Chapter 7: Since Her Little Sister is an Agitator, I’ll Let Myself Be Swayed

The next day.

The first person I decided to question was Hoshiko, Youta’s younger sister.

According to her, Youta had gone out alone today and wasn’t home. My visit was timed precisely for that opportunity.

Though Hoshiko’s memories had been altered, there was no doubt she still cared deeply for Youta. At first, she had been timid, but now—even when Youta was in a bad mood—she would boldly (or rather, eagerly) strike up a conversation with him. Besides, their sibling relationship had never been bad to begin with, so she noticed even the smallest details about him.

Youta’s parents would have been an option too, but every time they saw me, they went out of their way to be overly hospitable. Maybe it was because I had brought Hoshiko back home on the day of the final battle. They praised me endlessly as her savior, when in reality, I was one of the very villains responsible for the whole mess—the exact opposite of what they believed.

In that sense, Hoshiko was still much easier to approach.

She’d be the perfect first interviewee.

As we sat in the Hidaka family’s living room sipping tea—

"You want to do something that’ll make Big Sis happy?"

Her response was far more unexpected than I’d imagined.

"Yeah. Favorite foods, places… anything. I’ll take whatever info you’ve got."

"Hmm… I think Haruto-san already knows her pretty well, though?"

"…The last time I took her somewhere, it didn’t seem to go over well."

"Oh? Where was it?"

"A ramen shop. ‘Eirakutei.’ You know it, right?"

At that, Hoshiko gave me a look of utter disbelief.

"Lately, Big Sis has been acting kinda boyish, but I don’t think a ramen shop’s gonna win her heart."

…Well, I thought it went over decently.

But still, it was a failure.

"What kind of reaction are you hoping for, exactly?"

Hoshiko tilted her head as she asked, her signature springy hair swaying with the motion.

"…Hard to put into words. I just want to see her smile from the heart."
"That much!?"

For some reason, Hoshiko looked way too pleased.

Hm.

Seems like she understood. That makes me happy too.

"Haruto-san… have you made up your mind or something?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I plan to take responsibility for everything I’ve done up till now."

Originally, if we hadn’t attacked, Youta would still be living a peaceful life.

Even if it’s called self-indulgence, the way to take responsibility is to return Youta to her old self.

"R-responsibility? That’s… heavy."

Maybe it’s because she’s a high schooler… Hoshiko muttered, her cheeks flushing red.

I ignored that and pressed on.

"Yeah. It is. That’s why I need you to tell me the truth."

The Legion Brigade’s goal had always been to plunder emotional energy, so we never caused any physical harm.

Savaros was another story—but at the very least, we prioritized manipulating Earthlings’ emotions.

Even so, that doesn’t change the fact that we warped one boy’s life.

Calling myself her friend now would be downright presumptuous.

"But, y’know… my big sis is pretty ‘heavy’ too."

"Heavy? No, she’s light."

"Haruto-san, you’re amazing…"

All I could do was tilt my head at Hoshiko’s dreamy expression.

I don’t think it’s that praiseworthy.

Even in Haruto’s form—though my abilities are somewhat diminished compared to my original state—I can still exhibit physical prowess beyond the average human.

But even without that, the current Youta is delicate.

On that Christmas day, when I carried her as Luna, she was light as a feather.

I remember thinking, "She fought in a body like this?"

"Hmm… There’s this hotel restaurant my family only goes to for special celebrations."

"Hm."

I see.

A place tied to family memories.

That might work. It could even help mend Youta’s relationship with her family.

"But that alone might not be enough."

"…Not enough?"

Hoshiko’s expression turned unusually solemn.

Maybe I should take this seriously.

"Manga always says stuff like this is all about the mood. It’s about momentum!"

Momentum, huh.

In battle, morale is just as crucial.

Even if you’re at an advantage, if your spirit is crushed, the tide can turn in an instant.

I learned that firsthand in my fights with Luna.

There were more than a few times when a dominating situation was flipped on its head.

You could call it emotional reasoning, but this time, emotions are the main objective.

"Makes sense."

"Right?"

Hoshiko grinned, pleased by my agreement.

And so, the war council—began.

"Yeah! I think it's perfect!"

"Right."

Haruto-san nodded in satisfaction at the plan I'd put together.

I mean, I based it on a magazine I subscribe to regularly.

It's easy to imagine Big Sis's smile.

"Flawless, down to the last detail. With this, Hidaka should be happy too."

...It's always bugged me, but Haruto-san never calls Big Sis by her first name.

Even though they're so close.

It's always her last name or that weird nickname, "Youta."

Why is that?

And yet, he calls me by my first name. I just don't get it.

I feel like before Christmas, he used to call Big Sis by her name too...

I try to force the memory, but a sharp pain shoots through my head, making me stop.

"You okay?"

"Y-Yeah!"

Haruto-san looks genuinely worried as he watches me.

Was my face really that strained?

I quickly throw up a victory pose to show I'm fine.

"I've overstayed my welcome. I'll clear out before Hidaka gets back. The rest is up to you—stick to the plan."

"...W-Wait!"

Before I realize it, I call out to stop him as he heads for the door, a paper bag stuffed with reference materials in hand.

"What is it?"

I hope it goes well."

"...Yeah."

The smile Haruto-san gives me is so gentle that, even if it's meant for Big Sis, it makes my heart skip a beat—but that's a secret.

Please, let this work out...