Loraviel got up from the bed. She hadn’t woken up much earlier, and although she had regained consciousness today, her physical condition was, honestly, a bit poor.

She hadn’t fully recovered yet. Her entire body felt weak, and at this rate, she would need another day of rest before she could move normally again.

But Loraviel couldn’t wait any longer. Things had deviated slightly from the original plan, but there was still a chance. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

“You shouldn’t move around so soon after waking up. It would be better to rest in bed for now.” Minoga had appeared in the room at some point.

“Lady Minoga, I don’t have any major issues anymore,” Loraviel said.

“Really?” Minoga approached Loraviel and lightly kicked her lower leg with her foot.

Loraviel immediately fell to her knees. “I didn’t use any force at all. I barely touched you and you collapsed?”

“You can’t take care of your master like this. Causing trouble for your master is not what a servant should do,” Minoga said.

Loraviel sat on the bed and looked at Minoga. “I was just unconscious for too long and haven’t fully recovered yet. I’ll be fine in a little while. Lady Minoga, how long was I unconscious?”

“Four days. Tomorrow is when you’re supposed to leave. Are you happy?” Minoga asked.

“Tomorrow?” Loraviel tried her best to make an expression of relief. “I didn’t expect to spend my final days here bedridden.”

“You already know Princess Liana’s true nature, don’t you?” Minoga asked.

Loraviel paused for a moment. “Princess Liana is indeed different from the rumors. During this time, Princess Liana hasn’t done anything excessive to me. She doesn’t seem as bad as they say.”

In these final moments, Loraviel didn’t want any more unexpected incidents.

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Minoga shook her head.

“Hmm? What does Lady Minoga mean?” Loraviel was confused.

“Do you really think you could have heard Princess Liana and Princess Mephilia’s conversation that day? The princess’s quarters couldn’t possibly have such simple security that just anyone could walk in and overhear their conversation,” Minoga said.

Loraviel began to understand what Minoga meant.

And clearly, Minoga was on Princess Mephilia’s side. Coming to say these things now...

No wonder she had so easily overheard Princess Liana and Princess Mephilia’s conversation. So it was all deliberately arranged by Lady Minoga to let her see. She wanted her to witness the intimate relationship between Princess Mephilia and Princess Liana, hoping she would give up? But sorry, Loraviel couldn’t do that.

“Why did Lady Minoga do this?” Loraviel asked.

“There’s no particular reason. Anyway, you already knew about this.” During her observation period, Minoga had already noticed that Loraviel’s feelings toward Liana weren’t quite right. Letting Loraviel see that scene was just to confirm the matter and make subsequent arrangements easier.

“Lady Minoga...” Loraviel appeared uneasy.

“I won’t do anything to you. Besides, your performance in the past few days was excellent. She was very pleased,” Minoga said.

Loraviel sighed in relief but still felt confused. “The past few days? Didn’t Lady Minoga leave Venus Manor at that time?”

“Let’s call it a kind of test?” Minoga said.

“Testing what? Why would Lady Minoga do something so dangerous? What if Princess Liana had been hurt?” Loraviel quickly asked. “If it was a test, you could have just tested me alone!”

“...So your first concern is for Princess Liana? You really are an excellent maid.” Minoga praised. “However, I had little choice in this test. It was a trial from your teacher, and it’s complicated to explain. Anyway, she was very satisfied with you.”

“She was satisfied with me...” To be honest, Loraviel felt somewhat angry.

She wouldn’t say anything or have any opinion about what happened to herself, but involving Princess Liana was going too far!

“Though I also disapprove of her methods, she’s the most suitable teacher for you. She has the same constitution as you do, and she can raise your limits infinitely,” Minoga said.

Loraviel understood clearly that assassins weren’t an honorable profession—they worked in the shadows. It was normal to have some strange individuals in such fields, especially someone who shared her constitution. No matter how displeased she felt now, she could endure it.

“I know you might be dissatisfied with her methods, but I can assure you she bears no ill will toward Princess Liana. If you want to repay Princess Liana, try not to anger that person. Her relationship with Princess Liana is... somewhat delicate,” Minoga warned.

“I understand.”

Minoga sighed, speaking with some frustration, “Ah, because of your situation, Princess Liana seems to dislike me lately.”

“...I’m sorry.” Loraviel lowered her head, not knowing what to say.

Minoga knew this wasn’t the fault of either Loraviel or Princess Liana.

It was entirely because of that strange person, and she couldn’t avoid taking responsibility for her. If she had known earlier, she wouldn’t have sought out that eccentric individual.

No, the more Minoga thought about it, the angrier she became. Why should she bear the consequences of that person’s actions? Next time, she’d definitely make her pay dearly! But wouldn’t that indirectly make Princess Liana pay too?

