryl! I’m back!]

Big Brother hugged me on my wheelchair when I welcomed him at the entrance.

Of course, Father also did the same and since I can’t do anything about it, Mother hastily helped me.

On that note, Big Brother did control his strength so I didn’t feel suffocated.

[Although I’ve heard of your progress from the letter, are you really alright?]

[Yes. Although I still find it difficult to walk around.]

Just as Bellom-sensei predicted, I was able to successfully gather Mana outside my body.

I was also able to activate magic with it, improving my physical health visibly.

I’ll just close my mouth about the festival-like reaction when I was able to finally do some magic. Mother still hasn’t gone crazy.

Thanks to that, starting from when I just got out of bed to my start of speech training, all my worries were gone.

It’s just that I don’t have the endurance yet so I still can’t leave the house.

[I’m glad… I really glad…]

[Yes.]

He had a tearful voice while stroking my head as I patted his back. My brother’s body, which has been growing steadily, has now almost caught up to Father and looks like an adult.

Even though he always comes home every holiday, it still feels like it’s been a long time.

While I was immersed in my feelings about my brother’s reunion, there’s a presence approaching.

[Jule-sama, how could you selfishly start touching Sheryl-sama with those dirty hands of yours without them?]

[Geh, Walt.]

[You also haven’t washed your mouth, yet……We can’t have that, can we?]

[I’m going!]

Upon the butler grandpa’s appearance, Big Brother dashed to the washroom like the wind.

I felt a little lonely when his warmth disappeared.

[Sheryl-sama, too, please take care. Nicole, for this to happen while you’re around, what does this mean?]

[….I’m sorry.]

[Uhmm… I’m sorry.]

Nicole must’ve missed the chance because Big Brother did it so quickly. It’s the same with my father, too.

I wanted to defend him but with grandpa’s sharp glare, I lost my courage and apologized.

[There is nothing that Sheryl-sama has to apologize for! Everything was because of my lack of attention!]

[That’s right! Everything is Nicole’s fault!]

[Jule-sama should reflect the most!]

[Uu….]

When Big Brother unknowingly returned and got full of himself, he got reprimanded by Grandpa.

Although he should be aware that he’ll get warned when he’d say that… Did he do that on purpose?

I let out a bitter smile because of the heavy atmosphere.

[Because Madam is also busy today, please don’t cause so much trouble.]

[Yee~s.]

[Make your replies short.]

[Yes!]

Just like that, Big Brother got an earful from Grandpa.

Just right after Big Brother came home, the house has gotten lively.

Just when I wonder whether I’d get told, too, Grandpa goes back to his work.

[That’s right, Big Brother, I completely forgot to tell you. Congratulations on passing another year at school.]

[Thanks! Though it’s too easy for me.]

Big Brother who boasted proudly looked smart and cool.

Today, there will be a dinner party to celebrate Big brother’s advancement to the Higher Academic Research institute in our house.

Because it needs some preparations, Mother who would’ve normally greeted together with me is currently busy. It’s been very busy here in last few days.

[Even if I’m here, I won’t be of much help at all so should we go to my room?]

Before I could answer, I’m already being lifted up.

Technically speaking, it’s the princess carry. (TN:I’ve been typing this term a lot lately.)

[Wai–!]

[You’re still very light. You must properly eat, got it?]

Carrying me as if I’m weightless, Big Brother walked steadily towards his room.

I was still in a shocked state as I stiffly clung onto him.

[Big Brother, that was too sudden!]

[But isn’t it impossible to climb the stairs on a wheelchair?]

[That might be true, but please say at least a word before doing it!]

[I did say that we’re going to my room, didn’t I?]

Even if you did, I haven’t given my acknowledgement, yet!

While sighing at our situation, Nicole followed behind with my wheelchair.

[This must be the first you’ve come here, right? Have you gone to the second floor’s other rooms?]

[….Father has accompanied me before.]

With Big Brother’s exact same flow of events.

On the second floor, there’s a room where our family portrait is placed. I didn’t buy it.

Oh, Painter, there should be a limit to your imaginations.

[How about the painting…]

[I went, I saw, I got full of it!]

[You were surprised, weren’t you?]

[Yes….]

First, I was surprised by the number of paintings. I don’t even want to imagine the cost for all those paintings.

