Orleya fell silent once more.

She had witnessed Mephilia’s efforts over this time, but liking and loving—what kind of emotions were those?

Orleya had long forgotten.

She looked at Mephilia. “Emotions are the most useless things. They only affect your judgment. The moment you become an assassin, you should discard these feelings.”

“?” Mephilia looked at her in disbelief. She hadn’t expected Orleya to say such things.

“Only without emotions can you perfectly complete a mission. If you carry emotions, for an assassin, it’s an extremely dangerous thing. It makes your movements slower, your weapon hesitant.”

“So, Grandmother Orleya, you’ve abandoned all emotions, even family ties?” Mephilia looked at Orleya, her eyes filled with anger.

Because of such an absurd reason, she just watched when she knew Liana was being harmed by Countess Rose’s forbidden drug?

“These are unnecessary things. If you want to become an assassin, they must be discarded,” Orleya said coldly.

“So you just watched as your own granddaughter was framed by others, using Lisat Kingdom’s forbidden drug, letting Liana become like this, ultimately becoming someone everyone dislikes?” Mephilia’s voice was filled with fury.

Never had she seen Mephilia so angry. “Now I can be certain, Orleya! You hate Liana. You don’t deserve to be her grandmother!”

“What right do you have to say this about Liana’s family, Princess Mephilia? It seems you aren’t as calm and collected as people say,” Orleya said.

“Why do I have no right? Liana is my lover, and she loves me deeply. We are family too, from before until now, always.

“Besides, I never said I was some calm and collected person, nor do I deliberately pretend to be that character. I just draw conclusions from what I see and understand.” Mephilia knew very well what status this old woman held in the Lisat Kingdom.

But this wouldn’t change what Mephilia wanted to say now. “Since you, as Liana’s grandmother, are unwilling to protect her, then let me protect Liana.”

“Family ties...” An image flashed in Orleya’s mind—that of her younger son, Countess Rose’s husband, Cain’s father, Rayen Venus.

“Emotions only dull your weapon. Rayen proved with his life that this is true. If he had abandoned emotions, he wouldn’t have hesitated at that moment. Emotions, for an assassin, are the most deadly poison,” Orleya said.

She was very aware, of course, that watching Liana be tormented by Countess Rose wasn’t right.

But she didn’t know what to do. Rayen’s departure had left a severe wound in her heart.

She had retreated for a long time, living alone in this woodland cottage.

By the time she had recovered and returned to Venus Manor, it was already a year ago, and by then, it was too late to stop anything.

Orleya faced two choices: one was to help Liana escape her predicament, but this would certainly lead to Countess Rose’s death.

The second was to just watch, pretending she had never come, because helping Liana meant killing Countess Rose with her own hands.

Although Countess Rose was beastly, she was still Rayen’s wife. Rayen was already gone, and if Orleya did this, it would mean that Cain, after losing his father, would also lose his mother.

She knew it was wrong, but she still didn’t intervene.

From the age of five, she had been trained to be an assassin.

At that time, the Lisat Kingdom wasn’t called the Lisat Kingdom, but the Darriss Kingdom.

At that time, Lisat wasn’t a noble family, just a noble territory adjacent to Venus Territory.

At that time, she was told that emotions must be completely abandoned, that they were unnecessary. What she needed to do was become a killing machine, completing tasks assigned to her.

At that time, she could excellently fulfill the orders of her family, becoming an outstanding assassin.

Until later, when she became a mother, looking at her two children, those sealed emotions seemed to loosen somewhat.

She didn’t want her sons to become killing machines like her. She wanted to prove that one could become an excellent assassin without sealing one’s emotions.

Shortly after, the Lisat Kingdom was established, and her mission was completed. She sealed away her dagger, believing she would never use it again.

Her two sons were excellent, and that time was probably the °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° happiest for Orleya.

At that time, she felt there was no need to seal her emotions at all. Wasn’t everything fine?

But Rayen, during one mission, was influenced by emotions and didn’t act immediately, resulting in his death.

Orleya’s perspective changed once more. As an assassin, one truly couldn’t have any emotions.

She was wrong. She hadn’t taught Rayen this, and it was she who had caused Rayen’s death. That’s why now she was so hesitant.

“So now you’re using your actions to prove that you’re also wrong? Watching your own granddaughter be tormented with open eyes?”

Orleya’s gaze wavered slightly.

Then, she smiled.

“Since the establishment of the Lisat Kingdom, no one has dared to speak to me like this. Princess Mephilia, you’re the first.” Orleya’s sharp gaze turned to Mephilia. “Do you know what relationship your father, the King of Lisat, has with me?”