Never mind, she’d just take some nice things from her later and secretly give them to Princess Liana. After all, they were all part of the Venus Family.

Being truly disliked by Princess Liana would be problematic, and she didn’t want that to happen.

“This has nothing to do with you. Just make sure to squeeze your teacher a bit extra later to make me feel better,” Minoga said.

Although Loraviel didn’t understand what Minoga meant, she was still very grateful. “Thank you, Lady Minoga, for considering someone like me so much.”

Minoga shook her head. “So, now that you know the truth, what are your real thoughts?”

“I want to become Princess Liana’s personal maid.” This answer had been decided long ago—to become Liana’s personal maid, and then...

“Are you going to confront Princess Liana about this now?” Minoga asked.

Loraviel shook her head. “No, I will explain everything to Princess Liana, but not now.

Thank you, Lady Minoga, for giving me the opportunity to learn the truth, and also for the chance to improve myself. If I haven’t reached the level where I can help Princess Liana, I will naturally disappear from Princess Liana’s world.”

“Is that so? A very good answer.” Minoga nodded. She hadn’t come specifically to interrogate Loraviel this time. She had no particular grievance against Loraviel, and even if she did, what of it?

This was Princess Liana’s choice.

She had come to deliver a small gift.

“I can assure you that if you master half of her abilities, you’ll at least become an assassin as excellent as Lady Naibert,” Minoga said.

Half would be enough to become a maid as excellent as Lady Naibert? But Loraviel’s goal wasn’t limited to just half.

“Thank you, Lady Minoga,” Loraviel said gratefully.

“Consider this a gift for taking care of Princess Liana during this time.” Minoga handed Loraviel a crystal ball.

It contained some embarrassing words Princess Liana had said while Loraviel was unconscious. Loraviel would probably like it.

“Don’t ever tell Princess Liana that I gave this to you,” Minoga instructed.

“Oh, alright.” After Minoga left, Loraviel infused magic power into the crystal ball.

She heard Princess Liana’s voice, seemingly arguing with someone.

Loraviel roughly understood what Princess Liana was saying, and she couldn’t help but smile tenderly.

“Princess Liana truly is a very gentle person.” She closed her eyes, listening to the words from the crystal ball.

She saw Princess Liana arguing with Lady Minoga because of her poisoning. It was the first time she had seen Princess Liana so angry. If anything had happened to her, Princess Liana had even threatened to report the matter to His Majesty the King.

She saw Princess Liana sometimes sitting beside her, saying especially gentle words, praying for her quick recovery, even though Princess Liana knew very well that her constitution wouldn’t have such problems.

She saw Princess Liana sending Lady Minoga away, saying she wanted to change her clothes... At this point, Loraviel’s face reddened slightly, though the subsequent scenes were missing, apparently terminated by Lady Minoga.

“Haa.” Loraviel took a deep breath. All these clothes she was wearing had been changed by Princess Liana.

She went to the wardrobe and took out her maid uniform. As she undid her current clothes, she saw the bandage wrapped around her shoulder. It didn’t hurt anymore, but Princess Liana had thoughtfully applied medicine for her.

Her body was slowly starting to recover, and she was almost back to normal. She couldn’t delay any longer, or she would miss her chance.

Meanwhile, on Liana’s side.

“Liana.” Just as Liana had come out and taken a few steps, she ran into Erinna.

Erinna now looked extremely tired, with visible dark circles under her eyes. It seemed she hadn’t slept well these past few days.

That made sense, given what had happened. There must be a mountain of issues requiring Erinna’s attention.

“What is it, Duchess Erinna? Do you have any instructions for me?” Liana asked.

“How are you feeling?” Erinna asked.

It seemed she had heard about her from Minoga.

Liana waved her hand. “Milady shouldn’t worry about my condition. Compared to me, you should pay more attention to your own health. Don’t exhaust yourself before you formally become the Venus Duchess.”

“Liana actually cares about my health?” Erinna smiled.

“Compared to those unreliable people, you’re more suitable for the position,” Liana shrugged.

She then walked away without looking back. Mephilia should be arriving at Venus Manor soon.

“Princess Liana, out so early to welcome Princess Mephilia? It seems Princess Liana really misses Princess Mephilia,” Minoga said, placing her hands on Liana’s shoulders.

“Mm.” Liana didn’t have any particular reaction.

But when Minoga reached out to pinch Liana’s cheek, Liana swatted her hand away, clearly still angry. After all, Loraviel still hadn’t regained consciousness, so how could Liana possibly be at ease?

“Is Princess Liana still angry?” Minoga asked.

“No.” Liana’s gaze was fixed on the distance, hardly looking like someone who wasn’t angry.

“Loraviel will really be fine,” Minoga said.

