That gaze made Floria instinctively hug herself tighter, baring her little tiger teeth as she shot a fierce glare back at her.
But Sophia instead looked thoroughly amused, enjoying Floria’s tense posture as she arched her back and hissed like an agitated kitten, her smile blooming brightly as she said:
“This is all thanks to Sister’s own hands-on teaching back then that I gained such precious experience~”
Her tone of gratitude sounded genuinely innocent and harmless.
If an outsider unaware of the background—like Sylvie—heard it, they might even believe Floria had truly taught her something in the past.
“Speaking of which, I wonder how Sister’s child is being raised?”
Suddenly, Sophia glanced toward Sylvie, who was sitting by the window on the edge, and deliberately spoke aloud:
“It must be so hard, with Sister all alone taking on the entire burden of raising the child by herself~”
She deliberately emphasized the phrase “all alone.”
To Sylvie, that was almost a clear hint.
“Sophia… do you know something… about my parents?”
Sylvie hesitated nervously before asking.
“Little Sylvie, don’t ask nonsense. You don’t have any parents at all.”
Floria’s voice turned serious as she stopped her.
“Eh… w-what?”
Sylvie blinked in confusion.
“…Just remember, I’m your most reliable and trustworthy guardian in this world. Don’t listen to others’ rumors. When the time is right, I’ll explain everything to you.”
Floria’s little face grew serious as she earnestly admonished her.
“I understand… Little Fu teacher.”
Though inwardly uneasy and deeply concerned about her origins, Sylvie still sulkily sat back down after hearing Floria’s words.
Sophia’s eyes flicked, and she leaned close to Floria’s side, whispering:
“Sister… since you put it that way… surely you didn’t ‘create’ this child all by yourself, right?”
“How do you know it’s impossible?”
Floria retorted with a cold smile, maintaining her proud and aloof stance.
Sophia was slightly taken aback.
…If this child had truly been created by magic, then everything would make sense.
But… is there really such a wondrous and powerful magic in the world?
If so, Sophia felt it was worth studying carefully herself.
Maybe she could research a magic that lets Sister and herself create a “crystallization of love” together—
“Ahem… By the way, although I’m not very talented, thanks to Sister’s teaching, I can barely take on the role of Sylvie’s Temporary Knight Tutor~”
Saying that, Sophia moved to Sylvie’s side and made a show of slowly sitting down—
“Move aside!”
Floria rushed over and shoved Sophia aside.
“Little Sylvie only needs me as a teacher… I’m warning you, Sophia, you’d better stay away from her.”
Floria took the seat next to Sylvie first, then turned to issue a fierce warning, baring her claws and teeth.
Unfortunately, with her small frame and pink cheeks, the command that should have been imposing came off as a tiny kitten’s meek protest, completely lacking any intimidation.
It even made Sophia want to reach over and pinch her pouty cheeks.
“Sister is so cute… No worries, I’ll just sit next to Sister then.”
She gave a mischievous smirk of success and slid down beside Floria, pressing against her side and the hem of her skirt.
Not even Floria’s shoves could budge her.
“D-damn… she’s doing it on purpose…!”
Only then did Floria realize that the way Sophia stumbled when pushed was totally an act!
“Alright, we’re about to depart. Sister, please sit tight—hmm, of course, with Sylvie and me on either side, I’m sure your body will be the most stable one here.”
Sophia smiled sweetly, but that smile only made Floria feel uneasy.
“Departure—toward the royal capital—”
The carriage, driven by her magic, began to move and accelerate slowly, and the scenery outside the window flowed backward.
“Wow, it’s really moving, so cool! This is my first time riding in a carriage like this—”
Sylvie sat on the edge of the carriage bench, her feet dangling as she excitedly clung to the window frame, peering out.
“You’ll have plenty of chances to ride from now on~”
Sophia smiled and said:
“Besides, once we reach the royal capital, there will be not only carriages but also large markets, Royal Park, the Magic Fountain, and so many snacks you can never finish. It’s way more fun than this small place.”
