The Princess & The Twilight Blade

Lydia

"So, these are the final routes for the caravans to take to each village." A man said, pointing to the large map sprawled across the wooden table in front of us. Ink marked the different roads with notes and travel times, and I quietly memorized it from my seat at the head of the table. "Overall, it will take two weeks for the supplies to arrive at all the destinations."

"That's cutting it a bit close…" I murmured inwardly.

"I'd say so, especially with the village ridden with disease," Azure said in agreement. This emergency logistics meeting had been called to prepare and ship supplies to villages in desperate need. Most of them just needed food and other basic necessities, but one bigger settlement had a sudden outbreak of illness that left its victims bedridden with a fever. It wasn't too dangerous for the healthy adults, but it was hitting the children and the elderly especially hard, and we already had reported deaths. They needed effective medicine, if not an experienced healer, as soon as possible. To make matters worse, that particular village was quite far away from our headquarters.

As I stared at the map for a solution, my eyes landed on a road that had been eliminated due to the dangerous magic beasts roaming the area. The note next to it said 'Tree Scythes,' and my eyes widened as I recognized the terrain on the map. I cleared my throat to gather everyone's attention, then pointed at the route.

"If we use this road instead, the supplies will arrive a day sooner," I said.

"I don't mean to be disrespectful, Your Highness." The man leading the meeting said carefully. I recognized him as Count Rivira. Though we never exchanged more than pleasantries before the kingdom fell… "That road holds too much risk."

"Is this current information?" I asked. "When Audrey and I passed through this area, we cleared a group of Tree Scythes and saved some adventurers. They should have reported the increased activity of magic beasts to the guild, and a quest to secure the road should've been issued." I remembered that merchant caravan had been heading to the capital, so I had no doubt there were plenty of capable adventurers to handle it.

"That's…" the count trailed off as he pursed his lips. "This information is not even two weeks old and came from a reliable source. It would be unwise to make assumptions and rely on what-ifs. The selected route may be longer, but it is also much safer."

I furrowed my brow as he dismissed my suggestion, but I wasn't the type to back down. "I understand the caution, but in this situation, every minute counts. Getting there even a day earlier could save dozens of lives."

"And if you're wrong?" he challenged. "If the guild hasn't cleared the area, we could lose a whole caravan and the supplies. Which would put the village in a much worse position."

I bit my lip as I racked my brain for a counterpoint, and I looked around the room at the gathered officials. The few other women in the room all looked at me with expectation, and so did a lot of the younger men. The rest weren't necessarily hostile, but I couldn't help but feel like they were taking me lightly. When our eyes met, Isaac smiled and gave me a reassuring nod. I may not be able to match their experience, but a fresh perspective has strengths too!

"We have access to more than a few capable adventurers, so we should have them head to the guild and check the situation. If the guild hasn't already taken care of it, then our forces can." I said confidently. "Tree Scythes are a threat mainly due to their camouflage, so a party with an experienced scout and frontline fighters should be able to handle them."

"But the caravan leaves in the morning. If we want the whole road secured, it would take all night." He said, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Let's ask for volunteers, and in the worst case… Audrey and I will handle it personally." I said.

"Ridiculous. We can't have the two most important figures of the resistance tasked with something as simple as beast subjugation."

"Lives are at stake, there's nothing simple about it," I said sternly, folding my arms over my chest. "There's no point in us being here to just sit around doing paperwork."

Count Rivira's lips pressed into a thin line before he sighed and relented. "We'll do as you command, Your Highness. Please rest assured, we'll find a suitable party to take care of it, so there's no need for you or Lady Guardian to go."

"I'll hold you to that," I said with a satisfied nod, and the meeting ended. However, before the count could leave the room, I caught his arm. "Should anything go wrong, please let me know right away, even if it's the middle of the night."

He didn't look surprised, but frowned a bit. "I mean no offense, but we've been handling things long before you returned to us." My mouth opened to defend myself, but he held a hand up to stop me. "Prince Luke has trusted me to handle the situation, and after hearing your thoughts, I agreed to your plan. That makes it my responsibility… I ask that you allow me to do my job." That made my eyes widen as I met his gaze. There was no hostility or contempt in his brown eyes, just duty. "If the time comes that my superiors need to step in, then I won't hesitate to ask."

