In the imperial palace dining hall, within the gilded and resplendent dining chamber, Charlotte nibbled her dinner bit by bit, feeling something slightly odd as she observed Astrid and Amalia acting no differently than usual.
There was a time when witnessing the Third Princess and Fourth Princess feeding each other so intimately would have stirred only a gentle warmth within her, an elder's fondness at seeing sisters so close, loving one another, a sight of profound happiness.
Now, however, the relationship between Astrid and Amalia had undergone a drastic transformation. All their tender gestures now carry an additional, subtle layer of meaning.
Sisters... could truly become like this now?
Noticing the unmistakable adoration in Astrid's eyes, catching from the corner of her vision the tranquility and trust glowing in Amalia's blue irises, Charlotte meticulously chewed a leaf of lettuce, then lifted her wine glass to sip some red wine.
