“Do you know what the country north of Yama is called, princess?” Our instructor, a professor around our father’s age from the capital’s university, was teaching us geography.

“Is it Feng?” Her uncertainty showed through her small, quiet tone.

“And what kind of people live there?”

“Dragons live there. They take the form of humans most of the time, but are able to transform into majestic serpents that can fly and control the weather.

“That’s correct, princess.”

“Good job, Himeko. You really know a lot of things now.” I was impressed at how fast my sister was learning.

I caught a glimpse of her slightly flushed cheeks as she stared at her desk. “Onii-sama still knows a lot more than I do.”

I poked her forehead lightly, and she looked at me in surprise.

“Himeko, when someone gives you a compliment, it’s better to say ‘thank you’. You’re my amazing little sister, so you shouldn’t put yourself down.”

“Sorry, onii-sama. I mean, thank you.”

Our instructor creased his eyebrows. “You sound like an adult, sometimes, Issho.”

“Do I? Ahahaha.”

“Are you really Raiden’s son?”

“Teacher, you knew daddy when he was younger right?” Himeko changed the topic. I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yes, and even back then he did whatever he liked. I hope he’s not causing too much trouble in Feng.”

“Do you know why they they invited father for a diplomatic visit? I thought the dragon clan rarely got involved in the affairs of the continent.” I was curious, and if anyone had an idea, it would be the professor.

“Well, no one knows for sure, but I can venture a guess. Every few hundred years, a dragon is born with the power to see glimpses of the future. I believe that the current oracle of the dragon clan has seen something about your father that affects them and is significant enough to break their isolation.”

“What do you think they saw?”

“Perhaps they saw him getting Mei angry.”

“I’ve never seen mommy get mad before.” Himeko pressed her finger to her cheek.

“I pray you never do, princess.”

A few weeks later, Himeko and I ran to the entrance to greet our father who was arriving home from his diplomatic trip to Feng. Seeing his giant figure in the distance brought us a sense of security.

Chasing after him was his hapless advisor, Kazu, struggling to keep up with his broad steps. “Where are you going, your imperial majesty? We have not yet prepared the assembly for your return!”

“Forget about that. It’s a waste of time, and my children are waiting.”

“Welcome home, father!” We pronounced in unison.

“Himeko, Issho! I hope you were good to your mother while I was gone!” He broke out into a wide smile.

Standing next to him was a beautiful white-haired woman donning a dress similar to the Chinese qipao in my world. I thought she was an ordinary lady, until a flash of glittering red scales caught my eye. She had a tail! Noticing my ogling, the woman asked in a smooth voice like the wind, speaking fluent Japanese, “Are you afraid of my tail?”

"No, I just thought that your scales are beautiful.” I answered honestly.

The dragon lady laughed. “You already take after your father at such a young age.”

Raiden ruffled my hair affectionately. “What can I say, I can’t help it.”

“Help what?” My mother gracefully descended the stairs in one of her finest silk kimonos, her hair pinned in a gorgeously intricate knot.

“Uhh... you look lovely today, Mei, like a lotus flower!” The greatest warrior in Yama wilted under his wife’s intense glare.

The dragon lady bowed deeply to our mother. “It is an honor to meet you, empress. You are as beautiful as your citizens proclaim. My name is Ruolan, and I am the oracle of Feng. I am here to celebrate the newly formed alliance between Yama and our country.”

“I see. Welcome to our country, Ruolan.” Our mother was smiling, but her voice could chill the sun. “Dear husband, may we have a moment alone?”

Raiden looked at Himeko and me with pleading eyes, but something told us we shouldn’t say anything.

After Mei dragged Raiden into the palace, Ruolan approached us. “I apologize for the confusion, prince and princess. To tell you the truth, your father and I were married to solidify the alliance between our countries. I know that it’s hard to trust a stranger, but I hope that we can become friends.”

Himeko hid behind my back.

“My name is Issho. I hope we will get along, oracle.”

“Please call me Ruolan.”

“Alright. Himeko, you introduce yourself too.”

Himeko peeked out shyly before stepping in front of the dragon and bowing. “My name is Himeko, it’s nice to meet you, Ruolan.”

“How come daddy can have more than one wife?” Himeko asked me later, as we were swinging our wooden swords next to one another in the courtyard.

Yama was a country that practiced monogamy, but I read that royalty would sometimes take more than one partner. “Since father is emperor, he can marry more than one person.”

