Liana looked at the increasingly closer Risade Square. “Um... what about Pecola? I remember she was also part of the Angus Commerce Guild, right?”

“Since this was my personal matter, I sent Pecola back first. Pecola is now at the branch store in Risade Square, but we probably won’t have a chance to meet again,” Tari said.

After all, she was no longer a merchant of the Angus Commerce Guild, so naturally, she wouldn’t return to that place. Moreover, since Pecola was a member of the Angus Family, it was best to avoid excessive contact.

“I originally wanted to check on her punishment, but it seems there’s no chance now,” Liana didn’t care much about this matter; she was just suddenly curious.

“About that, I can assure Princess Liana that she has completed it. However, Princess Liana’s punishment was quite unique,” Tari recalled Liana’s strange punishment.

“It was alright, just a bit of my mischievous taste.”

“It was quite effective. Pecola suffered quite a bit because once there was a typo, she had to start over. But that rule will probably be deleted starting today,” Tari said.

“It doesn’t matter. Anyway, when you’re at the Venus Commerce Guild, you’ll have this rule too,” Liana said.

“Mm.”

Since Tari could no longer return to the Angus branch at Risade Square, Liana took her directly back to Venus Manor.

However, upon returning to Venus Manor, Liana didn’t see Erinna.

But she saw Sephirena. “Where’s Erinna? Do you know where she went?”

Sephirena had returned yesterday, so she should be clearer about this.

“Miss Erinna had to go out for a while due to some matters, probably for about three days,” Sephirena said.

In fact, Erinna had been stimulated by that video footage from yesterday. There were many Count Iges in the Venus Territory, and as long as they weren’t dealt with, they would gradually erode their land and people.

This departure was also for this matter. At the very least, she wanted to eliminate those she had already identified. Otherwise, after this matter spread, they might become more cautious. Although they could still be found, it would be more troublesome.

That’s why Erinna took action first. More importantly, she wanted to prove to Sister Liana that she was a capable sister, super capable.

She didn’t want to worry Liana anymore. But if Erinna had known in advance that Liana would return today, she wouldn’t have left no matter what. It was because of this coincidence that Erinna missed a very important piece of intelligence.

“Princess... Liana?” Loke’s expression became somewhat peculiar aasshe looked at Liana.

Obviously, some people in Venus Manor must have seen that video footage, including Loke.

After learning about Princess Liana’s situation, Loke felt somewhat guilty towards Princess Liana, having maintained such an attitude towards her before.

Moreover, how to face Princess Liana now was still a question.

However, Erinna had very thoughtfully told them to pretend this hadn’t happened, at least for now, because Princess Liana appeared completely unaware during the broadcast.

Of course, these weren’t the main points. There was only one main point: Erinna wanted to see with her own eyes how Liana would react when exposed.

“Have both Erinna and Naibert gone out?” Liana asked.

“Yes, Lady Erinna and Lord Naibert have temporarily left the manor to handle some matters,” Loke came before Liana, still somewhat nervous.

“Oh.” Liana held Tari’s hand. “This is Tari. When Erinna returns, have her find a job for Tari, a job at the Venus Commerce Guild.”

“Oh, alright!” Loke nodded.

“Her abilities are impressive. Don’t give her a high position from the start just because of me. Let her climb up gradually. So that it remains fair to others,” Liana said.

“Alright, I understand, Princess Liana.”

“You won’t disappoint me, right?” Liana looked at Tari.

“I’ll try my best,” Tari wasn’t very confident.

“What do you mean ‘try’? Don’t you have confidence in yourself, or don’t you have confidence in my goods?” Liana said.

“...I will definitely do it,” Tari said.

“That’s more like it.” Liana looked at Loke. “Arrange accommodation for her. From now on, she’ll be living in our manor.”

“Mm, okay.” Loke just needed to nod now. Although it seemed like it had been this way before, at least now she didn’t have to be on edge like before.

After settling Tari’s matters, Liana looked around Venus Manor. With Erinna not here, there didn’t seem to be much reason to stay.

