Chapter 13 - "Echoes of Family".
On the teleportation gate, Lindy and Suzu stood in silence as Eira slept peacefully. Suzu couldn’t help but stare at Eira’s face, a dreamy smile spreading across her own. Minutes later, they arrived at their destination, surrounded by a blue energy that radiated around them, giving them an air of mystery amidst the bustling crowd of the capital.
As the energy finally subsided, curious onlookers began to take notice of the two figures emerging from the shimmering light. Gasps and whispers spread through the crowd as they recognized their beauty.
"Those blue eyes and white hair—they're from the Nivara family, known for their ability to freeze anything," a man in the crowd exclaimed. Nearby, a group of girls chattered excitedly, "Look at the maid's arm! That child is beautiful! Could she be the little sister of the girl walking beside her?" They continued to marvel, their eyes drawn to the sleeping child. "Kyaaa! She's so cute! I want to hold her too!"
The crowd’s praises began to irritate Suzu. She hadn’t anticipated that Eira’s charm would attract such attention. Gesturing to Lindy, she urged her to quicken their pace to avoid waking Eira. But suddenly, a voice rang out, sending a chill through the crowd.
"YOU INSECTS! GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! MY YOUNGER SISTER IS ASLEEP, AND NOW YOU PEOPLE ARE DISTURBING HER! DO YOU NEED ME TO VISIT EACH OF YOUR FAMILIES ONE BY ONE?" Valeria's voice was filled with fury as she stepped forward, her eyes ablaze. The noise had woken her protective instincts, and her anger erupted.
"Ahh!" The crowd quickly dispersed, fear overtaking their curiosity. Although Eira was beautiful, their love for their families prevailed, prompting them to retreat in an instant.
Mira, observing from a distance, watched the sisters reunite. "Ugh, I’m so envious! I want to go there too!" she sighed reluctantly, but the voice in her necklace urged her to leave.
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"Mira, you need to get out of here. That child who just shouted wasn’t joking; she really would do it if you hadn’t dispersed," the voice advised, its tone serious. It had sensed the intensity of Valeria’s anger, a familiar feeling from past battles and encounters.
Mira nodded, feeling the killing intent emanating from Valeria. She knew her strength wasn’t enough to match it. With a sigh, she thought about how unqualified she felt to make Eira hers. In a battle against an elite person, she could hold her own, but her instincts told her Valeria was on another level.
"Haaahh, I’ll be back next time when I feel qualified," Mira resolved before turning to retrieve her sword to improve her skills.
Back with the sisters, Lindy cradled Eira, who slept like a baby in her arms. Turning to Valeria, she said, "Lady Valeria, you’re here. We can talk in your dorm while Lady Eira is still asleep."
Valeria, still dazed by Eira's cuteness, nodded. "Hmm, let’s go. I’ll walk you to the dorm. If you need help, I can get you a maid."
"There’s no need, Lady Valeria. Lady Eira said she won’t let anyone carry her except for me," Lindy replied, a hint of pride in her voice. Her words sparked a glint of jealousy in both Suzu and Valeria's eyes.
Suzu frowned, wanting to speak up, but Valeria’s gaze fell on her. "You! What are you doing here, you…? Are you trying to flaunt how slutty you are?" Valeria’s disgust was palpable.
Suzu’s expression turned cold, a storm brewing within her as she fought the urge to retaliate. She knew Valeria was one of the strongest in the capital, and past conflicts had taught her to tread carefully.
The tension hung thick in the air until it was interrupted by Lindy’s gentle voice. "Please, Lady Valeria, Lady Suzu, your younger sister is still asleep. Could you set aside your grudges for now? I can feel that Eira is uncomfortable."
Both Valeria and Suzu turned to Eira, their anger dissipating as they nodded in reluctant agreement. They didn’t want to disturb their precious little sister.
"Hmph! You’re lucky today, slut. Our little sister saved you from getting your face swollen," Valeria said, gesturing for Lindy to follow her.
Suzu gritted her teeth in frustration, wishing Valeria were weaker so she could settle things right then and there. But wishing for Valeria’s weakness was just that—a wish. Valeria was powerful, the only daughter of their house with a high-level rule power. Suzu could only hope that one day her older sister would falter.
Minutes later, they arrived at the luxurious dorm, greeted by a throng of maids and butlers. Valeria called out, "Take my little sister to my room and let her sleep there. You can guide her personal maid." With that, she strode off to the academy, where lessons awaited her.
Suzu felt slighted by being overlooked and left the scene with a heavy heart, not wanting to linger in the house of her enemy.
"Is she okay?" a butler asked Lindy, watching Suzu walk away.
"She’ll be fine. Lady Suzu has many connections in this capital," Lindy replied, brushing off the concern as she focused on making Eira comfortable.
Meanwhile, Eira remained blissfully unaware of the rumors swirling around her, including those at the academy that spoke of the youngest child of the Nivara family visiting her sister, her beauty captivating all who laid eyes on her.