Liana suddenly realized that this situation seemed somewhat inappropriate. The scene felt familiar, though Liana had never witnessed it herself, but she sensed something wasn’t quite right.

“Massage?” Mephilia found it strange that Liana would make such sounds during a massage.

Rather than creating unnecessary misunderstandings, Liana simply decided to come clean.

She placed her hand on the crystal ball, adjusted its position to show Loraviel sitting on her back.

How to put it... wouldn’t this cause even more misunderstandings?

Loraviel also noticed the situation and turned her head to look at the crystal ball. “Princess.”

“Ah... yes.” Mephilia was startled momentarily before resuming her usual demeanor. “What’s the situation now?”

“Princess Liana underwent royal knight training today. To prevent strain and tomorrow’s pain, I’m now massaging Princess Liana’s muscles and applying medication,” Loraviel explained.

“Royal knight training methods?” Mephilia was familiar with their training methods, but the issue was, if it truly involved the complete royal knight training regimen, Liana certainly couldn’t endure it.

It wasn’t that she didn’t believe in Liana; it was precisely because she knew Liana so well that Mephilia thought this way.

“What did you do today?” Mephilia asked.

“Swing a sword one hundred times. Let me tell you, that Oliphia! She tricked me into using a stone sword at first! Made me swing it twenty times! So exhausting!” Liana complained to Mephilia about the day’s events.

Starting with a stone sword was indeed somewhat advanced. For royal knight training, it was merely a warm-up exercise.

But Mephilia also understood Liana’s physical condition. Liana was essentially someone who had never exercised at all.

Being able to persevere on her ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) first attempt was already impressive. Now was the time to encourage Liana rather than dampening her enthusiasm.

“Yes, Liana, you’re amazing!” Mephilia said. “But why are you pushing yourself so hard? There’s no need to force yourself like this. Take it slowly.”

“That won’t do,” Liana said very seriously. “If I can’t persist even before starting, I don’t want to be like that. Tomorrow, my limbs might be very sore, but at least I’ve told myself that I can persevere—that I can help you too!”

“Help me?” Mephilia on the other side of the magic stone was visibly surprised. “Haven’t you always been helping me?”

“It’s not enough. I can’t become your burden due to my own deficiencies.” Liana now disregarded Loraviel’s presence, saying what she wanted. After all, in Loraviel’s eyes, these sweet words were merely to get closer to Mephilia, just flattery for the sake of power.

In reality, Princess Liana’s words were absolutely sincere. Princess Liana wanted to help Princess Mephilia, which was why she put in such effort, gritting her teeth to persist.

Loraviel stared at Her Highness and thought, Princess Liana had made such a firm decision...

She herself couldn’t slack off either. But now, Lady Oliphia had told her there wasn’t much more she could teach her. So now, she could only treat this last month as a vacation to enjoy.

Loraviel’s hands rested on Liana’s soft thighs. As she listened to Liana’s words, the pressure from her hands gradually increased.

Though Liana found it somewhat painful, most of the time it felt comfortable, so she didn’t say anything.

“Don’t push yourself too hard for me, or you’ll end up with sore limbs again like that day,” Mephilia said.

“That day was just an accident!” Liana retorted. “But tomorrow, Oliphia did tell me to rest well.”

Though she had begun remedial measures, Liana naturally knew she couldn’t escape her fate tomorrow.

“Your Highness, this might feel a bit cold. Please bear with it,” Loraviel said.

“Hmm? Oh.” Liana nodded indifferently.

“Eep?!” Liana suddenly let out an adorable sound.

“What’s wrong, Liana?” Mephilia asked with concern.

Not just Mephilia—even Liana herself didn’t know what had happened.

Liana asked her maid, “What are you doing?”

Loraviel held a towel, inside which were ice cubes created by magic.

“I’m sorry, Princess Liana, I was just trying to apply an ice pack...” Loraviel lowered her head, looking somewhat at a loss, resembling a child who had made a mistake.

“Ice packs are indeed useful, but, Liana, why don’t you just go find the priestess?” Mephilia asked.

“Continue,” Liana said to Loraviel before turning back to Mephilia. “It’s all because of that Oliphia! She insists that endurance and bodily recovery are also part of the training, so she won’t let me see the priestess.”

Mephilia nodded. “Oliphia must have her considerations for doing this. Liana, just endure it a bit.”

“I know. That’s what I’m doing now.” Liana lay on the pillow. “Enough about me. Tell me about your matters. Have you finished all your tasks?”