A painting that’s being hanged on one side of the wall was a bit horrifying.

Among all those paintings, mine were the majority……I won’t say any more.

[That’s because you’re this house’s pride!]

[Eeh…]

[There’s nothing  to be embarrassed about, you know?]

Please be embarrassed about that. Both Father and Mother, too.

They might just want to preserve the memories of me while I’m still alive, so I couldn’t say it out loud…

[And… here we are.]

He’s been carrying me from the living room and when we entered his room, Big Brother sat down on without putting me down and just like that made me sit in his lap.

[Big Brother…?]

[Yeah?]

[I’m heavy, right?]

[That’s not true at all?]

[……Your feet will go numb.]

[It’s fine, it’s fine.]

It’s useless, he doesn’t want to put me down.

Big Brother’s grinning broadly while patting my head.

In the end, I wasn’t able to separate from my brother.

I’m so glad I learned magic, erasing my worry of dying from Dreaming Illness.

But I can’t let my guard down yet, that’s why I hope I could get some distance from him soon.

Even though I’m no longer at that age where I should sit on other people’s laps……It would probably  be useless even if I told him that, huh.

Sometimes, I think my family is treating me as if my age stopped at three years old.

If not then I won’t be convinced with the way they’re treating me.

Whatever I’d say, they’d just end it with “Sheryl sure is cute~” and that will be humiliating.

[It was written in the letter but, will you really cut your hair?]

Older Brother took a bit of my hair which has fallen in in front of my face.

My hair that had never been cut had reached my thighs.

I answered my brother’s question with a vigorous nod.

[I’ll cut it.]

[No matter what?]

[I’ll cut it.]

[… . Again, why?]

Hair is said to be where Mana accumulates.

That’s why there are lots of magicians who have long hair like Bellom-sensei. Although all of it are just speculations for now.

But with how I see it, is that really the case? It’s about that much.

Although it seems to have nothing to do with Dreaming Illness, but if it’s really accumulated on my hair,  then I’d better cut it, was what I thought.

And the number one reason is…

[…..I only look like a girl.]

[Yeah?]

[When I finally got out of bed and I saw myself in the mirror, no matter how, I could only see a girl.]

On that day when I was about to check how I really look, a maid knocked on the door with a hand mirror on hand.

I thought that the body lines indicating that I was only bones and skin have disappeared and I thought that I looked a bit presentable now.

The image I saw in the mirror was……a delicate-looking girl with a head full of white hair.

Who the heck is this?

I seriously thought so as I repeatedly checked again in every angle.

What was reflected was me.

There could only be me.

I was told before that I look like my mother, but is it the illness’s fault that I look this much like here?!

Regarding that, I just need to gain muscles was how I consoled myself.

And after that, I just have to cut my hair.

[…There are also girls with short hair, aren’t there?]

[It’s a matter of feelings.]

The man on the past life’s memories also had short hair.

Because there are objects which gather Mana, I can just use those.

[I find it such a waste, though. About how long are you gonna cut from it?]

[I’ll have it cut all the way to my back.]

[…How much?]

[As much as Nicole’s.]

I thought that much is enough as I pointed at Nicole.

In an instant, Big Brother’s expression changed.

[Wait, there’s no need to match it with Nicole’s, right?]

[I’m not really matching it with his, you know? Isn’t Big Brother’s also short?]

Maybe it’s to move easily during physical activities, his hair looks just like a that of a knight’s. Is this what’s called “very short”?

PART 2

[That’s because I’m aiming to be a magic knight, so it’s fine! Because long hair is a minority among the knights. But Sheryl is different, right? It’s fine if it’s in the way but you don’t really have to cut it to that extent, right?]

[N~ But I’m also concerned about that Mana thing……Once it’s cut, it might also turn to look like Walt-san’s though.

[That’s the part you’re most concerned about?!]

[Or it might really match with Nicole in the end.]

[There’s really no need to have matching looks with the Cadir Family, is there?!]

[I’ve already decided. Because mother will keep the hair as a memento, isn’t it fine?]

It was very hard to convince my parents, too. So I ended up mentioning about making the cut hair as a keepsake.

However, Big Brother wouldn’t budge.

[Even though it suits you…]

[Will you not like me with short hair?]

