Iana’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Lillian, who was pressing down on her.
Her cheeks flushed bright red, like a ripe apple, and she stammered out, “W-what nonsense are you saying? There’s no way Ethelrina would share with anyone else.”
What Lillian was saying now was utterly absurd in Iana’s eyes.
Suddenly, Lillian pressed her index finger against Iana’s soft lips, silencing her, a sly glint in her eyes.
“So, sister Iana, are you saying you don’t mind sharing me with Ethelrina?”
“Is that what I meant? Don’t always twist my words like that.”
“Sister Iana, even if your lips are tough with words, they feel so soft to the touch. I wonder what kind of delicious taste they would have.”
Lillian’s face flushed deeper as she grew more enthusiastic, which made Iana feel uneasy.
“I—I warn you, don’t do something like this, or when Ethelrina finds out, she won’t want you anymore. You’ll regret it.”
Iana’s small feet kicked frantically as she struggled to break free from Lillian’s hold, but all her efforts were in vain.
Lillian’s body didn’t budge at all, unaffected by Iana’s movements.
“We can think about Ethelrina later. But I will try my best to make her accept me, to accept the three of us. But right now, you’re in front of me, sister Iana. If I let you go now, I might regret it for the rest of my life.”
After she said that, Iana felt Lillian’s scent grow stronger and stronger.
Her visible surroundings dwindled until only Lillian’s stunning face remained.
Iana pushed hard with both hands but to no avail.
“If you dare kiss me, I’ll never speak to you again.”
Lillian’s eyes momentarily glazed over, and her body froze in midair.
“You’re so cunning, sister Iana.”
“Knowing that I care so much about you, you can still say something like that. I really want to feel whether your lips are cold or warm.”
With that, Lillian’s body leaned down again, seemingly unaffected by Iana’s words.
Seeing that Lillian wasn’t listening to her, Iana began to panic.
“No, this absolutely can’t happen. Ethelrina would definitely take revenge on me.”
“Take revenge on you, Ethelrina?”
“You really overestimate my position in Ethelrina’s heart. But I do appreciate your blessings.”
Tears welled up in Iana’s eyes, her voice trembling, “That’s not a blessing at all. If you kiss me, I really will become Ethelrina’s target.”
Before she finished, Lillian suddenly leaned forward, rubbing her nose randomly against Iana’s cheek as if this satisfied her greatly.
The warm breath brushed across Iana’s face, making her feel oddly comfortable, before a final trace of coldness landed on her nose tip.
After a long moment, the sensation disappeared as Lillian’s face retreated from Iana’s sight.
“What a pity.” Lillian chuckled softly, a hint of regret in her voice.
“Looks like sister Iana’s threat worked.”
She slowly stood up and released her grip.
Iana, like a kitten locked in a cage for too long, stumbled backward in a flurry, still warily watching Lillian, afraid she would try something like that again.
Lillian just tilted her head and said, ” Sister Iana’s reaction is really interesting—it almost makes me want to keep teasing you.”
“Enough already.” Iana adjusted her slightly disheveled clothes, trying to regain her composure.
“There can’t be a next time for something like this, understood?”
“That’s not so certain. The more you resist, the more I want to push my luck.”
“You… you…” Iana stomped her foot in frustration but was at a loss against Lillian and could only hold back her anger.
Lillian must be affected by that Special Creature’s aura; otherwise, how could she have such unrealistic thoughts?
Iana shuddered involuntarily, realizing that the influence of that Special Creature could even change someone’s feelings.
It was truly frightening.
“I really didn’t expect you two to have that kind of relationship.” Elia, who had witnessed everything, smiled slyly, clearly curious about Iana and Lillian’s connection.
“???”
Iana had been so caught up arguing with Lillian that she had completely forgotten Elia was nearby.
Now, flushed red again, she hurriedly denied, “It’s not like that. Our relationship isn’t what you think.” She tried to explain forcefully.
“Oh? Then what kind of relationship do you think you two have in my eyes?”
“Elia…” Iana was stumped by Elia’s question, unsure how to answer.
If she said they were lovers, wouldn’t that be admitting it herself?
If she said they were just friends, then what was the issue?
Did they not even count as friends?
Lillian, on the other hand, leaned closer to Elia with interest, smiling sweetly.
“Then, in your opinion, what kind of relationship do I have with sister Iana?”
Elia’s pink eyes flicked between the two as she said, “Like fated frenemies bound together by destiny. Emmmm, or more like two knights who have fallen for the same princess.”
“The same princess?” Iana scratched her head, realizing Elia meant Ethelrina.
Though the metaphor seemed a bit off—she had never shown any affection for Ethelrina.
Besides, if talking about princesses, Lillian, who was softer and gentler, fit that role better.
Ethelrina was the knight, and Iana herself… could only be the Dragon slain by the knights.
Thinking of this, Iana shivered again, firmly deciding to keep her distance from Lillian, at least until the aura of that Special Creature on Lillian had completely faded.
“What a strange relationship. But thank you anyway.” Lillian said.
“We should hurry back. Those Knights must still be fighting the Monsters. Let’s see if we can help.”
“And weren’t there two Knights wanting to escort you away first? You shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
With that, Iana immediately moved toward the carriage.