Liana was bewildered by Erinna’s request.

“Um...” Liana looked around. They had moved to the reception room, and Minoga was guarding outside. No one should be able to see or eavesdrop on them.

Right?

Sephirena had originally intended to notify Liana about something but had accidentally heard their talk and stopped outside.

She hadn’t planned to eavesdrop on their conversation, but Liana’s words made her pause.

Eavesdropping on others, especially one’s master, was absolutely not permitted.

But Sephirena simply couldn’t resist the beauty of sisterly interactions. She wanted to see how other sisters got along.

Besides, the relationship between these two seemed somewhat delicate, with apparent conflicts.

Sephirena wanted to observe, especially how someone as excellent and gentle as Liana would handle conflicts between sisters.

“A hug?” Liana hadn’t expected Erinna to have such a wish. Did this mean Erinna had been aware of her situation all along?

“Is it not allowed?” Erinna looked at Liana.

Liana raised her head to look at Erinna’s face. Why couldn’t they swap heights and certain other attributes? Then she would’ve looked more like a proper older sister.

Being shorter than Erinna, reaching out to hug her now would make it seem like she was the one seeking comfort from Erinna!

“When did you figure it out? Don’t say you didn’t know. I won’t believe that.” Liana asked curiously, “Did Naibert tell you?”

At this point, this was the only explanation that made sense.

“This has nothing to do with Naibert. I realized it myself,” Erinna said.

“...So when did you start suspecting?” Liana asked.

“About four months ago? When you had Princess Mephilia come?” Erinna said.

What? She noticed since that long ago?

Is my acting really that bad?

Liana rubbed her head, trying to accept it. Well, Erinna was a heroine after all.

“But back then, it was just suspicion. It wasn’t until recently, after the Countess Rose incident, that I formally confirmed it,” Erinna said.

“Sister Liana, you really are an excellent, gentle, and amazing person.”

Liana waved her hand. “I’m just someone who’s always being protected by others. I’m not amazing at all.”

“Also, don’t call me Sister Liana anymore.”

“Why?” Erinna’s tone clearly wavered, thinking she had done something to upset her dear sister.

“We’re not that far apart in age, and father set your birthday on the same day as mine. Plus... standing in front of others, they’d definitely think I’m the younger sister. Just call me Liana,” Liana said.

“I remember Sister Liana was quite sensitive about this when you were younger. Princess Mephilia made you disgruntled for a long time because she was a few days older than you,” Erinna said.

“...No need to bring up that embarrassing history!” Liana felt a bit self-conscious.

“Besides, what Sister Liana just said is enough to prove that you’re truly the older sister.” After hearing those words earlier, Erinna couldn’t believe any younger sister could remain calm—at least, she couldn’t.

“...Whatever makes you happy.” Liana felt helpless. She had originally planned to brush it off using Mephilia as an excuse, but that one utterance of “sister” from Erinna had immediately broken her resolve. She couldn’t hold back! Simply couldn’t hold back! This was her little sister!!!

“But Sister Liana’s previous disguise, along with some behaviors and little expressions, was really quite adorable,” Erinna smiled.

“Ah...” Thinking about her previous act in front of Erinna, knowing that Erinna had known all along and still played along, Liana wanted to find a crack in the ground to slip into. How embarrassing!

“If you knew, why didn’t you say something earlier!” Liana’s face reddened with embarrassment.

“Then why didn’t Sister Liana tell me earlier? Since everything was a misunderstanding, since you were originally such a kind person, why didn’t you clear things up with me sooner?” Erinna countered.

“Because... there were various extenuating reasons...” Mainly because it was too embarrassing, and, “If I had approached you when you were just starting to rise, wouldn’t it seem too hypocritical? Wouldn’t it make you think I was someone who cared only about status?”

Now it was Erinna’s turn to fall silent. How should she put it?

Sister Liana was incredibly intelligent in various aspects, but when it came to emotions, she was truly a big fool, extremely dense. She had always been this way.

