A delicious scent was tempting Loraviel. She knew exactly where this scent came from because she had done such things before.

So Princess Liana and Princess Mephilia had already done those things.

Although Loraviel knew it was very improper, she still placed her hand on the doorknob.

Besides, it wasn’t like she wanted to do this of her own accord. She was just playing along with Princess Liana’s act, right?

Loraviel didn’t want Princess Liana to forget her, so, Princess Liana, please remember me well with your body later.

Loraviel placed her hand on the doorknob, took a deep breath, and turned it, opening the bathroom door.

Liana had just begun to undress. Her hands had just reached behind her back to undo the buttons of her white lace undergarment, revealing the pink buds waiting to bloom.

Loraviel had seen Princess Liana’s chest before and naturally noticed that it had become even more delicate and rosy than before.

Moreover, there was a row of teeth marks on Princess Liana’s shoulder, as if declaring that Liana’s body belonged to someone.

Loraviel knew without thinking that these were left by Princess Mephilia.

Loraviel took another deep breath. Three months ago, or even two months ago, she never would have imagined doing something like this.

It was truly a bold and absurd act.

Liana turned her head and looked at Loraviel. “Aren’t you being a bit too presumptuous?”

Liana’s tone carried dissatisfaction. “What? After hearing me express concern for you, do you think you have some standing in my heart? Trying to take a mile when given an inch?”

Though Liana spoke this way, her posture was awkward—standing sideways to Loraviel, twisting her neck to look at her.

After all...

She still hadn’t removed that pure white undergarment. If she turned to face Loraviel, the embarrassing sight would surely be seen.

Wearing underwear... dampened by strange fluids—she’d be thought a pervert.

“I apologize, Princess Liana. I didn’t mean that,” Loraviel said.

“Didn’t mean that? Then what did you mean?” Liana retorted. “You really think that just because you protected me, you can come and go freely in my room?”

“That’s not it! I just wanted to ask Princess Liana something...” Loraviel lowered her head, seemingly afraid of Liana.

“What question can’t wait until later? Are you in such a hurry?” Liana’s tone was very displeased. Normally, she wouldn’t be so angry if Loraviel entered.

Mainly because now her clothes and the marks left by Mephilia made Liana feel very embarrassed.

“Is this Princess Liana’s magic?” A crystal dagger appeared in Loraviel’s hand, something Liana had been forced to create earlier to give Loraviel a suitable weapon to attack the assassin.

It was at that time that she first revealed her magic to Loraviel.

“Princess Liana can actually use magic, right?” Loraviel said.

[Create, Dagger, Gem.]

A gem dagger appeared in Liana’s hand. She immediately cornered Loraviel against the wall, pinning her there with the dagger at her throat—sharp and cold.

Loraviel wasn’t afraid of what Princess Liana might do because she knew Princess Liana’s temperament well.

But now, she still had to pretend to be very frightened. “Princess Liana...”

“Considering you risked your life to save me, I’ll let you off this time. But if anyone outside learns that I can use magic, you’d better prepare for my revenge,” Liana threatened.

“I won’t tell anyone about this, Princess Liana...” This angle was perfect!

Loraviel gazed at Liana’s slightly swelling cleavage and those pink cherries that seemed ready to spring out at any moment.

“You’d better not, or else.” Liana’s dagger pressed against Loraviel’s neck.

The sensation was slightly painful, but it didn’t break Loraviel’s skin.

Liana released Loraviel. “If that’s all you wanted to tell me, then get out quickly. I don’t have time to waste on you.”

“Thank you for sparing me, Princess Liana.” Loraviel sighed in relief, but the next step was the crucial one.

“May I wash Princess Liana’s back?” Loraviel suddenly asked.

“Now you know to be afraid?” Liana looked at Loraviel with dissatisfaction. It seemed she had been too kind to her lately; Loraviel wasn’t as fearful of her anymore.

But in truth, Liana couldn’t bring herself to do or say anything too harsh to her anymore.

Although she later learned it was a safe test, at that moment, both had treated it as a life-or-death situation. They had shared a life-threatening experience, and Loraviel was leaving tomorrow. Liana didn’t want to say anything too harsh.

“Because I’ll be leaving Venus Manor soon, so before I leave, I’d like to do something for Princess Liana one last time,” Loraviel said.

Princess Liana would next say:

“Leaving? Where to?” Liana asked, feigning ignorance. “It’s already very late. Even if you want to go to Risade Square, many shops have already closed.”

Liana’s response matched Loraviel’s expectations perfectly. And then...

“Not to Risade Square, nor anywhere else in Venus Territory, but leaving Venus Manor, leaving Princess Liana,” Loraviel said.

