Garius observes his youngest son, Javier, testing a new remote-controlled knight. He reflects on Javier's ingenuity and the potential tactical advantages this technology offers. Francesca joins Garius, and their conversation touches upon the impending conflict with the 'fake goddesses' and Garius's past promises to other women, particularly Nyxara.
Francesca cast a playful glance at Garius, her eyes then returning to their youngest son. He was currently striking theatrical poses in the courtyard, as if taunting an invisible foe.
“Arara~ Don’t be too astonished, my dear. Besides, I think it’s high time you confronted that promise you’ve been evading.”
“B… but… you know our schedules are packed with…”
Francesca interrupted him with grace, her voice smooth and melodious. “There’s no need for excessive worry, dear. I suspect she’s merely coming to visit her youngest sister. Perhaps~ Veldrac simply wishes for her to check on Delya’s progress in Armand.”
“Ah… o… okay…” Garius sighed, leaning back in his chair. He propped his cheek on his hand, elbow resting on the armrest.
Sigh… another complicated situation brewing…
Meanwhile.
In the chamber adjacent to Javier’s room.
Gracelle was seated on the bed, engrossed in a game of stacking wooden blocks with Mimi. Mimi, perched on a chair beside the bed, was biting her lower lip in anticipation, her small fang visible, her tail swaying with vigorous energy.
With utmost care, she slid a block from the base of the tower and slowly placed it on top, her tongue peeking out slightly in concentration.
“Hee~ Your turn, junior wife~” Mimi chirped, a wide grin on her face as she looked at Gracelle.
Gracelle pursed her lips, her gaze fixed intently on the teetering tower.
Nearby, Gloria sat on a cushion, engrossed in a book with a serene expression. Felicia, seated elegantly with her legs crossed, was meticulously focused on drawing something with delicate, precise strokes.
Delya stood by the main entrance, engaged in conversation with one of the female officers of Armand.
“Princess Delya.” The female officer addressed her, holding a sealed document. “A message has arrived from the Demon Nation Command Center.”
“Hmm?” Delya tilted her head, one hand clutching her chocolate jar, the other resting a finger on her lips. She glanced at the sealed scroll. “For me?”
“Indeed, Princess Delya. A formal notification from the Demon Nation.”
“Oh… from my brother?” Delya’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she reached for the scroll.
The female officer offered a formal bow. “I shall take my leave now.”
“Mm… okay.” Delya murmured softly, a smile gracing her lips as she looked at the sealed scroll in her hand.
I wonder what it could be?
She turned the scroll over, examining it before closing the door and stepping inside.
Gloria, who had been reading, looked up as Delya approached. She placed her book down on her lap and watched as Delya settled onto a nearby cushion, setting her chocolate jar aside.
“Delya?”
“Yes, Sister Gloria?” Delya tilted her head, glancing at Gloria.
“A message from your homeland?”
“Mm~ Perhaps just from my brother. He might just want to know how I’m faring.” Delya let out a soft breath. “Besides, I neglected to contact him for a month… he’s likely concerned about me.”
“Oh~” Gloria smiled, adjusting her spectacles before lifting her book and resuming her reading.
“Hmm?” Delya’s gaze fell upon the book Gloria held. “I haven’t seen that book before… Is it any good?”
“Ah~” Gloria smiled, lifting the book slightly to reveal the cover. “This one?”
“Mm… yes.”
“This was authored by the Young Master.”
“Eh? He writes stories as well?”
“Umm…” Gloria placed a finger on her lips thoughtfully. “It’s a narrative about a virtuous young girl who endured mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters. However, through her inherent kindness and a touch of enchantment, she attended a magnificent ball and captivated the heart of a prince. It’s a truly beautiful story about hope and love.”
“Wow… Danna-sama penned something like that?” Delya’s eyes shone with intrigue. “May I borrow it once you’re finished?”
“Certainly~” Gloria replied warmly, returning to her reading.
Delya unrolled the scroll and began reading, a contemplative expression settling on her face.
Meanwhile, Mimi erupted in cheers, wiggling her backside playfully as she celebrated another victory over Gracelle, who pouted in frustration.
“Nyahahaha~” Mimi placed her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest with a smug air. Her tail swayed triumphantly, and her ears twitched with delight. “It’s still too soon for you to defeat me, junior wife~”
“Mou! Once more!” Gracelle puffed out her cheeks, determined to win the next round.
Felicia glanced at Mimi before releasing a long, weary sigh, shaking her head slightly at her little sister’s childish antics.
“Mimi… you are a young lady, a woman now. Please refrain from behaving like a child.”
“Nya?” Mimi tilted her head down, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her tail swayed slowly as she spoke. “Sister, you never win this game, or any game against me anyway.”
"Bah. Who gives a care about games?" Felicia responded, her voice cool and dignified. She returned to her drawing with refined elegance, her posture graceful and composed. "A true princess should possess refinement and poise, dedicating herself to art and grace, unlike yourselves with your childish diversions."
Mimi narrowed her eyes, sticking out her tongue in a playful gesture before resuming the construction of her wooden block tower. "Sounds dreadfully dull, nya~"
Delya’s eyes widened subtly as the final words of the scroll registered. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks, and a soft sound of surprise escaped her lips.
"Ah..."
Gloria shifted her gaze from her book. "Is something amiss, Delya?"
"Umm..." Delya shifted uncomfortably, her fingers nervously tracing the parchment’s edge.
Mimi and Gracelle exchanged glances, observing Delya’s sudden disquiet. Felicia ceased her artistic endeavors and looked at her with apparent concern.
"What troubles you?"
"Umm..." Delya faltered, her expression a complex mixture of worry and apprehension. "It... it appears..."
"What is it?" Gloria adjusted her spectacles and set her book aside.
"M... My elder sister... is scheduled for a visit... to my current residence."
"Hmm? Is that not a welcome development?"
"Y... Yes... however... she... she..."
"What about her?" Gloria inquired, tilting her head in mild confusion.
Delya swallowed with difficulty, casting a furtive glance before murmuring softly.
"She is a woman of few words, yet possesses a stern demeanor and an intimidating aura... even more daunting than Liana when Liana assumes a serious disposition, and more rigorous than Felicia concerning adherence to rules, etiquette, and proper conduct. She is... exceedingly strict."
Gloria offered a warm smile, gently shaking her head. "Nay~ I doubt she shall prove so formidable. She is your sister, after all. I am confident she merely wishes to ascertain your well-being here. Furthermore, upon witnessing your evident contentment alongside the Young Master and all of us, I am certain her disposition will soften."
"No... umm... you fail to grasp the entirety of it... she possesses absolutely no tolerance for trivial matters. She is strict, serious, and utterly devoid of jest. Ever."
"Indeed?" Gloria tilted her head again, folding her arms in contemplation.
"Yes..." Delya replied in a low mumble, her gaze falling to the floor.
Felicia carefully placed her sketchbook down, adopting a graceful pose with crossed arms and legs.
"Mm... I believe I encountered her once during an official delegation to our royal court years ago. It was when King Veldrac paid a visit to my father during a formal summit... prior to..." Felicia paused, a memory surfacing. "I was but a teenager then."
Gloria looked towards Felicia. "So, does she truly match Delya’s description?"
"Potentially. I had no opportunity for close interaction or formal greeting. She projected an air of excessive seriousness and perpetual vigilance, as if constantly on guard. She did not partake in any informal discourse or social niceties. Her presence was marked by observation and silence."