When they were young, Erinna would get angry because Sister Liana was often by Princess Mephilia’s side, but Sister Liana never understood why she was angry, and would even frequently mention Princess Mephilia in front of her.

Erinna had known since then that Sister Liana was a fool.

“Doesn’t Sister Liana realize who pushed this position to me? It was Sister Liana, wasn’t it? Without Sister Liana’s support, I wouldn’t have been this successful,” Erinna said.

“That... that was Mephilia’s request, not my own idea,” Liana quibbled.

“Besides, Sister Liana, your own explanation doesn’t hold up. With your status, you don’t need to rely on the authority of an ‘acting lord’ like me,” Erinna said. “So, what’s the real reason?”

“Fine! It’s because of what you said before! Saying I should please you the same way I please Mephilia when I need your help! That’s why I didn’t want to reveal myself!” Liana yelled. “But! You already knew at that time! So! You did it deliberately, right!”

“...Yes.” Erinna didn’t deny it, frankly admitting to it.

“So, it was just a joke, right?” Liana smiled. She would definitely need Erinna’s help in the future. Aside from being the protagonist, Erinna’s current status alone could help Liana accomplish many things.

“If Sister Liana needs my help, I certainly wouldn’t refuse.” That had been Erinna’s original thought, but after seeing how much Liana had sacrificed for Mephilia, she felt a bit jealous.

Although she clearly understood that Princess Mephilia deserved it—it was the result of Princess Mephilia’s years of unwavering belief in Sister Liana—she had no objections.

“That’s good.”

“But Sister Liana isn’t the type to let others help for nothing, right?” Erinna smiled.

The true motive was revealed.

“Of... of course.” Even if Erinna hadn’t mentioned it, Liana would have provided appropriate compensation. Liana didn’t like owing others, especially given her current situation. “But don’t forget, you still owe me a favor!”

Since Erinna had put it that way, Liana wouldn’t be polite either.

“I certainly remember.”

Liana breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Erinna was quite normal after all. She had thought it might be more complicated, but now it appeared Erinna was just an ordinary sister—no, a perfect sister.

Not interfering with her, not bothering her, handling everything by herself, and still able to help her in many ways.

“So, Sister Liana, what’s your decision?” Erinna asked.

Liana remembered why they were here. Hadn’t Erinna asked for a hug from her?

“Or does this also require owing Sister Liana a favor?” Erinna asked.

“...That won’t be necessary.” Liana shook her head repeatedly. This was a very ordinary thing; Liana was just a bit shy.

Liana took a deep breath and stood up.

She had originally planned to praise Erinna as Minoga had suggested earlier, but Erinna had declined, saying the time wasn’t right—wait until she could truly stand on her own, then praise her properly.

So now, the only help Liana could offer Erinna was a simple hug.

Liana approached Erinna and reached out to embrace her. Only, she turned her face aside—why did Erinna have to develop so well?!

Not too much, not too little, just right—Liana’s head rested perfectly against Erinna’s fullness. Being big was one thing, but why did she have to be tall too!

Erinna also hugged Liana. She appeared calm, but her trembling fingers betrayed that her heart wasn’t so steady.

How long had it been since they’d embraced like this?

“Erinna?” Liana felt the time was about right, but Erinna showed no sign of letting go.

Moreover, Liana felt her feet starting to leave the ground.

“Thank you, Sister Liana.” Erinna placed her hands under Liana’s armpits and lifted her up.

“Hey!” Liana’s face flushed red instantly. What was with lifting her up high? Wasn’t this treating her like a child?!

Erinna put Liana down. Liana sat on the sofa, looking somewhat angry—deliciously so.

Erinna poured Liana a cup of hot tea. “This is the tea you gave me last time, Sister Liana. Try it?”

“Um...but I gave it to you?” Liana’s expression suddenly became rather peculiar.

“Yes, didn’t Sister Liana say this was tea bestowed upon you by His Majesty the King? Very precious, only to be served to the most esteemed guests,” Erinna said.