[That’s not it, but……It’s such a waste……」

[It’s going to grow again.]

I don’t know to what extent, though.

My brother covered his face with both his hands upon hearing my nonchalant reply.

Is it to that extent?

Hair might be important to girls, but I’m a man.

[Uuu, my cute Sheryl has…]

[I’m fine not being cute.]

If you’re a man, you must want to look cool. Even though Father and Big Brother both look so manly, why is it only me?!

I ended sighing a bit.

[That’s what’s making you cute, but you probably have no idea, right?]

「…………」

While laughing, Big Brother lightly met our lips together.

……Isn’t this way over the boundary of skinship?

When I accidentally looked at Nicole, although his mouth is a smile, I can see his cheeks twitching.

So it’s not normal, after all!

Meanwhile, Big Brother is raining kisses on my hair, cheeks, and face.

I covered him with my hand.

[Big Brother, I’m no longer a child so doing this sort of thing is..]

[Does Sheryl hate being kissed?]

Is the problem whether I like it or not?

Also, it seems that he’s used to doing it…

[….So Big Brother has learned how to be a playboy, huh.]

[That’s no…?! Wait, Sheryl, I might have done this and that, but I’m not a player!]

Even though you were doing so familiarly, it’s so obvious.

I naturally evaded my eyes.

[I understand that you love me dearly, however, if other people sees it then they’ll misunderstand.]

[Your ethics will be doubted.]

[Ah?!]

Big Brother looked like he’s shot by lightning with Nicole’s retort.

But Nicole isn’t losing, either.

[It is not good for Sheryl-sama’s emotional education.]

I don’t think Nicole has any right to say that.

[It’s not like it’s bad to show my love, right?!]

[In Big Brother’s case, what you’re doing to who knows how many people is the problem.]

[That’ not it!!! Sheryl is an exception!!!]

[You mean your feelings for the others are shallow? Aren’t you playing with them, after all?]

[U….]

While waiting for our mother to call us for lunch, I was enjoying myself teasing my brother.

It’s not that I really believe what I’m accusing him, okay?

◆◆◆◆◆◆

The Ron Arras country where I live is often called “the country of the magician” because it has many magical qualities and puts emphasis on magician education in the national policy.

It flourishes in the basin surrounded by the mountains, and this seasonal country is almost peaceful. There’s no war happening around the border, and if there is, at most is a clash with a small group of demons.

The magicians brought up in the country are dispatched to the suppression of demons and to disaster areas, and to other countries if requested by allies.

As expected, Ron’Ares Kingdom is an amazing country.

The secondary academic research institute(Middle school) and the higher academic research institute(High school) are operated under the jurisdiction of the country and eventually the magic agency.

Both places are created to study and learn magic, and most of those who graduates from the middle school would always choose to enroll in high school.

Entrance and advancement are basically mandated by magical powers and written exams, and age and status are irrelevant.

Basically, being a graduate from the higher department is a rite of passage of the aristocrat and it can not be said that there is no entrance to the back door. I heard Mother talking with someone about it.

Because we don’t have enough money to pay for such backhanded method, Big Brother was able to enter the school with his own abilities.

It is said that the amount of mana for using magic is inherited.

It’s just that, the higher the parents’ Mana capacity, the harder it is to conceive, and vice versa. Mine is probably more than my parents.

It may be the darkness of this country that a person who has a lot of mana stands out in the aristocracy whose royal family is the lead.

I do not know whether it is a mutation or a genetic divergence, but rarely even people who have enormous mana appear in common people.

And those common people who are discovered to have such are invited by the nobles for adoption, that’s why nobles continue to have high Mana capacity.

Will there be a problem arising due to that issue?

My health has improved and my time to stay awake has grown longer so I decided to focus on studying. Compared to the lessons on my previous life, studying in this world sure is fun.

Also, contributing to finding a cure for the Dreaming Illness has become one of my dreams.

It seems that in the recent years, the number of patients for the illness has increased.

That is especially true for the nobles.

Amongst all of them, me showing signs of recovery is a good sign. But in reality, both Bellom-sensei and I don’t think so.

Although if my way of recovery could be done by other people, that would be good.

[Ah, ah…. huff…. Shery-sama, over there is…]

[Here?]

