After spending a week together, he finally managed to open up a corner of her little sister's heart.
This was the first time she had ever taken the initiative to speak to her.
Although she addressed her formally as "Miss Esdeath," and her tone was cautious and tentative, even so, just hearing her little sister's voice was enough to make her feel content.
Their first conversation in eight years left Esdeath feeling dazed for a moment, as a warm emotion slowly rose in her heart.
"Um… Miss Esdeath?"
Perhaps thinking Esdeath hadn't understood Yoshino intention, Yoshinon spoke up to explain, "What Yoshino means is that, after receiving so much kindness from you, she wants to return the favor with a gift. Is there anything you like?"
"Hmm..."
Yoshinon voice pulled Esdeath back to reality. As she returned to her senses, her lips parted slightly.
At first, she had intended to say that she hadn't done anything special, merely fulfilled her responsibilities, and there was no need for a gift in return.
However, deep down, she very much wanted to receive her little sister's first gift.
To her, no matter what she received from Yoshino, it would mean more than any reward from the emperor.
"As long as it's a gift from Yoshino, I'll like it."
After thinking for a while, Esdeath still couldn't name anything specific.
After all, the only things she truly liked were battle and slaughter—aside from those, there wasn't really anything she was fond of or wanted.
Moreover, if she mentioned something that would be difficult for Yoshino to get, it might stress her out, which wasn't good.
Hearing this, Yoshino showed a thoughtful expression.
After pondering for a moment, as if something had come to mind, she blinked her large eyes and said, "Miss Esdeath ice bunny is very cute. Yoshino wants to make one too, as a return gift."
Esdeath certainly had no objections to this offer.
However, a hint of confusion arose in her heart.
The ice bunny she had given Yoshino was made using the powers of her Teigu.
If Yoshino intended to carve one out of ice in return, never mind that it would melt before long—especially since it was summer and there wasn't much ice available to use...
Should she perhaps create a block of ice for her using her Teigu?
Just as Esdeath was lost in thought, Yoshino raised her hand.
A look of concentration appeared on her small face, as though she were fully focused on something.
Esdeath was puzzled as to what she intended to do when, the next second, a chill spread through the dining room.
Her expression froze, and upon seeing what was unfolding before her eyes, the confusion in her gaze was replaced by disbelief.
In the palm of Yoshino hand, a light blue piece of ice was rapidly forming, gradually taking the shape of a rabbit.
The ice bunny she created looked very Similiar to the one Esdeath had given her—both in style and shape—except hers was slightly larger. If placed side by side, anyone would assume they were a matching pair.
"Please accept it."
In just a few seconds, a rabbit made entirely of ice crystals appeared in Yoshino hand.
The coldness was contained—it didn't even feel cold to the touch—and it showed no signs of melting.
Yoshino extended the gift to Esdeath, but she stood frozen in place, unmoving.
Her eyes were locked onto the ice bunny, her gaze unfocused.
"Yoshino, just what is this...?"
Although Esdeath had briefly considered using the power of Demon's Essence to create ice for Yoshino, she hadn't actually done anything yet.
She was certain that the ice crystal now forming in Yoshino hand had nothing to do with her.
The feeling of receiving a return gift was now entirely replaced by something else.
"This ice sculpture—did you make it?"
Although she had watched the entire process from beginning to end, Esdeath still found it hard to believe and needed to confirm again.
"Mm."
Yoshino nodded, but didn't elaborate further.
"I forgot to tell Miss Esdeath," Yoshinon added nonchalantly, "Yoshino, just like you, also has the power to control ice and snow."
…And such an important thing could be forgotten?!
The corners of Esdeath eyes twitched.
More likely than not, it hadn't been forgotten, but deliberately hidden.
Which was understandable. After all, in Yoshino eyes, she was just a stranger claiming to be her sister. Telling all her secrets to someone she had just met would be even stranger.
After a week of getting along, Esdeath attitude had finally moved her. Only after she had begun to let her guard down did she become willing to reveal some of her secrets.
That kind of behavior made sense.
But the secret itself? That was what didn't make sense!
Her sister had the same power to control ice?
What kind of bizarre coincidence was this?!
Back then, Esdeath had consumed the entire supply of Demon's Manifestation: Demon's Essence, hadn't she? There shouldn't have been even a single drop left!
So where had Yoshino powers come from?
All at once, too many questions filled Esdeath mind, leaving her unsure of where to even start.
However, she was a seasoned warrior. She had encountered her fair share of strange things while stationed at the frontier over the years. Before long, she regained her composure.
Yoshino had revealed this power in front of her because she trusted her.
If she reacted too emotionally and scared her off, the entire week of effort might be wasted.
So, keeping her voice calm, she asked earnestly, "Yoshino, could you tell me more about your powers?"
On second thought, the source of Yoshino power was probably different from hers.
For one thing, Demon's Essence had long been under the royal family's control, and she herself had consumed all of it. Even if Yoshino had somehow obtained some of that blood, there's no way she could withstand the violent will contained within it.
The power to control ice must have come from something else—possibly another Teigu.
Or, if not a Teigu, then perhaps something else entirely.
However, in response to Esdeath question, Yoshinon simply shook her head.
"Sorry, we're not hiding anything on purpose," Yoshinon said helplessly, spreading her hands. "It's just that we don't know much about the ability ourselves. Eight years ago, when Yoshino woke up from her coma, there was a strange crystal inside her body. Her ability to control ice and snow comes from that crystal."
"Crystal…"
Esdeath didn't know much about Teigu—only the ones she had personally come into contact with.
But if Yoshino really did possess one, it would be a happy surprise.
Even though she had already made up her mind to protect her for the rest of her life, deep down, Esdeath still hoped to see her sister grow stronger.
"I will cherish this gift."
Playing with the ice bunny Yoshino had made, a strange glint flickered in Esdeath eyes.
"Yoshino, if you have time later, could you show me more of your ability?"