Surprises and revelations

[A/N: Co-written with ScarletRabbit.]

*Sigh*

Ophelia's lips closed as she exhaled, faint disappointment tinting her tone. Combing through her hair, she looked into the mirror in one of the corridors.

Her fair skin shimmered in the sun coming through a window. The large bust was held taut by a bra that attempted to hide its size even a little bit. Not that it helped - almost all clothing would only emphasize the size of her breasts. The only way to conceal them would be to wear a cloak, which she dreaded. Those rags of runaways were not fit for the nobility of humans.

The light blue dress that descended down her figure shuffled as Ophelia made half a turn. As her eyes scanned her figure, she could not help but stop at her rear. It was another part of her body that could not be concealed easily.

Inwardly, she could not help but envy Aveline a bit. Idiot as she was, her tallest sibling at least didn't have much to hide. She didn't need to concern herself with how many people would be able to stare her in the eyes when talking with her and how many would be wolfishly trying to undress her with their eyes. Numerous situations in different meetings arose in her mind. No matter the rank, the topic, or the gender. Women envied her figure, men lusted after it, while the owner felt... disgust at it.

However, that was quickly thrown out of her mind. Stoically gazing through the window and at the main entryway to the mansion, Ophelia found herself thinking with uncertainty.

'Mother has yet to return...' she thought. It was already noon, yet the head of the family was still not back from her visit to Breshnaws. Did something happen...? 'No. Mother is not weak enough to be jumped by anyone. Perhaps a new matter came up on the way.'

Deciding against pondering the issue too much, the voluptuous Stormrider walked through the corridor. The warm air coming from an open window gave her a sense of peace. In a way, she hoped the weather would stay this way. However, she knew that it'd been like that for some time already. Rain coming in the near days was more than likely.

Ophelia frowned, stepping into another wing of the mansion. Almost immediately, she heard some voices from up ahead. Her eyes caught the movement of green hair on Princess Seraphina's head.

'A chance.' she realized, seeing only the blonde-haired servant with her (Lis'te, was his name?). Immediately, the silver-haired woman stepped forth. The curtain around her head shimmered in the light with the movement.

"Greetings, Princess Seraphina," Ophelia bowed her head a little. Attempting to ignore the jiggling of her breasts, she focused her eyes on the elven royalty. "Have you slept well?"

The elf woman looked at her for a long moment. The deep blue of her eyes had a depth that seemed capable of swallowing an ocean whole. Though her countenance remained indifferent, Ophelia could not help but sense a sliver of repulse from how Seraphina tilted her head backward.

The green-haired elf turned to her servant, who immediately spoke with her in Mins. A few words were exchanged back and forth until Lis'te turned to Ophelia, "Lady Ophelia, Princess Seraphina is feeling fine. She's asking about you, as well."

"I have had plentiful rest, thank you. May I inquire about what she's doing?"

Turning her attention to what Princess Seraphina was looking at, Ophelia immediately recognized the painting of her grandfather. The white hair extending to around the man's shoulders, together with his high-end clothing and controlled expression, gave him an aura of aristocracy that informed everyone of his high status. The stern yet soft look on his face appeared to signal both care and power.

'Grandfather really looks like that idiot.' Ophelia sighed inwardly, her thoughts shifting toward her brother. Wherever that mongrel was right now, she was grateful that she did not see his mug--

"Lucas..." the Liveren princess let out a quiet whisper that caught Ophelia's attention. Still, her eyes were poised at the painting.

"!" the silver-haired Stormrider flinched in surprise, hearing the name. Surely, she must've heard it wrong?

"Has something happened?" Lis'te asked, noticing Ophelia's reaction.

"I... what did the princess just say?"

"Hmm? Ah, Princess Seraphina has been speaking that name, 'Lucas', all morning," he smiled gently, wholly unaware of the meaning his words brought. "I believe she is trying to translate 'Luccius' to Siles, even though I told her it's spoken the same in both languages," he laughed softly.

"I... see..." Ophelia replied hesitantly. 'Does that mean Lucas met her...? When? Where? How... Why?' she could not help but feel absolutely flabbergastered. Lucas surely knew what would happen if he broke the rules... why would he do that regardless? He was a talentless mongrel, but even Ophelia knew he was scarcely an idiot.

"But to answer, she has been looking at this painting for a while now. She is rather adamant to know more about the person portrayed," the elf's words brought Ophelia out of her pondering spiral. "Of course, if you are willing to disclose, Mistress Ophelia."

"Oh... that is Iwo Stormrider," she spoke slowly, gauging the two elves's reactions. Seraphina immediately seemed to pick up the topic of the talk as her attention turned first to her, then to Lis'te. "He was my grandfather, father of my father, Valerian."