[Aah! You can’t,  don’t move it…. yahah..ah..]

On top of his shirt, so as to avoid touching him, I moved my hand from his chest and lightly brushed past it.

When I was moving my hand, Nicole, who’s ended  up kneeling on top of the bed let out a low moan.

[Kufuuu… nguu…]

[Nicole sure is sensitive, huh.]

[You’re wro… Ahh, ahh..]

It’s really not very convincing when he’s shaking his head while trying to move himself away from pleasure.

I would be troubled if he disturbs me so I told Nicole to stop moving his hands.

Nicole’s face has turned red while clenching his shirt.

His brown skin dripping with sweat and feverish face looks really erotic.

[Nng… haa… ah, ah..]

[Fufu… your drool is leaking.]

Does it feel that good?

At my words, Nicole tried to close his mouth but that’s just useless. When I move my hands again then he’ll just end up opening his mouth again.

[Hyuuu.. Sheryl-sama…Alrea… n..]

[Not yet.]

Seriously speaking, doing ecchi things isn’t really the goal.

Since I started being able to control Mana consciously, I’ve also become able to use magic.

While releasing Mana for detection, I found three masses of Mana outside of his body.

I thought that I could do something more and thought of experimenting with my own mana to see if I could influence people’s mana.

The result is, this.

[Ah, ah,ah! Ya, my nipples, I feel…!]

[Yeah, I’m planning on taking it out from here.]

While turning the fingertips where I’m releasing Mana from, I try to guide Nicole’s Mana to his nipples.

It will be successful if I can induce induced mana out from his body.

It doesn’t really matter whichever part of the body the discharge comes from, but the easier the place to imagine, the better, isn’t it?

[Noo~… If you, let it, out… I’ll… turn weird! Even now, already…!]

He’s begging me with teary eyes.

Even though the dinner party began and everybody is gathered there, it can not be said that nobody is going to come, so it seems I need to hurry up a bit.

Oh well, I’m anticipating that no one is coming so I initiated this situation.

Because it’s my third time experimenting, Nicole’s pants’ buttons have been undone and his underwear is peeping from it. The center part of the undergarment was already wet with the liquid which has leaked earlier.

[There’s no meaning to this experiment if I don’t get it out. I’ll be fine, definitely.]

Since I am manipulating Nicole’s Mana through mine, it is a given that Nicole’s mana flow will return to normal if I stop the operation.

[Ahnnn….But..]

[It’s alright, trust me.]

When I smiled while saying so, Nicole couldn’t say anything.

It seems that Nicole is weak to my smile.

[Then, I’ll slowly take it out, okay?]

In order to prevent its flow to gush out, I slowly guided Nicole’s Mana out little by little.

As if tracing the areola, and then back to the top.

Nicole seemed to have felt the movement of mana as pleasure as if the place was directly connected with the lower body.

[Ah! Ah! Kuhh…uh…a, aah! Yah, I’m, scared, of letting it out…uh…Aaa~!] (TN: phew…)

At the same time I took out the Mana from Nicole’s body, the essence he’s been holding in within his

lower body was also released.

After he arched his body and soiled his underwear, Nicole’s powerless body has turned soft.

[Ah…hah…ah…]

When dragging the Mana out of them, I wonder how the others would feel?

There must be a lingering sensation as Nicole is still panting a little.

While looking at Nicole’s appearance, he looks as if he’s been sexually stimulated.

I pulled the Mana which is still connected to Nicole’s nipples.

[Hiyuu~?!]

[Did it felt good?]

[Ch…ah…yesh..ah! You can’t, please don’t pull it!]

Nicole who saw the still connected Mana made a face as if he’s gonna cry.

I feel like the me who felt that it’s fun seems to be already hopeless.

[Are you still feeling it? Or is it that Nicole has always always been sensitive in your chest?]

[Hu… uu… Sheryl-sama… Please don’t tease me.]

[I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re responding too much.]

I ended up getting carried away.

Because it takes too much time and people might really come, I’ll just leave it at this for now.

As soon I stopped controlling it, the Mana connected to Nicole’s body scattered.

I have also confirmed that the flow within the other party has gone back to normal.

[Do you have an extra underwear prepared?]

[Yes…. I will excuse myself for a bit.]