“What do you mean?” Liana raised her head.

“Princess Mephilia has promised to help me leave Princess Liana’s side. I’m free now, Princess Liana. I no longer have to follow your orders. So I just wanted to do something for you one last time. After all, I’ve received some care from you during this time,” Loraviel said.

Princess Liana would next scold her, then begin to threaten her.

But Liana remained silent, head lowered. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

About a minute passed before Liana unclenched her fists.

“Is that so?” Liana, uncharacteristically, didn’t say anything harsh, but simply nodded.

“?” This wasn’t the response Loraviel had expected to see. Why? Princess Liana, why aren’t you scolding me now? This doesn’t match the character you’re playing at all!

Loraviel was truly pitiful, and after what happened that day, it had affected Liana’s heart to some degree.

Fine, Liana admitted that now she really couldn’t say anything harsh to Loraviel, even if it was pretend. She just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Anyway, from now on, they probably wouldn’t meet again.

“Since it’s Mephilia’s decision, I can’t do anything about it. After all, now that Countess Rose is dead, only she can protect me. I can’t afford to make her dislike me,” Liana said.

“Indeed, Princess Liana is truly a gentle and kind person. Before, you were just deceiving others, right?” Loraviel wasn’t thrown off by this sudden change.

“Princess Liana has always been able to use magic, just deliberately concealing it. Princess Liana is actually very gentle. Although you forced me to stay as a maid and sometimes deducted my wages, you always found ways to add it back, ensuring I had enough money to treat my mother.”

“I know the previous poisoning was certainly done by Princess Liana, just to make me aware of my own abilities, right? After all, I recovered quickly afterward and discovered my special ability to use poisons I’ve been exposed to. And this time, the reason I didn’t die from severe poisoning is probably the same, isn’t it?” Loraviel began listing Liana’s virtues.

“Shut up!” Liana shouted loudly.

But Loraviel showed no sign of stopping.

“Although Princess Liana initially said you liked girls, that you liked me, and made me sleep with you at night, throughout these three months, you never did anything to me. Though you said you wanted to try being passive, that was just an excuse to put me at ease, right?”

Liana immediately tackled Loraviel to the floor. The bathroom ceiling was very bright, and the water flowing on the floor gradually soaked Loraviel’s maid outfit.

“Yes, I did poison you, but I just wanted to kill you. Who knew you’d have such a bizarre constitution? As for the money, I was just giving you a little reward, and now you’re getting too full of yourself? And you said I wouldn’t dare touch you? I just wanted you to be more proactive. All I wanted was an obedient little dog to please me. Now it seems ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) there’s no need for that!” Liana placed her hand on Loraviel’s chest.

“I know you’re very capable, but don’t think of resisting. I’ve investigated your background. I know the person you care about most is your mother. If you dare resist, I’ll go after your mother!” Liana threatened.

Liana was clearly getting anxious. Though her actions had been justified, having them pointed out one by one was still embarrassing.

Moreover, Liana was instinctively trying to make Loraviel think she was a villain, which is why these words slipped out. But as soon as she said them, she regretted it.

Liana wanted to explain something. Even if it meant exposing herself, she didn’t care anymore. She didn’t want to continue the act.

Although the motivation for gratitude is far less powerful than revenge, given the protagonist’s talent, it should be enough.

But the important point was that Loraviel wasn’t motivated by gratitude or revenge, but by love.

Liana decided to come clean with Loraviel. Clinging to the heroine’s thighs wasn’t a bad choice either.

“Loraviel, wait...” Liana opened her mouth but found she couldn’t make a sound.

Why? Yet she saw that Loraviel was just as normal as ever.

Sorry, Princess Liana, you taught me too well.

Although there had been some unexpected developments in the process, the outcome was good.

Be it through despicable means or cunning, Loraviel just wanted Liana to remember her forever.

If Princess Liana had confessed, she wouldn’t have been able to continue. Given Princess Liana’s personality, she would definitely have rejected her.

[Speed, Deceleration ]

After using deceleration magic on Liana, her movements became noticeably sluggish.

“I’m sorry, Princess Liana,” Loraviel apologized to Liana. “Please, don’t hurt my mother. Please. She’s one of the most important people to me... For them, I would do anything.”

Loraviel pleaded, “Princess Liana, you said before that you liked someone more proactive, so...”

Loraviel pushed Liana down onto the floor and slowly undid her maid outfit. “I offer my body to you. Please spare my mother.”

“Wait!” Liana finally managed to utter a word, but the next second, her lips were covered by Loraviel’s, preventing her from making any sound.

Loraviel greedily extended her tongue, as if trying to erase all traces of Mephilia’s presence.

