...Tragedy can strike suddenly. It comes without warning. It can’t be avoided. And if you get caught up in it, there’s no escaping the trouble that follows. That’s what makes it a tragedy. —— “Hey, big brother! Your cute little sister is here! Treat me to some juice and cake, okay? ♪” “...” “...” Suddenly, the door opened, and my little sister was standing there. It was so sudden that I and Miyanoshita... I mean, Suzu, didn't know how to react and froze up. “...Huh?” Mashiro froze just the same. She tilted her head in confusion at the sight of Miyanoshita, who shouldn’t have been in the house at all. Her expression seemed to say “What’s going on?” “...” “...” “...” Silence. And then... “Naoto-san, who is this girl?! Is she the other woman?! I can’t believe it’s another elementary schooler! Don’t steal my character concept! Let’s do this again, from the top!” “Big bro, you brought a girl into your house! I’m impressed. I’ve changed my mind about you. You can get things done when you put your mind to it, huh? Is it better to say ‘when the time comes’ instead of ‘when you put your mind to it’? But you know, I think even elementary school girls are going too far. If you get arrested for being a lolicon, big bro, I’ll cry!” A storm was brewing. Both Mashiro and Suzu began bombarding me with questions. I wanted to set the record straight, but neither of them wouldn’t stop long enough for me to get a word in. Waaah, kaaah, kaaah! Their screching noises just kept on going. I was caught between the two of them. I looked up at the ceiling and sighed. “...Did I do something wrong do deserve this?” I pondered seriously. ― Thirty minutes later, I had somehow managed to calm the two of them down. We sat around the table, and I took charge of explaining the situation. “So yeah... this is my little sister. Mashiro Yuki. As you can see, she’s a cheeky elementary schooler.” “Hey, big brother. Did you really have to call me cheeky? If you’re going to say 'as you can see,' you should describe me as a super cute angel!” “As you can see, she’s got a few screws loose.” “Hey! What do you mean by that?!” She really was self-absorbed. “And this girl... is Suzu Miyanoshita. We met at an off-line event for a net game we both play, and since then, we’ve been gaming together in real life, too. That’s why she’s here today.” “Naoto-san, that’s not a very good explanation, is it? I’m your wife, your lifelong partner. Also, don’t forget to tell them about the time you proposed to me in the Ferris wheel at the amusement park, looking out over the night cityscape.” Don’t just casually lie and try to create a fait accompli. Also, give me back the effort I put in to somehow cover up our relationship. “Hmmm” “Hmph...” Mashiro and Suzu’s gazes crossed. It wasn’t like they were glaring daggers at each other, though. It was more like they were sizing each other up and keeping their distance. “...Why were you at big bro’s house, Miyanoshita-chan?” “Like I said...” I tried once again, but was cut off. “Your explanation doesn’t make sense. Keep quiet.”

“Okay...” Losing against your own little sister. How pathetic. “So then, why were you at my big bro’s house?” “Because I’m Naoto-san’s wife.” “Whoa, hey, don’t just spout lies like that!” “...I’m planning to become his wife.” If I said that this statement was also a lie, I would basically give her my answer to her confession as well... Damn, she’s sly. Now I can’t say anything. Suzu glanced at me and smiled triumphantly. What a schemer. “Haaah... Well, do whatever you want. You two can talk as much as you like. I leave it to you.” There was nothing I could do at this point. Whether she was an elementary schooler or not, girls were stronger than boys. I decided to leave things up to fate. And I also decided to leave it up to the two of them to talk things out. Picking up my phone I launched a game and waited. ―――――――――― “Big bro!” After a little while, Mashiro called out to me. Looks like their discussion was over. Mashiro was grinning as she jabbed me in the side with her elbow. “You player you.” “Huh, what?” Why is she complimenting me? “I never thought you’d get a girlfriend, big bro, but it turns out I was wrong. It’s amazing that you managed to snag such a cute, nice girl.” “I didn’t snag anyone, okey?” “You don’t have to be embarrassed; don't be shy!” It didn’t seem like there was any point in trying to explain. Mahshiro had already convinced herself that Suzu and I were dating. “Uh... Mashiro, you’re not against this, are you?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” “We’re an elementary schooler and a high schooler. Can we really be together?” “It’s not that unusual.” “Huh?” “It’s not like there are tons of them, but I do have friends who are dating high school boys, you know?” “Really...?” “There are even some with college boyfriends and some already go to work.” “REALLY!?” Japan isn’t as doomed as I thought it was. “After talking to her, I can tell she’s a pretty nice girl. You better take good care of her, okay?” “Uh, but...” “Oh, I should get going. I just came by to see how you were doing. You two lovebirds take care!” Mashiro said what she wanted, shook everything up a bit, and then left the house. “She’s a nice little sister, isn't she?” “...But she gets caught up in her own fantasies, doesn’t listen to what other people say, is selfish, and loves to beg for things. Oh, and she’s a bit of a know-it-all, too...” I looked up in exasperation.