Over the next half month, Liana’s schedule was almost identical each day.

Her daily routine was something like this: oversleeping, being woken up, training, gritting her teeth, being stubborn, becoming obedient, feeling pain, medicine massage, and whenever her physical strength recovered, secretly practicing magic.

And then, without fail every day, communicating with Mephilia in front of Loraviel.

After repeating this for half a month, Oliphia’s opinion of Liana began to change slightly. Liana could now complete about a quarter of the royal knights’ training regimen and persevere through it.

Liana also felt that her body was much healthier than before and had significantly more strength.

During this time, Mephilia had returned to Ibett Magic Academy, but she seemed even busier there than in the Lisat Royal Capital.

After all, at Ibett Magic Academy, most students were exceptional mages who were far more obsessed with the study of the arcane than ordinary people, so naturally, they wouldn’t miss the opportunity to learn from Mephilia.

This also meant that even though Mephilia was thinking about taking a leave to visit Liana, she never had the chance.

Half a month had passed, and people’s frenzy about spellcrafting had calmed down considerably.

Few people were creating new spells. After all, although they now knew that spells could be changed, it was still difficult to imagine things beyond their understanding.

Although a small number of people had successfully made new spells, they were the minority.

The information Mephilia had shared was most helpful in that people no longer needed to deliberately learn existing spells—this was the most practical benefit for them.

During this time, two things were confirmed.

Loraviel’s teacher had been found, and in about a week, Loraviel would have to leave Liana’s side.

Liana was now preparing to find a maid to replace Loraviel. She didn’t expect this maid to be as versatile as Loraviel; she just needed someone who could help with simple household chores and prepare food.

There was absolutely no need for bed-warming anymore. After all, it wasn’t Liana who wanted that in the first place...

And the time for meeting with the elven princess had also been confirmed, specifically one month later.

The magic used by the elven race differed from that used by humans. Elven magic was mostly related to nature and elements, more like summoning the power of nature for their use.

The spells and incantations also had subtle differences from human magic. Elven magic remained very mysterious to humans, with not much information revealed.

Therefore, conversing with the elven race was quite necessary. Who knows what useful information might be revealed?

Moreover, now that Mephilia was at Ibett Magic Academy and given Mephilia’s special status, she was extremely safe. So... Liana wanted to borrow Minoga for a while.

Mephilia didn’t hesitate at all and directly sent Minoga over, although it seemed somewhat suspicious, as if she was sending Minoga to monitor Liana.

Liana opened her door and saw Minoga sitting in her chair eating desserts. This person really made herself at home at others’ homes...

“Today’s training must have been tough for Princess Liana,” Minoga extended her hand to wipe cookie crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

Loraviel had gone to prepare dinner and hadn’t returned with Liana.

“You really don’t stand on ceremony, do you?” Liana took off her coat. The weather was gradually turning wintry, and it was no longer possible to wear short sleeves and skirts outside.

“Well, what can I do? Your Highness told me not to be discovered by others, so I can only stay in this room most of the time,” Minoga said.

This was Minoga’s third day at Venus Manor. According to her, she hadn’t been seen by anyone. “Really not exposed?”

“That’s not entirely true. Even a Judge couldn’t arrive at one of the five territories without being detected by anyone,” Minoga said.

“Hey!” This was completely different from what she said before! Wasn’t she supposed to remain undetected?

“Don’t worry, someone does know I’m {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} here, but rest assured, Princess Liana, nothing unexpected will happen. She and I are quite familiar, and she’s also interested in this matter. Plus, this is Venus Manor’s business, so she’ll turn a blind eye. Anyway, Countess Rose definitely doesn’t know that I’m already inside Venus Manor,” Minoga said.

“Don’t joke about this right now!” Liana was startled. If Minoga’s whereabouts were exposed and Countess Rose became cautious, it would be difficult to catch her red-handed.

Minoga stood up and cupped Liana’s little face in her hands, squeezing it gently. “Who can resist teasing Her Highness when she’s so cute?”

“Go away.” Liana swatted Minoga’s hands away. This person acted more childish than herself.

Sigh

Minoga sighed.

“What now?” Liana looked at her, wondering why she seemed so disappointed. Was it just because she wasn’t allowed to pinch her cheeks? Was that really worth being so dejected about?