Before I could say anything, he stepped away and left the room. It may have been a bit disrespectful of him, but since we weren't in the royal court anymore, I didn't mind.

"Please don't mind him, he's just a serious man." A familiar voice came from behind, and I turned to see Isaac with an amused look on his face.

"So it seems… Perhaps I've grown a bit arrogant in my power." I murmured as I reflected on my behavior. It was true that the resistance had operated just fine before Audrey and I arrived.

"I wouldn't say that." Isaac patted my shoulder as we left the room together and walked through the hall. "Having you and Audrey handle it would indeed be the most efficient option, but that doesn't mean it's the best one. It's important to allow others to contribute as well."
I hummed thoughtfully at his words and nodded. We fell into a silence as we walked, and it wasn't until we arrived at our destination that I spoke again.

"Well… Good work today," I said with a slightly awkward smile as we stopped in front of the room I shared with Audrey in the resistance's underground complex.

"Same to you." He said casually, returning the smile. It had been about a week since we had talked everything out. Isaac had joined me as my personal advisor to help me acclimate to resistance operations, since Simon had pretty much turned traitor to work for my brothers at this point. Our days were spent working side by side in a way that was new to both of us, and we managed surprisingly well. Outside of work, however…

"Um… Then I hope you have a good night?" My unsure words came out more like a question, and I fumbled for the doorknob as embarrassment started to rise on my face. I still have no idea how to talk to him casually! Losing the weight of our past was freeing, but it came with a different pressure now. I really want us to get along as true friends! My flustered display only made the white-haired man laugh at me.

"I never realized how bad you were at this!" He nearly doubled over in laughter as my cheeks flushed deeper, and I scowled at him.

"How rude! It's just…" I trailed off and averted my eyes. "I've never had a relationship like this before."

"I know, Lydia," he said with a placating smile. "Real friendships blossom over time, so you don't need to worry so much about it." He paused as his smile turned teasing. "We're basically starting over… I just hope you aren't this weird with every new friend you make."

"How dare you!" I scoffed with mock anger, dramatically holding a hand to my chest. "I'll have you know my friend-making skills are renowned throughout the continent."

"Yes, Yes. Whatever you say." He said dismissively before grinning at me. "See?"

I returned the expression and laughed. "I understand. I'll be counting on you tomorrow as well, Isaac."

"And I, you. That's what friends are for, after all." He said, then turned and walked down the hall, waving over his shoulder. "I hope you have a good night, Lydia. Especially when Audrey returns."

"That's none of your business!" I shouted after him. I can practically see the smirk on his face! Yet, I couldn't wipe the pleased smile off my own, even after I stepped into the room and locked the door behind me. Right… Just like this.

"Can I ask you something, Dia?" Azure said in my head as I began to change my clothes and get ready for bed.

"Yes?"

"What did you mean when you said you've never had a relationship like that?" Curiosity filled her voice, and I hummed in thought.

"I've never had a pure friendship before, I suppose?" I wasn't too confident in my feelings, but I did my best to explain.

"I think the girls would be sad to hear you don't consider them friends…" My goddess seemed worried, and she almost got me before I sensed the slight teasing in her tone.

"You know that's not what I meant!" I accused, and I received a mental image of Azure playfully sticking her tongue out at me. I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed in my nightgown. Koyuki, having woken up from her small bed in the corner, soon jumped up beside me and cuddled into my side. I stroked her fur as I organized my thoughts. "Audrey, Leah, and Lucia are my friends, of course. But that's not all they are… Our relationships encompass more than just 'friendship' in various ways. But with Isaac, there's nothing like that. We're now just two people who are learning to rely on one another with no other intentions."

"I understand, Dia," Azure said lovingly. "In other words, it's your first platonic relationship that doesn't involve some power-dynamic at play."

"Why does your phrasing feel off?"

"Because it was intentional."

"Seriously… Are you sure you're a goddess?" I asked with a tired smile and lay down on the pillow. Koyuki moved as well, this time plopping herself right on top of my chest as I stared at the ceiling.

"I'd be one even if I weren't divine!" she laughed and winked at me, and I rolled my eyes.

