Chapter 9 - "Sisterly Tensions II"

Eira chuckled and glanced at Lindy. “It’s all thanks to you, Lindy. Now I know for sure that sister Elara isn’t as upset as she used to be.”

Lindy, still puzzled about how she had contributed to this change, shrugged off her confusion. She wasn’t one to pry, so she simply nodded in agreement. “It’s okay, Lady Eira. I’m just happy to see you two are getting along better.”

“Hehehe! Tomorrow, I’m making preparations in advance for our outing!” Eira said cheerfully, her excitement bubbling over.

“Okay, Lady Eira,” Lindy replied, and they decided to leave the classroom, heading toward Eira’s room for dinner. However, as they walked, they spotted a familiar figure waiting for them.

“Ah!” Eira staggered to a halt, recognizing her fourth sister, Suzu, who seemed to expect them.

“Hi, Eira! What a coincidence to run into you here. Are you heading back to your room?” Suzu smiled sweetly, but Eira could sense the underlying mischief in her gaze.

“Uh, yes, sister Suzu,” Eira responded, managing an awkward smile. She gestured for Lindy to continue walking, eager to avoid the strange vibe.

Lindy understood immediately. “Lady Suzu, please excuse us. Eira hasn’t had dinner yet, so we’ll be on our way.”

They walked past Suzu, holding Eira's hand tightly, hoping to escape her presence.

But Suzu was not easily deterred. Her smile widened, bordering on madness as she called out, “Wait, Eira! I haven’t had dinner either. Could you ask your maid to prepare me something as well?”

Lindy glanced back, unsure. “Um, Lady Eira, what do you think? I can’t really refuse since I’m just a maid,” she said hesitantly, aware of Suzu's lack of good intentions.

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Eira sighed, recalling past experiences with Suzu. “Fine, sister Suzu. You can join us, but please don’t pull any of your tricks again,” she warned, her voice edged with caution.

Suzu’s grin grew even wider. “Oh, Eira, don’t worry! I won’t do anything this time. I’m just really hungry,” she replied eagerly, her tone overly sweet.

Eira nodded reluctantly. “Okay then, let’s go.”

As they walked together, Eira distanced herself from Suzu, who couldn’t stop grinning, clearly plotting something behind her facade.

Once inside Eira’s room, Suzu approached her, dropping to her knees and grasping Eira’s feet. “Eira, I’m really sorry for what I did before! I swear, I didn’t mean to…” she said, feigning tears while trying to hold back a smug smile. Her first clumsy plan had succeeded.

“Alright, I accept your apology. Just stop crying, sister Suzu,” Eira replied softly, unsure of how to handle the situation. If she hadn’t recovered her memories, she probably wouldn’t even glance at Suzu, despite her striking beauty.

“Really? You won’t get angry or avoid me?” Suzu asked, her voice dripping with faux innocence.

“Yes, I won’t,” Eira said, but her expression hardened as she gently removed Suzu’s hands from her feet. “Dinner is ready, so mind your manners, sister, and remember your place.”

“Erm, okay,” Suzu replied, disappointment flickering across her face as Eira pulled away. However, she quickly masked it, knowing that Eira had forgiven her was enough for now.

“Wow, I didn’t expect you to forgive me so easily, Eira. So the rumors are true: you’ve awakened, which is why you’re so kind now. Hehehe, this will make my plans easier,” Suzu thought to herself, maintaining her dramatics in front of Eira.

A few moments later, Lindy returned, carrying a tray with dinner for two. “Here are your meals, Lady Suzu and Lady Eira,” she said calmly, placing the dishes on the table.

Both Eira and Suzu nodded, diving into their food. After a moment, Eira turned to Lindy. “By the way, are you going to buy ingredients in town tomorrow?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“No, my lady. It looks like I’ll have to change our plans. The matriarch needs me to deliver resources to your first sister,” Lindy said apologetically.

“First sister? You mean Sister Valeria, who I haven’t seen in the house since I was a child?” Eira asked, her interest growing. The name seemed to stir something in Suzu, whose expression darkened briefly before she masked it.

“Yes, exactly, my lady. I’m sorry for not being able to take you to explore the town,” Lindy reiterated.

“You don’t have to apologize; I understand. But, Lindy, you have to bring me next time when you go shopping, okay?” Eira added, putting on a pitiful expression.

Lindy sighed, recognizing the determination in Eira’s eyes. “Haaahh, I know, my lady. I promise,” she replied, gathering the dishes and leaving them in silence.

Eira turned back to Suzu, who appeared lost in thought. “Sister Suzu, why are you still here? Aren’t you going back?” Eira asked, breaking the silence.

“Ah, I’m sorry! I forgot. Thanks for the meal, Eira,” Suzu said, her previous plotting momentarily derailed by the mention of Valeria.

Eira nodded and climbed onto her bed, feeling a mix of disappointment and restlessness. She gazed out the window, frustrated that her surroundings were just ice and the imposing palace, isolated from the vibrant world she longed to explore. “Haaahh… Looks like I’ll have to visit my mother again to get permission,” she said in a resigned voice, unaware that her mother cherished her constant visits and pleading for help.