Ahahahha, I have no excuses (I'm sorry, I really am!).

Spoilers again, but this time, some major spoilers for Violet Evergarden. Worry not though, there will be a specific warning in bold text for these major spoilers. Like this:

!SPOILERS-START!

Natsuki Subaru dies.

!SPOILERS-END!

Well, it's not like the spoilers are too big, it's not like they ruin too much of the story. However I'm doing this for the sake of the very few select people who detest spoilers with a PASSION.

I might make a spoiler-free version if this gets even more popular, where I'll just copy and paste this story, but omit the spoils.

I silently drank a smoothie in the park, blankly staring into what's in front of me.

It's been a nice break, the first volume should be released about now. It's been very steady with its revenue.

I'm already prepared for the case when Sincerely doesn't do well. It would be much of a big deal, I'll probably work harder to promote the book, or simply write something else.

It was peaceful. A bit boring, but still rather peaceful. I silently watched what's in front of me, watching stuff unfold. But suddenly, there appeared to be a certain boy walking down the street, having a smoothie of his own. He seemed to be having a good time.

That was, until…

A can began to roll out of nowhere, opposite from where the boy was walking. It was almost as if I saw it in slow motion. The boy, oblivious to the can, continued to walk until he stepped on it, despite my warning. He stepped on the can and slipped backwards, about to fall on his back. His smoothie was launched upwards, landed on the ground. While the can flew straight at a tree, hitting it. The boy then fell to the ground, on his head. However, the tree that was hit earlier dropped some of it's chestnuts, landing on the boy's hair. His coins from his wallet began to fly all over the place like sonic and his rings when he got hurt. Suddenly a robot began to make a siren noise, pursuing the boy for "littering". He then stood up, fleeing while screaming something along the lines of "Such Misfortune!"

Wow. That guy has to be the opposite of Nagito Komeada.

Come to think of it, that guy was the protagonist of the series, huh?

I thought in awe at the fated coincidence, and his bad luck. His luck was so incredibly bad that he couldn't even get the chance to talk to me. He probably recognized me and wanted to just say hello. It was a shame that he had to be chased off by all sorts of unfortunate events.

It really is peaceful here, for a fictional world.

I noticed another group of students, from a prestigious school laying a blanket in the peaceful park, taking out their food. I gazed at them with curiosity.

A picnic with friends? How nice.

However, something caught my interest. One of the students had a certain hardcopy book under her arms. She began to take it out and showed it to the others.

I knew the particular book, and I couldn't help but smile in joy and accomplishment.

Mikoto patiently attended her Japanese Literature class. If she had to pick, this class was probably one of her least favourites. Why? Mainly because of its uselessness. Science and Math were self explanatory, in an academy that purely revolves around science and innovative creations. English was also mildly understandable, it was a good skill to speak multiple languages after all. However, Mikoto couldn't understand how the Japanese classes were supposed to help her in any way. She already knew the language, did she? She probably understood that some students liked senryuu, but why did they have to make it a mandatory class?

It was already exhausting to hide her bored face as the teacher covered it in detail and explained it's connotations.

At least it wasn't Shakesphere. Mikoto thought to herself. The play and theater was engaging and amusing, however it began to grow old after going through the script as a class more times than she could count. Besides textbooks, she would read some manga to pass the time occasionally.

"Now, it's time we review our literary devices." The teacher said, abruptly changing the topic. "How about it, Misaka-san?"

Mikoto internally jumped as her name got called out. She was supposed to be one of the only 7 level 5 espers, but she still couldn't help but feel intimidated by the age gap between students and teachers.

It's okay, I studied this anyway.

"What's a Metaphor?" The teacher quizzed.

"Expressing something using another example without the use of 'like' or 'as'." Mikoto replied.

Though Mikoto hated the class, she still didn't skip it's studies. Memorizing the material wasn't as hard either.

"Imagery?"

"Visually describing a scene."

"Flashback?"

"Where a story recalls an event in the past to thicken the plot."

"Perfect!" The teacher praised, she didn't look upset in the least. However, she continued to speak.

"Now class, does anyone know what those 3 devices have in common?"

Mikoto' head raced, and she began to panic. Even though the question wasn't directed to her, it still worried her that she didn't know, and that she might have missed something in her studies. Her pride as the Ace of Tokiwadai couldn't allow her to make such a simple error.

But eventually, she still didn't know.

I'll have to review the textbook once again when this is over. Mikoto thought to herself, still gloomy and embarrassed.

