Liang Lin had no regrets.
If forced to choose between dying on her feet or living on her knees, she would pick the former without hesitation. She possessed pride. Though she occasionally used underhanded tactics to reach her goals, no one could strip her of her dignity.
Behind her, the teacher jogged over with visible trepidation, ready to help Gar up from the ground. Gar raised a hand, stopping him.
“Since Miss Liang Lin was the one who defeated me, it’s only right you help me up yourself.” Gar kept his usual carefree smirk and extended a hand.
“Pull me up.”
Liang Lin sheathed her sword, bent down, retrieved the fallen clothes, and pulled a pair of snow-white gloves from the pocket. Only after slipping them on did she take his hand—her disdain plain for all to see.
“Miss Liang Lin is truly a rising star. Your words earlier were profoundly stirring,” Gar said, brushing dust from his trousers while forcing composure.
Losing to a pampered noble lady stung his pride. Yet outwardly, he maintained a gracious, understanding tone.
“Might I invite you, Miss Liang Lin, to join me for lunch at noon?”
A single man inviting a single woman—the implication hung clear in the air.
Noon?
Class was nearly over.
Liang Lin thought of Liang Di, confined to her wheelchair.
“My apologies, Prince Gar. My sister Liang Di requires assistance. I must accompany her for lunch.”
Gar froze for a beat. “You and Liang… you and your sister—do you get along well?”
What was he fishing for? Did he want “yes” or “no”? What would each answer trigger?
Gar was Doris’s son. Doris stood with Auston. And Auston’s gaze toward Liang Di always carried sharp wariness. Claiming a strained relationship might pull her onto Gar’s side.
But…
Best to stay ambiguous.
“I am her older sister. Caring for her is my duty.”
Yes. Deflect. Surface-level answer. Enough.
Just then, the dismissal bell rang—perfectly timed.
“Prince Gar, if you’ll excuse me.”
Liang Lin flicked her coat onto her shoulder and hurried away.
Gar watched her retreating figure, thoughtful.
“I’ll be here tomorrow. And the day after.”
His fingers tightened around the small purple crystal vial in his pocket. Only by gauging Liang Lin and Liang Di’s bond could he judge her usefulness. Only by bonding with Liang Lin could his next move begin.
The vortex of conspiracy began its slow turn.
Noon.
At the dining table.
Auston unexpectedly turned to Liang Lin.
“Daughter, did you enjoy school today?”
Liang Lin recalled the prince’s flustered defeat—and felt a quiet thrill.
“Mm. Yes.”
“Look after your sister. No classes this afternoon? Rest well. Tomorrow’s weekend—I’ll give you silver coins to take Liang Di out. Day after too. Buy little trinkets you like.”
“…Alright.”
Strange. He was pushing them together. Liang Lin frowned slightly.
Liang Di’s cerulean eyes shifted toward Auston.
“The Nolan family will deliver the fabric shortly.”
Auston’s face brightened. “You settled it? Took the shipment from House Mist?”
Liang Di gave a faint nod, sparing no explanation.
“No need for you to act. I’ve arranged pickup. It won’t go to House Langwendi—direct to the tailors in batches.” She dabbed her lips elegantly with a handkerchief.
Auston’s expression stiffened.
He felt his authority slipping. Yet he couldn’t forbid her—Liang Di was brought home by the previous head, his own father, who insisted she gain experience.
Was it just because she was the “Curse”?
Was he truly less capable? Why had the old man never once looked at him with approval? Auston gritted his teeth; a vein pulsed on his temple.
His twisted expression startled Liang Lin.
“I’m full.”
“I am too. Liang Lin, would you escort me back?”
“Uh… sure. Of course.”
Liang Lin pushed Liang Di’s wheelchair away.
Auston steadied his breath. Miranda murmured beside him.
“See how much closer they seem now? Prince Gar’s plan can move faster. Don’t rush, Auston. Queen Doris will aid us—she has *that* item.”
“Mm. Keep them together. Liang Lin’s changed, but still obedient… a simple girl, easy to use. Heh. Raised her all this time—finally useful.”
Elsewhere.
“What is this?” Liang Lin eyed the pink bottle in Liang Di’s hand.
Liang Di took a tiny white brush—barely two fingers long—from the shelf. Unscrewed the bottle, swirled the brush inside, and withdrew it, now stained soft pink.
“Give me your hand.”
“What for?” Liang Lin hid her hands behind her back, staring warily. “Is this toxic? That color…”
*Chuckle.*
Liang Di pointed to a stone bowl on the windowsill.
“Crushed leaf juice. For dyeing. Tested—harmless.” She lifted her own hand. “See? I used it too.”
Liang Lin leaned closer.
True—Liang Di’s nails gleamed faint pink. A fresh, leafy scent drifted up.
Hmm… Odd, but fine. All part of lowering Liang Di’s guard.
Seated on the bed, Liang Lin let Liang Di take her warm hand and carefully paint her nails.
“The day after tomorrow afternoon, we’ll attend Miss Austin’s tea party at House Austin.”
“Huh? Why?”
“To meet other nobles. Beneficial for us both.”
In truth, Liang Di’s reason was merely a casually spun pretext.
