Moving to Modesty (4)

"Y, You–" Elucina opened her mouth to speak.

She was about to say something when she caught Countess Lenné leaning toward Vanetta, seemingly whispering an instruction into her ear.

"Ah, oh, I apologize, my lady," Vanetta whispered back to the Countess formality before turning back to Elucina.

"W, What brings you here today, Princess Elucina?" she asked the question at last.

After taking a moment to observe her, Elucina spoke. "I have been wanting to properly meet my older sister who just appeared out of the blue," she explained, stressing the suddenness of her appearance.

Tugging Vanetta's hand, Elucina added, "Considering it's not every day we come across a new member of the family," speaking politely with a sweet voice, though the intention beneath her words was clear.

Vanetta smiled at her warmly, the meaning of her words completely flew over her head. "I completely understand! This had been a surprise­ for all of us. I hope we can get to know each other better."

Elucina was somewhat taken back, pausing to send a look at Countess Lenné, who gave her a subtle shake of her head.

Ah, it made sense now.

Of course, a commoner like her would not understand how the nobles communicate or the skill of using words as weapons to strike at one another.

Wearing a feigned warmth in her voice, Elucina finally responded to Vanetta, "…Yes, that sounds wonderful, sister." Before she quickly redirected the conversation, inquiring, "Perhaps you could give me a tour of your residence?"

"I'd love to!" Vanetta eagerly replied.

…

Vanetta happily guided Elucina through the mansion's halls and rooms, her excitement shown as she gestured enthusiastically in every direction.

Elucina watched her eyes sparkle with wonder. After all, everything surrounding her now was different from her previous life as a commoner, where her days were spent caring for livestock and working in the fields.

'…'

Sure, Elucina might find the livestock adorable. In particular, she imagined that sheep would be incredibly soft to touch… if only they didn't emit such a strong odor and bring along dirt wherever they went.

"I bet they felt like clouds…" If they were a bit cleaner, then she might entertain the idea of touching them.

Daleah, who heard her mumble, had a puzzled expression on her face, wondering what Elucina was talking about.

Meanwhile, Elucina was busy glancing around the rooms, mentally comparing them with her own. To her surprise, both mansions actually had the same layouts, only that some rooms from Elucina's place were more spacious, particularly the library.

As they strolled through the corridor of the second floor, they passed by maids dusting the furniture and cleaning the worn floors.

And there, Elucina caught sight of Vanetta's dressing room, separate from the bedroom, which relieved her to know they shared the same arrangement.

"Here is the master room, where my guest area and bedroom are!" Vanetta said, moving ahead to show another room, oblivious to Elucina parting from the group.

Elucina's curiosity drove her to sneak a glance into Vanetta's dressing closet. But just as she reached for the doorknob, a voice whispered in her ear.

"What are you doing, Your Highness?"

Startled, Elucina jumped from her feet, glancing to her shoulder to see the speaker, only to see her friend.

"Cathe! You scared me!" She placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm her heart.

Countess Lenné had heard arms crossed with narrowed eyes surveying Elucina after catching her snooping around. She asked straightforwardly, "Be honest with me, Your Highness. What is the real reason you come here?"

Elucina smiled nervously, tugging her friend's arm. She replied, "What do you mean? I'm here to meet my new sibling that suddenly appeared."

"…" However, Countess Lenné remained silent, waiting for her to say the truth.

Knowing she wouldn't be able to escape her friend's suspicions, Elucina dropped the act and decided to be honest.

She lifted her eyebrows, arching them upward between her forehead. "I want you back, Cathe," Elucina admitted. "I came here to get you."

Countess Lenné shook her head slowly. "If that's what you are aiming for, then I have to tell you that you are in the wrong place for it. You need to request an audience with the King. I'm not the one to help you," she advised.

With that, she turned to leave, heading back to rejoin their group.

"Can't you just leave her?" Elucina asked, desperation creeping into her voice as she walked beside her, attempting to persuade her.

Countess Lenné replied firmly, "I can't do that; I have to mentor her–"

"Surely, someone else can replace you," Elucina argued, frustration growing in her voice.

"But none as patient as I am," Countess Lenné explained, stopping in her tracks. "No one is willing to teach a commoner to read, Your Highness."

"Then are you willing?" Elucina pressed, her eyes searching her for any sign of doubt.

After a moment of contemplation, Countess Lenné reluctantly bobbed her head, starting eye contact with Elucina. "…Yes, t, that is why I'm here. Princess Vanetta will need my support."

"But Cathe, I need you, too!" Elucina whispered sharply, her emotions starting to get into her.

Countess Lenné's brows furrowed deeply as she quietly shook her head. Solemnly, she turned away from Elucina and briskly walked down the corridor, leaving her trailing behind.

"Wait, Cathe!" Elucina's heels tapped loudly against the floor as she picked up her pace to follow her friend, the sound bouncing off the walls.

Despite her pleas, Countess Lenné continued walking. They eventually reached the rest of their group, where Daleah and Princess Vanetta halted their conversation, confused about what was happening.

Desperate to get Cathe's attention, Elucina pulled her arm firmly. "Hey, Cathe!"

However, Countess Lenné focused on Princess Vanetta as she said to her, "Your Highness, may I request a moment alone with Princess Elucina?"

Elucina withdrew her hand from Countess Lenné's arm, rolling her eyes as she faced her back to the group. 'God, she didn't have to ask!'

Vanetta's voice rang behind her, offering her consent for them to talk privately, "I, It's okay. Go ahead," though also looking puzzled.

With a brief nod, Countess Lenné motioned for Elucina to enter the nearest room, which turned out to be Princess Vanetta's master room.

As soon as Countess Lenné shut the door behind them, Elucina began, "Cathe–"

But before she could continue, Countess Lenné firmly interrupted, "Your Highness, you don't need me anymore."

"But I do need you!" Elucina protested desperately, tugging at her hand. "Father assigned you to her because she will be crowned soon–"

Afraid they might be heard from the corridor, Countess Lenné cut her off with a sharp whisper, "Your Highness!" She gripped Elucina's shoulders firmly, surprising her into silence.