After a grueling training session, I went toward Chrisola's room the next day. A sense of urgency quickened my steps as I carried a soft plush bear tucked under one arm and her favorite children's book in my hand.
I have to make amends ASAP! I can't afford to let Shilien slither closer to Chrisola and poison her mind with her schemes!
Stopping before the door, I took a deep breath and knocked.
"Who is it?" Chrisola's voice sounded muffled from behind the door.
"It's me," I replied with a playful tone. "Do you want to play with dolls or read a book together?"
"B-Big Sister?" Her voice sounded uncertain as she asked.
"We can do something else if you'd like! Whatever you want, my dear little sister." I added.
"I… I don't want to! I'm busy!" she replied curtly.
I sighed inwardly.
Of course. She is still mad at me. That stubbornness… Ugh, where does she even get it from?
Fine. Time for Plan B.
"Haa… Alright, then… I guess I'll just go play with Ren instead!" I said dramatically as I began to walk away. I made sure my footsteps echoed loudly so she could hear me while silently counting.
One… two… three…
"W-Wait! Don't go!" Chrisola called out, her small voice tugging at me as he opened the door.
Yes! Hook, line, and sinker!
"Oh? I thought you were busy?" I tried to hide a sly grin creeping across my lips before spinning around.
Chrisola bit her lip and shook her head. The little girl fiddled with the doorframe, battling her emotions. She avoided making direct eye contact, but from her flushed cheeks and expression, it was clear that she was jealous when I mentioned Ren.
"So… Do you want to play with me or not?" I teased, waving the plush bear in my hand enticingly.
After a brief pause, she gave the smallest and shyest nod, looking adorably bashful. My heart softened at the sight.
I quickly walked over and enveloped her in a warm hug. "I'm sorry, okay? I've been so caught up in my own stuff lately that I neglected you. That was wrong of me." I stroked her blonde curls gently. "Look, I even brought these!" I pulled a handful of wrapped chocolates, that Ren and I stole from the palace kitchen, from my skirt pocket and flashed them with a conspiratorial grin.
"Whoa! Chocolates!" Chrisola's face immediately lit up with joy, her earlier sulkiness melting away.
"But you must keep this a secret from Elly and the other maids." I wagged a finger. "Otherwise, no more sneaky snacks for you! Promise?"
Chrisola giggled and nodded eagerly. She then took my hand, pulling me into her room.
Once inside, Chrisola and I started playing with our dolls and reading from the storybook. As we spent time together, her stiffness gradually disappeared, replaced by genuine laughter.
I was glad that her bright, bubbly self now returned as exactly as I'd hoped. But my mind sharpened like a blade as I needed to gather some information about Shilien.
"Oh, by the way… What have you been learning with Shi—uh, Mother lately?" I asked casually in a sweet tone while flipping through the book.
Honestly, I hate calling Shilien 'Mother'. It makes me feel like vomiting. But if I want to find out what that woman has been teaching Chrisola, I have no choice.
Chrisola paused, tilting her head thoughtfully. "She's been teaching me to read and write better, arithmetic, and things like royal etiquette and noble manners."
I forced myself to keep my smile intact. "That's all? She hasn't… said anything odd or treated you unfairly?"
Chrisola shook her head. "No. Actually, she's been really nice! A few weeks ago, Father even let her take me on a picnic by the lake. He said it would be good for us to bond."
"What!?" My grip on the storybook tightened.
What was that man thinking? Letting her play the role of the perfect mother? Allowing her to be Chrisola's tutor?
Chrisola blinked innocently. "You told me yourself that Mother wouldn't dare harm me because of Father, remember?"
"Yes… of course," I murmured, though a storm raged within me.
Could it be that vile woman had managed to charm Chrisola, but she also won His Majesty's heart?
My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms. This couldn't be allowed to continue.
"Chrisola, listen…" I said, my voice quieter now, "You must always—"
The door creaked open, cutting me off mid-sentence. I turned, and there she was. Shilien.
"Oh. I wonder who is here. It seems my daughters are spending quality time together," she said, her silken voice dripping with mockery. Her infuriating smile barely hid her true intentions.
"Mother!" Chrisola exclaimed, running over to hug her. The sight made my stomach churn.
Shilien's sharp gaze flicked to me. "How lovely to see you two getting along."
I stood and forced myself to smile. "Of course, Mother. It's always a joy spending time with Chrisola."
Even though I am not afraid of her anymore as her authority over my education had ended when I began my magical training, I have to tread carefully. Especially if Chrisola and the King are both under her sway… I can't afford to act recklessly. Not yet—Huh?
As I mulled over my options, my eyes fell on the picture book lying open on the floor. A wicked idea sparked in my mind, and my lips curled into a saccharine smile.
"Mother, it's perfect that you're here!" I said, clasping my hands together. "Chrisola and I were just about to play a game!"
Shilien's brows arched delicately. "A game?"
"Yes! Look at this book!" I held it up. "Chrisola and I adore animals, but there are so many we've never seen before. Isn't that right, Chrisola?"
"Uh-huh!" Chrisola chimed in cheerfully.
"So…" I continued, "We thought it would be fun to play a game where we imitate the movements and sounds of animals! And who better to demonstrate than you, Mother? Surely, with your wisdom, you know far more animals than we do!"
Shilien blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I… That's…"
I turned to Chrisola. "What do you think, dear sister? Shall we let Mother go first?"
"Yes, let's play Mother!" Chrisola clapped her hands excitedly.
For a fleeting moment, Shilien's mask of poise slipped, revealing a flicker of panic. She hesitated, taking a step back. "I think perhaps I—"
I swiftly moved to block her path. "Oh, come now, Mother! Don't be shy! We're family, after all."
Chrisola joined me, tugging on Shilien's hand. "Please, Mother?"
Trapped by her own charade of maternal affection, Shilien forced a tight smile. "Very well… if my daughters insist."
"Excellent!" I said, feigning delight. "Chrisola, which animal should Mother imitate first?"
Chrisola grinned, her eyes sparkling with innocent enthusiasm. "My favorite animal! Dog!"
Perfect. I could almost hear the chains tightening around Shilien's pride.
Shilien's face paled, her knuckles whitening as she clenched her hands. I met her gaze, my smile unyielding.
"You heard her, Mother," I said sweetly. "Go on. Show us your best dog impression."
Her lips twitched, and I saw the cracks in her mask widen for the first time. Surprisingly, it seemed I didn't need magic or a sword to make this bitch kneel before me in our little mind game.