"Hey, Spica! Let's go for a long ride! I heard the hill past the west district is covered in flowers right now!"
Without knocking, her older step-brother Fret burst into Spica's room.
"Fret, at least knock first. What if Spica starts copying you? Besides, she's going to the opera with me today."
That was her second step-brother, Alex.
"I would never do something so improper," Spica said, puffing her cheeks in mock anger as she planted her hands on her hips and glared up at the two of them.
Then she turned toward Fret, her expression softening a little. "Fret, I promised Alex today.
Can't we go tomorrow instead? He's feeling well today, after all!"
She clasped her hands in front of her chest and looked up at him with pleading eyes. Fret's resolve melted at once.
After all, if his younger sister wanted to spend time with their ailing step-brother on a rare good day, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
Alex suffered from Monaza Disease, an incurable illness that slowly robbed him of both sight and holy power—the mystical force some countries called magic or ki. The only known treatment was a transplant of a Holy Genesis, an organ said to be the very source of holy power, or a rare Stigmata, a natural fusion of holy energy and human flesh.
These were nearly impossible to obtain. Still, while the disease did not kill, it stripped nobles of their registry if they lost their holy power, making willing donors nearly nonexistent.
Knowing that his step-brother might one day be unable to see Spica's grown form, Fret sighed and gave in.
"All right, fine. But tomorrow you're going out with me, no excuses!" he said, and he ruffled Spica's hair so roughly she winced.
"Ow! Elder Brother, that hurts! I am a lady, you know. Treat me like one," she protested with an exasperated pout. But no matter how many times she complained, Fret never stopped.
Knock, knock.
The sound of laughter was broken by a maid's voice. "Cain-sama has arrived."
"Please show him in," Spica said, and a moment later her eldest step-brother stepped into the room wearing his academy uniform.
"I heard you were all here, so I rushed over. Spica, this is for you. A little treat from the capital. If you like it, I'll buy the entire shop for you," Cain said lightly, as though such words weren't terrifying.
Spica's smile stiffened. "Cain, thank you very much.
But I must refuse the shop. You've already given me three confectionery stores."
"I don't see you as often as they do. Think of it as an apology. Besides, there's no harm in a little more personal wealth," he said as if it were only natural.
"That's unfair!" Fret shouted, stomping his foot. "I was going to bring her that sweet!"
"How is it unfair? It's a popular item—first come, first served," Cain replied smugly, his voice dripping with superiority.
"You're the unfair one, Cain," Alex added. "Unlike you two, I'm terrible at picking gifts. So of course I'm at a disadvantage when the present doesn't even require taste!" He half-pouted, but his words carried a clever sting, pressing guilt into his brothers' hearts.
"Enough, all of you!" Spica scolded, her voice as sweet as it was stern. It was a familiar refrain.
Life in House Emmental was always like this.
The step-brothers spoiled their little sister endlessly.
Quarrels were never serious—they only competed to be her favorite. Lavish gifts and outings were daily occurrences, all in the name of showing how close each was to their beloved sister.
But who could blame them? With three older step-brothers and only one delicate flower among them, it was only natural she grew up cherished.
And Spica herself was no ordinary child. She was gentle, modest, and honest—qualities that deepened their affection rather than encouraging selfishness.
Though she accepted small presents without fuss, she hesitated over anything she thought excessive. That, too, only made her step-brothers love her more.
Once, when other noble children mocked her as "just an adopted daughter," the three step-brothers reacted with fury. Cain cursed them with a clever bit of magic, Alex spread damaging rumors among the ladies of the salons, and Fret literally beat them black and blue.
The bullies nearly lost their noble status after their insults came to light, surviving only thanks to Spica's heartfelt apology. Even then, they turned bright red, clearly infatuated, and never dared trouble her again.
No matter what others said, Spica adored her step-brothers. They could be overbearing, but their love was real—and she treasured it all the same.
Notes:
• Fret - Third step-brother, five years older. Energetic, sword-loving, and determined to become a knight.
• Alex - Second step-brother, seven years older. Suffers from the rare Monaza Disease, which robs both sight and holy power, but shines as a gifted musician and artist.
• Cain - Eldest step-brother, eight years older. A magical genius, often traveling between home and the national academy. The heir.