“Of course she’ll be fine. But if anything had happened to Loraviel, I would definitely settle accounts with that person. And as her guarantor, I wouldn’t let you off easily either,” Liana said.

Minoga: Can’t even smile.

“Fine.” Minoga had grievances she couldn’t express. It seemed Princess Liana truly disliked her now. All she could do was stand quietly beside Princess Liana, waiting for Princess Mephilia with her.

Soon, an ornate carriage appeared in Liana’s view.

This time, Mephilia had only informed Liana and the others about her visit. Many people were unaware, otherwise they would have been surrounded by onlookers again.

“Liana.” Mephilia descended from the carriage. If there weren’t others present requiring her to maintain decorum, Mephilia would have embraced her immediately.

“Welcome to Venus Manor, Mephilia.” Liana felt a little embarrassed. This was their first meeting since they had parted.

“Where’s Loraviel? It’s rare to see her not by your side,” Mephilia immediately noticed something unusual. Such situations were truly rare, at least in Mephilia’s eyes.

“Uh... well.” Liana’s expression was awkward. “She’s preparing some tea. Anyway, you must be tired from your journey, Mephilia. Let’s go to your room and rest first. It would be inconvenient if others saw you.”

“Alright.” Though the excuse was somewhat forced, Mephilia hadn’t seen Liana for a long time and was eager to be with her, so she didn’t think too much about it.

She took Liana’s arm and walked toward Liana’s room, but Liana stopped.

“What’s wrong?” Mephilia asked.

“It would be better to go to your room. It wouldn’t be good if Loraviel returned and saw us,” Liana said.

“...” Mephilia stopped. Her room? Afraid of Loraviel seeing them?

When these words came together, Mephilia immediately thought of something unpleasant.

However, given Liana’s personality, she was probably talking about something proper. After all, she had always been passive, not very proactive.

“Mm.” Mephilia nodded. She looked at Minoga. “Minoga, go see if there’s anything you can help Loraviel with.”

“...Mm.” Princess Mephilia was clearly trying to send her away.

Liana entered Mephilia’s room, and Mephilia was about to close the door tightly.

But at that moment, a person in a maid’s uniform appeared before Mephilia. “Princess Mephilia.”

“Hmm?” Liana reacted faster than Mephilia. She came to Mephilia’s side and looked outside.

Loraviel was now carrying tea to Mephilia’s door.

“Loraviel?” Liana’s tone was full of confusion.

“What’s wrong?” Mephilia looked at Liana.

“...Nothing.” Liana shook her head. Although she wanted to ask Loraviel how she was feeling, doing so would reveal too much.

Even though the outcome was good, if she explained the process, Mephilia would definitely worry.

“So slow, keeping Mephilia waiting so long.” After scolding Loraviel, Liana laid down on Mephilia’s bed.

“Thank you.” Mephilia took the tea from Loraviel’s hands.

“Princess, have you come to fetch me?” Loraviel asked.

“I suppose so.” Mephilia nodded.

“When do we leave tomorrow?” Loraviel asked.

Mephilia glanced at Minoga beside Loraviel. This matter was clearer to Minoga than to herself. She had come today because of the time Minoga had set.

Minoga spoke up, “It’s about time. If possible, we could leave now.”

“Um!” Loraviel gathered her courage. “May I say goodbye to Princess Liana? After all, during these three months, I’ve received some care from Princess Liana. I don’t want to leave so suddenly.”

Mephilia thought for a moment, then nodded. “I understand. You can speak with Liana properly in a while.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Loraviel bowed.

Mephilia had Minoga take Loraviel away, then locked the door herself.

Seeing that the situation was clear, Liana went to the desk and tasted the red tea Loraviel had prepared. Loraviel’s brewing skill was still the best.

“Mephilia, you must know about the recent events at Venus Dukedom. Although there were some deviations from expectations, we ultimately took down Countess Rose and caused some trouble for Second Prince Oester... Mephilia?”

A pair of flawless jade arms encircled Liana’s chest, ignoring what she was saying. Lowering her center of gravity, a pair of full breasts pressed against her back as Mephilia leaned over to breathe into her ear.

“...Venus Manor is somewhat chaotic now. Although Erinna has temporarily become the acting lord, to be blunt, more than half of the people in Venus Territory are dissatisfied with Erinna. No, I should say they covet the position of Venus Dukedom. It may seem peaceful now, but the coming period will be the real test for Erinna. I hope you can help her somewhat when the time comes.”

Liana placed her hand on Mephilia’s fair fingers, gently kneading them.

Mephilia curled her fingers around Liana’s. “Though I won’t say childish things like ‘let’s forget about work’ as some young girls might, we haven’t seen each other for a long time, and... Loraviel wants to speak with you later, to say goodbye. So, can you spend more time with me?”