“Well... I think I’ll pass.” Liana really couldn’t get used to the taste.

“Why?” Erinna had drunk this tea several times; the taste and flavor were definitely top-notch. Had Sister Liana lied to her? Was it not from the king?

“It is indeed tea bestowed by His Majesty, but... I don’t really like the taste. I hate bitterness,” Liana said.

“I quite like it.” Erinna took a small sip. The bitter taste spread in her mouth, but after a moment, a unique flavor emerged.

So someone actually liked drinking this...

“Since you like it so much, I have another «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» bag. I’ll have Sephirena deliver it to you later.” The King had given her another bag last time, and she hadn’t known how to deal with it. Since Erinna liked it so much, she might as well give it all to her. At least it wouldn’t go to waste.

“Can you really? This is something bestowed by His Majesty!” Erinna was somewhat overwhelmed by the honor.

“No matter how precious something is, leaving it unused is wasteful. Better to give it to you.” Liana didn’t care much about such things.

“Thank you.”

Erinna also seemed to enjoy saying “thank you” a lot, but Liana couldn’t “say” the same things to her that she and Mephilia did to reach other.

“Does Sister Liana have any other matters to handle during this visit?”

“Sort of.” Liana’s face was still flushed—all because of Erinna!

“I need to get some things from mother’s study.” Since Erinna was now the acting lord of Venus Manor, it was better to explain in advance to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

Otherwise, people might think someone was intruding or stealing from Lady Ambis’ study.

“I understand.” Erinna nodded. “Also, Sister Liana, were you attacked by someone?”

“I can’t hide anything from you, can I?” Liana had already known that Erinna likely knew about this.

“But don’t worry, I wasn’t in any danger. With Minoga protecting me, I’m safe,” Liana said. “But you should be a bit more careful. Cain is already good evidence that the other two royal heirs don’t seem to welcome you as an upcoming Duchess. After all, if you become the Duchess of Venus Manor, you’ll help Mephilia, which isn’t an outcome they want to see.”

“Mm.” Erinna nodded.

This was her responsibility, but Mephilia was also a competitor to Erinna. She was competing with Erinna for Sister Liana, and Erinna was certain that Mephilia had already succeeded.

“Don’t worry, with Princess Mephilia’s protection, it won’t be easy for them to make a move against me,” Erinna said. “Besides, where I’m staying now was created by Duke Venus. It’s not a simple room. Moreover, we’re a territory of assassins; no one understands cloak and dagger better than we do.”

Liana felt reassured by Erinna’s words.

“So thank you so much, Sister Liana. Your return this time was partly to tell me about this, wasn’t it?” Erinna asked.

“Perhaps a little...”

Erinna felt she should write a user manual for Liana.

‘Perhaps a little’ meant ‘yes’.

‘Princess Mephilia’s request’ equaled ‘my own thoughts’.

Saying indifferent words actually meant she cared deeply.

Only when she openly cursed someone was she truly angry.

However, confirming that Erinna was vigilant and maintaining her own safety was already the result Liana wanted most.

As for what she was going to do next, perhaps it was better not to tell Erinna?

After all, Liana didn’t want to give Erinna more trouble now. She already had her own matters to handle—the affairs of Venus Manor were enough to give Erinna a headache. Besides, this was her own business, which she naturally needed to resolve herself.

“By the way, are you still going to study at Ibett Magic Academy?” Liana asked.

Erinna seemed to have stayed at Venus Manor for a long time. After all, having just become the Head of Venus Manor, there must be countless matters to attend to. Academy matters needed to be put aside for a while.

“I’ll definitely go, since I’m still quite weak and not yet able to become a fully capable powerhouse. But I need to handle Venus Manor’s affairs first, so I can’t return for now,” Erinna said.

Still quite weak...

Hearing Erinna’s words, Liana felt a bit depressed. At this age, Erinna had already reached Senior Mage level, which was quite impressive, and she was also managing Venus Dukedom’s affairs. In comparison, Liana felt somewhat useless.