“Princess Liana... you’ve changed,” Minoga said.

“Of course I have. I’ve been training for half a month, so there are bound to be some changes,” Liana said.

During this time, Liana had been tortured quite severely by Oliphia. Sometimes Oliphia would even knock on her door late at night, showing absolutely no courtesy to Liana.

“I don’t mean that...”

“Hmm? Then didn’t you already know about this? Why are you suddenly mentioning it now?” Liana asked.

“Princess Liana...” Minoga stepped forward.

“W-what?” Liana stepped back.

Minoga reached out and pinched Liana’s cheeks. “Princess Liana’s face has gotten thinner compared to before! It’s not as pleasant to touch as before! Her Highness used to have a bit of plumpness to her face!”

Liana didn’t know what expression to make. Minoga really was...!

“Don’t! Touch! My! Face! Anymore!” Liana grabbed Minoga’s hand.

“Alright, Princess Liana.” Minoga patted Liana’s head. “If you need anything, you can call me anytime. I’ll be there immediately.”

Minoga glanced at the door, seemingly detecting Loraviel approaching. “Princess Liana, don’t be too greedy. Otherwise, Princess Mephilia will get angry and jealous.”

“I really haven’t done anything...” Liana had been incredibly well-behaved lately. Wait, that’s wrong—Liana hadn’t done anything before either!

But Minoga had no right to say such things, considering she was also adding rivals for the princess she was supposed to be guarding.

“Princess Liana.” From outside the door, Loraviel’s voice came through.

Liana had just turned her head, and Minoga had already vanished.

That person really came and went like a shadow, and she definitely didn’t like using the front door. Each time, she seemed to slip in from some unknown place.

“Come in.”

After Loraviel had prepared everything, she said to Liana, “Princess Liana, may I take some time off tomorrow morning?”

“Hmm?” Liana was confused. This was the first time Loraviel had asked for time off, and it wasn’t yet time for her to leave.

“What’s wrong? Is something the matter?” Liana asked.

“...I want to go to Risade Square,” Loraviel said.

“Risade Square?”

Liana immediately knew why. What could Loraviel be doing at Risade Square right now? It was about time to pay her wages. If she was going to Risade Square at this time, she probably wanted to write a letter to her family.

After all, in a week, she would be taken away by Mephilia. At that point, it might be too late or too rushed, so she wanted to write a letter in advance.

But Liana was supposed to be completely unaware of this letter-writing business. “Hmm? Risade Square? What are you going there for? Is there something you want to buy?”

“...”

‘Princess Liana, your pretending-not-to-know look is so adorable, I never tire of seeing it.’

“Yes, I’d like to buy a few things, if that’s okay? I’ll be back quickly,” Loraviel said.

“Considering your recent good performance, I’ll allow you half a day off,” Liana said. “By the way, tomorrow, have Oliphia go with you.”

Liana wasn’t comfortable with Loraviel going out alone. Moreover, the current period was somewhat sensitive. If Countess Rose wanted to make a move against Loraviel, it would cause big trouble.

“Hmm? Why?” Loraviel naturally knew why—Princess Liana was concerned for her safety. “I can go by myself, there’s no need to trouble Lady Oliphia. Besides, don’t you have training tomorrow, Princess Liana?”

Liana shook her head. “No need. I’ve asked Oliphia for a day off tomorrow, and she agreed. She didn’t count it as me giving up.”

Tari had been left hanging at Venus Manor for half a month now. Liana hadn’t expected her to be so stubborn, staying at Venus Manor for so long without returning. This proved how important these cosmetics were to her.

Tari did have some abilities. However, for some unknown reason, she didn’t plan to leave the Angus Commerce Guild. If there was a chance to poach her, Liana could entrust all cosmetics matters to her, which would save Liana a lot of trouble.

Moreover, Liana still needed Tari now. After all, she had already identified a suitable replacement for Loraviel, and for that, she needed Tari’s help.

“I understand,” Loraviel nodded.

But soon, a heavy blow landed on her head from her mistress. “How many times have I told you, as a servant, don’t question your master’s orders? A master’s orders are to be obeyed, not questioned. Understand?”