The teacher told the answer anyway. "They're all used pretty often in a certain novel popular among you kids these days. This is the result of using these literary devices is what made the book I recommend, 'Sincerely' to you all. It's about a maiden named 'Violet Evergarden' who is quite blunt and dull to emotions."

Mutters and gasps echoed through the room.

"I'm sure at least some of you have read it, yes?" This author, Ayaka Hiiragi, made a good use of these classes to write such a book."

Mikoto was pretty oblivious to the book, however it seemed like the majority had at least heard or read the book. She was late to the trend.

"Hey, is this true?" One student asked.

"Yeah, now that I think about it. So those devices are the key to keeping me hooked?" Said another.

"Yeah, there were plenty of those so-called 'Flashbacks' too, where Violet-chan recalls the war-"

"Hey, no spoilers!"

"This class can be useful after all!"

Mikoto stayed there, motionless. She sighed in relief since her brain wasn't leaking knowledge.

Maybe I should give it a read. She thought.

Kuroko was on her usual Judgement patrol, strolling the city, while keeping diligent attention to her surroundings. She usually gives a full effort in what she does, but there was only one thing keeping her distracted.

Mikoto had taken the rare decision to stay in her dorm instead of taking a walk. What would usually happen is that she would wander across the city, drop by some vending machines, deliver a roundhouse kick to one particular machine, challenge that Ape to a fight of sorts, while occasionally getting involved with things citizens shouldn't get themselves into.

Kuroko couldn't complain, in fact, it was almost beneficial to her. Nevertheless, the change still worried her. She told herself that she wasn't going to pry into what her Onee-Sama was up to.

"M-maybe she had to work not with her studies?" Uiharu said, when Kuroko had asked for her opinion.

Saten-san is also unavailable to give her input. Could they be together cheating on me?

Kuroko shook her head vigorously. Relax, I went to far with my thoughts. Onee-Sama is holed up in her room anyway- no way she could be meeting anyone.

Kuroko flinched. Unless… What if she was on the phone?

"Hey, I'm actually naked under my bed right now." Mikoto's voice echoed through her head.

"AAAGGGHHH!" Kuroko screamed, slamming her head into a nearby concrete wall.

"Hey, Emilia, that Judgment girl is losing it." One girl with brown hair passing by said.

"Probably because Judgement is a pain in the ass. I just don't get those people who volunteered." Another black long haired girl replied, wearing a smug look.

Kuroko ceased her behavior, not even noticing her forehead beginning to bleed. She sighed, leaning her entire body against the wall with a gloomy expression.

"Um… are you okay?" A familiar voice called up to Kuroko.

Kuroko turned around in shock, the girl confronting her with the exact same face as her beloved. She wanted to snuggle up to her, but her logic took over her.

"Ah, you're Onee-Sama's sister." Kuroko calmly pointed out. Her forehead was still spewing blood, contrary to her expression and calm behavior. Miyano, was it?

Miyano, resisting the urge to laugh, reached her hand. "You look troubled, do you need an ear?"

Kuroko immediately shielded her eyes. So bright! She's not Onee-Sama, but the resemblance is already clear! Is this what it would be like if Onee-Sama wasn't so cold to me all the time!?

"Umm, are you okay…?" Miyano asked in the middle of Kuroko's internal monologue.

What have I done to deserve this!? I am unworthy of this divine blessing from god, so I must savor every moment and speck of this chance given to me. I can find more about Onee-Sama, and get along with her twin sister, then eventually, once I establish a good relationship with Miyano-chan, Onee-Sama will eventually be pressured to fall for me!

"Ah, you're drooling." Miyano pointed out, yet Kuroko didn't stop.

Oh, this is the perfect plan… since they're twins I might discover a hidden secret about her as well, oh… the possibilities are endless… fufu…

"I suppose I'll take your silence as a yes…"

I took the pigtailed girl to a nearby restaurant, similar to the one Mikoto took me to. I began to be able to afford actual services now that the first volume of my book was released.

If I earned this money from the first volume alone… I wonder how much I'll earn when the whole series is out?

The next volume is already scheduled to come out next week, and Yoshikawa told me there were already some fans waiting in anticipation. I simply couldn't stop thinking about money.

Anyway, I sat in one of the sofa looking chairs, and across from the table was a refined rich ojou-chan making an ironically perverted face. I couldn't keep eye contact.

"So, what's the matter?" I asked, deciding to not beat around the bush.

Kuroko didn't talk much, aside from the fact that she stopped with the face.

