Chapter 93: The Power of Sisterhood—It Was All This Princess's Plan! Please Have Mercy on Her Highness! (2)

Shia’s actions left no room for doubt. His intentions were clear, and Violet’s frustration reached a boiling point. Biting her lip, her eyes reddened as humiliation and helplessness overwhelmed her. How could anyone be so detestable?

Even as her indignation surged, she could only grit her teeth and endure. Responsibility—a rare concept for Violet—compelled her to bear the brunt of Shia’s antics.

Deep down, she knew why she tolerated this. It wasn’t just guilt; it was a desire to protect someone dear to her.

When Aph had stepped in to act, Violet couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Aph was formidable. Perhaps she could pull it off?

Despite her outward composure, worry gnawed at her heart.

That was why she quietly followed behind her.

What she witnessed next only deepened her concern: Aph being bullied by that silver-haired elf.

To Violet, Aph wasn’t just a bodyguard. She was a dear friend, an elder sister, and her closest confidante. Having endured bullying herself, she was all too aware of Shia’s terrifying nature.

The thought of her cherished friend suffering the same fate drove Violet to shoulder all the blame. She even confessed to tattling, a charge she had always denied in the past.

Shia, naturally, saw right through her motives. The self-serving, status-obsessed Silver Moon princess willingly sacrificing herself for a friend? It was a surprising and oddly admirable gesture.

Such heartfelt loyalty was moving, even to him.

How could Shia not indulge her efforts? Especially when she’d gone to such lengths.

Their profound bond of sisterhood was nothing short of touching—a beautiful display of camaraderie. Though, Aph’s retreating figure was a tad pathetic as she was ushered away.

Aph circled the small clearing several times, constrained by a three-meter-wide ring drawn on the ground—a literal cage.

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Nearby, the silver-haired elf princess stood watch, her piercing gaze ensuring no escape attempts.

At last, Violet returned, her elegant demeanor as poised as ever. Aph’s eyes lit up with relief as she anxiously scanned Violet from head to toe.

Violet, her head held high, maintained her icy and regal facade. But when she turned to Aph, her expression softened into a genuine smile.

First, she addressed the elf.

“I’ve discussed matters with Shia. This incident ends here.”

She motioned for Aph to leave with her. The elf hesitated but stepped aside after Shia’s subtle nod.

“Your Highness, did he make things difficult for you?” Aph’s worried gaze scrutinized Violet, her concern palpable.

Violet took Aph’s hand, gently leading her away.

“Relax. We merely cleared up some misunderstandings. Everything’s resolved now.”

Aph’s sharp eyes detected no injuries on Violet, and her explanation, while vague, eased her worries slightly.

“Really?” Aph pressed.

Violet’s proud smile returned. “Of course. When I step in, nothing is impossible.”

Only then did Aph let out a long sigh of relief, her doubts finally put to rest.

“Enough of that. You’re back now, so let me properly welcome you.”

By “welcome,” Aph meant an actual cleaning ritual.

Her dusky complexion tinged with pink as she awkwardly shuffled her feet.

“Your Highness, I can manage on my own.”

The prospect of bathing with the princess left her flustered and overwhelmed. She was just a knight, after all. Sharing such an intimate moment with royalty felt far too indulgent.

But Violet wasn’t about to let her off so easily. Grabbing a towel, she issued a direct command.

“Turn around. I’ll help you wash.”

Aph’s hesitation was palpable.

“Your Highness, I really can’t…”

“That’s an order.”

Left with no choice, Aph reluctantly obeyed. Compared to Violet’s fair, flawless skin, Aph’s sun-kissed complexion gleamed with health but bore the marks of a hard life. Scars of varying sizes crisscrossed her body, each a testament to her battles.

Violet’s delicate fingers traced one of the scars, her expression full of pain.

“Does it still hurt?”

Aph tilted her head slightly, giving a small, honest shake.

Her eyes caught sight of Violet’s hand resting on her shoulder—slender, pale, and beautifully manicured. Compared to her own rough and scarred skin, she felt a pang of insecurity.

But the most striking sight wasn’t her scars; it was the scene revealed after she removed her armor. The breathtaking view beneath it left Violet momentarily awestruck.

After finishing Aph’s back, Violet gestured for her to turn around. The simple act of turning caused an almost theatrical ripple. Waves formed in the bath, with Aph’s ample assets floating and moving in tandem, commanding attention.

Violet couldn’t help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness. Though she wasn’t lacking in that department, standing next to Aph made her feel downright modest.

Curious, she reached out to touch, marveling at the softness.

Aph, meanwhile, was mortified, her complexion darkening by the second.

“Your Highness, being big isn’t all that great,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible. “It’s a hindrance in battle.”

Aph turned her head slightly, her tone sincere.

“That’s why I wear thick armor to flatten them. Otherwise, they get in the way during combat.”

Violet’s jealousy deepened.

“Are you bragging?”

“No, Your Highness, I’m being honest.”

Her attempt at earnestness only added fuel to the fire. Violet pouted.

“That’s just Versailles talk. You have no idea how many people wish for your kind of ‘troubles.’”

Their lighthearted banter gradually erased the earlier tension from their encounter with Shia. The atmosphere grew warm and relaxed as they laughed and teased each other.

Casually, Aph broached the topic again.

“So, what do you plan to do about Shia?”

Violet’s body stiffened slightly, her unease evident.

Though her face remained calm and composed, a subtle storm brewed beneath her expression.

“Didn’t I say so? I’ve already discussed this with him, and we’ve come to an understanding. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Hmm, I’ll trust your judgment,” Aph replied.

They exchanged a knowing smile, as if the issue had been resolved. Yet, each harbored different thoughts.