"Nearl, what do you think about Centaurea-chan's existence? Do you find her annoying? Or do you resent her for intruding on your life?"
Seeing Nearl's thoughtful expression, Ardan grew a little worried.
Though she had only spent a few days with Centaurea, and initially only let her stay at the Mejiro residence because of Nearl, a sister-like bond had begun to form between them.
She would sometimes feel mildly frustrated by Platinum's lack of ambition, sighing over her lazy, freeloading behavior—but in the end, it was because she cared somewhat that she felt that way.
So Nearl's opinion was especially important now. What if she deeply disliked this unfamiliar younger sister, Platinum? Where would that leave Ardan?
Fortunately, Nearl's next reaction put Ardan at ease.
"My opinion? I've never really minded one way or another. The life I lead is the path I've chosen for myself—no one else can interfere with that."
Nearl offered a reassuring smile.
"Can you tell me where she's staying now, Ardan? From what you said earlier, it sounds like you've gotten quite close."
"As for lodging, she's staying at my house for now. My grandmother seems quite fond of her, so it's not inconvenient at all."
Ardan gently twirled a lock of her hair, speaking with a touch of shyness.
"Thank you so much, Ardan. When there's a chance, I'll play for you a while, as a small token of thanks."
Lifting her violin case slightly, Nearl extended the invitation.
"That's more than enough—it's the thanks I'd love most."
Feeling her heartbeat quicken, Ardan's cheeks flushed. Since childhood, she had heard countless performances far more professional than Nearl's, yet this one felt uniquely different.
It's not the wine that intoxicates, but the scenery among the hills and streams.
"Wow, Chiyono O, I suddenly feel like a third wheel here."
Nearby, Dicta Striker, for some reason, felt abruptly and profoundly lonely, so much that she couldn't sit still.
"?"
Sakura Chiyono O wagged her tail in confusion.
"It seems I'll have to make another trip to the central district—to meet this sister I've never known. Ardan, Dicta Striker, I'll have to trouble you again."
"No trouble at all, it's really nothing."
Dicta Striker waved her hand generously, then glanced at her wristwatch and realized it was getting late.
"Oh no, Ardan, Chiyono O, hurry up! If we miss this train, we won't even be able to get into the dorm tonight!"
"Ah, you should've said something sooner, Dicta Striker! There's only 30 minutes till departure!"
Chiyono O panicked too. Missing afternoon training was one thing, but missing dorm curfew would be a real disaster.
"Don't panic, stay calm. If we run full speed now, it'll only take about 20 minutes. We still have time."
After a quick mental calculation, Dicta Striker breathed a sigh of relief. She reassured the still-flustered Sakura Chiyono O, then turned to bid farewell to Nearl.
"We should get going, Nearl. See you next time."
But she had only taken a few steps when she noticed that the best-endowed member of their trio was missing.
Looking back, sure enough, Ardan was still standing near Nearl, not having moved.
"Ardan? If we don't go now, it'll be too late."
Hearing Dicta Striker's urging, a trace of distress appeared on Ardan's face.
"As much as I'd like to go with you, my legs… I still can't run right now."
She bent down, touching her legs lightly. The bitterness in her heart was palpable even without words, and everyone present felt it keenly.
"Ah, sorry, I forgot."
Dicta Striker apologized softly. Seeing Ardan's condition, she was momentarily at a loss.
"Ardan, if you can't run, you won't be able to keep up… then we'll miss the train…"
Chiyono O was also flustered, and the situation reached an impasse.
"Why don't you two go ahead? I'll make arrangements for Ardan."
At that, Nearl put away her violin and stepped forward with a solution.
"I'm something of a local, so whether it's booking a hotel or something else, I'm fairly capable. Besides, my race just ended, and the academy's given me some time off, so there's no need to worry about my schedule."
"But Ardan has classes tomorrow."
"I can wake up early tomorrow…"
"No, I don't."
Ardan cut in.
"Huh?"
"I mean, I don't have anything scheduled tomorrow. My schedule starts the day after."
Ardan stated firmly.
"R-really? Did I remember wrong?"
Dicta Striker wasn't very confident in her own memory.
"If it's the day after, then there's no problem. Nearl, we trust your character, so we'll leave Ardan in your care."
And just like that, the problem was solved.
Dicta Striker and Sakura Chiyono O could rest easy and rush to catch their train; Ardan could take the chance to learn more about Nearl; and Nearl was happy to have been able to help a friend.
Everyone gained a bright future.
So after the other two hurried off, Ardan and Nearl began to chat.
"Nearl, have you thought about what you'll do next? Rest, or keep training?"
"My plan is to arrange a place for you to stay first. Ardan, do you mind a regular hotel? My hometown doesn't have any particularly luxurious hotels."
They walked one after the other, but Ardan's attention wasn't on the hotel question at all—she was caught by the word "hometown."
"Nearl, are you planning to return to your hometown? To tell them about your good results?"
Ardan probed carefully.
"That's right. It's been a long time since I visited the director and the others. Who knows how they'll scold me this time."
Though she said it like that, the look in Nearl's eyes was incredibly tender.
"In that case, Nearl, could I stay at your place for the night?"
After seeing the softness in Nearl's expression, Ardan fell into thought, then a clever idea struck her.
'It might not be very ladylike, but this is an opportunity I can't miss. I still know far too little about Nearl.'
That's what she told herself.
"Stay over? We do have a spare room, but the conditions aren't better than a hotel. In fact, a hotel would definitely be more comfortable than an orphanage."
Nearl didn't quite understand Ardan's decision.
"It's my first time visiting a friend's house, so I'd like to experience a different kind of living environment. How about it?"
Under Nearl's gaze, Ardan straightened up and offered a serene smile.
"I don't see why not. You're my friend—this is a small thing I can certainly decide."
"Mmm~"
With that confirmation, Ardan's steps became just a little lighter than before.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.