Besides, she had always had an idea, but because it wasn’t appropriate to show in front of others, she had been putting it off.

“That should be all. Remember to relay everything to Erinna,” Liana instructed.

“I understand, Princess Liana,” Loke nodded.

After Liana left, Loke breathed a sigh of relief.

“Are you afraid of Princess Liana?” Tari asked.

“Aren’t you?” Loke asked in return. She had some understanding of Tari, after all, she often went to buy things there.

“Princess Liana is quite nice to me.”

“That’s good.” It seemed Princess Liana’s previous words were true. Even if she pretended to be malicious, her inherently gentle nature was difficult to disguise.

It was only because they had always viewed Princess Liana through colored glasses that things had become like this.

“Then, Miss Tari, shall I take you to rest now?”

“Yes.” Tari nodded.

“But why is Miss Tari suddenly no longer working at the Angus Commerce Guild? If I remember correctly, leaving requires a hefty fee,” This wasn’t a secret to them, and it was quite a normal matter.

After all, the guild had provided many resources and connections, allowing you to gain reputation in this field. Suddenly leaving to join another guild—the Angus Commerce Guild certainly wouldn’t let you leave so easily.

“Mm... where should I start? The Angus Commerce Guild is a place that eats people without spitting out bones. Princess Liana said many strange things, but because I’ve worked there, I don’t think what she said was false. On the contrary, it’s very likely to happen.

“Due to some relationship issues, I’ve completely severed ties with the Angus Commerce Guild. Princess Liana took me in and promised to arrange a job for me, so I came here,” Tari said.

“Mm, I understand.”

After returning to the forest, Liana found Sephirena. “Come out with me for a bit. There are some things I need your help with.”

“Okay.” Sephirena followed Liana outside.

Liana took out a gem, which was her magic, and handed it to Sephirena. “Use gravity magic on it!”

“Hm?” Although Sephirena was confused, she still did as told.

However, due to the difference in magical power, with just a slight effort, the gem was crushed by gravity.

“...A bit lighter, don’t use too much force,” Liana said. “I’m still too weak and can’t withstand such strong magic. It breaks easily.”

It was fortunate that Princess Mephilia wasn’t here, otherwise, Sephirena might have faced significant trouble.

The words Liana spoke could easily be misunderstood by others.

Sephirena tried again, slightly reducing her magical output, just enough to fill Liana’s gem.

Liana looked at the gem emitting a gray light. “Such weak magic shouldn’t hurt you, right?”

“At this level, it won’t harm me at all,” Sephirena said.

“Good. Then be my target,” Liana said.

“I understand, Princess Liana.” Sephirena had anticipated this would happen.

She stood about ten meters away from Princess Liana and deployed a defensive barrier.

“「Create Gun」”

A flintlock pistol appeared in Liana’s hand, and she loaded it with the bullet that Sephirena had just infused with magic.

“Are you ready?” Liana asked.

“Anytime.”

Bang!

With flames spewing from the muzzle, the bullet shot out rapidly.

Before, Liana had only thought about infusing magic and detonating it, which could produce a power more powerful than the original magic through intense compression.

But she had overlooked one point: what if the originally infused magic contained other abilities?

Like the gravity magic-infused bullet she had just fired.

Boom!

The bullet shattered. Sephirena had witnessed the power of Liana’s gun before, so there was nothing unexpected. Besides, this level of attack was insignificant to Sephirena.

What Sephirena hadn’t anticipated was the sudden faint gravity magic that made her arm sink slightly.

This wasn’t because Liana’s attack was particularly powerful; it was entirely because Sephirena hadn’t paid attention to this and had relaxed her guard, thus giving Liana this opportunity.

“Is this... the magic I just used?” Sephirena asked.

“Yes.” Liana nodded.

Of course, this wasn’t Liana’s original invention. The magic stones used previously for illumination or heating utilized this principle.

The problem was that these magic stones were very unstable even when bearing the simplest magic. A slight collision could disrupt the internal magic circulation, leading to dangerous explosions.

Not to mention Princess Liana’s approach of directly using the explosion to fire the gem, it might cause the barrel to explode.