She reached behind Liana and undid Liana’s buttons.

It seemed the ripe fruit had already been picked by someone, but some traces remained. Now it was Loraviel’s turn to harvest.

Whether it was her own speed slowing down or Loraviel’s speed increasing, Liana found it impossible to stop Loraviel’s actions.

Loraviel placed her hands on either side of Liana’s thighs, then grabbed the pure white lace, dismantling Liana’s last line of defense.

Loraviel carried Liana to the bathtub, letting her lean against its edge.

“I apologize, Princess Liana. Since it’s my first time, I might not do very well.”

Due to the speed magic, Liana could hear what Loraviel was saying and see what she was doing, but her body moved slowly, and even her perception became sluggish.

Liana’s sensations were completely different from what she was seeing.

Moreover, because of the slowing effect, everything felt much longer than what Liana had experienced before, causing her to nearly faint.

Spare me, please. Her stamina wasn’t comparable to these people to begin with, let alone in a second round.

[Speed, Restore.]

In the instant of restoration, the sensations from all over her body suddenly flooded into Liana’s body and mind.

Liana lay in the bathtub, having completely fainted.

[Princess Liana Observation Diary, Entry 13: Princess Liana’s mouth isn’t hard but sweet and soft. However, Princess Liana’s endurance is indeed strong, very, very strong.]

“I’m sorry, Princess Liana. In the end, I still used despicable means.” Loraviel chose Liana’s other shoulder, the one that hadn’t been bitten, and bit down hard.

Finally, she carried Liana out of the bathroom, placed her on the bed, changed her into sleepwear, wrote a letter for Liana, and took the few clothes Liana had prepared for Loraviel.

Standing at the doorway, Loraviel looked at Liana with reluctance. This parting, who knew how long it would last? But she would definitely return at the fastest speed possible. Princess Liana, please wait for me. I will certainly become a maid that you cannot find fault with.

I will return to your side once more.

Loraviel returned to Liana’s side, took Liana’s hand, placed a gentle kiss on the back of it, and then left.

She arrived at Mephilia’s room. Due to the speed magic, it hadn’t taken much time.

Though Princess Liana seemed to have been unable to hold out, with almost no reaction in the latter half.

However...

Loraviel licked her fingers. Princess Liana was truly delicious.

Loraviel raised her hand and knocked on the door. “Princess, are you there?”

The door opened quickly. “Didn’t you have something to say to Liana?”

“...” Loraviel lowered her head. “I’m sorry, I argued with Princess Liana, and in the end, we parted on somewhat bad terms.”

“Is that so?”

Loraviel shook her head. “Let’s go, Princess.”

“Alright.” Because it had happened so quickly, Mephilia hadn’t noticed anything unusual. Besides, Mephilia was eager to meet Liana’s strange grandmother.

The three of them walked toward a forest within Venus Manor.

Shortly after entering the forest, Minoga stopped them. “Please wait a moment.”

Then Minoga recited a string of incantations. A flash of white light illuminated the dark forest, and they were transported to a small cabin in the woods.

Mephilia could sense that this forest was not the same as the one they had been in before.

“Didn’t I say not to tell others about me, Minoga?” A figure slowly emerged.

She looked very young, with lustrous black hair and well-maintained skin. However, her gaze was extremely sharp; meeting her eyes would even cause a stinging sensation.

Although Mephilia had never met her, and she appeared quite young—far from resembling Liana’s grandmother, more like Liana’s mother—Mephilia was very familiar with Liana’s mother, Ambis. So the person before her could only be Liana’s grandmother, Orleya Venus.

“I know you. You’re the little one who often came to our Venus Manor to play with Liana when you were young. You’re also one of the heirs to the Lisat Kingdom, and the one who discovered spellcrafting. To have such achievements at your age is truly impressive,” Orleya praised.

“Thank you...” Mephilia was clearly somewhat awkward. After all, this was Liana’s grandmother, essentially meeting the parents. It wouldn’t be good to leave a negative impression.

“Are you Loraviel?” Orleya asked.

“Yes, are you my teacher?” Loraviel asked.

“Yes, yes. This is a welcome gift.” Orleya handed Loraviel a cup.

The cup contained a colorless, odorless liquid resembling boiled water, but Loraviel’s instinct told her it contained poison—deadly poison at that.

“You can tell?” Orleya asked.

“This is poison, isn’t it?” Loraviel asked.

“Of course. You have the same constitution as me. The best training method is to taste all the poisons in this world, and I happen to have them all,” Orleya said. “Of course, if your will isn’t strong, you’ll die. Don’t think that having this ability means you can act recklessly.”

