“If you don’t know, just say you don’t know. Let me put it another way: who do you support more?” Liana pressed on.

“Lady Liana, must you force me to say something definitive today?”

“How am I to believe in your power if you won’t prove it?”

The diviner hesitated. These two acted as though they were carved from the same mold—she had to test them first.

“Every deed done will be witnessed. The people of Lisat will make their own choice,” the diviner proclaimed.

“As you say.”

Her answer, though evasive, had the same effect as any other.

“It seems everyone thinks along the same lines,” Liana muttered. “Calling yourself a diviner is a sham—nothing more than a comfort to the anxious.”

“The last time Lady Liana visited me, it only seemed more natural because magic exists in this world.”

“Be direct—give Princess Mepeilu your blessing.”

The diviner shivered as if affronted.

“May ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) I understand, then, that Lady Liana wishes to divine Princess Mepeilu’s future?” the diviner asked.

“Yes, you could say that.”

“Lady Liana and Princess Mepeilu care for one another deeply—a most enviable bond.”

“Does Mepeilu care for me as well?”

“Princess Mepeilu is extraordinarily fortunate, but sometimes she grows furious over Lady Liana, and at times she suffers headaches of worry. Yet the one in a worse plight is Lady Liana, whose circumstances are more vexing than Mepeilu’s.”

“Huh? No! Why are you poking at me?”

“Not poking—just... the details, Lady Liana will understand once you return.” The diviner raised her hand.

She should have stopped there, but after glimpsing the futures of those two, she found herself curious about the other’s fate as well.

“Miss Loraviel, is there anything you wish to ask?”

Stepping forward was Loraviel. Unlike the others, she was blunt.

“May I be of service to Lady Liana?”

...

Liana’s sensation of displeasure flared as she was suddenly teleported away. What strange things was that woman saying?

“What is it, Liana?” Mepeilu appeared at her side.

“Nothing.” This was Mepeilu’s chosen spot—better to be patient.

“Do you think that diviner spoke truthfully?”

“I never expected her words to be gospel. I sought only a bit of solace—though I will admit, it soothed me somewhat.”

“And you, Mepeilu? And you, Liana?”

“Same here.” Liana’s expression grew wry. Divination offered calm upon hearing pleasant news, but upon hearing ill omens, it felt as though unseen eyes watched one’s back—provoking anxious thoughts.

“What do you mean the future may hold entanglements? Entanglements where?”

“Time is nearly up.” Mepeilu’s face turned serious.

“There’s nothing to be done,” Liana shrugged.

“I’ve had Vivian ready the carriage. Shall I see you off?”

Mepeilu’s tone had turned colder. “I’ve said too much already—any more would sound sentimental, and you might grow tired of it. Let’s not.”

“Very well.” They returned to Mepeilu’s residence.

Vivian had already packed Liana’s belongings downstairs. Olivia, too, had completed the handover and prepared to accompany Liana back.

As the three of them stepped out, they saw Aileen’s carriage across the street, crates being loaded. Aileen spotted them and crossed over.

She approached Liana and saw the luggage in Loraviel’s hands. “Your Highness Liana,” she greeted.

“Have you finished your tasks, Aileen?” Mepeilu inquired.

“Yes. The stubborn mages in the Dors territory finally yielded in negotiations,” Aileen replied, exhaustion in her voice. “The Norse family is famed for their arrogance—always convinced of their superiority. Dealing with them incurs endless difficulties. What should have been settled yesterday dragged on till now.”

Mepeilu had experienced the Dors lord’s obstinacy firsthand when he came to plead with her. “Thank you for your efforts.”

“To complete it at all is more than expected.” Aileen sighed. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

“Are you preparing to return to Venus Manor now?” Mepeilu asked.

“Yes. The celebration’s over and all is resolved. It’s time to return.”

Mepeilu exchanged a glance with Liana. “We’re headed back too—shall we travel together?”

“Liana?” Aileen looked at the two suitcases in Loraviel’s grip. “I thought you planned to stay in the Lisat capital a while. Why are you leaving so soon?”

“Actually,” Mepeilu explained for Liana, “I have pressing matters to attend to and cannot spend much time here. Once we linger too long, we must return to Ibet Magic Academy. So I took Liana out today so she wouldn’t be bored—and sent her on ahead.”

“I see.” Aileen nodded. “Of course—no problem.”

She clapped her hands, and the carriage came to a halt before them. “Please, climb aboard. I have a few words for Liana yet.”

“Very well.”

They all boarded. Loraviel took the window seat so she could see Liana and Mepeilu’s places—she could at least watch them, though she could not hear their words.

“What is it?” Liana asked, puzzled at Mepeilu’s summons.

Mepeilu held a parasol in her left hand; her right hand nervously twisted a lock of her golden hair. “I wanted to thank you... for caring for me these past days.”

“Caring? Weren’t you the one looking after me?” Liana laughed.

She thought Mepeilu was overthinking it again.

“No need to make a fuss—our relationship makes such things normal. Don’t dwell on it.”

Mepeilu’s heart pounded, her breath quickening. “I used to think candy was only for children, a mere bribe. But after today, I find... I rather like it.”

“Really? Just don’t eat too much—watch out for cavities.” Liana teased.

“I am not a child!” Mepeilu bit back the emotions she struggled to contain. “Really, Liana, you’re exasperating!”

“Uh... sorry.” Liana blinked, unaware of what had come over her. But seeing Mepeilu’s mild anger, she offered a contrite apology.

Mepeilu laughed despite herself. “All right, I’m not mad.”

“Do you remember the question I asked you earlier?”

“What question?”

“You said you don’t dislike any candy—unless it’s bizarre. Correct?” Mepeilu asked.

“Yes.” Liana nodded.

“I just obtained a rather special candy from Miss Wendy. Would you like to try it?”

“A special candy?” Liana’s curiosity piqued. In another world, Mepeilu calling something “special” certainly meant it was no ordinary treat.

“Indeed. This candy changes flavor according to your mood. When you’re happy, it’s sweet; when jealous, sour; when sad, bitter.” Mepeilu explained.

“Such a candy exists?” Liana had never seen one and was intrigued.

“Where is it? I must taste it,” Liana urged.

Mepeilu’s expression turned mischievous. “It’s rare. Close your eyes—I have a little surprise for you.”

“All right.” Liana closed her eyes expectantly.

She heard the candy wrapper crinkle, then felt the candy in Mepeilu’s hand—but Mepeilu did not place it in Liana’s mouth. Instead, she put it in her own.

Mepeilu closed her eyes and smiled—she was elated, perhaps emboldened by the diviner’s words, or perhaps unable to restrain her feelings for Liana any longer. No, it was simply what she wanted to do.

She rose on tiptoe and placed the parasol over Liana’s shoulder, shielding them from view.

“Mepeilu?” Liana wondered as the parasol dropped on her shoulder. Before she could ask, she felt a gentle, soft touch on her lips—an entirely new sensation.

Liana’s mind went blank.

Then a tender something—Mepeilu’s fingertip—pressed the sweet candy against Liana’s lips.

“Ah! Wait—why like this?” Mepeilu exclaimed, stepping back in a fluster, cheeks flushed, heart racing. Had she startled Liana? Would Liana be offended, dislike her?

But she felt no regret.