Leira nodded, her expression somewhat amused by her little sister's request.
She turned her attention to the fox beastwoman perched on her lap, leaning in to place a quick yet affectionate kiss on her lips. "Run along now, my love. I'll have them fetch you before I leave so don't worry, hm?"
The beastwoman's eyes flashed with reluctance before she slowly slipped off Leira's lap, casting a lingering glance at her before leaving the room, leaving the three alone in the private room.
Leira turned towards Renzille, a small smirk playing at the corners of her lips.
"Well, I've sent your little irritation away so can you come over now?" She asked, her tone bordering on teasing.
Renzille's gaze flicked between Leira and the closed door for a moment before she let out a sigh, crossing the room to stand in front of her older sister.
She tried to keep her expression neutral, refusing to let Leira see any hint of her inner turmoil.
"There's my lovely little sister." Leira hummed out as she shot Renzille a smug smile, seemingly enjoying her sister's discomfort. "So, what do you think of this bordello so far? It's the very best in the red district."
Renzille's jaw clenched ever so slightly, her lips pursing as she composed herself, determined not to give Leira any satisfaction.
"Indeed, it's quite a unique choice for passing the time. If I'm to be honest, I find it.. A little tacky." Renzille flashed Leira a strained smile, her tone tinged with disapproval as she responded.
Leira chuckled at her younger sister's comment, amused by her disapproving words. "Oh, darling little sister, you're just too uptight. You should learn to loosen up a little."
"I appreciate the sentiment." Renzille responded curtly, keeping the polite smile on her face.
Leira's smirk widened as she leaned back against the luxurious couch, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Let's be honest, my dear Renzille, you're not getting any younger.."
"Yes?" Renzille spoke up, urging Leira to continue.
"You have reached the age when you should start broadening your taste." Leira started as she released a chuckle. "After all, there are countless beastmen and beastwomen just waiting for a chance with a lovely noblelady like you."
Renzille's eyebrow twitched as she tried so hard to maintain a friendly expression, her lips thinning slightly at the implication of the woman's words.
Once again, Renzille forced a smile.
"It's lovely to see you, too, big sister." She replied, the politeness in her tone masking the annoyance that lingered beneath. "But really, don't trouble yourself. I can handle myself just fine."
The response was short and simple, but full of conviction— not like Leira would comment on it.
Leira simply raised an eyebrow at her sister's response, her lips curled in a knowing smirk, silently acknowledging Renzille's underlying frustration.
"Anyway, pardon me for asking, but is that all you wanted to tell me?" Renzille inquired, going straight to the point.
Leira's playful expression faded, replaced by a neutral one as she shifted into the subject at hand. "Right.. I can't forget the reason for this occasion in this lovely location."
"Then?" Renzille raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't invite you here just to tease you. Although I don't mind your company, of course. However, I invited you here to discuss a plan." Leira stated with a grim expression. "About your plan, more specifically."
Renzille's eyebrows lifted in surprise, her irritation momentarily put aside as she waited for Leira to continue.
Leira leaned her head into her knuckle, gesturing casually for Renzille to take a seat on the couch opposite her, which was both authoritative and elegant, a clear indication that Leira expected her sister's full attention.
Renzille didn't bother disobeying and took a seat on the couch, folding her hands in her lap.
At the same time, as Renzille took her seat, her gaze darted momentarily towards Kreios, who obediently stood nearby.
He caught her glance and with him understanding the unspoken signal, he quietly made his way to the balcony, sliding the glass doors open, stepped outside and silently closed them behind him to give some privacy for the sisters.
With the beastman taking his leave, Renzille's attention returned to Leira, showing the older woman that she's ready to listen.
Leira raised an eyebrow, curiosity and skepticism clear in her eyes, as she observed the scene that just happened. "You know.. I have a suspicion that your relationship with your beastman is more of a business arrangement rather than a soon-to-be married couple."
Renzille's expression remained neutral, her eyes never leaving Leira's, as she offered a cool retort. "Appearances can be deceiving."
Leira simply stared at her, a small smile playing on her lips that looked quite solemn for Renzille's eyes. "I see.. So you're going down a different path this time, huh?"
Renzille's expression was stoic, her gaze never wavering from Leira's, but confusion flickered across her features at her older sister's words.
She raised an eyebrow. "Pardon? A different path?"
Renzille could sense that there were underlying implications in Leira's statement, but Leira merely tilted her head, her expression brightening up with her usual obnoxious grin.
"Nevermind what I just said." Leira swiftly brushed aside Renzille's previous question, redirecting the conversation. "More importantly, my little sister.. Let's talk about your plants after your wedding day, shall we?"
Leira leaned back against the couch's plush cushions, her gaze fixed on Renzille and watched as Renzille's face showed surprise.
"I haven't quite thought that far ahead yet." Renzille stated, her eyebrows furrowing.
"Well.. As you're already aware, our kingdom's knights have suffered significant losses this month." Leira started, a solemn glint creeping into her eyes. "I'll be staying here for another week, but only until your wedding day."
Wait.. What? Is this the reason why Leira withdrew herself from the battlefield just so she could attend my wedding? Renzille thought, her heart skipping a beat.
She had always wondered why Leira did what she did in her first life.
Growing up, she wasn't close with either Leira and Helios, but the two of them attended Renzille's wedding and stayed until the event was done, then they left again.
Somehow, knowing that Leira might have cared even just for a bit.. Made Renzille's eyes sting a little.
"Before I depart, I have an important proposal to present to you." Leira continued, making Renzille listen carefully, her expression remaining blank even though she was feeling a little peachy.
"You.. Have a remarkable skill in handling various weapons." Leira started, her voice dripping with reluctance, like she was contemplating whether she should continue saying what she had in mind. "Be it swords, bows, daggers, or even throwing knives— you're always good at handling them."
Renzille's composure faltered, the way her eyes went wide showing her surprise.
Leira's words hit a nerve, causing Renzille to freeze immediately, uncertain of how to respond and could only stare at her older sister with both surprise and unease.
"How.. How do you know that, Leira?" Renzille asked, her eyebrows furrowing as she narrowed her eyes at the woman before her.
Renzille found out that she was quite skilled on the mentioned weapons when she was drafted in the battlefield and joined Leira in the war— those words.. Those were words that shouldn't leave Leira's mouth unless..
Don't tell me that she also.. Renzille thought, her heart beating anxiously inside her chest as she stared at Leira.
Leira ignored Renzille's question and pressed onward with her proposal. "You'll have ten days tops. I'll make arrangements for your enlistment in the war and I'll make sure that your husband-to-be will be sent to my mansion."
"Why.." Renzille croaked out, feeling rather confused and overwhelmed.
"So my husband won't feel alone." The white haired woman answers with a matter of act tone. "And also, who are we to say that he will be safe to be left alone with father and Celine?"
Renzille's expression darkened. "And why would I agree to this? Why should I trust you?"
Leira paused, then her lips curled up into a smile. "This is the only way I can extend my protection to you, my beloved younger sister."
Renzille also paused, her glare faltering momentarily as she silently processed her older sister's words.
There was something about Leira's tone that sounded so sad.. Like she was grieving— like she was regretting something and wanted to make up for the cause of that regret.
Renzille just doesn't know what it could be.