“How to put it... there really isn’t much time left afterward,” Mephilia sighed with some helplessness. “The elves of the Elven Forest have also learned about this matter. Their Elven Princess wants to meet me.”

“Elven Princess!” Liana immediately raised her head.

“What’s wrong?” Mephilia didn’t understand why Liana suddenly became so excited.

Liana had almost forgotten about this!

With the protagonist missing, what about Sephirena?

If Mephilia hadn’t suddenly mentioned the Elven Princess, Liana would have completely forgotten her agreement with Sephirena.

The Fourth Princess of the Elven Forest, Sephirena Tiael, was one of the original story’s heroines.

“Liana, you look troubled. Are you alright?” Mephilia asked with concern.

“It’s nothing.” Liana calmed down a bit. There was still time, and she also understood why Sephirena was so intent on seeking death. Fortunately, she had set the time for three years later, rather than the start of the main storyline, giving herself some margin for error.

“Which princess is it?” Liana quickly asked.

“I believe it’s the First Princess, Avira Tiael,” Mephilia said.

This gave Liana some relief. With a fifty-fifty chance, it was fortunate it wasn’t the second princess; otherwise, it would have been problematic.

“What’s wrong?” Mephilia noticed Liana’s apparent relief and asked with confusion.

“Nothing. I just hope she’s a decent person,” Liana said.

The second princess had an extremely forceful and arrogant personality, deeply loathing the human world. She was also the main culprit behind Sephirena’s current state.

Avira was relatively more approachable, which was likely why she was coming to the Lisat Kingdom.

“Indeed, I don’t know what she’s like either. I hope she won’t be difficult to get along with,” Mephilia said, also hearing this name for the first time.

After all, the elven race was quite resistant to the human world. Only elves who couldn’t survive in the Elven Forest or had been expelled would come to the human world.

Mephilia herself hadn’t met many elves, so she was curious about how an elven princess would differ from a human princess.

“When are you planning to meet?” Liana asked.

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you know once it’s confirmed,” Mephilia said.

“Okay.”

“Alright, princess, it’s time to prepare for rest. There’s business to attend to early tomorrow morning,” Minoga’s voice came from the other end of the crystal ball.

“I understand.” Mephilia’s voice clearly reflected her dissatisfaction, but that was the extent of it.

After all, Liana had gone this far for her, so she definitely needed to focus on the affairs of the Lisat Kingdom first. Of course, this didn’t mean placing Liana in a lower position.

The highest place in her heart would always be reserved exclusively for Liana.

“Liana, remember to rest well tomorrow. If you feel uncomfortable anywhere, be sure to have the priestess check you.”

Liana felt somewhat annoyed. Don’t treat me like a child!

“Yes, I understand.”

After ending the magic stone communication, Loraviel said, “Princess Liana, I’m going to start applying the medicine now.”

“Alright.”

Loraviel’s hands applied the ointment. Apart from the cold sensation, Liana didn’t notice anything particularly special. It wasn’t like what Vivian had previously given her, which had an immediate effect once applied.

However, Oliphia had also told her this was part of the training, meant to enhance her endurance. Liana wasn’t sure if this would actually be effective.

Loraviel’s hands landed on Liana’s thighs, seemingly giving them a pinch before moving downward to apply the ointment to her calves.

About ten minutes later, Loraviel had applied the ointment adequately. It felt somewhat sticky...

Liana wanted to take a bath, but doing so would negate everything they had just done.

Liana sat up and looked at Loraviel.

Loraviel also looked at Liana. “What is it, Princess Liana?”

Liana remained silent for a while, ultimately deciding not to express her decision.

Originally, Liana had planned to ask Loraviel if she wanted a new bed. After all, given her relationship with Mephilia, shouldn’t she maintain some distance from Loraviel?

But this would seem too sudden and might make Loraviel suspicious, though the things Liana had been doing as “Liana” were already strange.

With only one month left, it was better to avoid unnecessary complications. Besides, they were just sleeping together; they weren’t doing anything inappropriate.

“Nothing.” Liana pulled the blanket over herself. Given the current situation, it was best to sleep.

“Does Princess Liana need anything else from me?” Loraviel asked.

“Nothing for now. Why?” Liana inquired.

“Um... may I go take a bath?”

“Go ahead.” Liana waved her hand.

Her eyelids were already starting to fight each other. After all, she had genuinely trained today. As for tomorrow’s outcome, that was a question for tomorrow’s Liana. For now, she was going to sleep.

