Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Even though they were also princesses of the moon, the sisters couldn't help but silently admire her breathtaking beauty.

Her elegant and graceful aura was serene, almost ethereal.

There was an impression of wisdom gifted by nature, and a charm that seemed to embody the essence of all things.

It was something they had never possessed, nor could they ever hope to attain.

Her beauty transcended gender, evoking admiration from all, regardless of who they were.

"Toyohime, Yorihime, it's been a while. How have you been?"

"Thank you for asking. Everything is well, Your Highness."

"I'm doing great! And how about you, Princess Kaguya?"

The first response came from the serious and reserved younger sister, Yorihime, while the second, from the innocent and whimsical older sister, Toyohime.

Yorihime's reply was typical, neither hostile nor especially close, reflecting the truth of their distant relationship.

Toyohime, however, due to her personality, seemed much warmer, though their relationship wasn't close enough for deeper inquiries.

"I've had a minor issue recently, but it's nothing serious."

"Is that so? I hope your troubles resolve soon, Princess Kaguya."

Toyohime didn't press further. Her warmth was genuine, but their relationship wasn't close enough for personal matters. Nonetheless, her concern was sincere.

While the bond between the two sides was just average, this didn't mean there was animosity. Both sisters were friendly towards Kaguya, despite her closer ties with Eirin Yagokoro.

"Thank you for your kind words, Toyohime."

Soon after, Eirin Yagokoro entered and began the lesson.

However, the material covered was aligned with the progress of the Watatsuki sisters, leaving them puzzled.

By all accounts, Kaguya should have already mastered these topics.

They couldn't glean anything from Kaguya's expression, but Eirin also sensed something was off. Though Kaguya had asked to attend the class with her, she hadn't explained her true intentions, nor did she mention her plan involving the Watatsuki sisters.

But soon enough, Eirin understood what Kaguya was up to.

"Lady Eirin, I'm a bit confused about this part," Kaguya said after class, approaching Eirin with a troubled look.

"Could you help explain it to me again?"

Under the curious gaze of the sisters, Eirin approached Kaguya and glanced at the section she was pointing to.

It was something Kaguya couldn't possibly misunderstand.

Eirin, though keeping a composed face, began to catch on.

"Hmm, about this part…"

Without showing her realization, Eirin played along perfectly.

"Don't just stand, Eirin, sit here with me," Kaguya said gently, as if out of concern.

Eirin nodded and sat down beside her. The two were now quite close.

But it didn't end there.

Under the watchful eyes of the sisters, Kaguya moved even closer to Eirin until their arms touched.

Before long, Eirin finished explaining, but neither moved. Kaguya leaned into Eirin's arms.

"You work so hard, Eirin. It's all my fault for being so slow."

"Not at all, Your Highness."

The sisters thought this would be the end of it.

But they had underestimated what would come next.

Their eyes widened as Kaguya, nestled in Eirin's arms, suddenly turned over and hugged her tightly. She even nuzzled into Eirin's chest, taking a deep breath!

"Eirin, you still smell so nice. Your embrace is so soft and warm."

"Your Highness…"

Eirin's expression was one of helplessness, yet she showed no sign of resisting or displeasure. Instead, she affectionately stroked Kaguya's head.

"I wish I could stay in your arms forever..."

Eirin didn't respond aloud, but her gentle strokes spoke for her.

—Thud.

The elegant and mature Toyohime, usually so composed, dropped her fan.

Yorihime stared in disbelief.

Eirin glanced apologetically at her awestruck disciples but made no move to stop Kaguya.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, the sisters saw something that they would never forget.

Kaguya, nestled in Eirin's arms, turned her head slightly—just enough for the sisters to see—and shot them a smile, a mix of smugness and mockery.

It was as if something snapped in the room.

Kaguya's smile was enchanting, impossible to resist.

But to the sisters…

Yorihime's fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Toyohime's smile faltered.

This woman…!!!

It was already hard enough accepting that Kaguya was more beloved by Eirin, but they could only feel envy.

Now, however, Kaguya was blatantly taunting them.

Who could tolerate this?!

---

At the end of the day's lesson—

"Are you planning to take the Watatsuki sisters with you, Your Highness?" Eirin asked.

"As expected of you, Eirin. You guessed so much just from today's events."

"There's no need to involve them."

Eirin sighed softly.

Kaguya's plan to take the sisters along was out of concern for Eirin.

But Eirin had no intention of doing so, as she didn't want to complicate matters for Kaguya's escape from the moon.

If the escape failed, Eirin, as the brilliant mind of the moon, would be fine. But Kaguya? Her fate would be uncertain.

Both were willing to make sacrifices for each other.

"The Watatsuki sisters may be my disciples, but even if we flee the Moon Capital, the sages won't hold them accountable."

"True. They won't be punished because of us."

Kaguya nodded in agreement.

"But that doesn't mean they'll escape the burdens that are already destined for them, does it?"

"Fair point."

Eirin paused briefly, not pressing the issue further. It was something both understood well.

Finally, Eirin asked, "Have you made up your mind? This added risk could be what causes the plan to fail."

"What a silly question," Kaguya chuckled, a hint of amusement and disdain in her voice.

"Don't underestimate how much Eirin means to me."

"What a willful princess," Eirin remarked with a touch of resignation.

"Do you like it? It's something Eirin taught me," Kaguya said proudly, puffing out her chest.