“It seems there are many areas that can be developed,” Liana was satisfied with this result.

The only drawback was still that issue—her magical power was too small. If she could become stronger, the gem’s capacity would also increase, allowing it to store more powerful magic.

Liana waved her hand, and the gun in her hand disappeared into thin air. “For the next period, let’s work hard for the upcoming plan.”

Liana came in front of Sephirena. “You must protect me well when Minoga isn’t around.”

“I will fulfill my duty, Princess Liana.”

Liana wasn’t worried about this. If she truly died, Mephilia would unhesitatingly kick Sephirena back to the Elf Forest.

So, this wasn’t just for Liana’s safety but also for Sephirena’s own benefit.

“I wonder how Gardenia’s illusion magic preparation is going.” Now, the only potential problem was Gardenia. “Why don’t you go discuss with Gardenia during this time? Or ask the Tree of Life? Perhaps you’ll find the reason?”

If Sephirena could use illusion magic, their plan would truly be perfect. An elf royal family member, especially someone as powerful as Sephirena who was recognized by the Tree of Life—even if a Judge came, they would be deceived for some time.

“...” Sephirena was uncertain. She herself was very clear about why she couldn’t use illusion magic. She just couldn’t overcome herself.

“Alright, don’t force yourself. I’ve made preparations. Even if it fails, I’ll just face new challenges. After all, I’m no longer the person I used to be,” Liana smiled.

“It’s just that when I think about others °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° knowing about me and having to face them, I always feel a kind of indescribable awkwardness,” Liana spread her hands. Originally, Liana had wanted to use this disappearance period to let others forget their views of her, and then reappear before them with a new identity.

But the sudden change had left Liana somewhat helpless. However, this also seemed to be an opportunity that could save some trouble.

If she suddenly died just when she was about to improve, perhaps some people would feel sorry for her?

And when she reappeared again, she would have completely changed, which might make it easier for them to accept maybe?

“You just need to protect me, and Gardenia will help me solve the illusion magic issue,” Liana didn’t want to put too much pressure on Sephirena. “But come to think of it, whether you act or not doesn’t have much impact. It’s just to ensure others don’t find it strange. If there’s no one by my side, wouldn’t others be suspicious?”

Would failure lead to death?

Sephirena looked at Liana. Although she wasn’t very familiar with the affairs of the Lisat Kingdom, Princess Liana’s actions had undoubtedly angered the two heirs. The competition in the human world seemed much more intense than in the Elf Forest. The relationship between the heirs could be described as enemies.

Yet Princess Liana had provoked them all due to certain matters. If this plan failed, those people probably wouldn’t let Princess Liana off easily, right?

Sephirena could see that the main reason Princess Liana was doing all this was to free up Miss Minoga so she wouldn’t have to protect Princess Liana anymore.

If this matter failed, Miss Minoga would have to continue protecting Princess Liana, which would be very inconvenient for Princess Mephilia.

“What’s wrong, Sephirena?” Liana had already assumed a training posture.

“Nothing, let’s continue.” Sephirena took a deep breath.

Was she overthinking now? What did it matter to her whether Princess Liana lived or died?

She was only doing this to repay Princess Liana and fulfill their deal.

It wasn’t for any other reason; it was purely a business relationship.

Sephirena might not have noticed, but the flower in her pocket seemed to have become more vibrant.

About half a month passed. It was now about one year and seven months until the main storyline began, and 930 days until the time agreed upon with Sephirena.

On this day, Liana was training outside with Sephirena as usual.

In a few days, Mephilia should come to find her. Liana was a bit excited, as this was their once-a-month meeting.

Perhaps Mephilia had already prepared a ring?

However, what Liana hadn’t expected was that someone else arrived before Mephilia.

“Princess Liana.” Minoga suddenly appeared behind Liana.

“What’s up, Minoga?” Minoga had never appeared during her training before, as with her watching over the area, no one would come to disturb.

But at this moment, Minoga suddenly appeared, so there must be something. “Is Mephilia here?”