The time passed peacefully as I bantered with my goddess, and eventually, my eyes started to feel heavy, and I yawned. Koyuki had fallen asleep on top of me, and her fur kept me warm as I drifted off. I guess Audrey's staying at the castle again… She really shouldn't neglect me so much…

***

Audrey

As soon as I confirmed the discussion was over between Duke Rose and the emperor, I left the castle. Pushing my stella, I shot through the shadows back toward Lydia and arrived in record time, even if it was well into the night. Unfortunately, in my rush to report the news, I mistakenly left the shadows from the ceiling… And landed right on top of the sleeping Lydia.

"Oof! Ow… Koyuki…" She let out a sharp breath and groaned from beneath me, but didn't fully awaken. I saw the wolf pup lying beside Lydia, all four of her paws in the air as she slept in an adorable position. Oops… However, when I tried to raise myself off my girlfriend gently, my hands sank into softness, and I looked down to see my hands on her chest. The thin nightgown only enhanced the feeling as all other thoughts were blown from my mind. On instinct, I squeezed my right hand and felt a particular bump against my palm.

An enticing noise escaped from Lydia's lips, and I swallowed reflexively. We haven't seen each other in two days… I had been trying to wear down Sasha's stubbornness, so I decided to watch over her a bit longer this time. Even in my determination, I had missed Lydia like crazy.

As my body heated up, my left hand tightened, and another noise reached my ears as she shifted beneath me, a heavy breath leaving her sleeping figure. Her blonde hair fanned out around her against the pillow and sheets, and she looked so… defenseless. My mind sank into dangerous thoughts as I leaned down, my lips inching closer to hers as I focused on them. It wasn't until they were a hair's breadth away that my eyes flicked up… and saw her emerald irises staring at me.

"You know that most people would consider this a crime, right?" I froze at her words, then shot upwards as my cheeks flushed crimson. Her mouth curved into a smirk at my reaction, and she giggled. "You better not try that with anyone else."

"You know I wouldn't!" I cried in defiance. "I wouldn't even consider doing it to you, usually…" I trailed off as shame filled me at both my actions and the fact that I had been caught doing it.

"You're not very convincing with your hands still on my chest, Audrey." She teased, and I hastily pulled my hands from her thinly veiled breasts, hiding them behind my back as I mumbled an apology. That was when her arms came up and wrapped around my neck, pulling me down again. "I didn't tell you to stop…"

She pressed her lips into mine and immediately relaxed into the embrace. Her hands made a mess of my hair as she held me tighter, her tongue greedily chasing after mine. My hands caressed around her neck and collarbone as I forgot the shame that had just been filling me. A few minutes later, we both gasped for air as she pushed me away slightly to smile at me.

"I know it's for Sasha's sake… But I wish you wouldn't leave me alone for so long…" She whispered, sending shivers down my spine.

"I'm sorry…" I replied, and she bit her lip with a mischievous look in her eyes.

"And if you're going to attack me, I'd rather be awake to enjoy it." The embarrassment came back as she teased me, and I buried my face in the crook of her neck to hide my expression.

"You're never going to let this go, are you?"

"Not until we're old and gray." She chuckled, and that made me smile as well. "Now… Is there a reason you pounced on me in the middle of the night?" Her question made me stiffen up, and I suddenly shot up again, surprising her.

"Ah, right! Your breasts totally made me forget!" I cried, climbing off of her and fixing my hair and clothes. "We need to wake the princes up… and anyone else who should know!"

"Calm down… You sound like an old man." Lydia scoffed, sitting up behind me. Koyuki finally stirred, looked at me blearily, and then recognition hit; she launched herself off the bed into my arms, yipping happily. I caught her and laughed as she licked at my face.

"Yes, yes. I missed you, too, little pup." I said, then returned to the topic at hand. Facing Lydia, who was now getting off the bed and stripping off her nightgown, I continued. "The Duke has some plan to invade Yamada. I overheard him talking directly to the emperor."

"Alright… But that's to be expected, isn't it?" She replied while putting on proper clothes. I fought the regret that filled me as her body was steadily hidden from view. I'm taking that off her as soon as possible…

"Please focus, Audrey," Aurora said, her voice filled with motherly disappointment. Apparently, I was still a bit hot from Lydia's touch, and I hastily shook my head to focus on the situation.

