cahpter 129: The Knightess’s Second Private Lesson

cahpter 129: The Knightess's Second Private Lesson

"I'm the one who understands her, the one who truly appreciates her talents! How could this happen?"

Her mind filled with righteous indignation. She lamented the prejudice against true love between girls in this world.

But resignation wasn't in her nature. If she wanted to change things, she'd have to rely on her own efforts.

"I'll pave the way for a future where girls can openly express their feelings for one another, and where Violet can realize I'm her true soulmate!"

Her mission was a monumental one—to change the world's prejudices with her own tw o hands.

Fired up with resolve, Lilith's gaze softened as she looked at Violet again, now filled with tenderness and affection.

However, Violet shuddered involuntarily under Lilith's gaze, a chill running down her spine.

"Why is this foot-water-loving pervert looking at me like that?!"

Lilith's gaze then shifted to Shia, her fiancée. If the world was prejudiced, and the path to change lay ahead, the first step was clearly to deal with this overly popular obstacle.

The handsome young man sat casually, exuding a relaxed and unrestrained charm that made him seem approachable and kind.

Lilith's eyes narrowed slightly, a mischievous smile creeping onto her face. It was obvious that this golden-haired troublemaker was already plotting her next scheme.

---

Late Night

A figure appeared outside Shia's villa. After deftly entering her information, the door opened.

A lithe, curvaceous silhouette stepped inside, gliding through the living room, ascending the stairs, and finally stopping before Shia's bedroom door.

Knock, knock, knock.

The slow, deliberate rhythm of her knocking broke the stillness. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a softly lit room—warm and inviting against the darkness of the night.

The light illuminated Aph's sun-kissed skin, her usually resolute eyes now tinged with confusion.

Shia, silhouetted by the light, moved aside to let her in.

They sat at the small table on the balcony. Aph held a cup of warm water but seemed far too preoccupied to drink.

"I have some things I haven't figured out," Aph began, her gaze on Shia but distant, as if looking through him.

Despite being more mature than Violet, some matters still left her puzzled. She couldn't understand why her sincere efforts for the princess had been met with anger.

All afternoon and into the evening, Violet hadn't spoken a word to her.

Aph's duty was to protect the princess. She was willing to bear all hardships for her, to help her grow stronger.

Shia studied the older woman quietly. The first step in teaching was to help her unravel the knots in her heart.

"Aph, you care deeply about your princess, don't you?"

Aph turned to him, unsure why he brought this up, but nodded.

"But hiding your feelings isn't the way to go," Shia continued. "When you hide your true thoughts while claiming it's 'for her own good,' it sounds a lot like a parent's lecture. That's not something a child—or in this case, the princess—can easily understand."

Aph hesitated. She understood his words on some level, but they felt vague.

Her role was to protect the princess, to nurture her, and even to enlist Shia's help in honing her. Yet, if the princess learned about her pact with Shia, she'd surely feel betrayed.

Shia guided her step by step, helping Aph realize her actions, though well-meaning, were misunderstood.

Finally, Aph began to grasp his point. "Are you saying… my way of expressing things is the problem?"

Shia nodded approvingly.

"Take this afternoon as an example. What were you trying to express?"

"That I was willing to take the punishment for her."

"And how did she respond?"

"Why would you take my punishment?"

Aph opened her mouth but faltered. To her, it was a given—her duty as a royal guard was to protect her liege from all harm, even humiliation.

Shia sighed, pressing his fingers to his forehead. "Isn't it because you care about her, want her to be happy, and can't bear to see her suffer?"

Aph froze, her ears reddening. It felt like overstepping her role to admit such feelings toward her mistress.

"If that's how you feel, why not tell her directly?"

Aph hesitated again. "I… how could I say that out loud?"

"If you don't, she'll never know," Shia said calmly. "She already views me as an adversary, which is fine—that's my role. But you? You're supposed to care about her. If your actions make it seem like you're defying her orders, how can she possibly feel happy?"

Aph felt a wave of shame wash over her. "She can't."

"So, you need to express what's in your heart. Only then can she understand. Got it?"

Aph's eyes lit up with newfound clarity. "I understand."

"Good. Now, imagine I'm Violet. Tell me what's in your heart."

Aph stared at him, mustering her courage. Her face flushed redder the longer she hesitated, and under Shia's encouraging gaze, she finally stammered, "I… I just want the best for you."

Shia sighed. "Could you just say you care about her?"

Aph blushed deeper, her voice low but resolute. "I… I care about you."

After repeated practice, Aph eventually managed to fluently say, "I worry about you. I don't want you to suffer, so I want to share the burden." Though not perfect, it was a significant improvement.

---

As the lesson concluded, Aph noticed Shia's empty cup. She reached out and took his hand, her expression sincere.

"I'm more and more convinced you're a good person. Thank you!"

Shia blinked. "Wait, what? A 'good person' card out of nowhere?"

Standing at the door, Aph pushed aside a stray strand of hair, her movements carrying an added allure.

She leaned closer, pressing herself lightly against him. Her ample chest pushed against him, the soft, plush sensation momentarily taking his breath away.

It was then Shia realized Aph's attire was different tonight. She wore a flowing black chiffon gown, its fabric swaying gently in the night breeze. The dress highlighted her tall, curvaceous figure, her commanding presence softened by an ethereal beauty that made her look like a princess herself.

Aph closed her eyes and kissed him softly. When she pulled away, she whispered, "That was my first kiss."