“That’s true. The boy is quite strong, and he knows where he stands. He’s so young, yet already able to use reason to keep his actions in check. If his elemental affinity is high enough this time, he’ll surely soar to great heights,” Alaya said with a sigh.

She said that because the reports her shadow guards had sent back made her understand what was going through the boy’s mind. Those guards were all experts at reading people, so figuring out what a child was thinking was easy for them. She’d also learned that the boy had a crush on her daughter.

Still, his status was far too low, and he was far too weak. Though she truly admired a child who’d developed such a resolute character at a young age, she had to admit that he simply wasn’t good enough for her daughter. If he really had feelings for her, then this elemental awakening ceremony was his one and only chance. If he could achieve an elemental affinity of over ninety percent, then even if it was with a basic element, she could help him grow quickly and give him the chance to pursue her daughter.

But if he couldn’t even reach ninety percent, then she was sorry. No matter how great his ambitions or aspirations, talent had already decided whether he’d succeed or fail. Her daughter had at least a ninety percent affinity for light, after all. Without any real strength, there was no way she’d let her daughter marry that man—even if her daughter liked him very much.

Elina hadn’t caught on to what Alaya meant. The cat was far too sly, never showing what she was thinking, so Elina had no idea that if Ryan really did reach ninety percent elemental affinity, Alaya would quietly sell her off.

“Ah, meow~ That’s up to him, then. I’m curious what his elemental affinity will be tomorrow~” Elina stretched and yawned. “I’m going to bed now. Take your time soaking, Mom. Good night.”

“Mm. Good night. Off you go.” Alaya nodded faintly, then sat in the bath and sank into thought.

After all, her daughter’s future was something she had to consider carefully.

Meanwhile, Elina was leisurely drying herself nearby when, all of a sudden, she felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding. Her cat ears pricked up, and her pale blue eyes fixed on Alaya, who was lost in thought.

Mom isn’t planning to mess with me again, is she...?

......

Back in her room, Elina flopped onto the soft bed and pulled the covers over her petite body, curling up beneath them. She left her cat ears sticking out—having them squashed was uncomfortable—and slowly drifted off into a sweet dream.

Eve waited quietly beside her for an hour. Once she was sure Elina was completely asleep, she bowed slightly. “Good night, Elina.”

Then she opened the door—and came face-to-face with Alaya, who was sneaking toward them on silent, catlike steps.

“Your Highness Alaya, what are you doing?” Eve asked in confusion.

“Nothing. Go get some sleep. I’m going to have a little fun with my daughter,” Alaya said with a mischievous grin.

“Oh, all right. But I’d advise Your Highness Alaya not to overdo it. Elina is still young, and sleep is important,” Eve explained respectfully.

“Mm. I’ll be careful. Don’t worry.” Alaya nodded.

“Good night, Your Highness Alaya.” Eve bowed and returned to her room. She still hadn’t written in her diary today, so she had to hurry.

Meanwhile, Alaya quietly slipped into Elina’s bedroom.....

......