Through Illucy’s gradual recounting, Liang Lai finally pieced together the hardships this child had endured over the years.
Illucy was fifteen this year.
Since the Sovereign Age in this world was fourteen, she had been married off early to someone else in exchange for gold coins.
If that unlucky man hadn’t passed away young on Illucy’s very coming-of-age day, Illucy would likely have already become the wife of a fool.
It was around that time that rumors began to spread, claiming Illucy was a “Child Not Blessed by the Gods,” and so no one could sell her, no matter how hard her parents tried.
Once her parents realized Illucy was useless to them—that she couldn’t bring in gold coins and still had to come home to eat and drink—they grew even more violent toward her.
What used to be making her do all the household chores turned into constant beatings and verbal abuse.
Illucy had only recently learned that the reason she suffered so much was because she was picked up by her parents, not their biological child.
That was why they favored the younger brother and sister born afterward.
Liang Lai gently rubbed Illucy’s head as Illucy rested her head against Liang Lai’s soft chest, feeling as if she were dreaming.
“Don’t worry, Illucy. Life will get better from now on…”
Illucy choked back tears and nodded.
Liang Lai continued, “Although you’re older than Asterys and Delucia, they were adopted by me earlier. You should still call them ‘sisters’—after all, you’re only a year older than them. Is that okay?”
Illucy obediently nodded but gripped Liang Lai’s arm tightly with her fingers.
She was worried—worried Liang Lai might be like her own parents, favoring other children.
Liang Lai felt the pressure on her arm, then looked into Illucy’s eyes—filled with happiness, but still tinged with worry. She roughly understood what this child was anxious about.
“It’s okay, Illucy. Don’t worry so much. Although your eldest sister Dolosa might not like talking to you much, that’s just her personality. At heart, she’s a good kid and won’t single you out. If you ever have conflicts with your three older sisters, you can come to me—I’ll help you resolve them~”
Liang Lai was doing her best to be a responsible mother.
After hearing this, Illucy’s expression relaxed considerably, and the hand clutching Liang Lai’s arm slowly loosened.
“Okay, th-thank you…”
Illucy sneaked a glance at Liang Lai, biting her lip tightly but still couldn’t bring herself to say “Mom.” She felt shy after all—they had only known each other for less than five hours.
“It’s alright,” Liang Lai soothed again.
“I know you might not be used to it yet, so I’m not forcing you to call me ‘Mom.’ My eldest daughter Delucia doesn’t like to call me ‘Mom’ much either—she only does once or twice occasionally. She usually just calls me Liang Lai. You can do the same… Even if you don’t see me as your mom, you can think of me as a friend!”
Well, the experts from that other world always said to be friends with your children! So being a mom or a friend was fine as long as the kids felt comfortable.
Illucy nodded again.
She quietly cheered herself on in her heart, determined not to disappoint the Saintess.
She resolved to force herself to say “Mom” within a week—then the Saintess would surely be very happy!
After comforting Illucy, Liang Lai pushed the door open and stepped out. She planned to find Dolosa for a proper talk—she couldn’t let this child sulk alone.
Just outside, she bumped into Asterys and Delucia standing in the corridor. The two immediately approached upon seeing Liang Lai come out.
“Mom, how is the new little sister’s mood? How’s her health?” Asterys asked.
Delucia also grabbed Liang Lai’s hand, curiously peeking into the room.
Liang Lai glanced inside.
“She’s not bad, though she has many injuries. Besides bruises and scrapes, her left arm is fractured, and her ankle seems problematic too. But everything is recoverable.”
Liang Lai was pleased to see Asterys and Delucia care about the new child. They didn’t seem to oppose her adopting Illucy and had even taken the initiative to call Illucy “little sister.” As a reward, Liang Lai bent slightly and kissed both their foreheads.
A flicker of brilliance passed through Asterys and Delucia’s eyes.
“This is the reward for being good children, isn’t it?” Asterys whispered to Delucia.
Delucia smiled and agreed with her sister.
“Only fools like Dolosa put all their emotions on their faces. Only obedient ones like us get Mom’s love.”
The kind Saintess was completely unaware of their thoughts. She straightened her back and ruffled the twin sisters’ heads.
“If you want, you can go find Illucy—your little sister—and introduce yourselves, chat a bit, help her feel less lonely. But don’t be too enthusiastic~ She’s a bit shy and scared of strangers. Also, don’t touch her—she’s been hurt quite badly.”
She withdrew her hands from their heads.
“I’m going to see Dolosa now and have a serious talk with her.”
Asterys and Delucia nodded obediently, their pentagram and hexagram eyes shining with equal admiration and eagerness.
“Of course! Mom, don’t worry. We’ll take good care of our little sister… After all, we’re all Mom’s good kids~”
Hearing this, Liang Lai was so moved she almost cried. She looked at Asterys and Delucia with relief, then went upstairs to find Dolosa.
Asterys and Delucia exchanged a smile, then released each other’s hands and, one after the other, pushed open the door to Illucy’s room.
“Hello~”
Delucia greeted Illucy warmly, while Asterys, being more introverted, followed behind and waved shyly.
Illucy had been gazing out the window, lost in thought.
She marveled at the luxurious surroundings—places she had never set foot in over her fifteen years and had never imagined existed in the world.
Delucia’s greeting broke the silence. Illucy shuddered, stiffly turning her head to see two identical, adorable faces.