"He claimed they'd have victory in two weeks… But I could only hear one side of the conversation." I explained, and that made her raise a brow at me.

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"That does sound concerning," she flipped her hair free of the collar of the blouse she had just put on, and smiled at me. "Let's go wake everyone up then!"

***

It barely took half an hour to wake and gather everyone who needed to be present, which consisted of Lydia, me, Leah, Lucia, the princes, Isaac, and Simon in the end. Apparently, they'd pass the information along to the appropriate resistance members afterward. Only the attendants looked completely awake, and Abel didn't bother to hide his yawns as we sat around the office. I filled them in, which didn't take long considering I didn't know much to begin with.

"That's pretty vague…" Luke murmured, and I lowered my head in shame. That made him wave his hands at me quickly. "That's not what I meant, Audrey! You did a good job!" It's rare to see him so flustered… is it because his sleep got interrupted?

"I know two weeks isn't a lot to work off… he also mentioned something called a 'battleship'... Is that like a warship?" I asked, trying to remember my lessons with Mr. Tressum, but I couldn't remember anything like that. Speaking of… I haven't seen him or the captain around. I hope they're alright… Hailey, too.

"I'm not sure," Luke said honestly, snapping me from my tangent thoughts. "I've never heard that term before… but it's likely some new development. The empire has been trying for the last three years to breach the Yamadian blockade, so it's not surprising. Definitely cause for concern…" He fell into thought and leaned back in his chair.

"I'll have the ethereals look into it…" Abel said sleepily. "We have a contact in the Imperial Institute of Magic as well."

"But wouldn't they have informed us if they knew anything by now?" Lydia asked with a frown. "If they're launching the attack in two weeks, then this 'battleship' has been in development for a while now." The younger prince just shrugged casually, which only made Lydia's frown deepen.

"All that aside, there will likely be more information in the coastal cities… Venyth's borders are the closest to Yamada, after all." Luke said, rubbing his chin. "We should investigate and see what we can find. I'll call a meeting in the morning to put the operation together.

"I'll keep investigating the castle," I said with a raised hand. "And I'll go with the operation."

"That would be a great help," Luke said with no hesitation, which shocked me as I had been preparing a good argument to be included.

"O-Oh… Great." I said, slightly deflated. Lydia snickered at my reaction and also volunteered.

"I'll go as well, Brother."

"Fine." He agreed immediately. Now, Lydia narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What?" Luke asked.

"Why was that so easy? What are you plotting, Brother?" my girlfriend asked.

"Nothing, Lydia." He waved his hand dismissively. "It will just be intelligence gathering, so I don't expect much fighting. Audrey and her shadows are the perfect asset to that, and you mentioned being able to use her shadows as well, right?" He explained. "Plus… I'll know exactly where you both are."

"We're not children you need to babysit…" Lydia grumbled, which made both her brothers smile, then ignore her. Luke turned to Isaac.

"Do you have anything to add?" But the white-haired man just shook his head.

"I don't. As far as I can see, this will have good results for us," he said, and Luke nodded his head.

"Great. We'll reconvene after I meet with the others tomorrow… For now, let's all go back to sleep." He said tiredly, and everyone nodded in agreement. Lydia and I both felt the same… Until we entered our room. I remembered my earlier promise and promptly pushed her down onto the bed.

***

"You both look satisfied," Leah observed in the morning after waking up Lydia and me.

"Yes, Ma'am…" I mumbled without thinking, sleep still plaguing my mind, and my body sore. This made the more awake Lydia press a pillow against my face.

"All we did was sleep!" my girlfriend said.

"I'll take your word for it, my lady." The attendant said, her tone perfectly flat. I couldn't see her complete reaction because I was still being smothered.

After I was saved, we changed for the day and had an enjoyable breakfast with Leah, Lucia, and Isaac in the cafeteria. Then, after talking with the princes and confirming we wouldn't be needed until the evening, I used the shadows to go to the castle, this time with Lydia in tow.

"Are you sure she wants to see me?" Lydia asked tentatively.

"Of course she does!" I chirped. "Why wouldn't she?"

"I can think of at least three reasons…" She mumbled. "Besides, didn't you say she has lessons nearly all day?"

"There's no need to worry, I'll take care of it," I said confidently.