Mephilia shook her head. If Minoga hadn’t explained these things to her, she wouldn’t even have known if Orleya truly existed.

“I don’t know, but even if I did, it wouldn’t affect...” Mephilia suddenly panicked. Don’t tell her at this moment that Orleya was her grandmother; Mephilia would want to die.

After all, her hair color was very similar to Liana’s.

Her own hair was golden, while Liana’s was platinum, and Lisat did have a bit of Venus Family blood intermixed.

“The King of Lisat, like Rayen, is my...”

“Wait a minute!”

Hey, hey, hey! Mephilia’s heart tightened. Could such a cliché plot really happen?

“...student.” Orleya said.

Mephilia sighed in relief. If she had really said Orleya was her grandmother, Mephilia would have wanted to die.

No, no, she was too anxious. She had met her own grandmother, who was completely different from Orleya.

“I never expected, at this point, to be lectured by a young girl.” Orleya looked at Mephilia. “You are indeed a bit different. And thank you for saving Liana.”

“That’s what I should have done originally. I will protect Liana.” Mephilia’s attitude toward Orleya still hadn’t improved much.

How the tables have turned between Mephilia and Orleya—now it’s Mephilia who dislikes her mother-in-law.

Orleya didn’t want to explain anything. After all, it was the truth. As one of Liana’s family, she cared less about Liana than an outsider did.

She truly didn’t deserve to be Liana’s grandmother, as Mephilia had said.

“For what I owe Liana, I will compensate her in other ways,” Orleya said.

“Grandmother Orleya, you are a benefactor to the Lisat Kingdom, we all know that. But I’m sorry, your actions make it very difficult for me to trust you. I will prove with my own actions that I will protect Liana well,” Mephilia stood up.

“If you truly want to compensate Liana, then stay away from her. I fear you might put Liana in danger again with some so-called tests or examinations. If you truly want to compensate Liana, then be good to Loraviel. Liana has wronged this girl.” After saying these words, Mephilia left.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

“I apologize, Lady Orleya,” Minoga’s expression was somewhat embarrassed. It seemed they had approached the wrong person.

“Princess Liana has wronged Loraviel. She involved Loraviel, and Princess Liana wanted to give her some compensation, so she asked me to find a good teacher for her. Because of her special constitution, I thought of you,” Minoga explained.

“I didn’t tell Princess Liana about you, but Princess Liana was quite angry about this matter, and I was somewhat implicated. But that’s not the main point. Princess Liana now has some grievances against this mysterious grandmother of hers. If you do anything strange to Loraviel, Princess Liana might... truly resent you,” Minoga said.

Orleya waved her hand. “I know what I’m doing. You don’t need to worry. I said I would train her to become an outstanding assassin. I will teach her all my knowledge... as some compensation for Liana...”

She knows what she’s doing?

Minoga seemed somewhat doubtful but had no choice but to believe. “I understand, Lady Orleya. I will come to check on her in a while. Princess Liana is also concerned about Loraviel’s training progress.”

The implication was clear: she would check periodically, and if anything went wrong, she would tell Liana.

Minoga left with Mephilia.

Orleya sat alone under the pavilion.

The words were simple, but due to her status, no one had ever dared to speak to her like that. Additionally, she had indeed been absent for a long time. Mephilia’s words actually made Orleya more clearheaded.

“Mmm...” Loraviel, who had been unconscious for a while, opened her eyes.

This time, she hadn’t been unconscious for too long, waking up after about two hours.

It seemed Orleya had held back, not making her unconscious for three or four days like before.

“You’re awake?”

“What should I call you?” Loraviel looked at her.

“Just call me teacher.” Orleya calculated the time. “You woke up earlier than expected. It seems you’re more capable than you appear, worthy of being my student.”

“I understand, teacher.” Loraviel nodded. “Please don’t hold back. I hope I can complete the training you arrange in the shortest time.”

“Oh? Are you in a hurry?” Orleya asked.

“I suppose so.” Loraviel wanted to return to Princess Liana’s side as quickly as possible.

“Approximately how much time?”

“A year and a half.”

“Then let’s start now.” Orleya waved her hand, and various strange... ingredients? appeared before Loraviel.

Loraviel wasn’t sure if “ingredients” was the right description, but they were some strange things clearly coated with poison, though they didn’t look too potent.

“As an assassin, you must maintain composure in any situation. Even things difficult to swallow must be consumed calmly. These ingredients are coated with poison by me, though not deadly poison, just some basic poisons. After all, rather than having you faint immediately, it’s better for you to adapt gradually,” Orleya said.

