Hello there, Virtual Youcuber Irana here—just kidding! What are you all up to today? As for me... well, I'm on a mission. Technically, though, I don't really do much. My mission is to ensure my Onee-chan's power doesn't awaken. So, all I do is hang around her and collect a paycheck, hehe. Dream job, right? And I'm only thirteen this year. I bet a lot of adults would be jealous of my work.
Anyway, nothing major happened today. It's the second day of middle school, and our homeroom teacher, Elizabeth, is giving us the first lecture of the day. Honestly, as a reincarnated individual, I find these classes super boring. I mean, I've already gone through middle school in my previous life. Doing it all over again? Total hassle. But even so, I have to pretend to be interested.
Oh, about our homeroom teacher, Elizabeth. She's actually an agent for the Association too. In other words, she's an esper like me, assigned to the same mission—monitoring my Onee-chan. But she's not just any agent; she's one of the Association's top fighters. The fact that someone like her was given the "simple" task of watching over a thirteen-year-old speaks volumes. This mission is actually classified as SS Rank.
It makes me really curious, though. What kind of power does Onee-chan have that's so dangerous it needs all this secrecy? Is it a massive, uncontrollable destructive power? Mind control that could corrupt her—or worse, everyone around her? Or maybe it's like a literal nuclear bomb waiting to go off? What else could it possibly be?
"Hey, Viola, have you ever been curious about my Onee-chan's true power?" I whispered to her during class, leaning in slightly.
Viola gave me a quick glance but didn't say a word, promptly ignoring me. Tch, this girl is way too diligent. Can't she at least hear me out? This is the worst—I don't have anyone else to talk to about this besides her.
I slumped back in my seat, staring at the chalkboard but barely registering what Elizabeth-sensei was saying. My thoughts swirled with possibilities. Onee-chan's power… what could it be? It wasn't just me in the dark—Viola didn't know either, and she's supposed to be my partner in this mission. The Association really doesn't trust anyone with this secret.
Elizabeth-sensei's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Irana, would you care to repeat what I just said?" Her sharp gaze pinned me down, making me feel like I'd just stepped into a spotlight.
"Uh… the Treaty of—uh, something?" I stammered, forcing an awkward smile. A few classmates chuckled, and I caught Viola shaking her head at me.
"That's the Treaty of Paris, 1815, after the Battle of Waterloo," Aria, my Onee-chan, said calmly, her voice carrying effortlessly through the classroom.
"Correct. Good job, Aria." Elizabeth-sensei nodded in approval, her gaze briefly softening before she turned it back to me. "You two may be twin sisters, but you behave so differently. Aria is far more attentive."
"Pay attention, Irana," she added coolly, turning back to the board. "This information might be important someday."
I sighed and sank lower in my seat. Important someday? Not for me. I'd already gone through middle school once in my previous life—what use was relearning it all? Still, I had to keep up appearances, especially under Elizabeth-sensei's watchful eyes. The last thing I needed was for her to report my "lack of focus" to the Association.
The rest of the class went on uneventfully until the lunch bell rang. When class finally ended, Viola and I made our way toward the cafeteria. The hallways were buzzing with chatter, and students crowded every corner. I glanced over my shoulder and spotted Aria following behind us, her usual composed expression in place.
"Viola," I hissed under my breath, leaning closer as we walked. "Aren't you even a little curious? What if Onee-chan's power is something insane, like bending reality or summoning black holes?"
Viola glanced me sideways. "Irana, keep your voice down," she whispered sharply. She's right behind us."
I glanced back again, catching Onee-chan calm gaze for just a moment before she looked away. I leaned in even closer. "But seriously," I murmured, "what if suppressing her power is actually making things worse? What if—"
"Stop it," Viola interrupted, her voice barely audible. "Speculation is dangerous. Stick to the mission."
Her tone was firm, but I didn't miss the flicker of hesitation in her eyes. She might not say it out loud, but she had to have thought about it too. How could she not?
As we reached the cafeteria, Onee-chan caught up to us, walking alongside me with her usual serene smile. "You two seem close," she said softly. "What were you whispering about just now?"
I froze for a second, my mind scrambling for an excuse. "Oh, uh, nothing important," I said quickly, forcing a grin. "Just, uh, complaining about homework!"
Viola shot me a look but didn't say anything. Onee-chan didn't press further, simply nodding before turning her attention to the cafeteria line. But as we joined the queue, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in my chest.
Then…
"Hey, wait… wait for me!"
I turned at the sound of hurried footsteps behind us. It was Kotori, sprinting toward us with a panicked look.
"Kotori?" I said, confused.
"Can I join you guys?" she asked, still catching her breath.
"Join what?" I asked, frowning.
"Eating in the cafeteria, of course!" she replied, puffing her cheeks in frustration like it was obvious.
"why?"
"What do you mean why?" she retorted, crossing her arms with a dramatic pout.
Before I could say anything, Onee-chan stepped in. "Sure thing," she said with her usual serene smile. Then, narrowing her eyes slightly, she added, "But why does it look like you're running from something?"
Kotori froze, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "Well… you see… have you ever heard of the 'Royal Guard'?"
"The Royal Guard?" I repeated, frowning. "What the heck is that supposed to mean?"
Kotori hesitated, but Onee-chan answered before she could. "Ah, those guys," she said calmly, like she was talking about the weather. "The group that claims to be your attendants and bodyguards, right?"
Wait, what?
I nudged Viola, leaning in to whisper, "Did you know about this? Or am I the only one who doesn't know what's going on?"
Viola gave me a flat look and shook her head. "Don't look at me. This is news to me too."
I turned back to Kotori, who was now fidgeting nervously. "Wait, hold on. Back up. What are you talking about? What Royal Guard?"
Kotori sighed, clearly reluctant to explain. "They're this… group of guys who, for some reason, decided I need protection. I don't know why, but they won't leave me alone! It's exhausting."
"Sounds like a you problem," I muttered, crossing my arms.
Kotori shot me an annoyed glare but didn't respond.
"Be nice, Irana," Onee-chan said softly, though her tone carried a hint of reprimand. She turned to Kotori with her usual gentle expression. "You're welcome to stay with us if it helps."
Kotori brightened instantly, her tense shoulders relaxing. "Thanks, Aria! You're a lifesaver!"
Viola, still sceptical, muttered under her breath, "Why do I feel like this is going to cause us trouble?"
As we entered the cafeteria, I couldn't help but feel the same way. I glanced at Onee-chan, who was as calm as ever, and then at Kotori, who was visibly relieved. Royal Guard? I thought. How could something so weird be happening without me knowing about it?