"That's exactly why I'm worried…" I chose to ignore that graciously.

Once we arrived at the castle, I quickly located my sister, and we soon watched from the shadows as she sat at a lone desk in a large room, an older man pointing at various things in the textbook he held up while Sasha followed along. Anne stood far against the wall, right beside the only doorway.

"Is that really Sasha?" Lydia asked quietly, staring at my sister. "She's grown so much… but I can't help but feel sad." I nodded in agreement, and we watched silently until the man lecturing Sasha suddenly grew agitated and brandished a slapper toward my sister, evidently not approving of whatever answer she gave.

Like I'd let someone hurt my sister! I quickly circulated my stella and pushed a purple fog from his shadow, aiming it right at his face. Before his arm could come down on Sasha, he collapsed to the floor. I only cushioned his head and neck with water to ensure no permanent injury. The rest of him can be sore! A small silver lining was that Sasha's instructors often gave me reason to practice 'Veil' on them.

"She didn't even flinch…" Lydia said, her voice filled with heartbreak as she watched my sister, who only blinked at the sudden collapse.

"I know you're there, Sister," Sasha called out, not having moved from her seat, instead propping her chin in her hands as she waited. The ever-diligent Anne moved to lock the door as I moved to leave the shadows, only for Lydia to grab my arm.

"You should make sure it's really alright before I come out… I don't want to make her uncomfortable…" She bit her lip and trailed off, and I just patted her hand with a smile.

"If that's what you want, but I'm sure it will be fine!" I said, then let her go and left the shadows by myself, rising from the ground right in front of my sister.

"I'm back, Sasha!" I said excitedly, and I didn't miss the flicker of a smile gracing her lips. I stepped forward and quickly pulled her into a tight hug, which she reluctantly returned.

"You said you'd only come at night… But you've gotten really good at knocking out my teachers…" She grumbled into my chest.

"They deserve it!" I defended. "Nobody hurts my sister and gets away with it!" As I spoke, I healed her with my holy magic, just in case her earlier lessons had left her with more than just a headache. Just let me take you away already, you stubborn girl.

A sigh escaped her as she felt my magic, and she looked up at me with a grateful look. "Thank you, Sister."

"Anything for you." I reiterated.

"So… is there a reason you interrupted today?" she asked as we finally separated, and I clapped my hands.

"I brought someone else you'll be happy to see!" I tried keeping it vague to surprise her, but she just raised a brow and stared at me.

"You brought Sister Lydia?"

"H-How did you know?" I said in shock.

"Because you mentioned you would before. And how she's the only person you can shadow travel with." I had indeed told her all that over the past week, and I scratched my cheek sheepishly.

"I guess that's true… anyway, here she is!" I said and waved my hand, causing Lydia to appear immediately.

"Hey! You can't just—" She directed at me, but stopped and cleared her throat before facing Sasha. "Hello, Sasha. It's been a long time."

"It has… I'm happy to see you two are the same as ever," she said, her expression unchanging. Lydia stepped closer and nervously wrung her hands together.

"Would it be alright if I… hugged you, Sasha?" She asked carefully.

"..." My sister just glanced between us before a breath left her. "That's fine." My girlfriend nodded, and Sasha finally stood, allowing Lydia to pull her into a tight embrace.

"You're so tall now…" Lydia murmured. "I'm sorry for taking so long…" I couldn't help but tear up at the sight. Sasha was practically the same height as Lydia now, and I couldn't resist joining the hug, sandwiching Sasha between us.

"Sisters… That's too tight…" she complained. Yet, even though I couldn't see her face, I could feel her body trembling, and the way she hid her expression in Lydia's arms was proof enough of her true feelings.

A few minutes later, we finally let her go, and she hurriedly wiped at her face with a handkerchief from her dress pocket. She sat back down, and we stood on either side of her desk.

"Sasha… How are you doing?" Lydia asked, having composed herself.

"I wish I could say I was doing well, but you probably know the truth." My sister said with no emotion, now having put her mask back on.

"I do," my girlfriend replied with a sad smile. "Won't you leave with us?" she reached out and patted Sasha's head. "You're our family, after all."

A pained look crossed her features briefly, and I couldn't help but remember the terrible things she had said about herself and our blood.