“Eh, really—?”
“Of course. Just think about it—it’s the kingdom’s center city, the most bustling human settlement on the continent. There are more than a dozen Playgrounds just for children alone.”
“Wow… Playgrounds… can you tell me more about them?”
Hearing this unfamiliar word, which until now only existed in her desk mate’s stories, Sylvie’s eyes sparkled with longing.
“Of course, at your service, my dear little princess~”
Sophia indulged her with a doting smile and happily launched into conversation about the royal capital.
She showed no trace of the usual adult arrogance or impatience toward a child, always keeping a warm smile as she patiently answered Sylvie’s many questions.
Sometimes she even pulled out some curious little gadgets from who-knows-where to capture Sylvie’s attention and played little games with her.
Meanwhile, Floria, stuck between the two, stretched her pouty face and silently frowned at their cheerful interaction, saying nothing.
When Sophia finally produced a brightly colored Lollipop and handed it to Sylvie, Floria couldn’t help but clear her throat and complain displeasedly:
“Little Sylvie… don’t accept things from strangers.”
“Eh—?”
Sylvie, just about to gleam with excitement and take the Lollipop, froze awkwardly mid-reach at Floria’s cold warning.
“It’s fine, it’s fine, I’m not a stranger anymore, right?”
Sophia waved her hand reassuringly, acting friendly and naturally familiar.
“Besides, think about it, you’re already on my carriage. How can you still not trust me? That’s a bit cold-hearted, you know—I really don’t understand why Sister always treats me with hostility.”
As she spoke, Sophia sighed, her face showing a timely expression of sadness.
“Exactly… Little Fu teacher, I think Miss Sophia must be a good person—”
Even Sylvie rarely spoke up in support, which immediately made Floria frown deeply, her expression turning complicated.
Sigh… the kid’s grown up, spread her wings, and won’t listen to me anymore.
“Just because someone smiles a lot at you doesn’t mean they’re a good person; and just because someone is harsh and stern doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.”
Floria spoke slowly.
“Um…?”
Hearing this, Sylvie hesitated and glanced again at the colorful, delicious-looking Lollipop.
Her face twisted with inner conflict, but she eventually bit her lip and pulled her hand back.
“I… I’ll listen to Little Fu teacher…”
Though she said this, her eyes and subtle expression showed obvious disappointment.
“Oh?”
Sophia’s eyes flashed with surprise.
“Well… I only wanted to get closer to little Sylvie, so I prepared some snacks as a gift. What a pity—”
She deliberately dragged out the words and paused, glancing sideways at Floria.
“In that case, it seems this delicious Lollipop is just for me to enjoy~”
Sophia shook her head playfully, waving the Lollipop near her mouth, teasingly moving it back and forth, almost licking it.
“Ugh…”
Sylvie looked at the tempting giant Lollipop, unable to resist, and pleaded with her eyes once more at Floria.
Although constrained by Floria’s authority as her guardian, Sylvie’s pitiful expression and hungry gaze said everything clearly.
“…”
Floria found herself unable to hold out against those big, watery eyes and finally relented.
Come to think of it, the child had grown up this much… and she hadn’t even bought her a proper gift.
Something as ordinary as a Lollipop was a novelty Sylvie had never seen before.
No wonder she looked so pitiful.
“Sigh…”
Floria sighed with guilt, then lifted her head, smiling reassuringly as she gently rubbed Sylvie’s little head.
“…Alright, just this once, and don’t make it a habit.”
Floria said seriously:
“When we get to the royal capital, I’ll buy you as many sweets as you want. Just don’t take snacks from strangers anymore.”
“Got it! Hehe… I knew Little Fu teacher is the best to me!”
Sylvie instantly brightened up, hugging Floria tightly in gratitude before cheerfully taking the Lollipop from Sophia.