Loraviel didn’t speak throughout, nor did she raise any objections. She just quietly listened to Orleya’s words, then picked up a fork and stabbed one of the ingredients.

It was disgusting, hard to swallow, with a numbing sensation spreading from her lips.

Loraviel fought the urge to vomit and swallowed it.

Then, Loraviel felt a burning sensation in her body. The poison was starting to take effect.

It was very painful. The cramping in her abdomen almost made Loraviel faint.

She clenched her fists, the fork in her hand deforming under her grip. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead, but ultimately, she didn’t lose consciousness. She just panted heavily.

Orleya showed a satisfied expression. “Not bad.”

“Please continue, Teacher. For this level of poison, I don’t need to rest,” Loraviel said. Although sweat had dampened her hair, she still showed no intention of resting.

For Princess Liana.

Liana laid in her room, not knowing how much time had passed. Sunlight shone through the window onto the floor.

Liana’s fingers moved slightly, but she felt so tired, so very tired.

She didn’t want to move at all. Her head was a bit dizzy. She was so tired, as if she had forgotten something.

“Liana? Are you awake?” Mephilia’s gentle voice reached Liana’s ears, making her mental state clearer.

Liana also remembered that something incredible had happened yesterday.

She had intended to discuss Venus Dukedom matters with Mephilia, but Mephilia suddenly made a move, and then she returned to her room to talk with Loraviel...

Liana suddenly widened her azure eyes. Wait a minute!

Liana abruptly sat up. “Hmm?!”

The soreness in her limbs was similar to after intense exercise, and this feeling was stronger in her chest, thighs, and inner thighs.

But the impact from her memories was more intense than the physical sensations.

Liana looked at the person beside her. Mephilia was watching her with concern.

When she had returned from the woodland cottage yesterday, she came to Liana’s room and saw Liana fully clothed and sleeping deeply, so she didn’t disturb her.

After all, it had been such a short time. Even if Liana was easily exhausted, it shouldn’t have happened so quickly.

“Mephilia...” Liana looked at Mephilia beside her, not knowing when she had arrived. “Yesterday...”

Hearing the word ‘yesterday,’ Mephilia lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly, her face reddening.

“...yesterday, we did it.”

‘Your shy appearance now is completely different from yesterday when you ignored my pleas and kept eagerly touching me!’

Moreover, Liana had physically remembered that Mephilia was left-handed. When Liana saw Loraviel’s left hand moving downward, she knew she was in trouble.

No, no! That’s not the point!

Liana looked at her hands. Yesterday...

Loraviel...

They...

Liana’s head was about to explode.

“What’s wrong? Liana, is your body uncomfortable somewhere?” Mephilia asked with great concern.

After all, this likely related to their future happiness. Yesterday, she had indeed lost some control, her attitude and actions toward Liana were somewhat excessive.

If Liana became afraid because of this, what would Mephilia do in the future?

“No... nothing.” Liana shook her head.

Yesterday, had something really happened between her and Loraviel?

Liana wanted to forget this, but the more she tried to forget, the clearer she remembered.

She remembered Loraviel apologizing, reluctantly unbuttoning her clothes, offering her body to her...

No, no! The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.

Loraviel must hate her now. Liana’s objective had truly been achieved—Loraviel had gone to train with endless hatred. When she finished her training, she would probably kill Liana.

“What’s wrong? Liana, you look terrible?” Mephilia looked at Liana with great concern.

“Maybe I didn’t sleep well. After all, Mephilia, you were really too much yesterday,” Liana said, trying to calm down and appease Mephilia first.

What Mephilia had said yesterday was just a joke, right? Mephilia shouldn’t have discovered it yet, right?

She wouldn’t really lock her in a dark room, would she?

“I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re so adorable, Liana. I really couldn’t help myself,” Mephilia said, putting her arms through from under Liana’s arms and embracing her.

She rested her head on Liana’s shoulder and opened her mouth to bite it.

“By the way, where’s Loraviel?” Liana asked. “After arguing with me... she ran out. Is she alright?”

“I’ve taken her to her teacher,” Mephilia said.

“You must have met her teacher, right? How is she? Is she very powerful? What kind of person is she? Is she very strict?” Liana asked.

“Well...” Mephilia nodded. She had met her, but the encounter had been somewhat unpleasant.

“Very powerful.” But her personality was hard to describe. At least in Mephilia’s eyes, she was rather malicious. “I’d say she’s probably the strict type.”

“Liana, you should understand that she’s an assassin. Assassins generally don’t reveal their whereabouts or abilities, so she’s a bit mysterious. But rest assured, regarding teaching and capability, you don’t need to worry. She also promised that she would definitely train Loraviel to be an even more formidable assassin than herself,” Mephilia said.

