Chapter 4 - Hidden Schemes and Teasing Games
After those satisfying events, Eira and Lindy made their way back to Eira's room. Once inside, Eira couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself.
"Hahaha! Today was truly satisfying. I still can't believe I made my sister scream like that," she muttered, grinning at the memory. Earlier, she'd used her Time Control ability to stop time for three seconds—just long enough to give her sister a light pinch on the chest. She hadn't expected Elara to let out such a pathetic noise and flee so quickly.
Moments later, Eira turned to Lindy. "Lindy, could you give me a bit of privacy? I want to, um, enjoy the memory of my sister's reaction in peace," she said, trying to keep a straight face. In truth, she was just making an excuse. She wanted Lindy to believe her silly reason, ensuring no one suspected anything strange about her.
"Of course, my lady. I shall excuse myself then," Lindy replied with her usual respectful nod before leaving.
Once alone, Eira sighed, looking at her reflection in the room's mirror. "I've been acting so oddly since I regained my memories. It's like I'm slowly taking on parts of my past life's personality," she murmured, wondering whether this change was for the better or worse.
"What should I do today?" She pondered as she wandered over to the window. Leaning her head against the cool glass, she gazed down at the training grounds, watching as maids practiced knife-throwing on dummies while others drilled magic spells. The wide space buzzed with activity, and Eira felt a strange curiosity watching everyone practice.
Meanwhile, in her own room, Suzu sat, her cheeks red with embarrassment. She regretted her reaction from earlier and couldn't stop replaying the scene in her mind. "Why did I react like that in front of Eira?" she muttered, pacing restlessly. "It was just… my bloodline awakening, that's all," she told herself, though her excuses sounded weak even to her.
Tomorrow would be the family's weekly awakening evaluation, a chance for each member to assess their progress. "I'll apologize to Eira then… maybe I can even bring her a little gift," Suzu murmured, glancing at the dolls lined up on her shelf. She tried to shake off her worries, praying her little sister wouldn't hold a grudge.
---
The day passed, and Eira continued with her usual routine. After waking, she made her bed, then called for Lindy to prepare breakfast. As she ate, Lindy observed her thoughtfully.
"By the way, Lady Eira, are you prepared for today's awakening evaluation?" Lindy asked, her tone gentle.
Eira froze, spoon halfway to her mouth. "The… awakening evaluation?" She thought, realizing she'd completely forgotten about it.
"I-I mean, yes, of course! I was just about to go," she stammered, trying to sound confident. "Even if I can be a little troublesome, I'm still aware of important things!"
Lindy chuckled, easily seeing through Eira's attempt to appear nonchalant. "Understood, my lady. I'll make sure to prepare your favorite dessert as well, so you won't get bored during the wait."
Eira's eyes softened at the gesture, though she tried to hide her appreciation. To her, Lindy felt more like a mother than her own mother ever had. Lindy's kindness and patience were unwavering, and Eira couldn't help but feel a deep fondness for her maid, who had never once shown irritation with her.
---
Half an hour later, Lindy and Eira were on their way to the ancestral house for the evaluation. As they walked, they spotted Elara walking ahead of them, alone. Eira, feeling mischievous, called out.
"Sister Elara! Sister Elara! Are you heading to the evaluation too?" she asked, watching her sister's annoyed expression.
Elara flinched but tried to keep her composure. "O-Of course I am. I'm only a few steps away from fully awakening. I just wanted to see if today might be the day," she replied with a huff, glancing at Eira before attempting to walk away.
But Eira wasn't finished. "Sister, why don't we go together? Or are you avoiding me because you're embarrassed about yesterday?" she teased, unable to resist.
"W-What? Embarrassed? Ha! Do you really think I was frightened by some… ghost or something?" Elara stammered, her face turning pink as her fists clenched in frustration. "That was just an act! I'm not scared of anything," she replied defiantly, though her voice wavered slightly.
"Oh? But I didn't even say you were scared…" Eira's giggles filled the corridor as she watched her sister's face turn redder by the second.
"You little brat," Elara muttered, her entire body trembling with anger. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and tug Eira's cheek in frustration. But she held herself back, determined not to give her little sister the satisfaction.
As Elara turned to leave, Eira called out once more. "Wait, Sister! Why are you in such a hurry? Don't you want my company?" she asked, grinning mischievously.
Elara clenched her fists and quickened her pace, unwilling to let Eira provoke her any further.
"Hahaha! I thought my troublesome personality would disappear after awakening my memories, but I guess I'm still me," Eira mused aloud, her tone one of relief.
However, her amusement was short-lived when she sensed someone nearby, watching her exchange with Elara. She paused, feeling a mysterious gaze observing her every move.