“Organizing such an evening, arranging for prominent figures from all walks of life to interact with her—including representatives from the city’s supply guilds—Moria, what kind of star are you trying to create? I’m getting more and more confused.”
“Your Highness, don’t try so hard to understand; that would only make it easier for you to figure me out.”
“Tch.”
Lisette stopped watching the girl showcasing herself in the main hall and glanced at Moria sitting across from her.
“If you’re asking for a favor, you should at least adjust your attitude.”
“What happened to the little cutie who used to call me Sister Moria?”
Moria set down her teacup with a sorrowful expression.
“Now that she’s a dignified princess, she’s grown so distant from me.”
“Give me a break.”
Lisette pursed her lips, not wanting to waste words on her.
Since earlier, they had been sitting face-to-face on the second-floor platform of the hall, sipping tea, occasionally keeping an eye on the activity below or admiring the night view of Dolon City—effectively overseeing the whole scene from their vantage point.
This also gave Lisette more questions.
She didn’t need to read minds to see the abnormal interaction between Flora and Meifei.
No matter what they intended, if Moria wanted to firmly control Flora, she should have stopped this from happening.
But Moria, who clearly had some kind of cultivation plan for Flora, chose instead to adopt a rather lenient, laissez-faire approach.
Such ease and mastery in her demeanor could only mean one thing in Lisette’s eyes.
Moria had an extraordinary scheme; she didn’t care what actions Flora would take.
“You must be overthinking again, Your Highness. I truly have no ill intentions. Just like the cooperation I proposed to you, from start to finish, what I want is simply to build a stage for her to showcase herself—whether it’s the gala, the Empire’s academy, or the Emerald Heart squad.”
I love her, which is why I want her to shine under the spotlight.
“Your Highness, don’t you think that’s a sufficient reason?”
Moria spoke with utmost composure; there was no hint of confusion on her face.
To her, this was no empty boast—she genuinely thought she was acting in Flora’s best interests.
And she was keeping her promises: as long as Flora obeyed, she granted her respect and freedom.
Her logic was flawless.
“Miss Emia said no one wants their beloved things to be coveted by others. Are you saying you’re the exception?”
Lisette laughed.
Without knowing the whole story, she could see the madness behind Moria’s words.
The woman sitting across from her showed no hesitation or doubt.
“Yes, because my love for her is that pure. I want her to shine even brighter, to attract more attention, to display her beauty, and to become the core of our Emerald Heart.”
Everything she did was aimed at this goal.
Lisette’s smile deepened.
“So, in reality, you don’t love her.”
Moria’s smile vanished; her fingers gripping the teacup turned slightly white.
As for her expression, this was the first time Lisette had seen it.
Confused?
Surprised?
She hadn’t expected this madwoman to have such a moment.
“Isn’t that true? When you truly love something, you don’t let others easily get close to it. You don’t love Miss Flora—you love the dazzling image she projects…”
“I love her when she’s in the spotlight, so I love her without any flaws.”
Moria raised her voice; Lisette decided not to continue arguing.
With such a serious tone, it would be best not to spark a quarrel.
In her eyes, Moria was like a painter wanting her masterpiece admired—not for the painting itself, but for her skills and herself to be recognized.
But as one of the rising noble youths, Lisette couldn’t imagine who else Moria hoped to gain approval from.
Since she was told not to overthink, she’d simply consider this woman to have some hidden agenda.
Moria was displeased by Lisette’s dismissive attitude, but other than furrowing her brows, she could do nothing.
After all, Lisette was a princess.
But how could she not love Flora?
If she didn’t, why go to such lengths to organize this gala and devise such an elaborate plan?
It really was all because of Lisette.
After all, even as a princess, she was still a sixteen-year-old brat no different from her sister, hardly a match to argue with.
“Everything she’s done so far meets my expectations, even exceeding them. Don’t you think her pretentious act is adorable? Like a clumsy toddler trying to walk, eager to show her achievements to her parents, hehe…”
Moria changed to a self-flattering analogy, which earned her an eye-roll from Lisette.
“Your metaphors are as bad as your horrible temper.”
The princess completely lost the mood to discuss this any further and quickly changed the subject.
“Enough. Besides the awards ceremony, there’s something else I need to take care of at this gala.”
“Your Highness, please speak freely.”
Moria felt she’d won a point, curling the corner of her lips and signaling the noble guest to speak without reservation.
Lisette didn’t hold back: “Because of your outstanding achievements with Emerald Heart, many nobles have begun their adventurer careers. As the ruler of the Empire, my father believes the royal family should also form one.I came to the gala to seek your advice, but I still haven’t met the other two members of your team. Moria, could you tell me where they are?”
Lisette was very concerned about Elka and Tatashimi’s whereabouts.
Her attendants accompanying her to Dolon City were all top-tier experts.
Whether it was espionage, assassination, guarding, or magic, few could match their skills.
Yet even they hadn’t been able to find a trace of those two.
Although this was typical of a squad capable of hunting down giant beasts on its own, rulers generally fear powers too strong and uncontrollable.
Lisette was no different.
Moria, however, showed little interest, her gaze toward Lisette tinged with boredom.
She smiled, as if saying that anyone who didn’t want to talk about Flora was a tasteless fool.
But as a subordinate, she didn’t evade Lisette’s question.
“We’re a squad, so there’s no strict hierarchy. Tatashimi is handling something important, related to Flora’s award ceremony. Once she finishes, the bishop can proceed.As for Elka, I told Your Highness before that she’s very angry…”
Moria’s gaze shifted from Lisette’s face to behind her.
Following her line of sight, Lisette saw a blonde elf in a pale yellow gown appear.
She hovered not far from them.
Lisette blinked, trying to get a clearer look, but the elf moved closer instead.
The two bodyguards who had been protecting Lisette didn’t even have time to react.
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