"Why…?" Her whispered question almost passed us by, and Lydia and I looked at her in concern. Before we could respond, she suddenly glared at both of us in anger. "Why won't you let me go?"

"Why should we?" I asked in defiance.

"Because I told you to!" She practically shouted. "Yet, you continue to treat me kindly… To love me, even though I'm tainted by blood!" I just watched as tears streamed down her face, and she clutched at her chest as she cried out. "I'm no better than my parents! My first instinct was to repay pain with pain, and it was so easy!" She sobbed, trying to catch her breath. "I don't want to become like the people who hurt my precious sister, but I can't stop the rage I feel for them! They killed you twice, and even if that wasn't the truth, it was still my reality for so long! So I'm going to kill them in return!"

I reached out to comfort her, but she slapped my hand away, just as she had the first time we reunited. "I know you wouldn't have wanted me to become this…Monster. Stop letting obligation blind you!"

Her final words struck me like a slap to the face, and I clenched my jaw. Her eyes leaked with tears, but the more I stared into them, the more I sensed where her hatred was directed. Lydia looked taken aback, but we shared a glance and resolved ourselves. Now was the moment to get through to her.

"Is that truly how you feel?" Lydia asked, taking Sasha's attention. "Do you really believe you would exact revenge on everyone to blame?"

"Of course I would!" she said.

"Then kill me." Even I blinked at that, but a look from Lydia told me that everything would be fine. Sasha just stared at my girlfriend, so shocked that even her tears froze for a moment.

"W-What? Why? You saved her!"

"But in doing so, I was the one who kept her from you during our time at the academy. She fought a dangerous assassin to save me. Audrey's involvement with me led her to her involvement in the war, exposing her to the emperor."

"T-That's—"

"Ridiculous?" Lydia finished for her with a smile. "Still, that's the simple truth. Had I not taken Audrey in that day, maybe somebody else would have found her. Perhaps she could have lived a simple and happy life somewhere else, out of harm's way." My heart ached at the mere possibility, but I kept quiet for now to let her finish. "Sasha, my family holds a lot of blame for what's happened to both of you… So if you truly believe you'd ruthlessly exact your revenge, start with me."

The room felt completely silent before Sasha shook her head, slowly at first, but then more intensely as she grappled with her emotions. She held her face in her hands and sobbed, and I placed my hand on her head to slow her movements.

"Sasha," I called her name, and she peeked at me through her fingers. "Have you ever hurt an innocent person? Has anyone died because of your schemes?"

"N-No…"

"You are my one and only little sister, and that's all you'll ever be… Even if I had arrived too late to stop your plan, I would still feel the same." I said, and cupped her cheeks in my hands. "Even now, can you honestly tell me you'd kill the Duchess? After how earnestly she's been working for your forgiveness?" She didn't respond, but I could see it in her eyes. I thought back to the handful of meetings she's had with her mother, and my sister gripped my wrists as her tears flowed endlessly. "I'm not telling you to forget everything that's happened… I won't even tell you it's wrong… but those dark feelings don't determine who you are, so please don't push us away." I pleaded. "I left you alone for so long, but I'm here now, so please don't condemn someone I love so much to suffer alone!"

"I won't stand by either, Sasha. You're precious to me, too." Lydia said gently, and we both lowered ourselves to her sitting eye-level. "Let us help you." Her green eyes widened

"Do you… Really mean that?"

"Of course we do." Lydia and I said at the same time.

After she registered the words, she pulled her knees to her chest, and Lydia and I both embraced her again and let her cry in silence.

***

It took some time, but Sasha eventually calmed down and looked at both of us in turn. Something had changed within her gaze, and it eased my heart to see some of her previous self returning. With timing that rivaled Leah's, Anne appeared beside us, pushing a tea cart and a bright smile on her face.

"I thought you might be thirsty, my ladies." She said cheerily, then handed us each a warm cup a minute later.

"Thank you, Anne… For everything." Sasha said with a soft expression after she slowly drained her cup and took a few deep breaths.

"Anything for you, my lady." The maid replied, tears pricking at her eyes. Then she turned to me and Lydia. "Thank you for talking her out of that reckless plan, Lady Audrey… Your Highness." This made Sasha fidget, but she didn't say anything. I just nodded and returned her smile.

