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After all that happened today, I understood why she felt uneasy to sleep alone. That's why I respected Hana's intention and decided to sleep together for today.

… I wonder how many years it has been since I slept next to her like this. That thought entered my mind all of a sudden.

"Nee, Onii-chan"

"Nn, what's wrong?"

When I was thinking about that, Hana quietly called me out.

"Thanks for today. I was extremely happy that you came to save me, Onii-chan."

"… It was natural. I am your Onii-chan after all."

"Ehehe"

When I gently stroked her head, Hana bashfully smiled.

"But actually, there is a part of me that feels a little vexed"

"Vexed?"

"Un. Because the reason why I wanted to become an adventurer is that I wanted to be able to protect myself even if Onii-chan wasn't here… But in the end, I was protected by Onii-chan."

"… So that was your reason."

To be honest, I've always been wondering about the reason why Hana wanted to become an adventurer. I didn't expect I would be able to get the answer at this kind of timing. However, that intention might have been weakened due to going through something like that.

But, the following words that came out of Hana's mouth was actually the exact opposite of what I had expected.

"You know, I want to be stronger."

"Stronger?"

"Un. I can't just keep being protected by Onii-chan like today. I wanted to be strong enough to protect myself, no, enough to be able to protect someone else."

"… I see."

When I heard those words, I thought Hana was a really strong girl. Not her body, but her mind. That's why, I am sure if it's Hana, she would be able to make that thought a reality.

But, still, while laughing a little, I said.

"I understand Hana's feelings. But, it doesn't mean that you have to accomplish it by yourself. Specifically, you can always rely on me whenever you are in trouble. And look, I will be a little shocked if you suddenly wanted to be separated from your Onii-chan after all."

"… Mou. Good grief. To have such a siscon Onii-chan, I'm really troubled."

As she said that, Hana covered her head with the futon.

Although I couldn’t be certain since the room was dark, I wonder if it's just my imagination that I saw her face reddened.

At any rate, it's about time to sleep. Thus, I say to Hana who was next to me.

"Good night, Hana."

"… Un. Good night, Onii-chan."

Then, we slept soundly until the next morning, just like when we were little children.