Chapter 16 - "Unforeseen Alliances"
The intense mana surrounding the crowd pulsed with a protective warmth around Eira, seemingly by Mira's influence. While the others felt pressured by the display of mana, Eira remained unaffected. Seconds later, the examiners, visibly irritated by Mira’s antics, prepared to discipline the young girl. However, the guards quickly intervened, handing over a pouch of coins and whispering a few words to the staff. The staff then turned and announced with a forced smile:
"Miss Eira Nivara, please proceed to pair with Miss Mira. You may head over to the waiting area for the next hour until the tower initiates the teleportation process for all participants."
Eira’s eyes shifted toward the black-haired girl beside her, who radiated confidence and beauty. She asked, "Um, sister, have we met before?" She asked this because she’d noticed the earlier atmosphere between them.
Upon hearing this, Mira’s body trembled with excitement. She fought to control her expression, replying in a smooth voice, "Eira, is it? I’m Mira. You can call me Big Sister Mira if you like." She carefully masked her eagerness, already envisioning her plan to gain Eira’s trust. “In time, she’ll come to rely on me completely,” Mira thought, the mere idea filling her with thrill.
“Alright, Big Sister Mira,” Eira replied, regarding Mira’s dignified air with some curiosity. “Are we supposed to go somewhere to wait?” She glanced back at the other participants, sensing the unease Mira’s mana had left among them.
“Ah, yes, I nearly forgot!” Mira responded, snapping out of her thoughts. “Shall we go? Would you like to hold hands?” She extended her hand, lips curling into a subtle smile.
Eira hesitated briefly, then accepted the gesture. "Let’s go, Big Sister."
As Mira walked away, holding Eira’s hand, her mana slowly dissipated. The people behind them heaved a collective sigh of relief. One person, feeling particularly grateful, called out, “Thank you, little angel! I’ll always be at your service if you ever need anything.”
The examiners and staff exchanged relieved glances as well. They were thankful that the young girl had picked up on the tense atmosphere and saved them from escalating the situation further. Yet, beneath their gratitude, they felt a twinge of guilt. Sending someone so young into the unpredictable challenges of the tower, which adapted its trials to the participants’ fates and talents, weighed heavily on their minds. They could only hope she would emerge safely.
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Meanwhile, in her family’s estate, Valeria had just returned from school. Eager to introduce herself properly to her youngest sister, she had immediately ordered her butler to prepare fresh milk and sweets. Although her expression remained stoic, her eyes betrayed her anticipation.
“Butler,” she called softly, her tone calm but firm.
A moment later, the butler appeared, bowing respectfully. “My lady, what may I prepare for you today?”
“Fresh milk and sweets,” Valeria replied, gesturing for him to hurry.
The butler nodded. “As you wish, my lady.” He turned and briskly made his way to the kitchen, instructing the maids to expedite the preparations.
As Valeria headed to her quarters to gather herself, she noticed Lindy walking in the same direction. She called out, her tone as composed as ever, “Eira’s personal maid, a word with you.”
Lindy turned, bowing gracefully. “It’s Lindy, my lady; you may call me Lindy.”
Valeria acknowledged this with a nod, seemingly uninterested in her formal title. “Are you on your way to see Eira as well?”
“Yes, Lady Valeria. I was going to check if she needed anything. I’ve been with her since she was a child, so I know what she likes.” Lindy’s tone held a note of pride, as if reminding Valeria of her closeness with Eira.
Valeria’s calm exterior remained, though she felt an impulse to scoff at Lindy’s display. Choosing not to engage, she continued down the corridor, leaving Lindy momentarily speechless. Lindy only shrugged and followed behind her, maintaining her pace with ease. Despite Valeria’s cold demeanor, Lindy knew the older sister’s feelings for Eira ran deeper than her words let on.
When they reached Eira’s room, Valeria abruptly paused. Her gaze sharpened, noticing the unusual stillness within. Her brow furrowed as she addressed Lindy, “Did Eira wake up and leave?”
Lindy’s confusion mirrored her own. “No, my lady. I haven’t checked on her today—I was busy distributing resources as instructed by the matriarch.”
Valeria’s expression darkened as she pushed the door open. The room was empty, with only Eira’s previous clothes left behind. The window stood ajar, and Lindy’s face blanched as the implications sank in. Valeria, on the other hand, felt her anger flare beneath her calm façade.
“Butler,” she called in a voice so controlled it sent a chill down the hall.
The butler entered, holding a tray with a meal prepared for Eira. At the sight of Valeria’s icy gaze, he felt a shiver crawl down his spine, though he bowed obediently. “Yes, my lady, how may I assist?”
“Summon the guards. Find Eira immediately. If she isn’t found within the hour, I’ll pay a visit to the imperial family myself.” Her voice remained steady, but her pupils glowed with a piercing blue light, leaving the air around her frigid. The tray in the butler’s hands grew cold, and he felt the warmth of the meal drain into a thin layer of frost.
Lindy stood by, hands tingling from the sudden drop in temperature. She stepped forward, attempting to calm the young noble. “Lady Valeria, perhaps we should contact the matriarch before acting against the imperial family. They have several transcendent-level warriors with high-level rule gifts. An incident could lead to severe consequences.”
Valeria’s gaze shifted to Lindy, unwavering in its intensity. “You’re overthinking this, Lindy. There’s no need to trouble Mother. I am more than enough for the task.” Her calm arrogance radiated from her words, a confidence unshaken by the dangers Lindy mentioned.
Lindy reluctantly held back, noting the unmistakable resolve in Valeria’s stance. She could only hope that if Valeria did find Eira—and any potential captors—her reaction would be as measured as her words now seemed.