Chapter 11 – "Sisterly Schemes and Secrets"

Lindy blinked, caught off guard by Eira's sudden announcement. She hadn’t expected Eira to be so eager to go with her—especially since she hadn’t gotten permission yet.

“Um, Lady Eira, I think you need—” Before Lindy could finish, Eira interrupted her with a confident smile.

“Hehe, don’t worry, Lindy. I already got permission from Mother!” Eira assured her, noticing Lindy’s hesitation.

“Oh… oh, I see! Alright, my Lady.” Lindy smiled, inwardly amused as she imagined Eira rolling on the floor, stubbornly pleading for permission.

“Oh, and Lindy, can you call Sister Suzu as well?”

“Why Lady Eira?” Lindy asked, curious.

“I’m not sure… Mother just said to bring her along, though I don’t know why,” Eira replied, hiding the real reason behind a quick lie.

“Hmm… alright, my Lady. I’ll call Lady Suzu.” Lindy nodded, understanding the matriarch’s intention. A moment later, she hurried off to find Suzu so they could reach the capital on schedule.

Eira watched her go before running back to her room to change. As she dashed through the palace halls, maids noticed her and murmured excitedly among themselves.

“Kyaa! Look at Lady Eira—she’s so cute!” they whispered, smiling as they watched her run by, her excitement contagious.

Meanwhile, in Suzu’s room—a space filled with dolls and decorated with frilly bedding—Suzu sat on her bed, clutching a piece of Eira’s clothing. She inhaled deeply, lost in her thoughts, and murmured to herself, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“Ahh… Eira… your scent… I can’t Mmm...get enough of it... ahh...” she muttered under her breath, bringing the fabric to her face, her breathing growing shallow.

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Just then, a knock on the door startled her.

“Lady Suzu, may I have your attention? This is at the matriarch’s request,” Lindy called, her tone firm. She knew that invoking Seraphina’s name would ensure a response; every child of the matriarch respected her authority, including Suzu.

Suzu’s face fell, her moment disrupted. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she muttered to herself, “Tch. This rude maid! If she weren’t Eira’s personal maid, I wouldn’t let her get away with disturbing me like this.”

Taking a moment to collect herself, Suzu adjusted her bed, fixing any sign of her previous activity, and opened the door with an irritated expression.

“So, what’s the big need for knocking so urgently? Just say it already,” she snapped.

“Madam Seraphina asked that you accompany me to the capital,” Lindy replied evenly, observing Suzu’s annoyance with calm detachment.

“What? Why should I do that? I’ll have to talk to Mother—” Suzu began, but Lindy cut her off.

“Lady Eira will be there, and she already has permission to go,” Lindy said smoothly.

“Oh…” Suzu paused, her irritation melting into a sweet, almost innocent smile. “Well then, thank you, Lindy! I’ll definitely go.” Her face brightened, but behind her pleasant facade, a mischievous gleam appeared in her eyes.

“You’re welcome, Lady Suzu. We’ll be waiting at the Crystal Veil Gateway once you’re ready.”

The Crystal Veil Gateway was a breathtaking structure, its icy surface gleaming with crystal-like brilliance. To use it, a matching gate was required at the destination. When both gates aligned, the shimmering veil opened, allowing a stable, magical link across vast distances.

Some time passed, and Lindy and Eira waited at the entrance to the gateway. Eira fidgeted impatiently.

“Lindy, did Sister Suzu really agree to come?” Eira asked, unable to hide her impatience after waiting half an hour.

“Yes, Lady Eira. I informed her, and she agreed. Perhaps she’s just taking a bit of time to pack,” Lindy replied, trying to soothe Eira’s impatience.

Eira sighed, nodding reluctantly. Just then, she noticed Suzu approaching in an elegant dress, her figure so poised and graceful that she turned heads as she walked.

“Eira, Eira! I’m here!” Suzu called out excitedly.

“Ugh, finally! My feet are tired from waiting,” Eira replied, pouting slightly.

Suzu’s smile faltered as she saw Eira’s upset expression but quickly masked her disappointment, waiting patiently for her chance to act.

“Lindy, could you carry me? My feet are tired,” Eira asked, looking up at Lindy with puppy-dog eyes. Lindy chuckled at the request and lifted Eira gently, holding her as if she were a precious child.

Suzu’s face twitched as she watched enviously. “Eira, how about I carry you instead?” Suzu suggested, trying to mask the longing in her voice.

“No, I’m comfortable now,” Eira replied, ignoring Suzu’s offer. “Besides, let’s get going! I’m eager to see somewhere new.”

Suzu felt a pang of disappointment but quickly suppressed it, though a part of her whispered with resentment, I need to do something to keep Eira close before she starts to drift away.

With a nod from Lindy, the gate operators began their preparations. Moments later, a shimmering blue energy enveloped the gate, rippling like smoke. Without hesitation, Lindy stepped forward, carrying Eira, with Suzu walking beside them. They passed through the portal and vanished instantly.

On the other side, within the prestigious Veilforge Academy, Valeria Nivara stood by a large window, gazing outside. Her attendant, Leny, approached with a slight bow.

“Miss Valeria, the new resources are arriving today. Would you like to greet the staff?” Leny asked, her voice gentle.

Valeria’s gaze didn’t waver. “You expect me to greet mere staff, Leny? Are you feeling unwell?” Her voice held an irritated edge.

“Oh! I… I didn’t mean that!” Leny replied, flustered, trying to rephrase. “Actually, your younger sisters are arriving.”

Valeria’s expression changed, her eyes flickering with surprise.