You're His Sister After All

Shido had fallen silent for a brief moment hearing Mana's words. He observe her expression and that it hadn't change at all and she simply smiled at him waiting for his answer.

Kotori, however, was anything but calm. Her mind raced for an excuse, but every possible explanation sounded ridiculous even to herself. '

'Maybe I could say it was someone else with a similar appearance? No, that's absurd… Who would believe that?'

Unlike Reine, Origami, and Kurumi, who knew the full truth, Kotori was still unaware that Shido had turned into a Spirit. To her, his ability was simply borrowing the Astral Dresses and Angels of the Spirits he had sealed. But now, with Mana piecing things together, the situation had become dangerously on the edge.

Meanwhile Reine didn't say anything and just observe the scene unfolding. Origami was the same, but she was more cautious, and observe Mana's reaction. They had seen the footage of Shido's battle against Jessica and her squad, so it wasn't hard to guess what Mana was trying to confirm.

"Yes, you're correct. That's me." After a brief silence, Shido answered Mana's question firmly. There was not a hint of denial or excuse on his words and he admitted it.

Kotori immediately snapped at him, glaring in frustration. She couldn't believe how impulsive he was being, admitting it so easily without any plan to contain the situation. But Shido simply smile softy and turn his attention back at Mana who had complicated expression.

But with his Observation Haki, Shido could tell that Mana wasn't truly angry or frustrated. There was a trace of disappointment, but the majority of her emotions leaned toward... relief and even gladness?

Shido was confused. 'Why would she feel glad about this?'

"I... see." Mana replied.

He was already expecting it but the reality really was hard to believe. She couldn't believe that her brother turned into a Spirit while, she became a Wizard that fought Spirit. 

Despite the complicated emotion she was feeling in her heart, Mana felt happy that Shido honestly answered her question, even though they stood on opposite sides.

But no matter their allegiances, she didn't want to fight him. He was her last remaining family, and she couldn't bear to lose him now.

Then she glanced at Origami who was sitting with Tohka and Yoshino in the living who didn't look surprised at all. She couldn't help but reveal a wry smile and asked her. "Did you already know about this, Origami-san?" 

"Yes." Origami nodded.

Mana frowned. "And you still brought me here? Aren't you afraid I'll report this to the higher-ups?"

"You won't." Origami said without hesitation.

Mana blinked. "Why do you seem to be so sure?" There was little emotion in Origami's voice, yet somehow, Mana could feel the quiet certainty behind her words.

"Because you are his sister."

Origami's simple statement struck deeper than Mana expected. For a moment, she was stunned. But then, the storm of emotions within her settled, and slowly, a familiar smile, the same one she had worn when she first saw Shido in the flesh, returned to her lips.

"You're right. I am Nii-sama's sister. There's no way I would do anything to harm him." Mana turned and looked at Shido warmly.

"Mana…" Shido was moved by her words. He wanted to hug her, but he knew that if he did, Kotori would definitely smack him later. So instead, he settled for gently patting Mana's head, an affectionate gesture befitting an older brother.

Even though he had become a Spirit and she a Wizard, their bond as siblings remained unchanged.

This made Mana felt bliss as Shido's patting was truly the best. But his patting didn't last for long as Shido could feel Kotori's intense gaze at him so he could only stop and Mana also reluctantly move her head away.

Mana suddenly thought of something and glanced playfully at Origami.

"But I have to say, I'm surprised you of all people could accept Nii-sama… and even become his girlfriend, Origami-san." She smirked slightly. "After all, from the records I've read about you, it seemed like you harbored deep resentment toward Spirits. Yet here you are, sitting so close to them. It's quite the change."

Origami remained unfazed, her expression as flat as ever.

Mana look around and glanced at Yoshino and Tohka who sat with Origami closely. She know that they were both Hermit and Princess. Mana couldn't help but thought to herself why she was fighting Spirits again.

They didn't seem harmful or dangerous at all, they even look adorable and nice. But of course Kurumi was different.

"A-Ahahaha... You also discovered their real identity." Shido laughed awkwardly as it wasn't really difficult to guess that they were Spirits.

Aside from the lack of Reiryoku emanating from them, Yoshino and Tohka looked exactly the same as the Spirits described in the records.

"People change," Origami stated flatly.

Mana watched as Origami turned her gaze to Tohka, who had been sitting quietly, her head tilting slightly in confusion. It was clear she had no idea what was going on, but in an attempt to act like she understood, she nodded mechanically.

Now that Origami was looking directly at her, Tohka suddenly became suspicious. Her eyes narrowed as she guard herself.

"Wh-What are you staring at?!" 

However, Origami completely ignored Tohka's reaction and continued speaking.

"Even though this girl is an idiot—"

"Who are you calling an idiot, you stupid cat?!" Tohka immediately exploded, jumping up as if ready to fight. But before she could do anything, Origami calmly extended a hand and placed it firmly on Tohka's forehead, stopping her in her tracks like she was holding back a misbehaving child.

Mana couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, while Reine allowed a faint smile to form on her lips. Meanwhile, Shido and Kotori exchanged wry smiles, already too used to this kind of interaction.

"...she's not bad at all." Origami's unexpected words made Tohka freeze.

"…Eh?" Tohka blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, as the words sank in, her eyes widened, and she looked at Origami, touched by the rare compliment. Moved by emotion, she even felt the urge to hug her.

But before she could act on it, Origami added flatly.

"Though she's still an idiot."

"Origami!!!" Tohka roared in frustration, shaking her fists at Origami.