Mephilia pressed herself lower, the weight on Liana’s back growing heavier.

“Loraviel?” This surprised Liana. She had thought Loraviel would leave quietly. She didn’t expect her to want to say goodbye.

“Mm.” Mephilia pulled over a chair and slumped sideways onto Liana’s shoulder. Her golden hair brushed against Liana’s cheek, carrying a faint floral scent.

Mephilia rarely acted willfully or actively expressed her ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) desire for Liana’s company. She didn’t want to trouble Liana, so in most cases, she took the initiative to seek out Liana herself.

Mephilia sat quietly beside Liana, not making any disruptive movements or saying any bothersome words, waiting for Liana’s response.

“When does she want to leave?” Liana asked.

“She could leave now, but she seems to have something to say to you.” Mephilia’s tone carried a hint of sourness. “So, go talk to her clearly later.”

Liana didn’t know what she wanted to say to Loraviel. In her view, leaving quietly would have been a good ending.

“Mm...”

“So now, will you spend time with me?”

Mephilia shifted her position, turning to straddle Liana’s legs.

“Mephilia...” As Liana began to speak, she felt a soft sensation on her lips.

A supple tongue directly broke through Liana’s defenses and began to greedily exchange their sweetness.

Their lips parted, and Mephilia’s hands hooked around Liana’s neck, forming an arched bridge between their mouths.

Liana gasped for breath. She hadn’t expected the normally calm and composed Mephilia to be so aggressive now.

Mephilia’s right arm cradled Liana’s neck, letting herself sit on Liana’s lap, while her left hand reached out, slowly unbuttoning the front of Liana’s dress.

Soon, Liana’s fair skin appeared before Mephilia’s eyes.

The snow-white skin gradually reddened under Mephilia’s gaze, looking extremely tempting and delicious.

The slightly swelling beauty on her chest was wrapped in pure white lace. Through the pattern’s connections, the fair, rosy skin showed through, seeming to tempt Mephilia.

“Mephilia, wait...” Liana was clearly unfamiliar with this side of Mephilia.

“I’ve waited too long, Liana.” Mephilia’s lips covered Liana’s, allowing her only to make muffled sounds even if she objected.

At this moment, Mephilia discovered that Liana’s mouth wasn’t hard at all, but sweet and soft.

Liana reached out, making a token resistance.

“Do you dislike this, Liana?” Mephilia suddenly stopped her movements.

Liana blushed. Stopping now was just bullying her!

“Mephilia... you’ve become so unfamiliar... I hate you...” Liana looked like she was about to cry.

“So you dislike this?” Mephilia’s face showed a mischievous expression. Seeing Liana so shy, she couldn’t help wanting to tease her more.

“...” Liana didn’t speak but bit Mephilia’s shoulder through her clothes. “You villain.”

Seeing Liana so adorably shy, Mephilia could no longer restrain herself.

She lifted Liana directly and placed her on her bed.

She extended her left hand downward, gently stroking Liana’s abdomen, which showed clear signs of training. It seemed she hadn’t been spared hardship during this time.

Had she worked so hard for her sake? How truly adorable, Liana. It made one want to cherish her.

“Mephilia...” Liana seemed to realize what Mephilia intended to do and felt anxious and flustered.

But Mephilia comforted her with gentle words: “Liana, I love you the most.”

Liana’s body trembled slightly. She clenched her teeth, trying not to make any embarrassing sounds.

But the more she did this, the more Mephilia wanted to tease Liana.

How strange. She had always thought about how to protect Liana, but why had the desire to tease her become so intense now?

Liana couldn’t bear this Mephilia anymore. Mephilia had been controlling her the whole time—this wouldn’t do!

But her words came out like a spoiled complaint: “You’ve been teasing me the whole time, yet you’re still fully dressed, and I’m the only one like this. It’s not fair!”

Liana’s clothes had already slipped off, while Mephilia remained fully dressed. That wasn’t fair.

“Is that so?” Mephilia smiled slightly and unbuttoned her own dress.

Then Mephilia took Liana’s hand, letting Liana feel her heartbeat. At that moment, Mephilia’s heart was beating rapidly for Liana. “How is it? Can you feel my heartbeat? I’m truly happy, Liana.”

Unfortunately, Liana didn’t feel Mephilia’s heartbeat; she only felt the charm of numbers.

Mephilia had given Liana a chance, but Liana seemed not to have seized it.

Mephilia sat directly on Liana.

Mephilia looked at Liana beneath her, carefully examining this flawless, enticing body, unhurried. “Liana, you seem to have become even more beautiful.”

“You’ve said that many times... Don’t bully me anymore... you villain.”

Mephilia leaned forward slightly, and their lips met for the first time.

“I love you the most, Liana,” Mephilia said tenderly.