“I apologize, Princess Liana.” Loraviel bowed her head.

“Although I’ve agreed to your request for time off, correspondingly, taking time off means deducting the equivalent from your salary,” Liana said.

“Yes, I understand,” Loraviel nodded.

Liana opened her drawer and began thinking about how much to give Loraviel. After all, Loraviel was about to undergo hellish training and probably wouldn’t return for a long time. Should she give a bit more at this time?

But if she gave too much, wouldn’t it be too obvious?

Liana was caught in a dilemma. She had already thought of an excuse, but how much would be appropriate?

Liana simply closed her eyes, opened her little hand as wide as possible, grabbed a handful of gold coins, and threw them into a bag. “I’m not sure how much is in there. I was originally going to deduct a few gold coins from you, but since you’ve been quite helpful with my training lately, I’ll give you a bit more. Of course, you should know what to say when Mephilia comes to Venus Manor, right? You’re very clear about that, aren’t you?”

Liana was truly a genius!

This way, she not only had a suitable reason to pay Loraviel, but could also perfectly shift this matter onto Mephilia. Ah, having such a childhood friend was convenient.

“I... I understand. Thank you very much, Your Highness.” Loraviel felt the heavy weight in her hand. Without exaggeration, there were definitely more than twenty gold coins in this bag.

“I don’t need your thanks. You just need to know what you should do when the time comes,” Liana said.

“I understand. Princess Liana is the best to me, always caring for me, looking after me, paying me on time, sometimes giving me extra gold coins, never threatening me to do things I don’t want to do. The bed-warming at night was really just bed-warming. Nothing ever happened between Your Highness and I. I’m truly grateful to Princess Liana. Your Highness is really a very kind person,” Loraviel said.

“Yes, that’s good,” Liana nodded with satisfaction.

She had no idea that Loraviel had taken this opportunity to say everything she truly wanted to say.

And now Liana believed she had done everything perfectly, without revealing anything.

The next day, when the sky was still dim, Loraviel had already opened her eyes.

Looking at Princess Liana who was hugging her, she smiled tenderly. Princess Liana was still the same as before, liking to hug something while sleeping.

Loraviel carefully got out of bed, quickly washed up, and changed her clothes.

When she walked out the door, Oliphia was already waiting for Loraviel outside.

“I’m sorry, Lady Oliphia, for troubling you to come with me,” Loraviel said with a slight apology in her voice.

Oliphia shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m free today anyway.”

They sat in the carriage heading to Risade Square.

“Six days left, huh,” Oliphia said.

Oliphia was also aware of Loraviel needing to find a teacher.

“Yes, only six days left.”

Princess Mephilia had privately told her that in six days, she would be able to leave Princess Liana’s side.

She had been by Princess Liana’s side for three months now and had almost completely adapted to life with Princess Liana.

Suddenly leaving might make her feel somewhat unaccustomed.

After all, some things had become second nature to her.

But Loraviel also knew that temporarily leaving was necessary to help Her Highness,  Princess Liana. Her current self was completely unqualified to assist Her Highness.

From another perspective, if she couldn’t achieve the ability to help Princess Liana, she wouldn’t reappear at Princess Liana’s side. Only when she could help Princess Liana would she have enough reason to stay comfortably by Princess Liana’s side.

“Time really flies,” Loraviel couldn’t help but sigh.

From initially feeling like each day dragged on forever to now feeling like time passed in the blink of an eye, her mindset had completely changed.

“If Princess Liana had been like this from the beginning, perhaps you would have felt better,” Oliphia expressed deep sympathy for Loraviel’s situation.

“Princess Liana really didn’t do anything to me,” Loraviel looked out the window.

Everything Princess Liana did had a reason. And why Princess Liana set the time at two years must be because Princess Liana anticipated, or rather, Princess Liana would do something after two years.

Now, only one year and nine months remained. Was that a time limit for her?

“Does Lady Oliphia know what kind of teacher Princess Mephilia found for me?” Loraviel asked.

“I’m not too clear on that either, but I heard Lady Minoga helped find one for you. It should be fine, though it might be a bit tough. But I think you’ll definitely persevere. When the time comes, I’ll be waiting for you in the Royal Knights’ Order,” Oliphia said.

