I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [67]
"Your chairman is surprisingly reasonable. She agreed right away to let you stay off-campus with me—I didn't even have to draw my sword."
So you really were planning to draw it?
What happened to "just a simple, friendly conversation"?
Later, they sat together at the dining table, enjoying the beautiful, sweet treats Okita Souji had prepared.
Edelweiss indulged in Souji's desserts, while Souji basked in Edelweiss's delighted smile—a smile as sweet as any pastry.
Souji felt that this expression suited Edelweiss far better than the icy, solitary look she wore when they'd first met, as if she were as cold as winter itself, as unreachable as a distant snow-capped peak—aloof and set apart from the world.
That distant gaze perfectly matched the title of "the world's greatest swordswoman," making her seem less like a person and more like some living embodiment of a "way of the sword." Yet Souji couldn't help feeling that it carried a tinge of loneliness, a faint trace of sadness.
Through their time together, Souji had come to witness the gradual transformation of this celestial figure as she descended from her lofty heights and into the mundane world. She'd watched as Edelweiss's pure, snowy whiteness was slowly painted with colors she'd never seen before.
Just… perhaps a few too many colors, some of which Souji wasn't sure where or when Edelweiss had picked up.
"Say 'ahh,' Souji~"
Edelweiss's playful voice, like a mother coaxing a child to eat, made Souji's cheeks flush.
"Ai… um…"
"Hmm?"
"Sister Ai, I'm not a little kid. I can eat on my own."
"But to me, my little sister will always be my baby girl. Even if you wanted to curl up in my arms like a little one, I'd be more than happy to hold you."
… Why does that sound oddly tempting?
"If you don't want me feeding you, then let's go shopping. I saw the cutest pink princess dress for you on the way here~"
"Ahhh! This dessert is amazing! Thank you, Sister Ai!"
In the end, Souji surrendered without a fight.
---
Late into the night, Souji took a hot bath and changed into her pajamas. Lying on her soft bed, she idly passed some time before pulling out her student handbook.
"Hm? Is this… the selection match roster?"
All students at Hagun Academy were automatically signed up for the "Seven Stars Sword Art Festival Selection Tournament," though they were allowed to forfeit.
Displayed on the handbook's screen was the time, location, and opponent for Souji's first match.
Apparently, this had been sent earlier, but she hadn't had time to check her handbook until now.
She casually glanced at her opponent's name… and saw it was someone she didn't recognize.
With her interest waning, she didn't bother to look up her opponent's abilities or stats.
Though she hadn't retained every detail about the plot or all the characters, Souji remembered some of the key events and people fairly well.
Such as the main protagonist, the protagonist's allies, the world's strongest swordswoman Edelweiss, and the few characters who posed a real challenge for the protagonist.
One character in particular was Hagun Academy's student council president, Toudou Touka—a name Souji remembered vividly. She was recognized as Hagun's strongest and had reached the semifinals in the previous Seven Stars Sword Art Festival.
As Hagun's "strongest," she was the complete opposite of Ikki Kurogane, the academy's "weakest," and also his final opponent in the selection matches. It was their battle that marked the story's climax.
"With my weakness, I will defeat your strength!"
"If I won't even have a second's chance… if I can't win even as a berserk warrior… if I have only one strike—then I will put everything I have into that single strike!"
Toudou Touka's ability was the control of lightning, a type of nature manipulation, and she was a swordswoman who thrilled Souji to no end.
Although she had reached the semifinals in the last Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, it was said that in close-quarters, she was virtually unbeatable. Even the champion of that tournament didn't dare enter her range, relying instead on the length of his weapon to edge out a narrow victory.
"Ah, I'd love to have a match with her…"
"With whom?"
A sudden voice startled Souji so much that she reflexively scooted to the edge of her bed, staring wide-eyed at Edelweiss, who stood by the door with a mischievous smile.
"Sister Ai… why didn't you knock before coming in?"
"What do you mean, your room?" Edelweiss, dressed in a thin, off-the-shoulder nightgown, glided over to the bed and sat down, elegantly crossing one leg over the other, her bare feet gleaming softly in the lamplight. "This is my room. I've been sleeping here since I arrived."
"…Huh?"
Souji looked around, then spoke hesitantly.
"But… when I asked where I'd be sleeping, you told me it was here…"
"So? We've been apart for so long, what's wrong with sharing a bed to catch up a little?"
Huh… where do I even start with that?
"But we were only separated for a few months?"
"It felt like decades without my little sister to hold!"
Then, without warning, Edelweiss pounced, surprising Souji into stunned silence.
"Come on, little sister! Let Sister Ai give you a big kiss~!"
"Wait! Nooo! (っ °Д °;)っ"
Edelweiss was thoroughly enjoying herself, radiating happiness like warmth from a hot spring, and she was completely immersed in it.
Though Souji tried to protest, she didn't pull away when Edelweiss lunged; instead, she instinctively wrapped her arms around her sister, worried that she might fall.
Edelweiss knew that Souji possessed unmatched speed, a swiftness beyond reach for nearly anyone else. If Souji truly wanted to escape, even Edelweiss wouldn't be able to catch her.
But she didn't run. No matter how over-the-top Edelweiss acted, Souji would always fulfill her whims, despite her playful complaints.
The world might see Edelweiss as the strongest, most feared criminal, but only Souji could see her as an ordinary person—a somewhat lonely girl with her own endearing quirks.
Edelweiss knew that falling wouldn't hurt her, yet Souji instinctively extended her arms, embracing her as if welcoming her with open arms.
Edelweiss held Souji tightly, resting her head on her sister's shoulder, letting the happiness flow through her like the warmest, richest wine.
"All the loneliness and confusion I endured over the years… it was all worth it for the chance to meet you."
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]