Kuroba-Hosted Party
In a gloomy mood, I changed from casual clothes to a cocktail dress. The cause: I had to attend a party hosted by my uncle as Mother's proxy.
Mother was invited but felt unwell and chose to rest. A simple absence call would've sufficed, but as Yotsuba, refusal was tricky. Thus, I was the stand-in.
"Sigh..."
That wasn't all. My escort wasn't Sakurai-san—it was my brother. Mother couldn't rely on him for personal care, but I didn't want him meeting the Kurobas.
"Miyuki-san, ready?"
A knock, then Sakurai-san's voice through the door. She'd come to fetch me from my dawdling.
"Ah, yes."
"You're already done?"
Seeing me prepared, she gave a wry smile.
"Such a sullen face will ruin that lovely dress."
"...That obvious?"
I thought I'd hidden it, but she saw through me—despite my efforts.
"To me, yes."
"Don't tease..."
It seemed subtle to others. I puffed my cheeks in protest. She chuckled, then turned serious.
"Sorry... But many have sharper 'eyes' than mine. Tatsuya-kun, for one—he spots my fatigue instantly."
I hadn't noticed hers at all... Was he that perceptive?
"I know you well, so I see your reluctance. But someone at the party might read you at a glance. You're no ordinary middle schooler—eliminate vulnerabilities. Even with Tatsuya-kun covering, there's a limit."
"Brother... covering for me?"
Spot-on advice, but that last bit snagged me. Him supporting me?
"As your Guardian, of course. He eliminates threats—kills if needed."
No joke in her expression. Guardians do kill rival mages, but he's barely a middle schooler. Could he really?
"Listen, Miyuki-san. Feelings show in eyes, facial edges—no matter how you hide. Master deceiving yourself first. Pretense convinces you before others."
"Pretense..."
Mulling her words, I boarded the autonomous commuter with my brother. Heading to the venue where he—Kuroba Uncle—awaited.
Widowed early, perhaps that's why—he's an utter doting fool. Annoyingly so.
Boasting about his same-age kids to me? What's his angle? Probably none—just wants to brag. Adults should do that among themselves.
I sighed softly, then glanced around. Only my brother—yet the thought of being seen made even sighing risky.
I unleashed a barrage, as if overwriting the air with sighs.
Entering the grounds, the gaudy entrance loomed. As I steeled myself, the commuter stopped.
My brother exited briskly, holding the door. I tightened my expression and stepped into the dull, depressing battlefield—just as the doors burst open.
"MENSOOOORE!"
Timing perfect—he'd been waiting. Kuroba Uncle greeted me exuberantly.
"L-Long time no see, Uncle. Thank you for the invitation."
"Glad you came, Miyuki-chan. Your mother okay?"
"Your concern is appreciated. Just fatigue—she's resting today."
"Relieved to hear. Oh, standing here's no good. Come in! Ayako and Fumiya can't wait to see you."
His words nearly drew a bitter smile. They did want to see me—probably. But he pretended not to know.
They really want him, not me.
Muttering inwardly, I followed to the center.
"Um... what about him?"
"Hm? Ah, your Guardian. Sorry, no normals allowed."
His servant-treatment of my brother irked me unbearably. I did the same, yet others doing it infuriated me.
"Young lady, call if needed."
Bowing, my brother stationed by the wall. Why accept this? We're blood siblings—doesn't the disparity bother him? Pondering, I headed to Ayako-san and Fumiya-kun's table.
(Original felt more subdued... Comic adds some silliness?)
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