I followed along with Eli's whimsical revelation, deciding to play into it rather than fight the absurdity.
"Well then," I said, turning to Zurako with a small smile, "if that's the case, you're free to think of me as your big sister."
Zurako's eyes widened, her tail swishing excitedly behind her as she opened her mouth to respond.
Before she could, however, Eli cut in with her characteristic teasing tone.
『 Isn't Zurako older than you, though? Not to mention, there's nothing big to be seen about you compared to Zurako— 』
"I was joking," I said flatly, crossing my arms. "There's no reason to hit me where it hurts."
Zurako looked between us, confusion evident on her face as she tried to follow a conversation where only half the participants were audible to her.
I could see the gears turning in her head, trying to piece together what Eli had said from my reaction alone.
Of course, I realized the deeper intention behind Eli's casual reveal.