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“Does that mean when onii-sama becomes the emperor, you’ll also marry a lot of girls?”

I had no romantic interest in girls aside from 2D little sisters and I hadn’t even considered the possibility of marrying Himeko since it felt wrong. She was still a child, so it was easy not to think about it. I couldn’t explain all of that to her, so I just stated “Well, I don’t think so.”

“Okay.” Himeko started humming to herself as she kept training. I wondered why she was in a good mood.

That night, we had a family dinner to celebrate the return of our father and Ruolan. I was nearly salivating beforehand, because the food was being prepared by a chef from Feng, and the last time I had Chinese food was in a food court. If I knew back then I was going to die so soon I would’ve splurged at my favorite Szechuan restaurant.

When the servants finished dressing me, I left my room and waited outside Himeko’s. After what seemed like an eternity, the door slid open. My little sister stepped out, clothed in a delicate floral kimono topped off with white flowers in her dark hair. My impressions burst out like a broken dam.

“Even if I traveled the entire world, I wouldn’t find any girl as cute as my little sister.”

The color of her cheeks deepened under the warm glow of the orange lantern light. “T-thanks, onii-sama...” She smiled softly at me. I could feel my heart stop beating, and everything went black before I awoke in my old room.

“Oi, what are you doing back here so soon?” God’s voice sounded angry.

“Actually, my little sister was so cute I think I had a heart attack.”

“Are you messed up in the head or something? Actually, don’t answer that question. I’m going to send you back.”

“Thanks!” I blinked and found myself on the floor with Himeko tugging anxiously at my sleeve. “Onii-sama, are you okay?”

“Sorry, I must have been so hungry I fainted.”

“I’ll go get you some food!”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine now. Let’s walk together, Himeko.”

Shortly after we entered the dining room and settled into our cushions, our father arrived with Ruolan and our mother at his side like the protagonist of a harem novel. If I was a normal human being, I might have even been jealous. Raiden took his place at the front of the room, and addressed us. “Ruolan will be staying with us from now on as a member of our family, so I hope you kids will treat her well.”

“Please take care of me.” Ruolan expressed with her golden eyes directed towards me. Himeko smiled politely and replied “Please take of me as well.” I followed suit, and once the formalities were exchanged, the servants began serving dinner.

“Thank you for allowing me to have Feng cuisine here, dear husband.”

“The food I had in Feng was great, especially the stewed pork you made for me. It’d be a shame not to bring it back to Yama so my people can experience it.”

“I am glad you feel that way. Not many have such an open mind as you.”

“Yes, MY husband is a very generous man.” Our mother interjected. “I have to admit I am curious to try your people’s cuisine though, Ruolan. I have heard stories about it when I was a child.”

“I am sure it won’t disappointed you, empress. The chefs are preparing it Kaiseki (multi-course) style so the way it is served will be familiar to you. The first course is a herbal oxtail soup.”

“Mmm. This is good, onii-sama.”

“It’s delicious.” I could feel the warmth from the rich and savory soup settling into my stomach and I sighed contentedly. When mapo tofu was served, I watched in amusement as my sister turned red after taking her first bite and tried her best to swallow it. “Are you okay, Himeko?”

“Yesh... it’s... delicious.”

“Be honest.”

“I don’t think I’m very good wish spicy food.”

Our father’s thundering voice called out, “Bring more Baijiu (Chinese white wine)! This stuff is way stronger than our sake, just how I like it!”

Our mother was getting slightly red in the face. “When I first saw you, I couldn’t believe how beautiful you were. How could I compete with that?” She complained to Ruolan.

Despite downing considerable quantities of wine, the dragon was still her usual calm self. “My empress, you’re too kind. Please don’t underestimate yourself. I can tell how gentle you are by how happy your family is. I promise that I will do everything to protect that happiness if you will allow me to.”

My mother looked shocked. “You’re such a nice girl! How did my husband even get you to come with him to Yama?”

“He told me beautiful stories about the land and its people, and I had to see it for myself.”

“I knew he must have fooled you with his sweet talk. I’ll protect you from from that womanizing...”

“What are you two ladies talking about? Come on over here!” My father pulled Mei close to him.

I noticed Himeko intently watching their interchange. “Mommy looks happier than before, onii-sama.”

“Yeah, she does.” I scooted over to Himeko’s side and reached my hand out to gently pat her head. Sitting in that bright, cheerful room with my new family, I was thankful that I had been reincarnated, and I wished these days would go on forever.