“Yes.” Loraviel nodded as their destination appeared before her eyes.

Loraviel’s goal this time was very clear. Because they arrived early, Risade Square hadn’t yet become lively and seemed somewhat deserted.

Loraviel quickly made her way to the post office.

“Are you writing a letter?” Oliphia asked.

“Yes.” Loraviel nodded.

“Then I’ll wait for you outside.” This was someone else’s privacy, and Oliphia didn’t want to pry.

“Thank you, Lady Oliphia.”

Loraviel went inside and saw the familiar messenger lady.

“Miss Loraviel, are you writing a letter again?” the messenger lady asked.

“Can I communicate with my mother?” Loraviel asked.

“It’s possible, but it’s a bit early. I’m not sure if someone is waiting by the crystal ball on the other end,” the messenger lady said.

“Let’s try. If it doesn’t work, then forget it.” Loraviel wanted to see her mother before her temporary departure.

“I’ll try.” The messenger lady placed her hand on the crystal ball.

[Communication request, sent.]

To the messenger’s surprise, she didn’t have to wait long before the other end of the crystal ball transmitted an acceptance request.

[Communication request, accepted.]

[Communication signal, connected.]

Soon, the shadow of a royal knight appeared on the crystal ball.

“What is it, Miss Messenger?” The person recognized the messenger.

“Um, is Miss Anna there?” Loraviel leaned in at this moment.

Soon, Loraviel heard the person calling for her mom, and quickly, mom appeared before the crystal ball.

Compared to before, her mother looked much more energetic, showing that her treatment was going well.

“What is it, Loraviel? Did something good happen?” Her mother’s voice, even through the crystal ball, sounded very gentle.

“I just suddenly wanted to see you.” Loraviel sat there, and mother didn’t speak either. The two just sat there, looking at each other for five minutes.

“Mother.”

“Is there something important?” Her mom asked.

“Yes.” Loraviel nodded. “But I can only explain it clearly in a letter. I just suddenly wanted to see you, that’s why I contacted you. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

“How could you? I’m very happy. You can find me anytime, and I’ll always be here waiting for you,” her mother said. “I was originally planning to visit Venus Manor in a few days, but now it seems there’s no need.”

“Why? I must look quite awful right now,” Loraviel asked.

“Indeed, you look like you’re about to cry,” her mom nodded affirmatively. “But you’re my daughter. How could I not understand what you’re thinking?”

“Keep going. I’ll always be waiting for you. If there’s something you want to tell me but can’t say out loud, write it in a letter.”

“Okay.”

For five minutes after the communication ended, Loraviel sat in place without leaving.

The messenger lady became concerned and came over to ask Loraviel, “Miss Loraviel, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Loraviel exhaled. She now knew how she wanted to introduce Princess Liana.

She picked up a paper and pen.

[Mother, I will “disappear” for some time. No, you don’t need to worry. I’m just going to study. With Princess Liana’s help, through Princess Mephilia’s assistance, I’m going to study properly, also to better help Princess Liana.

You might not believe this, but the royal knights who came to help everyone in Gran Town—that was also arranged by Princess Liana. Although Princess Liana’s reputation is poor right now, time will prove everything.

Her Highness knew I would leave, so yesterday, she gave me a large sum of coins. Although Her Highness’ words aren’t always pleasant to hear, the things she does are truly very gentle.

I want to work hard to help Princess Liana, so can I be a little selfish this time?

I know that no matter how much I say now, you won’t have a concrete understanding of Princess Liana. So I hope that you can get to know Princess Liana a little on your own later.

Afterward, could you please send letters directly to Venus Manor? Just write my name as the recipient. At that time, Princess Liana will definitely help me receive these letters.

At that time, you can pretend in the letter that you don’t know anything, write some words about looking forward to my reply. I think at that point, you should have the chance to speak directly with Princess Liana.

Although this is somewhat unfair to Princess Liana, this way, you can see Princess Liana’s kindness more directly, can’t you?

Also, please keep this secret from Princess Liana. I want to give Her Highness a surprise.]

Loraviel put the letter in an envelope. Rather than introducing Princess Liana herself, why not let Princess Liana introduce herself?