As Lis'te translated her words to Seraphina, the elf immediately asked something in return. The long dress of teal color shuffled atop the carpet as she made a half-turn, facing Ophelia. Her eyes scanned the Stormrider woman's body, making a clear pause here and there. The silver-haired woman did her best to act that she did not notice. Then, Seraphina spoke something, gazing toward Lis'te.

"Princess Seraphina extends her condolences."

"It's alright," Ophelia nodded, forming a warm, welcoming smile. "Grandfather passed when I was young. I doubt anyone remembers him well still."

Seraphina's eyes locked with hers. She seemed to want to say something before turning to the blonde elf to her left. Nudging his elbow, she asked something again. Lis'te frowned a little before answering her with a sigh. Seraphina frowned deeply.

Ophelia could not help but express her surprise, "Has something happened?"

The green-haired elf looked at her. This time, her indifference gave way to a look that could not be discerned as any particular emotion. Still, Ophelia instinctively felt that whatever the woman felt was not pleasant.

"I apologize," Lis'te said, bowing his head a little. "Princess Seraphina is... not feeling particularly well at the moment," his eyes darted to the elf. His gaze, however, did not seem worried. In a way, Lis'te appeared ready to scold her.

"I see. Shall we send for a Healer?" 'She's feeling unwell again...?' the question stirred in Ophelia's consciousness for a moment. There was something about Princess Seraphina that appeared mildly obvious yet... unreachable to the mind. Like an answer to a childlike question that could not be guessed by an adult mind.

"It's alright. One of our men can take care of all that ills her," Lis'te objected lightly, his face expressing a smile of gratitude. "I will guide her to her room. I will return soon if you are interested in a talk, Mistress Ophelia."

Ophelia gently shook her head. "No need. Please, cater to Princess Seraphina first. If an occasion arises, we will speak again."

"Thank you for understanding."

Then, Ophelia turned around, but not before smiling gently at the green-haired elf. Stepping away, the Stormrider woman could not help but let her mind return to the previous topic.

'She spoke that idiot's name... and was staring right at grandfather's portrait when doing so. That cannot be a coincidence. Somehow... he met her.' Ophelia frowned. Something about this didn't make sense. Ismeria spoke with Lucas about the situation. He knew very well that getting on her wrong side was not a bright idea. Only a fool would ever try to do that.

Feeling her bust jiggle with every movement she made, Ophelia just barely **** herself to slow down to a quick march. Uneasiness festered in his spirit.

'Mother has still yet to return. If she learns Lucas met the princess while she was gone, I'll be punished...' she grimaced. However, reminding herself of Ismeria's words, she felt a tad bit uplifted. Until Mother returned, Ophelia essentially had complete authority over the house. That meant she could exert punishment in her stead. She almost smiled at the thought.

...

'Did Lucas do that because he knew Mother was leaving...?' a sudden question entered her mind. Almost staggering in her step, Ophelia came to a halt. She aimed her gaze through a window. Looking at the gravelly road leading to the southern gate, a strange sense of stress lumped in her throat.

In a way, this made sense. Success in transgressing Mother's rules when she was away meant that Ophelia was to blame, even if only partially. If that idiot was truly feeling daring due to that, he could do it.

Her fist clenched in anger.

'I'll show you what it means to try and double-cross me, you pathetic excuse of a brother.'

-Meanwhile-

"=Princess,=" Lis'te started, his tone low as he stared at Seraphina with a frown on his face. "=What was that?="

"=...I said what I said. I'm not apologizing,=" the elf woman replied, arms crossed under her chest.

"=These people exert their resources and time to aid us in our time of need, and this is how you reply to that kindness?=" he asked, his expression contorted in anger. "=As your etiquette teacher, I am deeply disturbed by your lack of respect.="

"=As your pupil, I'm deeply disturbed by your efficiency, Lis'te,=" she replied in an instant. "=You cannot tell me you don't feel that something is wrong with this place.="

"=Princess, that is enough. This place is different from what you know, that is all. I could excuse your behavior yesterday as an after-effect of going through the portal, but no further. I do not wish to hear you speak in such manner about those people again,=" Lis'te said, his voice clearly shifting into warning tones.

Seraphina clicked her tongue. Her distaste was as obvious as day. "=I refuse to talk about dirt like it's diamond. If you understand my position, understand my actions.="

"=Princess, we all are shook by the war,=" Lis'te answered as his brows knitted. "=Do not act like you're the only one touched by it. We all are infuriated with the situation. We all feel the helplessness of not being able to help our kin. But the best thing we can do is protect you.="

"=Tsk. As if those people could comprehend that. I don't understand why you keep on--="

"=SERAPHINA LIVEREN!=" Lis'te's voice boomed with sudden volume. Seraphina immediately shrunk in front of her teacher. "=I will NOT tolerate this behavior any further! Your family's safety is our priority!=" he yelled, his face expressing anger as he huffed at the green-haired elf angrily.

