You're Really the Best
Behind the village lay a lush blue lake, screened by dense oaks and willows like a natural curtain. This was a spot even the villagers barely knew about—a secret base Ariel and I had stumbled upon as kids wandering the woods, and claimed as our own.
Though I'm still pretty young myself.
The branches overhanging the water scattered sunlight into dazzling fragments across the emerald ripples. It was a sight that never failed to enchant me. But today, this place that should have been serene was thick with suffocating silence and a strange undercurrent of rivalry instead of romance.
"Here, prime spot. I laid out the mat, so everyone sit."
The moment I settled on the flat grassy patch, movement erupted on both sides like they'd been waiting for it. Ariel plopped down and leaned her head on my left shoulder as if it were her own bedroom. Psyche, timid and watchful of the eyes around her, refused to let go of my right arm. She scooted in close, resting her head on my thigh, and glared daggers at Ariel for claiming my left shoulder.
It's gonna wear a hole there.
"Roen, look at this. So many pretty wildflowers blooming here. The color matches you perfectly."
Ariel deftly plucked some purple and white flowers from nearby and wove them into a vibrant flower ring in seconds, holding it out to me. Without waiting for my answer, she grabbed my hand and slipped it onto my ring finger. She fiddled with my fingers, beaming.
"What do you think? It's perfect for you. Like this place, may our friendship last forever. Even if outsiders barge in, nothing changes between us, got it?"
"Wow, it's really pretty. Your handiwork's as good as ever. Thanks, Ariel."
As I admired the ring in the light, Psyche's eyes beside me began to quiver. She stared at her empty palm for a long moment, biting her lip, then suddenly jumped up and dashed to the lakeside as if she'd made a decision.
"Psyche! Careful, where are you going!"
"O-over there...! I'll be right back! I'm getting something for you, big sis!"
Psyche knelt at the water's edge, oblivious to her skirt hem soaking in the mud, peering intently into the lake. After about ten minutes, she came running back, splashing water everywhere, cradling something carefully in both hands.
"Big sis, look! I... I caught it myself. It's way prettier than flowers!"
In her small palm wriggled a beautiful goldfish with an orange sheen. Despite her wet sleeves, her eyes sparkled with pride, as if presenting a treasure more alive and vibrant than any flower ring.
"Oh my god, Psyche! You caught this with your bare hands? You're amazing!"
"You... seem to like shiny things, big sis. Here, it's yours."
Psyche glanced at Ariel's flower ring, then fixed her gaze on me with a bright smile. Behind it lurked a fierce determination: I can make you happy too.
"Thanks. But... we can't take it home. I'll cherish the thought."
I released the goldfish back into the lake and gently wiped Psyche's wet hands with my handkerchief. Ariel, displeased by the scene, snorted and opened the bread basket.
"Alright, alright. Picnic's gotten tense—time for bread. My special deli manju."
The basket released a wave of sweet, nutty aroma. Ariel's deli manju were a bit misshapen but delicious.
Tastes better than Earth's, even...
The creamy custard burst in my mouth, and Psyche's eyes widened.
"This... is so sweet. It's the bread you told me about, big sis."
"Right? Ariel's got real talent. Best bakery in the village, hands down."
Ariel grinned triumphantly at my praise and popped a piece straight into my mouth. Psyche watched, chewing hers down fiercely, like she was devouring Ariel instead of the bread. It was a little scary, but kinda cute.
The fun-yet-fierce picnic wound down as the sun began to dip low. I walked Ariel back to the bakery.
"Roen, you have to come to work tomorrow, right? The shop feels empty without you—no dough-thumping sounds. I'll die of boredom."
Ariel shook my hand wistfully, slyly fishing for tomorrow's plans. Beside her, Psyche had reverted to her shy self, hiding firmly behind me. Even as Ariel said goodbye, Psyche just clutched my skirt hem and dipped her head.
After parting with Ariel, we stopped by the market for dinner ingredients. Gone was the bold girl who'd fished barehanded; Psyche flinched at every passerby brushing shoulders, burrowing into my arms.
"Psyche, people aren't scary. Big sis is right here."
"Sorry... I only feel safe with you, big sis..."
I bought fresh meat and potatoes from the grocer and headed home. No sign of our parents again—the house felt echoingly empty.
No wonder it feels like just us two.
I hurried to make a hearty stew loaded with meat and fragrant herbs. Psyche polished off her bowl and patted her belly contentedly.
"Psyche, how was your day?"
She found my hand under the table and squeezed it tight. The small warmth of her palm tickled my heart.
"It was like a dream, being with you all day. The play, the clown... but happiest when you found me. I thought I'd been left all alone in the world."
"Glad to hear it. So, what about Ariel? Fun friend, right?"
Psyche's face fell instantly. She hesitated, then rubbed her cheek against the back of my hand and whispered clearly, if softly:
"Ariel seems nice... but I... I just want to be alone with you, big sis. With others, I have to share you."
"Huh...?"
"I hate that. From now on, just us two? It's scary and awkward with others."
"Haha, you'll get used to it. Okay, we'll spend more time just us for a while. Promise."
Only then did she smile brightly and snuggle into my arms. Her affection felt a bit heavy, obsessive even—but knowing she'd never been loved before, I just pitied her and stroked her hair.
The next morning, under the warm sunlight streaming through the window, I sat side by side with Psyche. Whether she awakened as a saintess or lived ordinarily, she needed to read to avoid being dismissed in this harsh world.
"Okay, Psyche. This is 'Ro.' First letter of my name, Roen. Look closely at the shape. Wanna try writing it?"
I carefully wrote it on the paper. Psyche fumbled even holding the quill, fingers twitching, but lit up at "my name" and focused intently—like a priest memorizing a sacred incantation.
"Ro... en... big sis's... name..."
Then something astonishing happened. After just one demonstration, she reproduced it perfectly—even the stroke thickness—and in a script more fluid and elegant than mine.
"Oh my god, Psyche! First time for real? You never learned before?"
"Hehe. First from you, big sis. What's next? I wanna write more about you."
Emboldened, I taught her this world's complex grammar and dozens of letters in a row. Like a sponge soaking water, she absorbed every bit of knowledge instantly. In under an hour, she was reading aloud from the thick novel on the desk.
"He... walked... toward... the blue lake... Right, big sis?"
I dropped my quill, staring blankly. Even my genius nephews from my past life couldn't match this. The original story called the saintess the "incarnation of wisdom," interpreting oracles—but this learning speed defied biology.
Is she... beyond genius? A monster?
A chill ran through me as she blinked her round eyes, waiting eagerly. She was a gem. No—a diamond, the brightest of all. Too precious to just be a saintess. Train her into the empire's top strategist, and no one would dare dismiss her.
Especially Kael.
"Big sis, why stare like that? Did I mess up...?"
I grabbed her chubby cheeks, cheering inwardly. Jackpot. This was beyond life reversal—a gift from god. Or from the author who sent me here?
Author, you give poison then antidote, but thanks.
I hugged her tight and shouted,
"You're really the best, Psyche!"