Liana rather hoped she wouldn’t teach her too well. If Loraviel’s first action upon returning was to seek revenge on her, that would be troublesome.

“By the way, Liana,” Mephilia produced an envelope. “This seems to be from Loraviel for you?”

“From Loraviel to me...?” Liana took the envelope. It showed no signs of having been opened; Mephilia hadn’t peeked.

“What’s wrong? Do I need to open it secretly for you to be satisfied?” Mephilia immediately discerned Liana’s thoughts.

“No...” Liana laughed awkwardly.

“This is basic respect. No matter how intimate our relationship is, I wouldn’t use your personal items without your consent,” Mephilia said.

“Thank you.” Liana put away the letter. Opening it now would certainly not be a wise decision.

“How are things at Venus Manor?” Liana asked.

“While you were still sleeping this morning, I already had a brief chat with Erinna. I will provide her with some protection. As for the rest, she’ll have to rely on herself. I can’t interfere too much,” Mephilia said.

She could help Erinna solve some problems in Venus Territory, but if she did so, people would certainly exploit the situation to express dissatisfaction with Erinna, claiming that Erinna only relied on others’ help.

Mephilia also trusted Erinna’s abilities. As long as her safety could be guaranteed, there wouldn’t be major issues. That was all she needed to do; the rest was just a matter of trust.

Just as she trusted Liana, she also believed that Liana’s judgment wouldn’t be wrong.

“Is that so?”

It seemed the affairs of Venus Manor could somewhat be put to rest for now.

As long as Erinna’s safety was ensured, becoming the duchess was just a matter of time.

“Tomorrow we’ll prepare to set off to meet the elf princess. Are you ready, Liana?” Mephilia asked. “If you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself.”

“...” Oh right, there was still this matter. Liana had nearly been knocked unconscious yesterday (actually, she was knocked unconscious).

“It’s fine. I just need a little rest,” Liana took a deep breath.

Mephilia, lying on top of Liana, absorbed enough of Liana’s energy and then got up. “Seeing that you’re alright, I’m relieved.”

The reason she had stayed in this room was because she was worried about Liana’s condition, especially since yesterday had been somewhat excessive.

Seeing that Liana was fine, she also sighed in relief. “Your body is now completely fine, right?”

“Yes, just a bit tired. What is it?” Liana asked.

“Then, Liana, is there something you’re hiding from me?” Mephilia asked.

Oh no!!!

Hey!!! Why has she discovered it now?!

So quickly?!

She had just woken up!

Liana started to sweat now. If Mephilia were to extend her left finger and insert it...

Mephilia would realize that the current Liana was ten times tighter than last night.

“Mephilia, what do you mean?” Liana thought about it. She was hiding quite a few things from Mephilia. It might not necessarily be about yesterday. If she confessed first, that would be the real disaster.

“I’m not a child anymore. I won’t get angry over such small matters,” Mephilia said.

Sigh of relief

Liana felt relieved. Considering what Mephilia had said half-jokingly yesterday, if Mephilia really knew about this, she definitely wouldn’t be talking to her so casually.

Liana thought for a moment and decided to give a standard answer. “I just didn’t want to worry you.”

No matter when, saying this to Mephilia always had a magical effect.

Sure enough, after hearing these words, Mephilia’s eyes softened considerably. She reached out and arranged Liana’s hair. “I asked Minoga. That day, your life was threatened, right? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It was just a test, probably... quite safe,” Liana wasn’t too sure about this herself, as that person was too strange.

The more Liana thought about it, the angrier she became. “Hey, let me tell you, that person, for the sake of so-called tests and examinations, actually went to such lengths!”

Liana went on and on about how terrible that person was, finally saying that if anything happened to Loraviel, she would definitely demand an explanation.

After learning the truth, Mephilia’s expression became somewhat awkward. She couldn’t tell Liana this was her grandmother, and Mephilia was equally dissatisfied with Orleya’s behavior.

To prevent Liana from continuing to badmouth her grandmother, Mephilia directly pushed Liana onto the bed. “Promise me, if something like this happens in the future, don’t hide it from me. I’m really afraid that you’ll keep it to yourself like before. I’m afraid I’ll lose you. From now on, I can share your burdens. Please don’t bear everything alone, okay?”

“I’m sorry...” Liana truly felt sorry toward Mephilia.

“I won’t really get angry. After all, you’re my most beloved Liana,” Mephilia no longer concealed her feelings.

“You should rest well. If you need anything, just call Minoga’s name. She’s guarding the area. And don’t be angry with her anymore. She has realized her mistake and has been reflecting on it these past few days.”