――The Republic of Bulkenesia.

It is a country located between Southeast Asia and China.

It has been in the news recently for the construction of a “smart city” that brings together the latest science and technology.

“You and Mr. Hirasawa are going on an overseas trip to Bulkenesia—is it an overseas mission? But... why?”

“Take a look at this video.”

　Mariko-sama showed me her tablet, but there was a suspicious-looking old man in the video.

“The ‘Truth-Telling Tall Old Man’? He's wearing a strange knit cap with an eye-shaped logo and black sunglasses... He's hiding his identity and saying whatever he wants.”

The video expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of Japan.

Government criticism, economic criticism, ideological criticism.

　It was a video that condensed all the insults being said online.

“Does everyone believe what this old man says?”

“Surprisingly, he has a lot of supporters. Look at these comments.”

“No way.”

The comment section was filled with comments praising the streamer.

Of course, there were also negative comments about him, but his supporters were eagerly refuting them.

“So, what's the connection between this old man and illegal part-time work?”

“Many of those arrested for illegal part-time work were his listeners. Additionally, everyone was using the chat app he introduced as a case study.”

“That's even more suspicious.”

I see. He gathered ideological support and used it for illegal part-time work.

Does that mean this old man is the mastermind?

“So we just need to catch this old man. Has the police already started investigating?”

“Collecting information about him is the purpose of this overseas mission.”

“Mikoto-chan, take a look at this.”

Mariko-sama operated the tablet and zoomed in on the sunglasses the old man was wearing on the screen. There was a building-like structure reflected in them.

“Look, the building reflected in the sunglasses resembles this building.”

“…I see! This building is part of the smart city constructed in Bulkenesia, right? I’ve seen it on the news.”

“Exactly. So, our mission is to gather information on those orchestrating the ‘Dark Job Simultaneous Terrorist Attacks’ from behind the scenes and investigate the full scope of the incident.”

“I see.”

The activities I am about to undertake are dangerous.

I might have lost my life to a dirty bomb.

But... if I can help protect people's lives.

If the “dullness” I carry as a curse can become a weapon to protect people.

"So, I want to confirm with Mikoto again. You ignored the orders, but you saved the live venue. It was a reckless method, but if you hadn't acted, that live venue would undoubtedly have been drenched in blood and radiation. You disobeyed orders."

Don't say it twice. You're really holding a grudge, aren't you?

“We believe your abilities are necessary. But they also come with great danger.”

“I'll do it. If my power can be of use to everyone!”

“So... heh, I'm not finished yet.”

Huh? Did Hirasawa-san just laugh?

“Please take care of me from now on.”

“Likewise. No, please take care of me.”

She repeated the words politely and shook hands with Hirasawa-san and Mari-sama.

“Welcome to ‘Yatagarasu, the Private Counterintelligence Company.’”

　◆◆◆

Well, this time has come.

It is now 11:30 p.m.

Hirasawa and I are currently sleeping in the same bed.

I thought Mari-sama would be spending the night with us, but he...she is leaving for Bulkenesia ahead of us.

So, we are alone again.

　The president also hung up the call with a smirk, saying, “The rest is up to the two of you.”

Last time, Mr. Hirasawa fell asleep right away, and I also lost consciousness due to physical and mental fatigue.

But tonight is different.

I can't sleep at all, and my heart is racing so fast I can't sleep.

Because it smells so good!

　Apparently, my sense of smell is abnormally developed compared to others.

I can distinguish even the faintest scents and perceive odors that others can't detect.

My sense of smell is the most primitive, the most physical, and the most fetishistic.

And my sense of smell seems to really like the scent of this handsome young man, Mr. Hirasawa.

　I turned my back to Hirasawa and moved as far as possible to the edge of the bed to create some distance.

Yet every time he turned over, a scent like mint with a refreshing coolness and a faint sweetness mixed together... a scent that felt like a drug to me gently enveloped me.

Sniff, sniff. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

　This isn't about sniffing the scent.

It's an action I'm taking to regain my composure. Deep breathing.

I'm not doing anything shameful or lewd.

But this scent feels like that of a boy who hasn't reached 20 yet. Hehe. ...Whoa, calm down, me.

Feeling a “shota” vibe from someone older than me is pathetic.

　There's no way I'd give in to such an illusion!

I ignited a strange sense of rivalry and activated my rationality to the fullest.

However, something happened that shattered my train of thought.

“Ugh... Sister.”

“!?”

An arm reached around from behind and wrapped around my waist.

What!?　Am I being hugged!?

“It... hurts.”

The force holding me was strong and desperate.

“I'm sorry... I couldn't protect you. I'm weak.”

Was I having a nightmare? He was moaning as if struggling, his breathing heavy.

—Slowly.

My back was dampened by warm droplets. They must be tears.

　I gently grasped the hands wrapped around my body.

Then, as if reassured, the trembling of his body subsided.

Perhaps he has a tragic past that I can't even imagine.

Miss Mari seems to know the circumstances, but she may have a special birth.

And I, too, have many pasts I don't want to tell anyone about.

　Life is tough, isn't it?

Regardless of the scale of the issues, people are constantly wounded by both the past and the future.

“Somehow, I really feel like an older sister.”

I muttered that, closed my eyes, and smiled slightly.

However, even though I tried to act like an older sister, my heart was still racing.