Quinn-sensei's little Illusionist lecture lasted longer than expected.
True to her word, she only shared some of her own insights into the use of Illusion Arcana. Yet, from a sixth-ring Arcana Mage bearing the blood of an ancient dragon, even a few scraps of knowledge that slipped between her fingers were treasures beyond measure for Elena, who had been groping her way through the dark.
Linen listened with just as much interest. He might not be an Illusionist, but the school's core doctrine—deception—fascinated him deeply.
When Quinn sprinkled in a few stories about tricking powerful enemies, or her own unique interpretations of the "Great Way of Deception," Linen's eyes lit up.
Especially upon hearing that, back when she was only fifth-ring, his imperial sister had risked her life to toy with a twelfth-ring Arcana Mage from the Tower of Chronomancy—ruining his forbidden spell research just as it was on the verge of success—if it weren't for the setting, he would've been tempted to give her a thumbs up and say:
"Quinn—good one!"
Only Hysteria seemed out of place in the cheerful mood, chewing boredly on the paper straw in her teacup until she spat it out with force.
"Peh, peh, peh—paper straws are so bad even dogs wouldn't use them!"
"Huh?"
Sharp as ever, Hysteria suddenly looked at Quinn, who was sitting beside her.
"Your face looks really red."
"Is it…? Mmh—!"
At Hysteria's words, Elena also lifted her head—only to find that this teacher, who always seemed effortlessly graceful and composed, had somehow slipped into a strange state.
The deep, elegant schemer's gaze had grown hazy; her pale, almost translucent cheeks were tinged with blush. A few silver strands had fallen over the rims of her wire glasses, and she hadn't bothered to push them back. Even her shoulders were trembling slightly, as if enduring something.
It was such an odd reaction that even Hysteria could tell something was very, very off.
"She must be exhausted!"
Hysteria felt she had uncovered the truth.
"Didn't this silver… ugh, annoying big sister just say she'd been pretending to be Gust-sensei for a long time to deal with those bad guys? Fooling all those high-ring examiners must've been a huge drain."
"Exactly. Well spotted, Hysteria-hime. You noticed what no one else did."
Linen put on a show of exaggerated surprise.
"Royal Sister, shall I help you over to rest for a bit?"
"Hehe… then I'll trouble you, dear little brother."
Quinn shot her beloved brother a glare that was almost fierce. At this moment, her right foot was still firmly trapped in his grasp beneath the table. She could force her way free, of course—but then Elena and Hysteria would both notice.
Quinn didn't particularly care about her image in the two girls' eyes, but… once something came out into the open, it just wasn't as fun, was it?
Linen, on the other hand, had his fingers firmly pressed on his fun-loving sister's sweet spot. He sipped his tea unhurriedly, confident she wouldn't refuse.
Elena seemed like she wanted to speak up. If it were the old her, she wouldn't have thought anything of it.
But after just having been given the "Mischief-Master Quinn's Complete Works," she now felt… that something was wrong everywhere.
Only she couldn't put her finger on it.
So all she could do was look at Linen with faint worry.
"Don't overthink it. She's just my sister."
Meeting her eyes, Linen spoke softly, almost casually.
At his words, Elena's heart loosened, and she felt a little embarrassed.
Right. Her Excellency Quinn is Linen-kun's real sister. How could she possibly do anything to hurt him? I've just been too wrapped up in Illusion training—jumpy at shadows.
However—leaning lazily against Linen, Quinn turned her head as if offhandedly and added:
"Of course, I'm his real sister… though in the zero-blood-ties sense. Isn't that right, little brother?"
The moment she saw Linen give a somewhat helpless nod, Elena forgot every piece of knowledge she'd just learned, and her hands tightened so hard on her teacup it was a wonder it didn't shatter.
Supporting Quinn—who was putting nearly her entire weight on him, especially the heavy twin mounds at her chest, pressing on him quite deliberately—Linen walked her over to a shaded spot before finally pushing her off with a face that said you've had your fun.
"Alright, Quinn-neesan, fun's over. I think it's time you told me your real reason for coming to see me."
"What are you saying, my dear brother? Can't a sister make a special trip just to visit her beloved little brother? Why make it sound so… suspicious?"
When Linen only stared at her, expressionless, Quinn gave a tiny sigh, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Linen, you've changed. The old you would never have dared to hurt your sister like this. Is it because of those two girls?"
"And what was the old me like?"
Linen answered her question with one of his own. For a moment, Quinn had no reply. She glanced up at him reflexively—only to find those calm, blue-green eyes fixed steadily on hers, with the sense of a storm brewing beneath.
"A powerless toy—one that didn't dare, and couldn't, resist. Isn't that right?"
Linen's voice was low, each word bitten off.
Quinn's narrowed eyes opened a fraction, and she smiled lightly.
"I never—"
"That's always what you meant, Quinn Norton."
Linen cut her off sharply.
"Born with high-concentration dragon blood, looking down on all… you've always been like that."
"Do you actually care about some so-called 'brother' in the biological sense? No—you just wanted to watch someone who was clearly useless, slowly crushed beneath the so-called 'honor' of the Dragonblood family, until the moment he collapsed completely."
"Don't think I don't know why you came. The moment you saw I seemed to be doing well, you must have been disappointed. In your mind, I'm the kind of doll who should have run straight into your arms, begging for comfort and support."
"You're wrong, my dear sister. You're wrong."
His eyes narrowed, voice turning razor-sharp.
"You—and our mother, the great Her Highness Tivira—you're both wrong. I, Linen Norton, will never be anyone's puppet on strings, nor anyone's toy."
"Whether it's turning the Tower of Chronomancy upside down, or teaming up with those two girls—it's all my own will. Even if I keep suffering setbacks, it has nothing to do with you."
"As for you, my dear sister—you've never seen me as your real little brother. And as for me… when have I ever seen you as my real sister?"