V4Ch14: White Disturbance

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Translator: Soafp

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When Yakumo contacted her, Shirase arrived within just a few minutes.

“—Sorry to keep you waiting!”

She was out of breath, probably from running.

“Thanks for coming all the way here, Nee-chan.”

“Think nothing of it. I just happened to be walking nearby!”

That's definitely a lie.

She was clearly out of breath, but I didn't call her out on it. Yakumo, who surely noticed too, didn't say anything either.

After entering the classroom, Shirase hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to me. I felt like the distance between us was unusually close, but maybe I was just imagining it.

But—

I was surprised when I looked at her. Compared to before, she seemed… brighter. Her expression looked much more cheerful.

“You look good, Nee-chan.”

“Well, the problem I was dealing with is gone now. Of course I'd look better.”

“I'm really glad to hear that.”

Listening to the sibling conversation, I tilted my head in curiosity.

Noticing my confusion, Shirase explained.

“I hadn't told you yet, Shota-san, had I? Actually, the family issues finally got resolved last weekend. We talked things through, and the situation with my father was cleared up.”

Shirase had been in conflict with her father.

That was why she'd been living on her own, but apparently things had progressed.

“That's great news. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Though, it's all thanks to mother.”

From what I heard, her parents had clashed over how to handle things with her.

In the end, her father gave in, and they began moving toward reconciliation. After their discussions, things were starting to turn out in a way that made Shirase happy.

I had been going through some changes myself, but it seemed like she had too.

“So then, what did you need me for?”

“First, I've got something I wanted to ask Shota-senpai.”

“A question?”

“Well actually—”

Yakumo relayed the earlier conversation to her.

“I see, so that's what happened.”

Shirase sounded surprised, though her expression didn't change.

“I see, so Shion-san has gotten serious. As someone aspiring to become a goddess myself, she's a powerful rival. She was already a strong opponent, and now that she's that motivated, it's honestly a bit scary. I'll have to stay sharp.”

She seemed fired up.

At the moment, the active goddesses had the advantage, but the race was apparently still very close. No one could say for sure how it would end.

On top of that, Shion had Kuromine assisting her. I figured it would turn into quite the close match.

“Shirase. Actually, there's something I need to tell you too. In fact, this is the main reason I called you.”

“Yes?”

“…I want to withdraw from the White faction.”

“Eh?”

In a complete shift from before, Shirase looked like her world had just ended.

“C-Could I ask why…?”

Her voice trembled with unease.

“It's because of what we were just talking about. I've decided to support Shion.”

“But—”

She started to say something but then glanced at Yakumo and stopped.

She was probably going to bring up the whole issue about other goddesses trying to recruit me. But with Yakumo present, she decided not to say it.

“If it's about that issue, it's all good now.”

“Huh?”

“I'll explain it in more detail later, but the problem's been resolved.”

Depending on how things went with Akazawa, I wouldn't have to worry about dealing with other goddess factions anymore.

I'd already reconciled with Aoyama and Kuromine.

And the other factions weren't trying to recruit me. Everyone besides Akazawa had already dropped out of the contest. Things had changed a lot since back then.

“What about your vote, then?”

“I'm voting for Shion. That won't change.”

When I said that, Shirase let out a sigh of relief.

“Understood. It's only natural for a brother to vote for his sister. I'm disappointed you won't be voting for me, but I can accept your reasons.”

Shirase accepted it.

“Oh, but is there any issue with you leaving the White faction?”

“Issue?”

“…You know, aren't there some extreme types in the group?”

Apparently, I was now considered a candidate for godhood, so I might be drawing some attention.

“If that's the concern, I think it'll be fine. There are a few… intense people, yes, but if you're supporting your own sister, Shion-san, then no one will get upset. Supporting your own sibling is a perfectly valid reason, and changing your support isn't strange in that case.”

So that's how it is.

I guess switching sides is fine as long as it's to support my sister. Yeah, if I voted for Akazawa, people would probably hold a grudge.

Incidentally, my vote is set in stone. No matter how things end up with Momoka, I'll still vote for Shion.

“So yeah… thanks for everything up to now.”

“Don't worry about it. I'm not sure how helpful I was, but if I made even a small difference, I'm glad.”

I heard from Kuromine that she really did help.

“Although… I'd appreciate it if we could stay on good terms going forward.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you leave the White faction at this timing, people might think we had a falling out.”

Ah, I see. That made sense.

Switching factions now could make it look like I had a fight with Shirase, especially from an outsider's point of view.

Image matters when you're aiming to be a goddess. And since this change is happening because of my situation, I should at least help her out with that.

“Got it. I'll make sure it's clear that we're still on good terms.”

“Thank you. That's a relief.”

Shirase relaxed her shoulders in visible relief.

And then, it happened.

“Hey, why don't we hang out and talk here for a bit?”

“An empty classroom, huh? Sounds perfect—”

As we heard voices, the door to the unused classroom opened.

“Huh, oh it’s Onii-chan.”

“…”

The ones who entered the classroom were Shion and Momoka.

---

Why are they here?

Also, why together?

I had no idea what was going on. They had both said they didn't know each other, and yet they walked in chatting and smiling.

Ignoring my bewildered expression, Shion approached me.

First, she waved her hand in my direction. I instinctively raised mine and waved back. Then Shion turned to look at Yakumo.

“Nice seeing you again.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Yakumo looked flustered as he replied. Judging from that, it seemed like his love life still had a long road ahead.

“Long time no see, Shirase-senpai.”

“Yes, it has been a while.”

Shirase responded, glancing past her.

“By the way—”

“Oh, this is Momoka Akazawa-chan.”

“Of course I know her. Um, were you friends with Shion-san?”

“We're planning to be from now on.”

“…?”

“Actually, she just came up and talked to me, and said she wanted to be friends. So, we're going to chat a bit to get to know each other better.”

Just now?

What is she planning?

I turned toward Momoka. Honestly, I expected our eyes to meet. But her gaze was fixed somewhere between Shirase and me, staring intently.

…That's kind of creepy.

As I was thinking that, Momoka approached.

“Nice to meet you, Shirase-senpai.”

“Y-Yes, nice to meet you.”

With that, Momoka sat down without hesitation—right next to me, on the opposite side of Shirase. Then, she scooted her chair aggressively closer. Close enough that we were practically touching. In fact, her hand was already brushing against mine.

“Oh, Shirase-senpai.”

“Y-Yes?”

“Thank you for looking after my dear Shota Nii-san.”

Momoka said that with a smile directed at Shirase—but her eyes weren't smiling at all.

I glanced at Shirase to see her reaction, and though she kept her usual refined expression, I could see the unmistakable signs of agitation flicker across her face.