Chapter 37: Ara is Bai’s, and Bai is Ara’s!
“Lady Leticia, may I come in?”
A soft, gentle voice came from outside. Bai recognized it; it was Princess Lilia.
“You may enter, Your Highness,” Leticia said, finally putting down her sewing and removing her glasses.
Creak…
Erlra, in her maid uniform, opened the door, carefully helping Princess Lilia inside.
“Leticia, fifth among the Empire’s Legendary Knights, greets Your Highness,” Leticia said, saluting formally.
Although her status was exceptional, she still showed proper respect to the Princess.
Of course, if she didn’t want to, no one could force her. Her respect was for Lilia, not just her title.
“This is just a casual visit, Lady Leticia. There’s no need for formalities,” Lilia said, then turned to Bai. “And you too, Little Sister Bai. I didn’t expect to find you here.”
“Princess, Little Bai, you know each other?” Leticia asked, surprised, looking at Bai again.
Not only was she close to Little Lin Yan, but also to the Princess. This Little Bai was certainly not ordinary…
“Her Highness… assisted me before I arrived in the capital,” Bai said, referring to the carriage ride.
“Little Sister Bai helped me more,” Lilia chuckled, glancing at Erlya, who simply crossed her arms, saying nothing.
She knew that if Bai hadn’t intervened, she would have been killed by the enraged Brute.
“Well, no need for introductions then,” Leticia smiled, gesturing to a nearby chair.
Erlra helped Lilia to the chair. In her current state, Lilia couldn’t stand for long.
“I told you we’d meet again,” Lilia said, winking at Bai.
“I just didn’t expect it to be under these circumstances,” Bai replied, then turned to Leticia. “Lady Leticia, if you have important matters to discuss, Ara and I can leave.”
“It’s just a casual chat. Don’t be so formal, Little Sister Bai. You’re always so serious, like a stuffy knight,” Lilia said, her eyes twinkling. She then looked at Ara, who was hiding behind Bai. “Is this adorable little girl named Ara? Is she your sister?”
“…Not exactly,” Bai said, her gaze shifting slightly. She didn’t know how to explain Ara’s identity.
Ara clung to Bai’s arm, her purple eyes glaring at Lilia, like a kitten whose food had been stolen.
“Another new friend for Bai? Why does Bai have so many new friends…?”
“What if… Bai makes so many new friends, she doesn’t need Ara anymore…?”
“No, Ara has to be with Bai!”
As if declaring her territory, Ara stood up straight, her head slightly higher than Bai’s.
“Oh? Your older sister?” Lilia asked, surprised. Even with her blurry vision, she could see the height difference. “But you seem more mature, Little Sister Bai.”
Bai grimaced. She knew Ara was taller, but calling her an older sister was a bit much…
“Well, how should I put it…?” Bai struggled for words, unsure how to introduce Ara.
But Ara took the initiative, hugging Bai tightly and declaring, “Ara is Bai’s!”
“…And Bai is Ara’s!”
Bai: “…”
What was she supposed to say to that?
Lilia giggled, the sound like tinkling bells. “Little Sister Ara is so interesting, much more so than the serious Little Sister Bai.”
“…Interesting,” Bai sighed, giving up on leaving.
Leticia chuckled, then, turning to Lilia, asked, “Your Highness, what brings you here?”
Lilia’s smile faded slightly, her expression turning serious as she looked at Leticia.
“Lady Leticia, the Empire requests that you preside over the Imperial Festival.”
Leticia paused, then replied, “Your Highness, you know I no longer handle Knight affairs. I’m preparing to pass on my title as Legendary Knight.”
“Is it appropriate for me to preside over the festival at this time?”
The mention of the Imperial Festival piqued Bai’s interest. She had attended it before, even participating in a major battle against the demons, empowered by its “miracle.”
But this was the first time non-humans had been invited. She was curious to see how the ceremony would be conducted.
“As you’ve seen, there have been… many incidents in the capital recently,” Lilia said softly. “First, the Sugg incident—”
Erlra’s expression darkened, and Bai also looked slightly uncomfortable—after all, the culprit and the cause were right here.
“Then, the Bewildering Forest announced their withdrawal from the festival due to… internal matters. But they sent a generous gift as a gesture of goodwill, so the Empire couldn’t refuse.”
The Bewildering Forest had withdrawn?
Bai’s eyebrows raised slightly. She remembered the elf who had delayed her on her way to the execution ground.
She had shattered her crystal ball. Could that be related?
…Unlikely. The elf had said it wasn’t important. It was probably just a coincidence.
“And most importantly, the Crown Guard, responsible for the capital’s defense, has been severely weakened, losing a third of their elite knights. Commander Rolof was also gravely injured and is temporarily unable to fulfill his duties.”
Bai was surprised. This hadn’t been in the reports she had received.
But it made sense. Such a major incident would be classified.
The report she had received was a standard one, and Leticia, not currently involved in official matters, wouldn’t have been given access to classified information unless she specifically requested it.
Rolof had likely approached Leticia in a personal capacity, which was why he had allowed Bai to be present.
