Deep into the night, at the Minamoto Clan residence.

"Ah… Big Sister… be gentle… doing it like that… really hurts…"

On the bed, Gen lay bare and prone atop the sheets, letting out a faintly suggestive protest.

A slender, elegant hand traced her back—not for anything indecent, just carefully applying ointment.

"Shut up. You're a soldier. A little pain? Nothing. Stop making those lewd sounds."

The hand slapped Gen's waist sharply.

*Slap—*

A crisp sound. A faint pink mark bloomed on her pale, bruise-streaked skin.

"Haa~"

Gen let out that same breathy sigh that sent warmth through the air.

Beaten nearly to death by Father, ribs cracked, confined to bedrest—yet having Big Sister personally tend her wounds made every ache feel worth it.

After all, Sister Xia was always away. Missions constantly pulled her to Falling Cherry City's borders, far from home. Seeing her tonight felt like a miracle.

"I've said it: you're a soldier. Endure the pain. You were stoic under Father's blows—why act so spoiled around me?"

Xia wasn't naive. She knew exactly what her little sister was trying to do. One misstep, and things could spiral beyond control.

Even the most rational mind has its weak moments.

"Because… I missed you, Big Sister. Three months… no calls, no replies, no emails. Guarding the city-state is dangerous… and I can't transfer yet…"

Before her sister, Gen melted into a clinging, spoiled child.

"I finished work early. It's Christmas Eve—we could've talked, just us. But… looking like this? I can't take you out."

A quiet regret settled in Gen's heart. She'd dreamed of walking beside her sister—silent, side by side, perfectly happy.

*If only that old man hadn't beaten me…*

Resentment deepened. A trace of ruthlessness flickered in her eyes—carefully hidden.

"Streets don't matter. Here is fine. As long as I'm with you, Big Sister… anywhere is enough."

"…"

The air turned thick, tender. Xia sensed the shift. She had to pull back—now.

"Stay. I'll grab you food. And remember: don't provoke Father. Don't offend Lady Alessia."

Crisp. Evasive. Gen's chest tightened. After the door closed, she sighed toward it.

Every time… Big Sister never met her eyes when saying those words. So cold.

"Then… why be gentle at all? Why not just let that old man finish me?"

If Xia had always been distant, it would hurt less. But this tenderness… it pulled her deeper, made her crave more.

Not just family love. Something more. A luxury. A fantasy already sentenced to impossibility.

"…Guess I should just let it go."