Seraphina did not answer, her gaze lowered to the ground, hands slowly tied in front of herself. Her eyes turned glossy.

"=...*Sigh* Return to your room,=" he said after a couple of seconds, calming down a little. "=Until Ginis confirms your health status, you are to stay there. That is an order.="

"=...if you really cared about my family, you'd have stopped Dellin from going,=" Seraphina retorted, tears going down her cheeks. Immediately after that, she darted into the corridor, the sound of her sobbing dying off in the distance.

"!" Lis'te clenched his fists for a moment before angrily expulsing some air. Standing in one spot, he tried to calm down.

...

"That did not sound healthy," the elf suddenly heard a womanly voice enter his ears.

"...I deeply apologize for that, Mistress Aveline," he turned to the woman, bowing his head.

"No need. I'm sure yelling at each other is not a hobby of yours," the large woman answered. "Will the princess be alright?"

"...I hope she will. She's been on edge this past week," the elf sighed. "I wish she understood that we are all in a difficult position. Sometimes, she can act like a child. I suppose I should expect no less," 'Princess has only recently stepped into the adult world. It's no doubt challenging for her to adjust, especially given the situation.'

"*Sigh* Well, if you feel like venting some rage, I know a few target dummies that need some beating. Just a friendly offer," Aveline gave the elf man a small smile.

"I... may be inclined to take you up on it," he answered, reciprocating the gesture. "Though, if I may ask something?"

"Sure."

"Where did you find that cat?" Lis'te's eyebrow raised, his blue eyes aimed at Aveline's hands crossed under her chest. A cat with black fur was lying on her radius and purring lazily, enjoying her other hand rubbing its belly. Eyes closed, it appeared to be basking in the woman's embrace.

"Oh, this little guy? Found him in the garden. Pretty sure it's not a stray, but I don't know whose it is. He meows in a funny way when I do this," she shook the hand on which the cat laid and gave him a quick rub in a somewhat specific way.

"I... see," 'That is...' "I believe this is Princess Seraphina's cat."

"Oh. That explains why I found him now, haha," Aveline let out a hearty laugh.

"May I take him?"

"Oh, yes, of course."

As the woman handed Lis'te the black cat, he said, "Well, if you do not have anything to do right now, Mistress Aveline, I'd love to continue our talk from before."

"That would be great," she nodded, smiling.

"I just have a few things to tend to, and I can meet you within a few minutes. May we meet in the garden, as previously?"

She nodded. "I'll be waiting for you, then," and just like that, Aveline quickly went away.

...

Lis'te looked to the sides, and then at Cileres in his hands. The cat was staring at him with his bronze eyes, visible curiosity painted within.

"=Now then, Cileres. Mind telling me what a guardian beast is doing here?="

"=What does it sound I do, Lis'te?=" the cat answered in a somewhat annoyed tone.

"=Lounge around, it seems. Why are you even here?="

"=Well, I'm a familiar. Where else would I be but by my summoner's side?=" Cileres asked, stretching in Lis'te's hold. A purring sound left his throat.

"=I suppose. It's a fortune, then, that I found you. I want you to tell me everything, now.="

-Meanwhile-

Lucas's heartbeat subsided as he heard the gate close behind him. Exchanging quick greetings with the guards, he immediately took his steps to a side path, straying away from the way leading to the main entrance. Within a short minute, he was entering the mansion through the servant's entryway and headed toward his room. The outside's hot atmosphere was overcome with the chill of the underground tunnels.

He let out a relaxed sigh. Finally, he felt at ease. At last, he was definitely safe.

However, as he came closer to his destination, he noticed someone standing in front of his room.

Ophelia didn't even try to hide the luscious outline of her busty figure. The dress that cascaded to the floor hugged her nicely, giving her brother fuel for his imagination, should he decide to ponder on his memories soon. However, the way her foot impatiently stepped on the floor told him one thing: she was not in a good mood.

Her blue eyes darted at him the moment he came in range. Her plush lips contorted in what could only be described as anger mixed with disgust.

"Well, if it isn't my beloved brother," she said with clear sarcasm, her icy tone echoing in the corridor.

Lucas felt the pressure she emanated press onto his shoulders. The air appeared to become even chillier as he noticed Ophelia's hand holding a sigil of magic.

"What do you want, Ophelia?" he asked, feeling some strange feeling boil within him. It was... anticipation mixed with wariness. It was almost like he wanted to meet her, and she just came to him on her own. "Don't you have guests to cater to?"

"Funny you should say that," she replied, taking a long breath in. "Enjoyed meeting Princess Seraphina, did you?"

Lucas felt a chill run down his spine. His eyes widened.

"To the training grounds, this instant."

---

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