"Sister's coming to see me? Oh! So sudden? When's she arriving? I should tidy up a bit..."

"I think it's too late, Miss True Dawn. Your sister's already behind you."

"Really?" True Dawn turned around, not quite believing it.

Euphemia stood there in casual clothes, a Silver Sword at her waist, eyeing her with suspicion.

"You don't seem thrilled to see me."

True Dawn stuck out her tongue, then clung to her sister's arm, cooing, "Not true! I'm so happy to see you, Sister!"

Her gaze flicked to Aileen beside the white unicorn, signaling her to gather the papers hanging from it.

Aileen winked silently and tucked them into her backpack.

These were rough sketches True Dawn had drawn out of boredom while traveling—fan art of Cecile and her sister in a romantic light. The meaning was clear despite the messy drafts. Later, she planned to refine and color them to earn pocket money.

"I'm happy to see you too," Euphemia replied, gently ruffling her sister's soft hair.

"Your mood sounds low, Sister. Trouble at Lady Cely's?" True Dawn shifted Euphemia's attention to hide her own secrets.

This was exactly what troubled Euphemia now.

"Just a small setback. I lost to someone in my field and disgraced Lady Cely."

True Dawn glanced at the weapon on her sister's waist. *Is she a battle maid for Lady Cely?* Her imagination spiraled wildly. She slapped her cheek lightly. *Stop it, True Dawn! Sister's right here! These thoughts are dangerous—she must never know!*

"Lady Cely isn't petty. She won't mind small issues," True Dawn comforted.

"But I shouldn't have made that mistake."

"Then don't let it happen again!" True Dawn coaxed her inexplicably gloomy sister. "Sister, I don't know what's wrong. But I feel you'd never tell me anyway. To you, I'm always that bedridden little sister needing care."

"You always say I'm too young for certain things... I get it. But Sister, can't you rely on others more? Pushing alone, being so headstrong—is that really okay? Two people together are often more efficient than one."

Since childhood, only Euphemia had visited True Dawn. When exhausted, Euphemia would nap by her bed, muttering fragmented complaints about outside troubles. True Dawn guessed her sister had made enemies earning money for her treatment, forcing solitude. But what could she do? She was Euphemia's reason to keep living. She wanted to see her sister thrive, marry, build a family... Well, now it seemed only Lady Cely could tie the knot with her. *Close enough. I just need someone to handle my troublesome sister.* Lady Cely was perfect. Yet her sister showed no interest... *Hmm. Is Lady Cely's training lacking, or is Sister's mindset not ready? Big problem!* Should she nudge her sister? She could ask Lady Cely later—maybe trade for something nice.

"Is money still so important, Sister? My illness is nearly gone. I'm out of bed now. Lady Cely's my guardian; she'll support me... What are you still fighting for?" True Dawn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling up warmly. "If you must demand anything of yourself, then please, as you grow stronger, protect this frail little sister. The tougher you are, the less others dare bully me. And you'll always handle them for me, right?"

"True Dawn..." Euphemia cupped her face, pressing their foreheads together. "You're right. I can't just think of myself anymore. You're growing up too."

"Hmph! Why am I a 'big kid' again? When will I ever be an adult to you, Sister?" True Dawn pouted.

Euphemia smiled. "To me, you'll always be my child."

A sister was a sister. The elder should always stand before the younger.

Aileen led the white unicorn several meters back, giving them space.

As they walked, a white blur darted from afar.

"Master!" it yelled, tackling Euphemia in a hug.

True Dawn peeked out from the embrace, puzzled. "Sister, when did you take an apprentice?"

Witt turned to her. "Master's sister? Wow! Such a cute girl—totally different from Master!"

"Hello, I'm True Dawn."

"Witt. Witt Cardia."

They ignored Euphemia between them, chatting naturally.

Soon, a short-haired girl caught up, panting. "Witt! Why run so fast, bumping into—" Annette froze, nearly screaming at the sight of Euphemia. "E-Euphemia!"

"Annette... I knew you'd follow Witt." Euphemia shrugged, glancing at Witt behind her. "Can you pull this one away? One in front, one behind—I can't breathe."

"Witt, come here!"

"Yes, Sister Annette~" Witt obediently returned.

Annette hesitated, then got straight to the point. "Where's your Papal Majesty? I need to speak with her."

"Papal Majesty's busy and may not have time soon... But if urgent, talk to my sister."

"Your sister?" Annette eyed the golden-haired girl smiling beside Euphemia—her near-double.

True Dawn stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Hello, Sister Annette! I'm the Holy Maiden of the Luminous Cathedral. Papal Majesty granted me full authority over its affairs. Don't underestimate me just 'cause I look young!"