''...Healthy? You?''

  ''Huh?''

  I mean... she didn't have to be that skeptical.

  Facing Lyra's obvious and perhaps reasonable doubts, I faked a pout. It was nothing more than an exaggerated gesture, but my little sister almost sprung back in surprise. That side of her was also adorable.

  ''Heheh...'' I chuckled. ''Was my acting that convincing?''

  ''...You rarely frown like that, big sis.''

  ''Oh, is that so?''

  Well, jokes aside, it seemed my image among these women had become quite problematic. I wasn't an idiot. I knew they saw me as someone so fragile I might as well break if I ever fell.

  To some extent, that was true... but then again, 'I' might be a normal human being, while Cecilia definitely wasn't. As I gradually got used to this body, I realized how incredibly resilient it was. As long as I didn't waste any energy, I could last for quite a while.

  If I played my cards well, I might actually be able to extend my life for some periods, which might allow me to find some sort of solution...

  ...Yeah. It probably wasn't going to happen. Even if I found one, I had to worry about the demons forcing me to act, too.

  In any case, the gist of it is that I was healthier and stronger than I appeared. The common coughs definitely increased as a result of my weakened physical body, but the bloody ones were a bit rarer now. All of that was thanks to my adaptation, I suppose.

  I felt so confident, even, that I proudly told Lyra I could show her just how healthy I was.

  ''Hah... hah... ugnh...''

  ...Of course, that didn't pan out quite well for me.

  But who could have thought running just a mere lap or two around the garden would render me almost paralyzed like this...? I didn't even have the mental capacity to realize how much I had run—that was the most showing aspect of it.

  ''Ugh...''

  It was strange. I didn't sweat a lot or anything, but my lungs were seriously giving up, with each breath of the cold air piercing me painfully. My muscles—especially my quads—throbbed like they would soon fail on me entirely. More than me 'not having enough stamina,' it was closer to 'I couldn't use my body properly at all!'

  So that was why Lucy told me not to get hurt at any cost.

  [It takes a ridiculous amount to repair your body!]

  I could still hear her nagging voice ringing in my head.

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  ''Big sis...!''

  As I was about to slump down, Lyra ran over with an urgent expression and held me. Judging from her furrowed brows, which were rare, my little sister seemed quite worried.

  Without much strength left to stabilize myself, I quietly leaned into her arms. Admittedly, it was really reassuring, but... this slender yet toned build of hers reminded me of Rachael. Actually, when did she get so big...?

  When I hazily looked up at her, I felt a strange jolt. It must be me hallucinating, but her cheeks seemed a bit... hot.

  ''...Lyra?''

  ''Big sis...''

  My little sister's voice was gentle, almost sweet. Then, she began to lean down... wait, what was this strange development—

  ''Ugh...?!''

  ''You idiot. Why would you try to run when you can't even finish a lap?''

  ''Muh... you didn't have to flick my forehead like that!''

  Wait, that was so mean! Moreover, I didn't finish a single lap...?

  This was perhaps my most devastating reality check so far. I wasn't someone who particularly liked exercising in the past, but I definitely wasn't this bad at it.

  ''Wah?!''

  While I was lamenting my fate, I felt my world flip rapidly. Soon enough, my whole weight was completely taken off of my legs, which meant... Lyra was holding me up—in a proper princess carry, no less.

  It was just as strange as it was baffling. Still, I had no intention of fighting back. I knew I couldn't, and I was sure Lyra didn't have bad intentions of anything.

  So, I obediently clung to my little sister and let her carry me back inside.

  ''Heheh... I suddenly remembered.'' I muttered.

  ''?''

  ''Didn't you say you would carry me one day back then? To think you've become big enough to do this...''

  ''...''

  Lyra didn't reply, which was just so on-brand for her, but I noticed her arms tightening around me. If anything, this was a solid sisterly bonding moment for the two of us.

  Along the white path littered with snow, I remained nested in her warm embrace as we went back to my room.

  I loved these moments. They filled me with love and joy, but at the same time, shook me so much I wished they would never end—so that I would have more time to ponder.

  ...

  When we arrived at our destination, it was a bit past noon. Lyra gingerly put me on the bed, gave me some water, and...

  ''Ah.''

  ''Don't be stubborn anymore.'' She said, squishing my cheeks. ''Just stay still. I'll take care of you.''

  Wasn't that Mary's job...? Actually, where did my maid go? I hadn't seen her as much these days.

  ''Answer.''

  ''Ah, o-okay.''

  Of course, that kind of thinking wasn't what I had hoped for, but I knew I couldn't move her no matter what, so I complied. In time, she should realize the futility of it all.

  Oh, that sounded a bit deep.

  Nonetheless, my body felt a bit sticky from the sweat, so I reluctantly tapped Lyra's hand, ''Mhm... I want to take a bath now.''

  ''Got it. I'll prepare the water.''

  ''Ah, I can—''

  ''No.''

  What a stubborn girl...

  In any case, I waited for Lyra to finish preparing the hot water, which didn't take even a minute. I wondered if she used her magic for it. Still, my little sister was kind enough to bring me a towel and a set of clothes as well.

  ''Thanks.''

  ''It's nothing.''

  I noticed my little sister holding out her hand, but no matter how weak I was, I could certainly walk to the bathroom myself. At this point, it was a matter of pride.

  So, I sternly shook my head, at which point Lyra relented.

  Upon entering the bathroom, I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

  Comfortable as it was, having Lyra take care of me so thoroughly like this felt wrong. I wonder if she got too attached to me. Either way, I suppose it was better than being hated by her.

  For the moment, I decided to shimmer myself in the hot tub for a bit. I know I didn't move much at all, but I was seriously exhausted.

  ''Hah...''

  A hot bath was something I loved no matter what body I was in. It helped to lower my stress level and relieve my fragile body, be it briefly. In here, I could stop thinking about everything just for a while and truly relax.

  ''...''

  Drowsy.

  A part of me denied the idea that I was already sleepy just a few hours after waking up. Still, my eyelids felt heavy... it wouldn't be a problem if I closed my eyes for a bit, right...?