Loraviel went to the bathroom. She didn’t want to share Liana with anyone else... but this was clearly unlikely.

Loraviel knew very well that the status gap between them meant the path would be extremely tortuous.

But Loraviel simply refused to give up. Perhaps, like Liana, she had a very stubborn temperament.

She had been trying her best to control herself, to avoid touching Princess Liana inappropriately. But whenever she saw Princess Liana, she couldn’t help herself.

The more she controlled and suppressed herself, the more explosive the rebound would be when triggered by certain events.

Like this time, after witnessing Her Highness and Princess Mephilia’s intimate conversation firsthand, these emotions had reached their peak.

That small seed had grown wildly within her body and mind, occupying her heart.

She needed to release these feelings; otherwise, she didn’t know what might happen when interacting with Princess Liana tomorrow.

Now wasn’t the best time yet.

“Princess Liana...”

Cold water slid over Loraviel’s skin, her blue hair clinging to her body. She closed her eyes, her lips trembling slightly.

Despite the ice-cold water, her body felt unbearably hot.

Loraviel’s gaze turned to the basket of clothes—those that Princess Liana had just changed out of, which she hadn’t yet had time to wash...

Loraviel swallowed. Reason told her not to do this.

But when she came to her senses, she found the clothes had somehow made their way into her hands.

The clothes came to her on their own; it wasn’t that Loraviel wanted this.

Loraviel hugged the clothes. This was Princess Liana’s scent. Even after Liana had worn them all day, there was no strange odor on the clothes. After all, Princess Liana was fragrant and sweet all over, and soft everywhere except her mouth.

Loraviel closed her eyes, her right hand moving uncontrollably downward, extending toward that secret place.

In the bathroom, sighs similar to Liana’s earlier ones could be heard. But now the door was locked, and the sounds wouldn’t travel outside. Liana herself was already asleep.

“...” After some time, Loraviel looked at the strand between her fingers, seemingly able to see Princess Liana’s silhouette.

Petite, adorable, innocent, delicate—though appearing severe and intimidating on the surface, she was actually a young lady who deeply cared for others.

Her strength was minimal, so small that with just a gentle push from Loraviel, Princess Liana would fall onto the bed.

“The time... hasn’t yet come...”

“But rest assured, Princess Liana, I won’t make you wait too long.”

After releasing some tension, Loraviel felt much refreshed. She dressed and exited the bathroom, seeing that Princess Liana had closed her eyes and fallen into deep sleep.

Thinking about how Princess Liana had trained so diligently today, while she had done such excessive things in the bathroom, Loraviel felt somewhat beyond salvation.

Loraviel dried her hair and entered the covers, skillfully sliding her arms under Princess Liana’s armpits, crossing her hands over Princess Liana’s lower abdomen, embracing her.

Indeed, the authentic, original Princess Liana herself was more comfortable.

The next day, when Liana opened her eyes, she didn’t immediately get up but wiggled her fingers.

Loraviel, waiting in the room, immediately noticed that Princess Liana had awakened. “Good morning, Princess Liana.”

Liana ignored Loraviel. Right now, she needed to check the condition of her body.

Fingers, fine.

Wrists, fine.

Good!

Liana raised her arm.

“...Ah?!” A tear squeezed from the corner of Liana’s eye, and she lowered her arm.

This soreness...

It was like not having run for several years, then suddenly being forced to take a physical education exam, exerting all your strength, failing, and then experiencing non-stop pain the next day.

This was after Loraviel had massaged her and applied medication. If she had done nothing and just gone to sleep, Liana estimated she wouldn’t even be able to get up today.

“What’s wrong, Princess Liana?” Loraviel came before Liana.

For some reason, Liana felt that today’s Loraviel seemed somewhat different. She appeared... more energetic?

It was hard to articulate, but she was definitely in a much better state than yesterday.

“Nothing.” Liana tried to sit up without moving her hands.

“Princess Liana, how are your hands?” Loraviel asked with concern.

“How are they? They’re fine! This level of training intensity is a piece of cake for me. I thought it would be worse, but this is it?” But the tears at the corners of Liana’s eyes contradicted her words.

“Is breakfast ready?” Liana asked.

“It’s already prepared for Princess Liana. Would you like me to bring it to your bedside?” Loraviel asked thoughtfully.

She knew that sword swinging didn’t just use the arms; the legs also had to exert force, which was why she had massaged Princess Liana’s feet yesterday.

