Ryouma could feel it—that pure power of a planetary Ultimate One.
Surely, only a god could rival it.
To be embraced by such a noble, resplendent queen, to feel such affection from her…
In every sense, it left his heart conflicted.
He had long passed the age of being pampered, yet before Crimson Moon's doting, he had no means of resisting.
"Looking closely, you're really quite adorable. As expected of my little brother. I'll have to shower you with even more love now."
"Um… could you not treat me like a child? I am a man, after all…"
"Protest denied. Being a man has nothing to do with it. I am everything. As your onee-san, you are to obey unconditionally.
All you need to do is accept my love. Hmph~ what an ungrateful little brother you are! Truly hateful!"
Crimson Moon rubbed her cheek against his.
Closer, more intimate than before.
Under the guise of doting on her brother, she was really venting her own uncontainable desires.
Ryouma understood her domineering nature well.
There was no stopping her overflow of affection.
He could even guess why she was doing this—most likely because of the story of Lunar Coral he had told.
That tale's ending had been tragic.
The man who had lost his emotions, and the inhuman princess who taught him love—in their final moments, they truly fell in love.
But the story didn't end there.
For the princess to live on as human, the man had sacrificed himself to send her away from the dying Moon. Their love ended in separation.
The time they shared as true lovers was less than a single day.
Ryouma remembered well—when she had heard that ending, Crimson Moon's bright curiosity had fallen silent.
At last, she had summed it up.
Her favorite story was Lunar Coral.
And also, her most hated story was Lunar Coral.
"Ryouma, I hate that kind of ending.
My everything shines because of you. Because of you, I know what happiness is. That's why I won't let any boring ending get in our way."
Her smile then had been warm, pure.
A faint breeze stirred her golden hair, making her appear all the more enchanting.
Her crimson gemstone eyes gazed at him with a seriousness that seemed to carve him into her soul.
Without realizing it, Ryouma was mesmerized.
And so, he gave her his trust.
It was because she understood separation could happen that she sought to bind him closer under the pretense of kinship.
The truth was, Crimson Moon was the lonelier one.
Once you tasted the pain of imperfection, even the most perfect lifeform was no longer flawless.
She was the clearest example.
"Family…"
Ryouma felt the warmth she conveyed to him.
The softness of her body in their embrace.
But in his heart, he also recalled—the Fantasy Tree seed had foretold that Crimson Moon would meet her end in the year 300 A.D.
The joy of the moment was shadowed.
He was glad to see her so happy, yet buried deep within him was the worry of that seed's warning.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
The Moon had no tools to measure it.
Ryouma thought today would be like all the others: Crimson Moon would come find him, to chat, to while away the hours.
But today felt different.
When he saw her, she was again standing statue-still, gaze locked on Earth.
Ryouma knew she never acted pointlessly.
So he didn't interrupt.
Ever since he had been by her side, her lonely vigils had grown fewer.
Soon, Crimson Moon turned to him.
"Ryouma, I have good news.
I thought I was bound to this star. But now—we have another choice.
It came so easily.
Before, I struggled not knowing how to begin… but now, I've found it."
She hugged him, brimming with joy—another one of her smothering embraces.
Her voice overflowed with excitement.
"…Ah."
From her reaction alone, Ryouma could already guess.
The day had come.
This would be Crimson Moon's last on the Moon. The world would now surge toward the path of the Lostbelt.
"I just heard Earth's cry. It cannot govern its primate species, humanity.
So I gave my answer from here on the Moon—'If you cannot act, let me protect you in your place.'
It welcomed me gladly.
And not just me. You as well, Ryouma."
"Eh? Me too?"
He was startled.
He knew Crimson Moon would one day make a pact with Gaia, the planet's Counter Force.
But he hadn't thought she would insist on including him.
He hadn't expected that she had the makings of a doting elder sister after all.
He couldn't help but feel honored.
"As your onee-san, how could I ever forget my little brother? Once we reach Earth, you'll receive the planet's aid as well.
Of course, you'll never surpass me. But don't worry. I'll keep protecting and loving you as always. I love you~"
"…Yeah. I understand."
Ryouma nodded, deeply moved.
He, too, was a wisdom-born of the Moon. Yet unlike her, his existence had been forced in place by the Fantasy Tree seed, leaving him fragile.
Her gaining Gaia's support meant safety for him.
And it meant invaluable aid for his actions in the future.
This elder sister truly was dependable.
"My dear little brother. Stories and watching alone have grown dull. Come with me to that star. Together, we'll make our wishes come true."
Crimson Moon smiled tenderly, extending a graceful hand toward him.
Like inviting a partner onto the stage.
"Yes. Crimson Moon, I'll go with you."
Ryouma clasped her hand.
No grand words were needed—only the simplest of answers.
It was exactly what she wanted.
The way they reached Earth was far more direct than he had imagined.
No teleportation spells, no arcane transfers.
Crimson Moon simply held him in her arms, leapt from the Moon, and without hesitation shot straight toward Earth.
Propelled by pure magical energy.
Their method of landing was the most straightforward—falling.
Ryouma nearly fainted in terror.
To slam from the void of space into Earth… the fact he didn't vomit was a small miracle.
Thankfully, Crimson Moon brought him straight into the Sea of the Planet, the inner sea of the world.
There, the two would meet Gaia, the Counter Force itself.
[End of Chapter]
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