Just one treatment a week was enough for Lilian to further improve her physical condition and receive swordsmanship training in return.
To be honest, it was very tempting.
Although Ophelia’s intentions were unclear.
But judging from their previous cooperation and interactions, as well as the information from the game, Lilian was basically safe.
She still had the contract with the Count’s Mansion to keep Ophelia in check.
And judging by Ophelia breaking down in tears during their farewell that night, she probably cared a lot about Lilian’s answers regarding this world.
Sigh, classic chuunibyou.
Servant’s Instinct was telling her to refuse.
But it wasn’t necessary—where else could she find such a good deal that would boost her strength without costing much?
The most important thing was…
Lilian recalled the gaunt man in the alley yesterday afternoon.
She was eventually going to cancel the contract and leave the Count’s Mansion.
Without those protections, she would have to rely on her own strength to protect herself.
Improving her abilities was never a bad thing.
With these thoughts, Lilian nodded at Ophelia.
“I’m fine with it, Your Highness.”
“That’s good. How about every Sunday?”
“Mm.”
With her purpose achieved, Ophelia gave Eleonora a provocative smile.
Eleonora tightened her arms around Lilian’s hand.
Right now, Eleonora was like a child, afraid of losing something she cared about.
Lilian still remembered that Eleonora treated her like family.
It was fine when she went to the Knights’ Order, but going to the princess’s bedchamber might make her think too much.
So a little reassurance was necessary—otherwise, it would be bad if they started quarreling again.
Lilian felt the way they were getting along now was quite comfortable.
She definitely didn’t want to deal with troubles every day like before.
Lilian turned her head and gave a comforting smile.
Eleonora calmed down as expected.
Then, she suddenly threw herself at Lilian, hugging her tightly.
As if Ophelia on the other side didn’t exist.
“Lilian, do you want to have dinner together tonight?”
Oh, such a nice offer?
“Sure.”
“Hehe.” Eleonora smiled, her little head twisting in Lilian’s arms.
Lilian’s cheeks blushed slightly.
Such a cute Eleonora.
“Clink!”
The teacup hit the saucer with a crisp sound.
Ophelia gave an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, slipped.”
She really couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Lilian, this is the last thing.” Ophelia pulled out a still-warm Invitation Letter from her bosom. “In four days, it’s my Birthday Banquet. You absolutely must come.”
Ophelia placed the Invitation Letter on the tea table and pushed it over.
Before Lilian and Eleonora could react, she stood up.
“It’s getting late, I’ll head back first. Good afternoon, Miss Eleonora. Goodbye, my Lilian.”
After a polite farewell, Ophelia left the reception room.
Once in the carriage, Ophelia took several deep breaths to steady her emotions.
She was itching to act.
Damn Eleonora.
Hmph, just wait until Lilian becomes mine—will you still be able to make that face?
Thinking of Lilian as her possession, at Eleonora’s side, letting her do whatever she wanted, Ophelia felt a surge of satisfaction.
Hehe, just you wait.
After Ophelia left, Eleonora and Lilian went to the small restaurant from that day.
The maids were busy preparing tonight’s dinner.
At the table.
“Will you go?” Eleonora looked at the Invitation Letter, propping her chin with one hand, staring at Lilian.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” Lilian didn’t care about Eleonora’s gaze.
She opened the Invitation Letter, curious about its contents.
She hadn’t seen an Invitation Letter from another world before.
“Dear Miss Lilian Elward, my Lilian…”
Ugh—
Calling Lilian “my Lilian” in the Invitation Letter felt so cheesy.
Lilian shuddered slightly, then continued reading.
It was just a sincere invitation to her Birthday Banquet, no different from the ones she’d seen in her past life.
A bit disappointed, Lilian folded the Invitation Letter back.
As for why she wanted to attend the Birthday Banquet, Lilian was clear in her mind.
That Black-robed Man had explicitly told her to be careful on Eleonora’s birthday.
Though she didn’t know what to be careful about, if Eleonora was in trouble, Lilian thought it was necessary to help—not to mention the 300 gold coins, she owed Eleonora too much.
If there was trouble and she could help, why not go?
The key was, this world was real, and many things could be changed.
Her relationship with Eleonora was the best proof.
What if the nobles and the cult’s plan against the Count of Cohen’s family was accelerated?
What would happen to Eleonora?
Would that Black-robed Man or his faction appear at the Birthday Banquet?
Lilian never sat idly by.
She had to gather enough information to feel secure.
Many bad situations happened because of unequal information.
For all these reasons, Lilian believed she had to go to the Birthday Banquet.
“…” Eleonora didn’t respond, turning her head away, avoiding Lilian’s gaze.
She clearly didn’t want Lilian to attend the banquet.
Seeing this, Lilian sighed.
She had to use the best excuse.
“Because I’m really worried about my lady, and to protect her, I have to go to the Birthday Banquet!”
Perfect!
Full of energy!
“Eh?”
Eleonora seemed stunned, her ears slowly blushing adorably.
“Alright, alright, if you want to go, then go…” She stammered, reluctantly agreeing to Lilian’s request.
“But promise me, stay away from Ophelia.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Promise.” Eleonora emphasized, wagging her index finger.
“Mm-hmm.” Lilian nodded repeatedly.
See? It really was about Ophelia.
Lilian could only say Eleonora was overthinking.
She and Ophelia were just partners.
At most, they were friends.
It wasn’t like in those novels or anime where the little sister helplessly watched her brother—or sister—get completely overshadowed by a mysterious purple-haired rival who appeared out of nowhere.
It was just possessiveness over family.
Ah well, no big deal.
Lilian didn’t care at all.
“By the way, Lilian.”
“Hmm?” Lilian answered lightly.
“From now on, let’s keep having dinner together.” Eleonora lowered her head, speaking softly.
She had thought it through.
She’d put aside Lilian’s dislike of her for now and find a way to deal with Ophelia. Otherwise, if Lilian left her, she would definitely be taken away!
Then, just like in their previous life, they might face some crisis, and Lilian could be seriously injured.
Though Lilian ended up fine, Eleonora couldn’t accept it.
The key was, in their previous life, Ophelia and Lilian had a good relationship, but in the end, when Lilian and she were in danger, Ophelia—no, the entire Hero Party—didn’t help.
She didn’t care.
But what about Lilian?
Eleonora believed those Heroes weren’t worthy of being Lilian’s friends.
Neither was she.
So she had to make Lilian hate her and stop worrying about her.
That way, Lilian would be safe.
But first, she needed to find a way to keep Ophelia from bothering Lilian.
Until then, enjoying her relationship with Lilian a little was no problem…
Seeing Lilian a little surprised and still avoiding her gaze, Eleonora felt a warm and sweet feeling swell in her heart.
Yeah, it’s fine.
After all, it’s just a little…
She was the Demon Lord, after all.
It would definitely be fine.
Definitely.