Chapter 3 – "Sibling Rivalries and Hidden Talents".
Eira observed quietly, listening to the ongoing lesson. Neither her sister nor the teacher seemed to pay much attention to her, likely because she had been considered troublesome and stubborn in the past.
"Lady Elara, you can test that on the training grounds. It will help you better understand and strengthen your ice attribute," the teacher said.
"Yes, teacher. I believe I'll awaken next month and make Mother proud," Elara replied, her gaze sliding toward Eira with a smirk.
The one speaking was Therana Windwhisper, a renowned magician who only instructed those of high status. She wore a fitted, deep indigo wizard suit that shimmered subtly, hugging her figure in all the right places. Silver runes adorned the outfit, glowing softly, while a high collar framed her neck. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, adding to her commanding and alluring presence.
Beside her stood Elara Nivara, Eira's older sister by three years. At fifteen, Elara wore a tailored tunic in shades of gray and blue, decorated with swirling ice patterns that seemed to glisten as she moved. Her skirt flowed to her ankles, layered with sheer fabric that enhanced her chilly elegance. Her long, silver hair was neatly braided, and she wore a simple silver necklace, its soft gleam reflecting her noble lineage.
As the lesson progressed, Therana began crafting a complex magical formula on the board. "You can copy these formulas later and try them out when you have time."
"Yes, teacher," Elara and Eira replied in unison.
Both Therana and Elara cast quick glances at Eira, but neither dwelled on her behavior. Elara continued copying the formula, assuming that Eira, being her usual self, wasn't paying much attention. But after a few moments, Elara noticed something that made her pause.
"Hey, Eira, why are you just sitting there? Why aren't you writing anything?" Elara asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I—what do you mean? I finished writing already," Eira responded, a confused expression on her face.
"Huh?" Elara scoffed and strode over to check Eira's work, only to regret it immediately. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "She... she really copied it... but how?"
Elara was stunned. Eira, who had always been slower and more troublesome, had somehow finished copying the formula faster than her. She looked toward Therana, hoping to catch a hint of cheating, but Therana nodded calmly.
"Yes, Lady Elara, I observed her from the start. Lady Eira wasn't cheating," Therana confirmed, her tone matter-of-fact.
"Ehh..." Elara gritted her teeth and stalked back to her seat without another word, fuming in silence.
"This bratty, inferiority-complex sister is such a hassle," Eira thought to herself, recalling how Elara always seemed to compare herself to her siblings. Whenever Elara thought she was even slightly superior, she became arrogant and provoked Eira relentlessly. It wasn't even a competition to Eira—while Elara worked hard to prove herself, Eira had a natural talent for causing trouble without even trying.
"Just you wait, you brat. I'll teach you a lesson later," Eira muttered under her breath, already plotting her next move.
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Half an hour passed.
"Alright, that's all for today. We'll continue the lesson tomorrow. Goodbye, Lady Elara. Goodbye, Lady Eira," Therana said with a respectful bow before leaving the room.
If you were wondering why the teacher bowed to the students, it was because the Nivara family was immensely powerful. Their silver hair and blue eyes were a symbol that struck fear in those who knew their true status. They were an empire in their own right, though with few members.
After Therana left, Eira turned to Lindy. "Lindy, could you get me some juice?"
Lindy smiled and nodded. "Yes, my lady. I'll bring it quickly." She then hurried off, leaving Eira and Elara alone.
Elara, clearly irritated, was about to return to her room when something strange happened. She suddenly yelped, clutching her chest as if something pinched her.
"Kyah! What—what is happening?" she cried, glancing around, but seeing no one nearby. Eira stood too far away to have caused it.
"Hmm, what's wrong, sister? Why are you shouting?" Eira asked, feigning an annoyed expression.
"This... nothing, nothing at all," Elara stammered, clearly shaken. She glanced nervously at Eira, but finding no explanation, she bolted out of the room, screaming, "Mother! There's a ghost in here! Ahhh!"
Eira watched her sister's retreating figure and couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "Pfft, hahaha!" Her cute, melodic laughter echoed through the room, loud enough for nearby maids to hear.
"That laugh... it's Lady Eira," one of the maids whispered. "She's so cute! If only she weren't so troublesome, I'd dote on her like a baby."
Lindy, who had returned with the juice, overheard the maids gossiping, but she chose to ignore them. Her heart was practically glowing with excitement as she entered the room.
Click... creaaak... thud. The door opened with a soft groan, and Lindy approached, her eyes sparkling. "My lady, your juice is ready," she said, her expression full of warmth.
"Thanks, Lindy." Eira took the cup and began sipping the juice, savoring its sweetness. "Haaah, today's events were really something. I didn't expect Elara to be so pathetic, hehe."
Lindy smiled at Eira, though she noticed the deliberate attempt to seem unchanged. To her, it was all part of Eira's charm. She could tell the little girl was trying to act tough, but it only made her seem more adorable.
"Oh, my lady," Lindy thought to herself with a loving sigh. "You don't need to try so hard. Mama is here for you."