IBYSRHML | Chapter 42

Episode 42

I couldn’t tell what expressions they had on their faces.

But even when you can’t see or hear, some reactions can be felt just through silence.

Like when we sat side by side with my sisters on the white sand, watching the evening sea — even without a word, it was clear how much we all cherished that time.

“I heard Big Sister is making something called a Soul Vow. That’s really scary, isn’t it?”

The supernatural power that awakens along with the Awakening Fever at age fourteen is like a third arm to an esper.

Just as a child naturally learns to walk, they learn to use their power instinctively — restricting that ability is like disabling a perfectly good ankle.

The stronger and more frequently used the power, the greater the resistance to limiting it.

And Big Sister’s power was one of the most renowned in Trovancha.

I can’t just sit back and watch Big Sister have her powers restricted through a Soul Vow.

Normally, there’s nothing I could do for her, but Marius happened to offer a wish ticket first.

No matter how much of a wrecked male lead he is, he’s still the emperor — I believe he’ll take responsibility for what he says.

Of course, he probably can’t fulfill my wish 100%…

“I wish Big Sister wouldn’t get married, but Regina sister said we have to respect her decision. I’m not really sure what respect means though…”

“…”

“Please make sure Big Sister can keep using her powers. Okay?”

Big Sister, wielding her power, was truly cool.

Surrounded by an ice storm as cold as the winter wind, the Coast Guard ship always moved at top speed.

The ship sliced swiftly through the sea, reaching pirates and invaders who entered Trovancha’s waters.

No longer did the Coast Guard agents have to clash swords with pirates — just a wave of her hand and the enemy ship would shatter.

The agents only had to pull the villains from the sea and tie them up with rope — that was it.

Returning to land like that, Big Sister became a hero who protected the nation and grew ever closer to the mother she had always aspired to be like.

That’s why the ice storm was undoubtedly her pride.

I came to understand the words “pride” and “passion” by watching Big Sister.

“…Is that really your only wish?”

“Uh-huh?”

When I looked up cautiously, I saw Marius smiling softly.

He then ruffled my hair wildly.

“Egyak!”

“If you’re a kid, you should make a wish for a candy house or something. That’s way too modest, don’t you think, Leopold?”

“Yeah. It’s really modest.”

“So that’s the wish ticket. Aren’t you curious about the gift I’m giving you?”

“I am curious…”

“Max! Our future little sister-in-law picked the perfect plot, right?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Good. Build a playground on it. Make sure it has everything — swings, seesaws, slides, the works. Got it?”

“Yessir! I’ll contact the contractors right away.”

Watching Uncle Max move busily, I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the situation.

So… I actually succeeded?

“She’s a little kid who puts grown-ups to shame.”

As Liliana took Leopold’s hand and left, the mischief vanished from Marius’ face.

What remained was an awkward, wry smile.

He let out a sigh, clearly filled with complicated emotions.

“I thought she was just a child, but she surprised me.”

At Max’s comment, Marius gave a faint smile.

“Right? I don’t know where a kid like that came from. Other kids would ask for a candy castle or something.”

“Are you really going to grant that wish about limiting her powers?”

“I made a promise. Adults shouldn’t lie to children.”

“But…”

“We’ll just add a few clauses. Put on just enough restriction, but make sure Ms. Alice can still use it comfortably. Wordplay — it’s what we do best, isn’t it?”

“…I’ll prepare it.”

“Good. And Edgar?”

“The young lord is doing well, as always. Studying hard, playing hard.”

“Good. I’m glad he’s doing well. As long as I stay away, it’s best we keep our distance like this.”

That way, neither Edgar nor I will end up hurt.

Watching Marius hold back his words, Max felt tight in the chest.

Just months ago, Marius had cared for Edgar like a son. Then one day, as if flipped, he began keeping his distance like a stranger.

Since Max had no memory of the time that was reversed, he couldn’t understand the situation.

But one thing was clear — both Marius and Edgar were covered in wounds.

***

In the blink of an eye, a month passed, and Big Sister’s wedding approached.

Edgar and I were chosen as flower children, so we spent a month learning the ceremony steps.