I wondered if he’s calmed down as Nicole started getting changed in a corner I couldn’t see.

I can only hear the shuffling sound.

PART3

That was just a small thing and he’s back by my side after a short while. His cheeks are still bright red.

[Have I been useful to you?]

[Yeah. Because I’ve properly learned how to take it out, I’m relieved. Thank you.]

When I lightly raised my hand, Nicole ,watched my action and lowered his head to me.

The black hair is smoothly flowing down as always, it tickles my hand.

Nicole looks happy as he narrowed his eyes in delight.

Since was it that I’ve heard from him what my existence is to him.

[You are my one and only master.]

He answered with a smile.

Since I was told as such with conviction, “I see, so I’ve got myself a black dog,” was what I thought.

◆◆◆◆◆◆

At this time when the success or failure of the Higher Academic Research Institute is known, a dinner party will be held there and there.

As we decided to invite people who are usually indebted or around us, regardless of the people of aristocracy in our house, we came up with the dinner in a standing style.

And it seems to be coming to an end.

I can hear the sound of carriages leaving.

While listening to those sounds, Nicole who’s combing my hair called out to me gently.

[Did you not feel hastened?]

[I had a basket brought here even before it’s started. Mother and the others seemed to be really busy, though.]

In the afternoon the entrance hall was filled with flowers.

More than the beauty of the flowers, I remember Mother’s appearance who was busy writing a not so small amount of “Thank you” letters.

There were also some people who wanted to meet me, but I’d like to refrain from that.

It would be better to meet with guests only after I’ve managed to at least go out.

[….Were you not lonely at least?]

[Why?]

With that sudden question, I looked up at Nicole.

[Even though your family is gathered in there, you’re staying here all alone as if in a age…]

[Weren’t you here with me, Nicole?]

[That’s… You’re right, but.]

It felt heavy when it’s said at this moment.

the only memories I’ve ever had were the one’s I remembered while staying in bed and the memories from outside I have experienced only just recently.

And I also know that my family is concerned about me.

Because I know that they treasure so, so much that I don’t feel any complaints.

Although I am dissatisfied with being treated as a kid.

And it can’t really be said that I’m alone.

[If I’m really alone then I might feel really depressed, though. When I see Nicole panting that much, I don’t feel lonely at all, you know?]

[Sheryl-sama—!]

Although I can’t see Nicole’s expression on my back, but I feel that he’s making an embarrassed expression.

Must be because he’s not used to being teased, his reactions are refreshing.

[Ah, it seems that the last guest has gone home.]

[Can you tell each person apart?]

[When I will it, I can. I can only see them roughly for now, though.]

[Sheryl-sama’s powers are really outstanding, aren’t they?]

[And they feel good, right?]

[….Please don’t tease me.]

While I was laughing, the door in my room opened widely.

[Shery! I’ve made you feel lonely, haven’t I!]

[Master, please be quiet.]

Father who ignored Nicole’s warning walked straight to me and held me up.

His cheek that’s rubbing at me forcefully is very annoying.

[Ooh, our princess today looks cute as we…Buhah!]

I reflexively hit his face.

Is it on purpose? Are you saying he did it on purpose?

[I am a man. And I’m not even cute.]

[I see, I see.]

Kuuh, he’s not listening at all.

When he saw me wrinkle my brows, Father’s love-showering continued.

As I though, I have to borrow mother’s power for this.

I want to stop him from crushing my cheeks, but my strength is just lacking…

[Dad, if you push it too far then you’ll be hated.]

[What, that was fast.]

[….Have you taken a bath already?]

When I look at my brother — I can see from from the corner of my eyes even while being held up by Father that he’s wearing his sleepwear neatly.

[I’ve lightly washed all the sweat  and smell out. I’d really like it if they give me a break on those strong-scented perfumes.]

[That just means that a lot of ladies are interested to talk to you.]

[There were also ladies whose age were above mine, though…]

Hmm, I thought the they only invited those who’re close to the family, it seems others were also invited.

Indeed, if he enters the room with a strong scent of perfume, Nicole would’ve chased him out.

Big Brother’s decision was right on the mark.

[Since I will be here for a while, shall we sleep together?]

Big Brother approached me with his own pillow while laughing.

