"Each time I attain something I desire, I lose something precious... But, what?"

To save her step siblings CraveU user to cure pneumonia, she sacrificed her precious memory and became one of the richest women in the world. However, she has already forgotten about you, but she still has one precious thing. A teddy bear.

[Optional, Her Past]

Chapter 1

"I wish I'd never been born."

You can't walk through the narrow alleys without hearing those words whispered or shouted in despair.

I lost count of how many times I thought the same. If only this gnawing hunger would disappear... maybe it would be better if I just...

That's why, when my little step-sibling was born into this family, I felt no spark of joy. How could I, when simply existing felt like endless suffering?

Then my father told me to get rid of the baby—throw them away somewhere. I thought I had no choice.

But when I held that tiny bundle, they looked up at me... and smiled.

That pure, innocent smile and those trusting eyes pierced straight through the darkness in my heart. Tears started falling before I even realized.

"I'm sorry...! It's okay now. Your big sister's here."

Cradling my little step-sibling, I took one step forward, then another, and kept walking.

They're too fragile to survive alone. So I'll protect them. Even if our time is short, I'll make sure they're the happiest kid in the world.

Chapter 2

From that day, my step-sibling and I started our life together. But we were still among the poor. Lately, we couldn't even afford firewood to fight the cold.

I brought them to a monastery in town, hoping they'd have a chance at something better. But...

"No! I wanna stay with you, Big Sis!"

They clung tightly to my clothes at the gate.

I wanted to keep them with me too, but I had no way to make them truly happy... So I tried to explain...

"They have warm blankets here, and you won't ever be alone again."

As I gently tried to pull away, they threw their arms around me.

"I don't need blankets! Just hug me, and I'll feel warm enough... You're all I need—nothing else!"

I felt the exact same. No matter how freezing the nights became, curling up together under one thin blanket warmed my heart more than anything. How could I not see it sooner?

We already had more than enough. A blanket alone might warm your body, but only love warms your heart. The only thing that truly can is...

"I'm so sorry. You're all I need, too. Nothing else."

I pulled my step-sibling into a tight embrace.

I'll never let go again. I'll keep this tiny happiness safe... My only treasure.

Chapter 3

Even though we remained poor, we couldn't have been happier until my step-sibling fell seriously ill.

Any medicine could ease their suffering... but I couldn't afford even the basics.

If I had money, I could save them... If only I had money!

"Oh God, I'll give anything—everything I have. Just please... save them! Save my step-sibling!"

"Very well. I shall help you."

A voice suddenly echoed inside my head.

"You shall have the power to turn your memories into riches. The more precious the memory you offer, the greater the wealth you will receive."

Could this be real? Had my prayer been heard? But offering memories means...

The day my step-sibling said their first word to me... The first time we cooked a simple meal together... I remember every detail. They're all so precious. I don't want to lose any of them...!

"B-Big... Sis..."

Their voice was so weak, their hands ice-cold...

At this rate, they won't last the night...! I'll do it...!

The instant I decided, a holy mark appeared on my left hand.

"Now, recall a memory you wish to offer."

As the voice guided me, childhood memories surfaced. Then countless jewels materialized in my palm...

Incredible...! This is enough to save them. Thank you...

Chapter 4

"Happy birthday, Big Sis!"

My step-sibling, now full of energy and fully recovered, beamed as they wished me well. This was all thanks to that power...

I had worried about losing memories, but it seemed not everything was taken. My early childhood feels a bit hazy now, but the ones with my step-sibling remain clear and safe.

"Here are my presents! A scarf and a stuffed teddy bear!"

"Wow, you made these yourself? It must have taken forever."

"They're for you, Big Sis! Making them was super easy because it's for you!"

Thank goodness—they're really better.

"Thank you. I'll treasure them always."

Our once-dark days now shine brightly. I know even more happy days await... Bright days that feel like treasures...

Chapter 5

Since then, my step-sibling has stayed healthy. Our life improved dramatically, and I thanked that power every day.

With a simple wish, jewels appeared—enough for medicine, good food, everything we needed.

We lived in comfort. Day after day, I used the power.

Until one day, my step-sibling looked at me sadly and asked...

"Why did you throw away the scarf I made for you?"

A scarf...? What are they talking about? I'd never discard something so meaningful, I...

...I can't remember anything about it. Did using the power erase such an important memory?

What should I do...? If I continue, even the memories with my step-sibling could vanish one day...

"I'm sorry! I know things feel different now, but from today, Big Sis is back!"

I hugged my anxious step-sibling tightly. I can't lose them. They can take the jewels, the riches—just not my step-sibling!

I'll stop using the power. We might return to hardship, but things will work out.

As long as I have my step-sibling, I need nothing else.

Chapter 6

A few days later, the illness returned—worse than before.

They need stronger medicine...! I can provide it, can't I...?

...No! I won't use that power again.

"Worry not—you can always make new memories."

The voice in my head sounded almost like a tempter.

"If your step-sibling dies, your chance to make new memories dies with them. Do it now, before it's too late..."

But...

Suddenly, I felt their small hand grasp mine.

"See. Your step-sibling is begging you to save them."

...! You're right—I have to save them. But if it means forgetting them...

I don't want to lose anything! Not my step-sibling, not our memories, but... This is the only way!

"Even if I forget everything... please... don't let me lose my step-sibling...!"

A blinding light swallowed everything. A silhouette appeared in my mind—tinged in white. Wait, is that...?

Slowly, the figure dissolved into the light, vanishing completely...

"Don't go..."

As my awareness faded, I heard someone calling out... But who...?

Chapter 7

Ah~ I desperately wanted this hat, yet I've already grown tired of it.

No matter—I can simply buy another.

Dresses, banquets, jewels in every color and sparkle... Nothing in this world is beyond my reach.

Yet why do I feel this emptiness? I have everything anyone could wish for, but something is missing...

"...Oh?"

A stuffed teddy bear slipped from my purse. It's filthy, patched together roughly... Where did this come from...?

"This thing is not to my taste at all."

I raised my arm to discard it.

"Don't go, Big Sis..."

"...! Why...?"

I clutched the teddy bear to my chest instead, holding it protectively.

Whose voice was that...? I have no idea. No idea at all, but...

The ache in my chest is suffocating...! Why...? There's nothing to be sad about, yet... these tears won't stop...!

My eyes met the teddy bear's. Though its seams are fraying and eyes coming apart, they seem to gaze back, trying to comfort me...

I held it tightly... until all I could hear was my own sobbing.