Because the Kiritani Family home was a very Japanese-style old mansion, it had not only a spacious courtyard but also a small pond beside it, making the whole place quite pleasing to the eye.
However, it was mid-January. It had snowed only a few days ago, leaving the courtyard filled with snow that had yet to melt completely and a chilly frost that made one reluctant to go outside.
Usually, in weather like this, Naoha, who practiced Kendo constantly, would have been the only one willing to leave the warmth of the house and do her morning training in the courtyard.
But recently, there had been another person who always trained in the Kiritani Family courtyard each morning.
"So you're both up?"
Kirito was wearing only a sleeveless shirt and long pants. As he performed warm-up exercises in the courtyard, he looked over and smiled at Luo Zhen and Naoha.
Perhaps because his worries about Luo Zhen had finally been put to rest, Kirito looked much better than before. Not only had his dark circles disappeared, but his unhealthy complexion had also begun to take on a healthy flush.
It was just that Kirito had always looked rather youthful and androgynous. With that smile, he looked like an adorable girl.
"Big Brother Kazuto..."
Naoha wore a complicated expression.
Having a brother who was prettier than she was was a very sad thing for a younger sister.
Even Luo Zhen shuddered. He had the distinct feeling that it was not only the younger sister who had grown up—even the younger brother had turned into an enchanting pretty boy.
Of course, no one in the Kiritani household had yet determined whether Luo Zhen or Kirito was older.
Strictly speaking, judging by the years Luo Zhen had lived, he could have been not