That's a start…

Shifting uncomfortably with the silence, I decided to shoot another topic. "Onee-Chan was always a really hot headed person y'know? I'm sure you figured that out already." I said, thinking about Mikoto's backstory.

Kuroko nodded. "Indeed." She simply said.

Eh? That's it? Have you no will to continue the conversation?

Due to Kuroko's half hearted answer, the conversation died instantly.

I tried again. "I kind of resent her, you know? I'm pretty much inferior to her in every way. Maybe except emotionally." I joked.

"I probably don't have the right to say this, but Onee-Chan actually has gone through some pretty harsh things she can't tell others about, no matter how close. Just keep her in check, and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid, Kay?" I felt a pain in my heart. Those lines were so cheesy!

"Es…"

"Es?"

"YES! I shall absolutely do so! I am greatly honored to have the approval of Onee-Sama's sister!" Kuroko burst out, shaking my hand vigorously. I chuckled nervously. Her overreactions are starting to get old…

"However…" Kuroko continued.

"However?" I repeated.

"Onee-Sama seems to be acting strangely. She made the rare decision to stay in her dorm for the day, rather than going out like she usually does- Wait, what's with that look?"

I stared blankly at Kuroko. Isn't that fine? What's wrong with staying indoors? It's what I do almost every day!

I cleared my throat. "W-well, have you noticed her holding anything in her room? Onee-Chan isn't one to do things without a reason"

"Well… she was holding a book."

"What kind of book?"

"I'm not sure… It didn't look like a textbook, or manga."

I flinched towards the word "manga". I sighed and looked seriously at the pigtailed girl. "Shirai-san, I think it was." Kuroko nodded. "Isn't it fine that she's in her room? She's not causing any trouble, is she?"

"Bu-"

"Look, I get that you're probably worried about your… err… Roommate, but Onee-Chan most likely doesn't have anything against you. I swear it."

Though I expected another overreaction and breakdown, Kuroko blushed and smiled.

"Yeah. Thank you."

"I'm back. What's gotten you holed up in your room for so long?" Kuroko asked. After a good hard work at Judgement, she had just returned to her dorm to check up on her roommate.

She casually settled down until…

"Wait. Why are you crying?" Kuroko suddenly questioned, only just noticing Mikoto's teary face.

"Wait, don't turn the page just yet!" Kuroko suddenly said, as she and Mikoto sat together in the same bed, with a certain novel in front of them.

"Jeez, you're such a slow reader. Hurry, I want to know what happens next!" Mikoto urged.

"It's not my fault, you pick up and process data way too quickly!"

"W-well, this isn't data, okay?"

!SPOILERS-START!

"Do you think this is based on a true story?" Kuroko asked, in hopes of buying herself more time to read.

Mikoto responded anyway. "Probably not, this does have the same setting as the World War, but I don't think there was any significant soldier by the name of Violet Evergarden."

"Pretty rare to see a novel that takes place before the start of Espers." Kuroko pointed out. Mikoto simply nodded in reply.

"This is just sad." Mikoto mused. "This really gives me a good view on how traumatized the veterans must have been."

"Yes, just as they taught us this in History class. In a sense, this novel might be even more engaging than the History courses we take."

"..."

"..."

"Gusu…" (Japanese crying sound)

"Lucilia really does care about her brother. The brother is so pitiful…" Mikoto stated.

"Y-yeah…"

The two girls intently stared at the book they were reading, looking at the illustration of a drunk old man with a wasteful face. His expression felt so real to the girls, that they almost feel his trauma too, even though they haven't even witnessed it in the novel.

What amazed them both was the fact that there was no illustrator credited in this book. It meant that the author, Hiiragi Ayaka, did both the writing and the drawing together.

"I wonder how this author hasn't been heard of yet." Mikoto wondered.

"Yeah, though her name is probably an alias."

"..."

"..."

"T-t-that's strange." Mikoto stuttered. "T-the pr-problem is getting r-resolved, but I'm still going to cry."

!SPOILERS-END!

The tissue box was emptying out, the bin was filling up, and the novel was beginning to end.

They both shut the book together, wondering what had just happened.

"Onee-Sama, it says 'Volume 1' on the side here. Would that mean that this is a book series?"

"I already can't wait…"

They both sighed, they felt satisfied, yet still hungry for more.

"BLAM!"

""!?""

Suddenly, the door slammed open.

"It's already lights out! Get to sleep already!" The dorm manager shouted.

""Y-yes Ma'am!""