Marius and Edgar’s relationship hadn’t changed.

Marius tried to approach several times, but when Edgar openly avoided him, he gave up and kept his distance.

My sisters were also extremely busy, helping prepare for the wedding while working.

On the day of the wedding, it was no different, so Edgar and I headed to the chapel first.

Holding a tiny bouquet in both hands, I inhaled and exhaled repeatedly.

Then Edgar looked at me as if he didn’t understand and asked,

“Why are you breathing like that?”

“I’m nervous. Aren’t you nervous?”

“We’re just supposed to follow behind His Majesty and Ms. Alice, then quietly step to the side, right?”

“What if we trip and fall by accident?”

Edgar shook his head, unable to understand my worries.

At times like that, he seemed more seventeen than seven.

“You know today’s the big day, right?”

“Of course. Today, I’m going to make Helen Eldridge and Chris Ruman my underlings.”

A revenge we’d been preparing for an entire month.

We exchanged glances and grinned.

That’s when my sister Regina waved at us to get ready to enter, apparently having arrived unnoticed.

The wedding began. The pipe organ played, and the Imperial Choir began their heavenly chorus.

Marius and Big Sister would enter together, and we would follow behind them.

Originally, flower children walked at the very front and scattered petals, but because it was a royal wedding, all we had to do was brighten their path from behind.

‘Brother really didn’t come after all…’

Because he firmly refused to attend the wedding, Marius and Big Sister would walk in together.

Does he really not want to see me that much? Or is he just sick and tired of all his younger siblings?

I’ll have to send another letter soon to gauge his feelings.

I’ll say I’ve grown taller, and he might not recognize me in a few months.

“Little one. You’ll do fine, right?”

“Yeah. I have to do well. Ugh, I’m nervous. What do I do?”

As I flailed, Edgar spoke to Regina sister.

“Don’t worry. I’ll look after Lilliana.”

“Then I’ll trust you, young lord.”

Since she had to sit before the ceremony began, Regina sister hurried to sit beside Emilia sister.

Behind the archbishop, Big Sister and Marius began their entrance.

Marius looked at us waiting by the door and winked.

Edgar averted his gaze slightly, and I stuck my tongue out.

Finally, the entrance began.

Following the instructions we’d learned over the past month, we walked slowly three steps behind them.

‘This feels strange…’

Looking at the back of Big Sister in her wedding dress, tears began to well up for no reason.

Once she gets married, Big Sister becomes the Empress of the Empire.

Until now, she was just my sister…

Seeing with my own eyes that she was being taken by someone else felt weird.

I was scared we might grow apart in the future.

Our other sisters, seated among the guests, were also watching her with reddened eyes.

‘Is Edgar okay?’

I shifted my gaze to check on Edgar beside me.

Despite not getting along with Marius, his face showed no emotion, even though his own brother was getting married.

Maybe it was because the groom wasn’t Leopold.

As thoughts swirled in my head, we reached the altar.

Edgar and I quietly stepped aside and sat in our designated seats.

“Well done.”

Regina sister whispered softly into my ear.

Leopold, seated next to Edgar, glanced at us and then turned his head.

Normally, only family could sit in the front row of a wedding.

Leopold, being from a house bound to the imperial family by marriage, had been placed in the front with Edgar.

“Before the wedding ceremony begins, the bride, Miss Alice Berchio, will take a Soul Vow.”

What?! At the high priest’s declaration, the tears that had been welling up dried instantly.

My head snapped around.

A Soul Vow? That’s not the same as a promise!

I definitely used the wish ticket for Big Sister!

I glared at Marius with so much force it could’ve pierced him.

Just then, the Tower Master, François Cassel, came forward.

“Marquis François Kassel, current head of the Magic Tower, will oversee the Soul Vow magic.”

From his fingertips, a round light sprang forth.

It split into several strands, intertwining and floating up before falling and repeating.

“We will now begin the Soul Vow to restrict Miss Alice Berchio’s abilities.”

You’re not getting away with this, Marius von Chemelhoffen! I’ll get my revenge…!