Aunt

After returning to the estate, Alice somehow silently appeared beside the two without anyone noticing—even Losiya hadn't sensed her presence.

"Lady, I just received a letter," she said.

Julian, standing behind, glanced at Alice a few more times, curious about what exactly Alice's Holy Mark was.

Losiya took the letter. Upon seeing the family crest on the envelope, she couldn't help but let out a short laugh.

Casually opening the envelope and unfolding the letter inside, Losiya muttered, "Let's see what trick she's trying this time."

After reading for a few seconds, Losiya showed a puzzled expression.

"Lady, who sent you the letter?" Alice asked.

"Tania Desmond," Losiya said, shaking the envelope with the crest.

Alice had heard of the name. She frowned and fell silent for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "I've heard of her. Isn't she that good-for-nothing noble lady? Why would someone like her have any dealings with you?"

Not knowing the details of the auction, Alice had no idea about the "grudge" or dispute between the two.

"At this last auction, I spent about a million gold Berlers just to secure Julian," Losiya said, patting Julian on the shoulder, her tone tinged with heartache.

Julian unconsciously pinched his skirt hem. From Losiya's teasing and faint hostility, he could feel how awkward the situation had become for him.

Alice also glanced at Julian, then revealed a look of realization and said calmly, "So she was your rival in bidding for Julian. No wonder the final price got driven up so high."

At this point, Alice couldn't help expressing a bit of complaint—**a whole million**, and you even had to pull out the *Seeking Joy Melody*.

"I'm a Countess of the Empire. If I couldn't even compete with a noble lady without inheritance rights like her, even you would laugh at me later, wouldn't you, Alice?" Losiya widened her eyes, speaking seriously.

Alice smiled slightly, showing her true stance. "In fact, Julian's actual worth far exceeds a million. Your judgment has always been sharp."

"Besides," she continued, "just imagining that perverted noble lady getting Julian—it feels like a crime that destroys aesthetic beauty. Even Lord Farad up above probably couldn't forgive you."

Julian looked at the two going back and forth, and finally couldn't help interrupting: "So what was her purpose in writing to Losiya?"

"Because she's unwilling to accept it," Alice answered directly.

Losiya nodded in agreement.

"Tania still covets Julian, and since he was taken right in front of her, she's probably not only unwilling to give up, but growing even more obsessed behind the scenes."

"What is she, some kind of beast? Or is it because her true identity is a believer of the Succubus Queen?" Losiya cursed.

On the continent of Light's Threshold, humans weren't the only empire. There were other races as well. For example, in the eastern regions lay the Dark Realm, where dark creatures had formed their own nations—some even with power equal to that of the Holy Domain. The Succubus Queen Losiya mentioned was one such figure.

"In any case, we should be prepared," Alice said.

Losiya gave a quiet "Mhm," then suddenly recalled something. After a pause, she said, "Alice, do you still remember Enie?"

"That young girl? What about her?"

"What was she responsible for in the estate recently?" Losiya asked.

Alice quickly replied, "Nothing out of the ordinary—mostly routine chores. But…"

"But what?"

"Her mental state lately hasn't been good. At first, I thought it was something to do with her family. But the more I thought about it, the more something seemed off. Maybe we really should look into it…" Alice muttered.

"Her mental state's not good?" Losiya felt like she was getting closer to the truth.

"Alice, I'll be straight with you—we ran into Tania's carriage today when Julian and I went out. And Enie was with her."

When Alice heard this, her expression stayed calm. But knowing her well, Losiya could tell she was deep in thought.

"Let's go to Lady Catherine's room," Alice suddenly said after a while.

"Alright." Without asking why, Losiya agreed right away.

Julian quietly remembered the name and obediently followed at Losiya's side.

When they reached a room, Losiya didn't open the door immediately but knocked gently.

"Aunt, may I come in now?" she asked softly.

"Losiya? Come in quickly," came a gentle voice from inside.

Opening the door, Julian followed behind Losiya and Alice into the room, immediately noticing the woman inside.

"How's your health?" Losiya asked.

"Much better after last night." The woman smiled. Though she said so, the pale tone of her skin couldn't be hidden.

"You little one… The Holy Mark's power isn't something you should use so recklessly. If your mother knew, she'd scold you thoroughly," she added, unable to hide her reproach.

Losiya grinned playfully and affectionately pulled the woman's arm. "You won't tell her, right?"

"Good afternoon, Lady Catherine," Alice stepped forward and greeted.

"Good afternoon, little Alice," the woman smiled gently.

There was a graceful, mature air about Catherine—calm after life's storms, and visibly fond of both Losiya and Alice.

The house of blooming lilies caught the sunlight well, and as it streamed in through the windows, it cast a golden glow. Under that light, Catherine's gentle face looked fair and translucent, without a trace of wrinkles—her pale complexion not hiding her beauty at all. One would never guess her true age.

However, her figure clearly wasn't something a young girl could possess. Losiya and Alice were both tall and elegant, almost flawless in appearance, but still somewhat youthful next to her.

Even with her robe draped loosely, it couldn't hide her exaggerated curves—her waist and hips full and firm, not fat, but mature and sensual.

"And this is…?" Her eyes shifted slightly as she looked toward Julian, curious.

"His name is Julian. He's…," Losiya paused.

"He's the young man Lady Losiya chose," Alice answered calmly.

Julian: …

Losiya: …

The two fell silent at once. Catherine, however, suddenly stood up. With her hands gracefully folded in front of her, she walked up to Julian.

As a senior, she gently took Julian's wrist and looked at him up close, especially lingering on his right eye and his Adam's apple.

"Lady Catherine…"

"Good child, you may call me Aunt from now on," she said softly, smiling as she pulled Julian closer and began asking familiar household questions.

"Alice, you…!" Losiya glared at Alice.

But Alice remained completely calm—because she knew full well that deep down, Losiya was actually very happy.