“Besides that, I’ll also teach you some assassination techniques and magic. I’ll cultivate you to become an assassin even more formidable than that fellow Rayen. I want to prove he was wrong,” Orleya said. “But you must first cross this threshold—making all poisons work for you.”

Loraviel was certain she had encountered a very troublesome teacher, but this suited her perfectly. This was exactly what she wanted—no holding back.

“I understand.” Loraviel nodded, took a deep breath, and drained the liquid in the cup.

Then that familiar feeling returned.

Loraviel felt severe discomfort throughout her body and collapsed.

Minoga raised her hand to support Loraviel, placing her on a bench. “Lady Orleya is truly unchanged, with a style completely different from others.”

Orleya didn’t care about such trivial matters. In the Lisat Kingdom, no one could control her. After all, both the King of Lisat and Duke Venus were her students. There currently wasn’t anyone of higher rank than her.

“Isn’t this for your convenience? Didn’t you come to talk to me about something? Or did you really just come to deliver this little one to me before leaving?” Orleya sat under the pavilion.

Mephilia took a seat opposite her, eyeing the cup of tea nearby.

“Don’t worry, Princess Mephilia. You’re an heir to the Lisat Kingdom. I have no reason to poison you,” Orleya said.

“I’m naturally not concerned about that. I’m just curious why Lady Orleya doesn’t appear in her true form to meet people? If I’m not mistaken, Lady Orleya, this is Shadow Magic, isn’t it?” Mephilia asked.

“Oh my, worthy of being Princess Mephilia who possesses Sacred Magic. I truly can’t hide anything from you.” The Orleya before them transformed into a shadow, lying on the ground.

Then, Orleya’s body slowly emerged from the shadow. Her hands were somewhat withered, covered with dense wrinkles, her once black hair now white, and her voice low and hoarse.

It made sense. After all, she was the mother of Duke Rayen, and Duke Rayen was of similar age to Mephilia’s father. So as Duke Rayen’s mother, Orleya must be at least seventy or eighty years old. How could she possibly still look so young?

“So, what did you want to tell me, Princess?” Orleya asked.

“Please call me Mephilia, Lady... Orleya.” Mephilia felt extremely awkward saying ‘Lady.’

“Hahaha.” Orleya laughed. “You and Liana are of similar age. Like her, call me grandmother.”

“Alright, Grandmother Orleya.” Yet it was she who had just asked Mephilia not to address her that way.

“Something wrong?”

“You... are truly Liana’s grandmother, right?” Mephilia asked, uncertain.

“Why do you ask that?”

“The recent events at Venus Manor, Grandmother Orleya, you must be quite aware of them, right?” Mephilia asked.

Someone of her status as a legendary assassin couldn’t possibly be ignorant of such matters.

“You mean Countess Rose’s death? Indeed, I hadn’t expected such an outcome,” Orleya said.

“You should know that’s not what I’m asking about. Regarding the forbidden drug, about Countess Rose feeding the forbidden drug to Liana, you knew very well, didn’t you?” Mephilia asked. “Please don’t say you didn’t know about this. No one would believe that.”

“Yes, I knew. What about it?” Orleya nodded.

Mephilia took a deep breath. “A few days ago, during Loraviel’s test, you completely disregarded Liana’s presence. According to that day’s record, I saw that many times, the dagger brushed past Liana’s shoulder. It was just a hair’s breadth from injuring her. You must also be aware that such deadly poison—even a slight graze would be too much for Liana to bear, right?”

“So, did Liana get hurt in the end?” Orleya asked. “I am an assassin. Even though I’m old now, I can see a wild deer a thousand meters away and use my dagger to precisely hit its head. This is my confidence as an assassin.”

“Then you’re truly overconfident,” Mephilia said, not only unsatisfied with her explanation but furious.

“Liana is your granddaughter. Even if you’re confident in your assassination skills, you shouldn’t subject Liana to such risks. Liana isn’t Loraviel; she doesn’t have that abnormal constitution. Even a one-in-ten-thousand accident would put Liana in danger,” Mephilia said.

“Moreover, you clearly knew that Countess Rose was secretly targeting Liana, using Lisat Kingdom’s forbidden drug, yet you still just watched. Do you... hate Liana?” Mephilia asked.

Orleya didn’t speak. She remained silent for a while. Did she hate Liana? Orleya could affirm that wasn’t the case.

But why not help Liana...

Orleya looked at Mephilia. “You really care about Liana.”

“...” Mephilia was stunned, then became a bit embarrassed, suddenly realizing that speaking to Liana’s grandmother this way was quite impolite.

But quickly, Mephilia spoke with a very certain tone, “I not only care about Liana, I also like her very much. I love Liana. She is a very important person to me.”