"I thought it might be because you felt intimidated that you couldn't use your abilities," the emperor replied. "But you don't need to worry, little sister. As long as you are by my side, then you will be fine."
"Stop saying things that you know aren't true!" Aira retorted.
"You don't believe me, sister?" The emperor smiled very sweetly.
"Oh, if only I could believe what you say!" Aira dropped her gaze, looking back at the people below. "But no. Everyone knows how sneaky you al-Banix are!"
The maids who were also al-Banix glanced at the emperor. At the very least, the nine-year-old girl's words hurt their feelings even though what she said was the truth.
But not the emperor herself. She laughed and shook her head in response.
"Perhaps you misunderstand us," the emperor said later. "You haven't gotten to know us up close and personal, my dear."
"Yikes!" Aira snorted. "You're very good at playing with words. To me, that's so ridiculous!"