“Anyway, be a bit more careful about your surroundings. Even with Mephilia’s guards protecting you, don’t let your guard down,” Liana nagged a bit.

“I know.” Erinna nodded in agreement.

“Oh, right!” Liana remembered something that might help Erinna. “Erinna, do you know Count Ige?”

“Count Ige?” A flash of disgust crossed Erinna’s eyes. “What’s wrong? Sister Liana, did he bother you?”

“Not at all.” Liana shook her head. “I just heard about him from someone else. He doesn’t seem like a good person.”

“Indeed, he’s a beast,” Erinna said very directly.

“Um...” Liana hadn’t expected Erinna to be so direct. “Have you investigated this person before?”

“Yes, but at that time I had no real authority, just an heir, so I couldn’t do anything to him. Now that I’ve become the acting lord, I have some power,” Erinna said. “But his residence is quite far, and with the heavy snow recently, I haven’t gone to deal with him.”

Oh, that made sense. With Erinna’s abilities, how could she not know about this?

“So when you went out earlier, you were handling these matters?” Liana asked.

Erinna nodded. “Of course, but there’s just too much to do.”

Erinna sighed helplessly. It was as if it had been planned—after she became the acting lord, everything suddenly piled up at once.

“It must quite taxing.” Liana said somewhat apologetically, since she had accelerated this process, making Erinna bear burdens she shouldn’t have had to at this time.

“I’ll take care of Count Ige’s matter.” Liana had disliked such beasts originally, and now she could help Erinna reduce her pressure—why not?

“Can I really trouble Sister Liana?”

“It’s nothing.” Liana was ready to enter one-click sweep mode. Since she was about to leave anyway, it didn’t matter anymore. However... “There must be someone backing Count Ige right? A mere count wouldn’t dare to openly do such things, would he?”

A mere count?

Probably only Liana would dare to speak so dismissively.

“I’ve investigated Count Ige’s situation a bit. He has no connection to Countess Rose.”

Erinna’s meaning was also quite clear—having no relationship with Countess Rose essentially meant he didn’t have a significant connection with Second Prince Oester.

Otherwise, they would definitely have secretly united to do certain things. As for Crown Prince Hodwen? Not very certain either.

But Liana was sure that without someone backing him, a count’s status alone wouldn’t be enough to make him so arrogant against a duchess.

As for whether it was Crown Prince Hodwen or Second Prince Oester, or someone else entirely, Liana would find out during her investigation.

“Leave Count Ige’s matter to me.”

“Mm.”

The two fell silent for several minutes.

Liana felt awkward, not knowing where to find a topic. Since Liana had been an orphan in her previous life, she never had the adorable existence of a sister, so she didn’t know how to face her sister.

Erinna naturally noticed Liana’s awkwardness. Or rather, she felt somewhat the same way. Suddenly breaking through their relationship without proper mental preparation was unexpected.

“Sister Liana, you should go handle your business. I have some matters to attend to as well,” Erinna gave Liana an out.

“Alright.” Liana stood up.

“Thank you so much for everything today, Sister Liana,” Erinna expressed gratitude once more.

It was evident that Erinna was very happy today. After all, clearing up misunderstandings with her beloved Sister Liana and sitting down for a proper chat was already a great blessing.

“Don’t keep saying ‘thank you.’ This is just what a sister should do. Protecting little sisters is a big sister’s duty. Just accept it gratefully,” Liana smiled. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Hearing Liana say this with such a serious face, Erinna laughed. Then, she stood up, took two quick steps to Liana’s side, and lifted her up.

“Then I’ll accept it with gratitude, Sister Liana.”

Just talk, don’t get physical!

But Liana didn’t struggle much. After all, the pressure Erinna had been bearing was far greater than what Liana had seen, and previously she had only Naibert standing by her side.

She had truly worked very hard. Words of praise would be saved for next time, but for now...

Liana reached out and gently patted Erinna’s back.