“It’s not Princess Mephilia, but—” Minoga raised her head, and that person had already appeared before them.

“Good morning, Princess Liana. I didn’t expect you to be so diligent,” A somewhat androgynous voice came over.

Liana looked up and realized she hadn’t sensed when this person appeared. Even Sephirena was surprised.

The person had brown long hair, appeared to be around thirty years old, was tall, and looked quite sexy.

But obviously, the woman before them wasn’t as simple as she looked. Being able to make Minoga appear, being able to appear before them without Sephirena sensing anything—all these things undeniably proved the woman’s special nature.

“Morning?”

“Let me introduce myself? I’m Kasla, the ninth of the ten knights of the Lisat Kingdom, also the guardian of the King, and also little Jia’s...”

“Teacher,” Minoga said.

The ninth of the Royal Knights, yet the teacher of the sixth Royal Knight—it didn’t seem right, did it? And... “little Jia”?

“What brings Sister Kasla to find me?”

“Princess Liana has such a sweet mouth,” Kasla smiled. “During this time, the royal capital has been busy dealing with Princess Liana’s statements.”

Indeed, as Minoga had said earlier, the King of Lisat wanted to see her?

“It cannot be helped. After all, they made the first move. I can’t just endure it unilaterally, can I?” Liana said somewhat helplessly. “I originally wanted to live normally, but because of the power struggle, I had to get involved.”

“I deeply sympathize with Princess Liana’s situation. However, due to Princess Liana’s statements, some people have become dissatisfied and confused. I would like to invite Princess Liana to the Lisat Royal Capital. Would Princess Liana be willing to go?” Kasla asked very politely.

“I can.” Liana agreed without much thought. After all, the other party was the guardian of the King of Lisat and also Minoga’s teacher, so she could be trusted.

Besides, she had no power to refuse anyway. She hadn’t lied, so she didn’t need to worry.

“It seems Princess Liana has indeed changed a lot. I thought there might be unnecessary trouble,” Kasla smiled.

“What about Mephilia? For such an important occasion, she should also be present, right?” Liana asked.

“Naturally. Not only the three competitors but also the Darriss Lord and Angus Lord who are related to this matter will be present. At that time, let’s all have a good chat, shall we?”

“...Alright.”

With all these people present, it would definitely be troublesome. And in the current situation, Liana didn’t think it would be one against one against one.

After all, those two now had completely no chance of winning. If they still engaged in internal strife, it would be no different from giving up.

Of course, this was also Liana’s purpose. Originally, they were stabbing each other in the back, but now they were forced to cooperate, which was something they had to do.

They definitely couldn’t establish a fully trusting cooperative relationship; otherwise, things wouldn’t have become so troublesome now.

They would fight bitterly for the royal power. So, once they had dealt with her matter, they would definitely become enemies.

But because they had cooperated, they had each grasped the other’s weaknesses. Therefore, they would become each other’s greatest enemies.

If they didn’t kill the other, the other would use their weaknesses to kill them.

Kasla clapped her hands, and a carriage appeared before them. “Shall we depart? As for Princess Mephilia, little Jia, you go pick her up?”

“I understand...” Minoga felt very embarrassed. “But, teacher, I hope you won’t call me that outside...”

“I think it’s quite nice. How about ‘little Mi’?”

“...Let’s stick with little Jia.” Minoga was somewhat helpless.

Liana understood why Minoga’s personality was so good. It was because her teacher didn’t seem very serious, unlike the Judge they had met earlier who, like a pervert, displayed magical power without any restraint.

“Then I’ll go pick up Princess Mephilia first. Princess Liana, take care on the journey,” With her teacher accompanying Princess Liana, Princess Liana would definitely be safe. However, her teacher was quite gossipy—’Princess Liana... fend for yourself.’

After Minoga left, Liana also boarded the carriage, and Sephirena naturally followed.

“Is this your servant? Will she come along?” Kasla asked.

“This is my guard. She won’t be coming along. My mother’s garden—Sister Kasla should know where it is, right?” That place was crowded with Judges. If Sephirena went there and was exposed, it would be over.

