The pendant had been Grandfather's gift. He'd established a rule that whoever ranked first in exams would receive it. Though Hana had coveted it desperately, she'd preferred socializing with our parents on weekends while I remained home, diligently completing my studies.

Grandfather had noticed my dedication throughout the term.


He'd also observed how my parents consistently favored others, so he'd shown me special attention. When I earned the top rank, the jade pendant rightfully became mine.

But Hana had been relentless, demanding my pendant. When our parents witnessed her desire, they'd trotted out their familiar refrain: "You're the elder sister—you should yield to your younger sister. Why must you be so selfish?"

I'd been too young then to understand the dynamics at play. I'd simply believed that what I'd earned through my own efforts should remain mine—a notion that had infuriated my parents, who'd physically wrenched the pendant from my grasp.


Unable to oppose adults, I'd had no choice but to appeal to Grandfather. Upon hearing what had happened, he'd been livid: "Your favoritism toward your younger daughter is your business—I don't care what gifts you give her. But this jade pendant is mine to bestow, and I alone decide who receives it!"

Grandfather had ensured the pendant's return to me.


Since childhood, Hana had managed to seize nearly everything I valued—except this pendant, which had remained beyond her reach. Ever since, she'd coveted it with undisguised envy.

Now, as I presented the pendant to Mio, the resentment in Hana's eyes threatened to spill over.

Ignoring Hana's displeasure, I said softly to Mio: "Grandfather gave this to me, and now I give it to you. It's extremely precious—don't give it to anyone. Not to anyone at all—especially not to your other sister!"

Hana's voice turned frigid: "Who would want that worthless trinket anyway? Mother and Father have bought me dozens of finer pieces!"

Indeed, after discovering her desire, our parents had purchased numerous jade pendants for Hana, simply to appease her.

Mother interjected: "Tsukiyo, don't speak to your sister that way. Hana doesn't even want your pendant anymore!"

I pressed my lips together, remaining silent.

Before Mio's arrival, everyone in our family had favored my sister, with only Grandfather showing any fairness. Everything I received came through my own merit. While Hana frittered away her time, Grandfather rewarded my efforts—prompting her accusations that he showed extreme favoritism toward me.

In truth, she was the most privileged member of our household. With minimal effort, she could effortlessly claim what rightfully belonged to me.

Even now, despite not being their biological child, she commanded their unwavering affection.

But Mio's arrival changed the equation. Lost as a child through our parents' negligence, she'd endured countless hardships. Our parents owed her an immeasurable debt, so the gifts they lavished upon her now surpassed anything either of us had received.

Mother escorted her through every luxury boutique in Ginza, while Father presented her with a black card that had no spending limit. Those hands—once calloused from farm labor—now received daily attention from professional manicurists.

She moved through it all like a marionette thrust suddenly onto a stage, accepting everything with blank bewilderment. The fear and discomfort evident in her expression was, to our parents, merely adjustment difficulties; to me, it revealed a gentle soul utterly at odds with this world of excess.

And through it all, Hana performed the role of perfect sister.

"Mio, this is Dior's latest haute couture—it perfectly complements your complexion."
"Mio, the car's waiting. We're expected at Mrs. Yamada's tea gathering this afternoon."
"Mio, don't be intimidated. You're a Ryuuji now—no one would dare look down on you."

Hana guided her with meticulous care, the very image of sisterly devotion. Before our parents, they were practically inseparable—a heartwarming tableau of familial love.

Until that day after school.

Student council business delayed my return, and I arrived shortly after them. As I entered the foyer, I spotted Mio with her back to me, awkwardly tugging at her uniform sleeve, clearly attempting to conceal something.

"What happened?" I asked evenly.

Mio startled like a deer, whirling around with naked panic in her eyes. "N-nothing, Sister Tsukiyo."

Her gaze darted everywhere but at me, though I'd already seen what she was hiding: an angry abrasion on her left wrist, still seeping blood. Her white uniform shirt bore several grimy smudges.

"Did you fall?" I asked.

"Mmm! Yes, I... I tripped on the stairs." She nodded too quickly, desperate to convince me.

I didn't press further. With her temperament, I knew she would internalize any suffering rather than risk "burdening" the family with her problems.

Just then, Hana's voice floated down from the staircase, tinged with lazy amusement: "Well, look who's home. The teacher kept us forever today, honestly..."

Her words trailed off as her gaze locked onto Mio's wrist. In an instant, her perfect smile vanished, replaced by an expression of shock and distress.

"Mio! What happened to your hand?!" She flew down the stairs, gently cradling Mio's injured wrist, her voice quavering. "Who did this to you?! You were bullied, weren't you?!"

"No... it's nothing like that, Sister Hana. I was just careless..." Mio's eyes welled with tears.

"You expect me to believe a simple fall did this?!" Hana's head snapped up, her eyes blazing with righteous fury—a lioness defending her cub. "Was it those nasty girls in your class? Tell me their names! They won't get away with this!"

Hana's intensity was overwhelming. Mio stood paralyzed with fear, unable to speak, only shaking her head frantically as tears threatened to spill.

"Enough crying!" Hana seized Mio's arm, dragging her toward the living room. "We can't let this slide! Mother and Father need to know immediately!"

In the living room, Father perused a financial newspaper while Mother arranged lilies in a crystal vase.

"Father! Mother!" Hana's tearful cry instantly commanded their attention.

Father lowered his newspaper with a frown: "What's all this commotion about?"

"Look at Mio!" Hana thrust her forward, pointing dramatically at the injury. "She's being bullied at school! They pushed her down! Look at these stains—look at this wound!"

Mother gasped and rushed over, her face a mask of distress and indignation. "Good heavens! What happened? Mio, are you in pain? Someone fetch the first aid kit immediately!"

"I... I'm fine..." Mio whispered through quiet sobs.

Father's expression darkened as he slammed his newspaper onto the table. "This is unacceptable! What students dare to harass a member of the Ryuuji family?!"

Right on cue, tears spilled down Hana's cheeks as she sobbed: "It's all my fault... I should have been more vigilant. Mio just transferred, and she's so shy—they must have seen her as an easy target! I'm worthless... I couldn't even protect my own sister..."

"How could you possibly blame yourself?" Mother immediately enfolded her in an embrace. "You've been wonderful. If anyone's at fault, it's us for not anticipating this."

"No!" Hana raised her tear-streaked face, her expression fiercely determined. "Mother, Father, please don't worry! I won't let anyone harm Mio again! From tomorrow, I'll be her shadow. I'd like to see who dares touch her at school!"

"Ah, our Hana is so compassionate and responsible." Father's expression softened with pride.

Mother nodded emphatically: "Yes, with you watching over her, we can rest easy."