“I’m not so incapacitated that I can’t walk.” Liana put on her slippers. Though there was some soreness, she could still walk.

But what Liana hadn’t anticipated was that as soon as she stood up, her legs buckled. If not for Loraviel’s quick reaction, she would have fallen to the ground.

Her body, in every sense, was wretched.

“Princess Liana, are you alright?” Loraviel asked.

“...Bring the breakfast over.” In that instant, Liana realized she didn’t need to suffer needlessly or torture herself. She could just rest well in bed, which would also aid her recovery.

“Yes, I understand.” Loraviel placed the breakfast on the bedside table, thoughtfully providing a straw for the tea.

Beside it were ice cubes and sugar, all things Liana might need.

Liana reclined on the bed. “Don’t you need to train today?”

“Given that Princess Liana isn’t feeling well, as a maid, my priority is naturally to care for my master. Of course, if Princess Liana doesn’t need me, I’ll certainly leave,” Loraviel said.

She was clever, saying these words to give Liana the choice. If Liana wanted to research something in her room, she would tell her to leave. If not, she would stay to care for Liana.

Liana considered that in her current state, things would indeed be inconvenient. “Don’t go this morning.”

“Yes, I understand.” Loraviel nodded.

Liana’s hand holding the fork was trembling.

“Princess Liana, how are you feeling now?” Loraviel asked.

Can’t you see how I’m feeling?!

“Feed me. Isn’t this where all that training comes in handy?” Liana said.

“Alright.”

Perhaps due to embarrassment, Liana only ate two bites before stopping, biting on the straw. Today was probably a write-off,  unable to do much with her sore body.

“Princess Liana, would you like me to massage you to alleviate the discomfort?” Loraviel asked.

“...Go ahead.” Liana lay face down on the bed.

It seemed that at certain times, Princess Liana’s mouth wasn’t particularly stubborn.

However, as soon as Loraviel’s hands touched her thighs, Liana was ready to scream.

It hurt so much!

“Gen...gentler.” Liana said in a sweet voice.

Liana’s voice was seductive to the core. Combined with the tears at the corners of her eyes and her expressions, it made Loraviel feel tender all over. If not for her clearing a wave of debuffs from herself yesterday, she might have made a move by now.

“Mm...” Loraviel took a deep breath. Endure; now wasn’t the best time.

Liana gripped the sheets with both hands, burying her face in the pillow. No matter how painful, she had to grit her teeth and bear it.

She didn’t want to be mocked by Loraviel.

Knock knock knock

At this moment, there was someone knocking at the door.

But Liana didn’t recall summoning anyone.

“Mm.” Liana just made a sound of acknowledgment.

Loraviel immediately understood Liana’s meaning.

“Hello, who is it?” Loraviel asked.

“Is that Loraviel?” A voice came from outside the door.

Erinna’s voice had a certain distinctiveness—rather cool, easily recognizable. “What is it, Lady Erinna?”

“Is Liana in the room?” Erinna asked.

“Hmm?”

“Princess Liana is resting now. May I ask what Lady Erinna needs Princess Liana for?” Loraviel inquired.

“A merchant wants to see Liana. She has been waiting at our Venus Manor for some time, insisting on meeting Princess Liana,” Erinna explained. “Of course, I personally also want to see Liana. Would it be convenient for me to enter?”

A merchant? Oh! It must be Tari.

Liana certainly remembered this. Originally, she had intended to use the cosmetics business to make those nobles serve as her protective umbrella.

But now she already had a much larger protective umbrella. Of course, when it came to protective umbrellas, the more, the better.

“Yes.”

Loraviel got up and went to the door, opening it. “Lady Erinna, please come in.”

Erinna entered and saw Liana lying immobile on the bed. “Liana, what happened to you?”

“It’s like this: Princess Liana underwent Lady Oliphia’s royal knight training yesterday, seemingly strained herself, and is now resting in bed,” Loraviel explained.

“Oh?” Erinna looked at Liana with some surprise. “Liana, for you to go this far for someone else is truly rare.”

“There’s nothing rare about it. This is who I am,” Liana said.

“Then why haven’t I seen you treat me this way before?” Erinna asked.

“And you are?”

“The Head of Venus Manor.” Erinna’s tone was full of confidence.

“Oh?” This was the first time Erinna had spoken this way. Previously, she had been relatively low-key, not showing any intention to compete for this position.

“Even if that’s true, so what? You still can’t compare to Mephilia,” Liana said indifferently.

“That means it’s not entirely impossible that you might strive to please me as well, right?”