"And you did what you could for her all this time, Anne. Thank you as well." This made her smile slip, but she quickly regained her composure.

"No… I wasn't enough to stop her."

"Even still, you stayed by her side when I couldn't."

The maid looked ready to object again until Sasha finally spoke.

"Sister is right, Anne. I'm not sure if I'd even be here now if it weren't for you. You're invaluable to me." My sister's words made the maid look down, but I glimpsed the smile on her lips before she recovered and nodded.

"I'm glad to be of service, my lady." Once the tea soothed our throats, I looked over at Sasha, who looked a lot better as she stared into her refilled cup.

"So." I started brushing some hair off my face as my sister looked up at me. "Will you come with us? I want you out of this terrible place." She looked happy, but then a deep frown creased her brow as she shook her head.

"It would be best for me to stay here. Right now, the duke doesn't even acknowledge the resistance as a threat. If I went missing, it wouldn't take long for that to change." She said.

"Well, I can't just leave you here," I replied. "The resistance has both me and Lydia now, we can handle it. Probably."

"Probably?" She hid a giggle behind her hand before clearing her throat and trying to be serious. "Still, it's best not to stir the pot until we've prepared everything we can."

"But—" She shushed me with a finger and smiled sweetly.

"Sister, I've lived in this hell for the last three years; I can manage a while longer. Especially so, now that I know you'll come back for me."

"As much as I hate to admit it, she's right, Audrey. I wasn't thinking it through earlier, but taking her now would be too dangerous." Lydia added, and it seemed I had no choice but to acquiesce. I just need to be content with what we have for now.

Finally, I nodded and sighed. "Fine, but we'll come check on you as much as possible."

"I'd love that," Sasha said with a look that could stop a man's heart. Despite looking older, she still seemed capable of acting cute, and I was glad to see it. Out of habit, I patted her head, running my fingers through her hair. Sasha sighed, and her eyes closed for a moment before she grinned at us in turn.

"I really missed both of you." It was the first time during the last week she'd been so honest with me, and I was happy Lydia was present to hear it as well.

"Me too. I'll make sure we're never separated again." I said. Right at the moment, my magic began to wear off the instructor, who groaned from the ground. With a final hug, Lydia and I stepped away.

"I'll look forward to it. See you again soon, Sisters." Sasha replied with a bright smile, and we responded in kind.

Then, I took Lydia's hand, and we vanished into the shadows.

***

Lydia

I looked over at Audrey as we flew through the purple void back toward Parnen.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"It feels like a weight has been lifted… I'm glad she finally came around." her hand squeezed mine, and she smiled at me. "Thank you for helping."

"Of course. I wouldn't just sit back and watch." I replied. "Now… We need to focus on the Duke and Yamada." Audrey nodded in agreement.

Once we understand the extent of the plan, we can intervene. This situation may even earn us a favor from Yamada… Then we can officially reclaim the kingdom.

But even if things go perfectly, the best-case scenario is still reigniting a large-scale conflict with the empire.

I hope nothing unexpected happens…

"Seriously, Dia… You need to stop doing that."

***

Venyth's Capital

Saintness Vivian Sighed in relief as her carriage hit the paved roads of the large city. It had once been the royal capital of the kingdom of Venyth, but now it belonged to the empire under Grand Duke Rose, the traitor of his country.

The spirits will surely punish such a despicable man… the saintess thought to herself. In an attempt to distract herself from her current frustrations, she stared out the window of her carriage, doing her best to admire the local architecture, but she just couldn't bring herself to really enjoy it.

There's no guarantee those girls even came to this city. We'll need to talk to the lowly adventurers again… If only they had used more power on the way. Her enthusiasm for being the saint in charge of finding the new divine guardian had long vanished on her arduous journey, even though she had spent most of it in her luxurious carriage.

I'm meant to be out bestowing the poor souls of the world with my blessings, and receiving their praise and admiration! I shouldn't be stuck on this wild goose chase! As she lost herself in her thoughts, her entourage booked the best inn in the city and soon took her to the guild. She kept a neutral, warm expression on her face as she talked to the adventurers beneath her, trying to find any hint of the girls. However, the first day proved fruitless, and she was forced to return to the comfortable room at the inn. She fell asleep, cursing her luck all through the night.