I am Just an Average Tamer

Guards and servants bowed their heads, respectfully as Lina and the Duchess made their way to the study.

Then upon reaching, the Duchess twisted the knob and opened the door, motioning Lina to come in.

Click!

Then she closed the study door behind them with a gentle click.

Warm light streamed in from stained glass windows, casting dappled hues across the dark mahogany shelves that lined the walls

Duchess Selene—calm, poised, yet visibly softer in the privacy of this space turned toward her niece.

Her deep green eyes narrowed gently.

"Tell me now," she said, her voice low, "what exactly happened?"

The composed mask Lina had worn since entering the estate cracked.

Her lips trembled.

She opened her mouth—then collapsed into her aunt's arms, sobbing, fragile and broken.

Selene held her tightly, arms firm yet comforting.

She didn't ask again. She simply waited.

Between choked breaths, Lina spoke.

About the deception. The betrayal.

The fact that she had overheard her stepmother planning to offer her to a foreign envoy—not just for political ties, but for something darker. Something that had no dignity left in it. A sacrifice masked as alliance.

"They were planning to use me as bait for a blood contract," Lina whispered, trembling.

"To curry favor with those dark sorcerers from the Eastern Tribes… they were going to seal me to their heir as a token of allegiance."

Selene froze.

Her expression did not flicker, but the temperature in the room dropped like winter's breath had passed through it.

Her aura—usually calm and regal—darkened.

Shadows seemed to stretch ever so slightly along the walls.

"...And your father?" she asked, her voice cold.

Lina hesitated, then wiped her tears. "He knew. And turned away. Said it was for the family's survival."

A silence fell, heavy and suffocating.

Then a cold breeze rippled the curtains—though no windows were open.

Selene closed her eyes, drew in a deep breath, and placed a hand gently on Lina's head.

"No one will ever use you like that again," she said quietly, dangerously, "Not while you live under my roof."

Lina looked up, eyes wide and shimmering.

"This is my territory. Your stepmother holds no power here," Selene continued, her voice returning to calm, but still steely.

"She wouldn't dare challenge me directly. Let her try—she'll learn what it means to overstep."

Lina nodded slowly, the weight on her shoulders easing. "Thank you… Aunt Selene."

The Duchess gave a small smile and brushed a loose strand of hair behind Lina's ear.

"You can live here from now on. You have no obligations but to yourself now."

They sat like that for a few minutes more, silence no longer heavy but warm. They talked about how does Lina fled and survived on her own till now.

Eventually, Lina composed herself, her tears dried. She rose, bowed lightly, and excused herself with grace.

"I'll see Kai and Elina," she said softly, voice steady again.

Selene nodded, watching her go, but behind her composed gaze, thoughts swirled like storm clouds.

Lina made her way down the softly lit hallway, guided by a pair of guards who stopped before a tall carved door.

They bowed deeply, pushing it open with practiced grace.

Inside, Kai sat on one of the plush lounge chairs, holding a porcelain teacup with a look of deadpan calm.

Elina was curled up beside a low table, cheeks adorably puffed with cookies as she contentedly munched away.

In her lap, Vex nestled like a spoiled cat, tail flicking lazily. The little Lynx looked unusually smug now that her precious Elina wasn't playing with the little Wyrm and was finally back by her side.

Lina's lips curved into a warm giggle at the sight.

Hands clasped behind her back, she strolled toward them and stopped just beside the chair where Kai sat.

"So… are you enjoying yourself?" she asked, raising a brow.

Kai didn't look up from his tea. "Yes, young miss."

Lina frowned. "Don't call me that."

"As you wish, young miss," Kai replied dryly, taking another sip.

She let out a little grunt, crossing her arms with an exaggerated huff.

Just then, Elina chimed in between bites, eyes sparkling with mischief. "You look cute, young miss~!"

Lina turned toward her with a mock glare, cheeks puffed now. "You too, Elina!"

Elina giggled and returned to her cookies, her laughter bright and carefree.

Lina sighed, letting her arms drop as her mood sobered slightly.

"Sorry… for hiding who I really am. There was a reason for it."

Kai looked up, quietly watching her.

"I didn't want to be treated like some noble heir," she said softly. "Especially not while traveling. It draws the wrong kind of attention… and I didn't know if I could trust anyone at the time."

She looked at both of them—Kai with his unreadable face, and Elina with crumbs on her chin and a smile.

"But I do now," Lina added. Then she gently lifted a hand to her chest. "My real name… is Liliana Raelis, the eldest daughter of house Raelis."

Kai's expression didn't change much, but something softened behind his eyes. He gave her a single, respectful nod.

Then, suddenly, a familiar blue screen popped in front of his eyes.

[<Hah! You always end up catching the daughters of bigshots out in the wild. What luck you have, brat.>]

'Just shut up, will ya.'

[<Tell me, which one will you choose? The Ellsworths or the Raelises? Ah, what a magnificent sight it would be—two powerhouses battling over an orphan lad from the streets. Hehehe!>]

Kai remained silent, not in mood to entertain the drama lover ancient beast.

Elina blinked, chewing slowly. "Lili…ana…" she mumbled, trying to repeat it. "That sounds pretty."

Liliana smiled. "Thank you, Elina."

Then she sat beside her.

The Elina tilted her head, "So... you are not a princess?"

Liliana blinked and then chuckled, pinching her little cheeks, she said.

"No, I'm not."

"Ouch!" Elina yanked her hands away and began massaging her puffed cheeks, earning another round of giggles from Liliana.