Didn’t he mean “Today, too”?

[Are you going to sleep with Father tomorrow, then?]

[I’d like to pass on that.]

Why’re you competing against my brother?

He must’ve been hurt because of my instant reply as he started to sulk.

[Isn’t it fine to sleep with your father every once in a while?]

[Just the two of us?]

That’s a bit……To sleep with Father at this age is just……

[It’s fine to sleep on your parents’ room and us three can sleep together. Your mother will certainly be happy.]

[You can do that even without me here, can’t you?]

[If you’re not here then I won’t be able to show off!]

That’s why, why are you competing against Big Brother?!

If the three of us are going to sleep together, then sleeping with four people is fine, isn’t it?!

…. The bed won’t hold out, huh.

[Dad, we should notice Sheryl’s white eyes soon.]

[That’s not it, Sheryl! It’s not that Father is jealous of your closeness with your brother, okay?!]

[Father, it should be about time for you to please put me down.]

[Is Sheryl in your rebellious age!?]

Just what are you saying when you just held me up without asking anything?

When I repeatedly tapped on Father’s chest, he reluctantly put me down on top of the bed.

Nicole immediately fixed the disordered clothes.

[My oh my, while I was busy talking to Walt about the thank you gifts, you’ve been doing something fun here.]

Following the voice, we looked and the entrance and saw Mother standing by the door carrying a lamp while smiling.

I did not miss Father’s flinching shoulders.

[I’m fine, you know? I’ve been so busy these past few days and didn’t have enough time to spend with Sheryl, but I’m fine, you know? Even when I’m not around, you can meet our cute son when you miss him, can’t you? No matter what happens you just want to get ahead, don’t you?]

Even though she should be smiling, I can only see a Han’nya behind her.

My brother moved casually to the corner of the room so that I could not get into Mother’s sight casually as I escaped from reality.

Father vocalized.

[N, no way. I never had any intention of leaving you behind, you know?]

[Fufufu, without forgetting this situation?]

[Nonono way!]

You’re trying too hard, Father. Just please hurry up and get hit by Mother already.

That way, it should be quickly settled.

However, Father isn’t letting mother approach him. Instead, he’s repeatedly backing off.

Can’t be helped….should I lend a hand? I gave Nicole an eye contact. (??)

[Mother, you’ve worked hard. How about taking a breather here?]

[Oh my, Sheryl, won’t I be a nuisance?]

[I have never thought of mother as a nuisance.]

While laughing, when I gestured my hands to the chair next to the bed where Mother has always sat on, Nicole brings warm tea brewed at the same time.

A pot with a fire attribute magic stone is an excellent thing that boils hot water on the spot.

Fresh water was always secured next to the bed so that I could drink it at any time.

[My, thank you, Nicole…… Huu, I’ve finally managed to sit down.]

[Could it be that you’ve been standing the whole time since lunch?]

[ Because there were a lot of things to be done here and there. And a certain someone wen somewhere and abandoned me. Oh, Jule, what’s wrong? For the main lead of the party to stay in the corner of the room.]

We’re trying to run away from Mother’s wrath, is something nobody said.

[Nicole, give me tea, too.]

[Can you drink it?]

[…. Isn’t your treatment to me too harsh?]

[Because it’s also Father, Big Brother is not the only one.]

[What about that?]

[Because I am Sheryl-sama’s servant, I am only strict to those who ignore Sheryl-sama’s health.]

While saying so, Nicole started preparing for two more portions of tea.

The order of serving tea might be weird, but since  Mother is the Boss of the house, it’s fine. It can’t be helped that Father is the last in line.

Each one received their tea and other than Mother, everybody else stays at the bottom of the bed.

This is basically how our family gathers together.

There’s no gloomy atmosphere in the room and everyone merrily laughs while conversing.

–That’s why nobody would’ve thought that tonight might have been my death anniversary.

I think I’ve overcome the first wall.

Now then, I wonder if I will be able to turn around fate’s decision for me.

How about the heroine from the game. If it’s in the game, at the same time Big Brother entered his third year in highschool, she should have simultaneously enrolled.

As for me, If Big Brother should live in sadness, then I wouldn’t mind if that heroine catches his attention.

But I’ve been constantly praying that the scenarios in the game does not happen in real life.