“Of course. Madam Ambis’ garden is quite famous in our circle,” Kasla directed the carriage towards the garden.

“During this time, you’ll wait for me in the garden first,” Liana instructed Sephirena not to come out under any circumstances.

“Alright.” Sephirena nodded and walked into the garden.

Sephirena’s purpose was clear. She came before the Tree of Life and placed the jade-colored flower from her pocket on the ground.

“Mother, I haven’t found a suitable opportunity to give this flower to Princess Liana.”

Originally, Sephirena thought the Tree of Life would scold her, but instead, the tree’s branches and leaves fell on her head, as if comforting her.

“But, mother, rest assured, I will definitely find an opportunity to give it to Princess Liana, to thank her for taking care of you that day,” Sephirena wasn’t planning to give up on this.

It was just that she absolutely had no qualification, no suitable opportunity to give it to Princess Liana. And coincidentally, Princess Liana had left, which provided a good gap of time.

So she came here. “Illusion magic...”

Sephirena’s hand trembled a bit. She had used illusion magic before, but in the illusion, she saw someone she both wanted to see and didn’t want to see.

Because of this, she had developed a fear, a shadow, of illusion magic. Influenced by this, Sephirena had never had the courage to use illusion magic again.

[Eternal Forest]

“I’ve come to see you, Sister Tarashil...”

“Princess Liana, your relationship with Princess Mephilia isn’t just friendship, is it?” In the carriage, Kasla suddenly asked.

“Huh?” Liana was clearly taken aback.

“Tell me, tell me, it’s not something worth hiding,” Kasla said.

“There’s really nothing.” Liana had thought the other party would inquire about the two heirs, but unexpectedly, is this what you’re asking about?

“I don’t believe you. Princess Mephilia was so happy at that time. Besides, Princess Mephilia has assigned Minoga to your side. This level of importance isn’t like ordinary friendship,” Kasla said.

“There’s really nothing. It’s just Mephilia insisting on doing this. I’ve already rejected her,” Liana said.

“You’ve rejected her?” Kasla put away the smile on her face and sighed.

“Indeed, everyone likes different people, and effort doesn’t necessarily yield returns. Princess Mephilia’s actions might have put you in a difficult position, right? It’s a bit too intimate. I can see Princess Mephilia’s intentions, but if you don’t like her, there’s no help for it,” Kasla said.

Eh? Wait, how did I suddenly become a heartless player toying with others’ feelings?

“It’s not like that!” Liana quickly refuted.

“Haven’t you already rejected Princess Mephilia?” Kasla asked.

“Not that kind of rejection! I see everything Mephilia does, and such dedicated effort definitely deserves a reward!” Liana said.

“Oh?”

“...” Liana seemed to realize something was wrong. She... had been tricked.

“So, Princess Liana and Princess Mephilia are indeed in that kind of relationship? Congratulations! Princess Mephilia’s feelings have been reciprocated, and her efforts have borne fruit,” Kasla smiled. “His Majesty the King doesn’t know about this yet, right? When will you tell His Majesty about this? How about this time?”

“I don’t know!” Liana threw up her hands, completely giving up.

This person was even less serious than Minoga!!!

“However, the difficulties that Princess Liana and Princess Mephilia will face next are not ordinary,” Kasla put away her joking manner and spoke very seriously. “At first, I was a bit skeptical of Minoga’s words, but I’ve seen with my own eyes Princess Liana’s changes. It seems the judgment of old people like us is lacking, not as good as that little girl Mephilia.”

Although Kasla looked very young, appearing like a knowledgeable older sister, who knew how old she actually was? Liana was well aware that this was a bottom line, absolutely not to be asked.

“We’ve already been through Countess Rose’s matter together. Even if there are more difficult things ahead, I’ll be by Mephilia’s side. Besides, Mephilia will definitely support me,” Liana knew very well what she would face next.

“Ah, it’s a pity Princess Mephilia isn’t here. How happy she would be to hear these words,” Kasla’s serious demeanor didn’t last long before reverting to her previous manner.