The reconciliation before a final parting between the sisters Vivian and Lilith had been one of the most tear-jerking plotlines in the original work.
It was precisely because of that plotline that Greg had initially resolved to save Vivian and ease the friction between the two sisters.
He remembered clearly that in the original story, they clearly loved each other deeply, yet due to misunderstandings, pride, and the Demon King Cult's interference, they drifted toward opposition until everything was beyond repair.
He didn't want that kind of ending to repeat in this world.
So, at this moment, when he saw the bone-deep tsundere Lilith actually convince herself to blush and invite Vivian to afternoon tea, Greg felt a surge of relief and satisfaction.
Because this was the result of his hard work, the proof that he was changing the story.
He should be happy about this.
But—
“You’re talking to the sister you admire, so why the hell do you keep glancing at me!?”
Greg couldn't help but complain wildly in his mind.
Standing to the side, he clearly caught how Lilith’s amber eyes would dart toward him every few seconds before quickly looking away as she spoke.
That look gave him an inexplicable sense of unease.
But he soon considered another possibility—perhaps those glances were a signal for him and Victoria to hurry up and leave because they were in the way.
After all, it was a rare chance for the sisters to be alone; having two outsiders present was indeed inappropriate.
With that thought, Greg acted immediately, nudging Victoria beside him to signal their departure.
Victoria was reluctant, her gray eyes sparkling with the light of gossip as she whispered:
“This is major drama, don't you want to see it? The complicated history between the Student Council President and her genius sister—this is a once-in-a-lifetime scene!”
“Stop thinking about gossip all day. Keep this up and you'll end up being the drama yourself!”
Without another word, Greg grabbed Victoria by the shoulders, forced her to turn around, and pushed her quickly away from the scene.
He had to leave enough space for the sisters to have a proper talk.
Only Vivian and Lilith remained in the corridor.
Vivian stood quietly, looking at her sister, who was full of expectation yet cautious.
In her ice-blue eyes, Lilith’s face, slightly flushed with nerves, was reflected.
She recalled what Greg had once told her—Lilith was a tsundere; her coldness and biting words were just a facade, and deep down, she cared about her sister more than anyone.
Since learning that, many of the knots in Vivian's heart had already unraveled.
She began to read the true feelings behind her sister's awkward words and actions, seeing the softness and insecurity beneath her haughty exterior.
And now, she also understood how much courage it took for Lilith to take the initiative and invite her.
For a girl accustomed to using pride as a shield, this was nothing short of a massive gamble.
“Thank you, Lilith.”
Vivian spoke. Her voice was as cool as ever, but it carried a rare trace of gentleness:
“I’m very happy.”
Hearing this, Lilith’s amber eyes instantly lit up like ignited stars.
The corners of her mouth curled up uncontrollably, her voice filled with irrepressible joy: “Then—”
“But not right now.”
Vivian’s words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the hope Lilith had just kindled.
Watching her sister’s face instantly freeze, Vivian continued in that same flat tone:
“Have you finished today’s training? Have you studied your etiquette lessons? Are the preparations for the exchange complete?”
Three questions, like three sharp arrows, accurately silenced Lilith.
Lilith stood there, mouth agape, but unable to make a sound.
In just a few seconds, her expression went through a complex transformation from joy to bewilderment, and from bewilderment to grievance.
Finally, she stomped her foot hard and shouted, “Dear Sister, you idiot!”
Then, she turned and ran away without looking back.
Her fiery red hair fluttered behind her like burning flames, quickly vanishing at the end of the corridor.
Now, only Vivian remained.
She stood there, looking in the direction her sister had disappeared. On her face, which usually looked frozen in ice, a complex expression emerged.
There was guilt, reluctance, helplessness, and a deep sense of wariness.
She didn't actually want to do this.
She also wanted to have afternoon tea with her dear sister for the first time in a long while and chat about recent events.
She had even imagined the scene—the two of them sitting by the window, sunlight spilling across the table, while Lilith complained about the grueling training while secretly pushing her favorite dessert toward her.
But...
She remembered that morning, on the outskirts of the crowd, when she heard Greg say he had always been watching Lilith.
Those words were like a tiny thorn pricking her heart.
Although she knew Greg probably didn't mean it that way, Lilith was her own sister.
While both were equally outstanding in appearance, they also shared many similarities.
Furthermore, Lilith’s magical talent was even more exceptional than her own.
All of this forced Vivian to heighten her guard.
“And those glances...”
She had noticed them just now as well.
While Lilith was speaking, her eyes would intentionally or unintentionally dart toward Greg, who was standing behind her.
That look held a complex and subtle emotion she had never seen in her sister's eyes. Given Lilith’s personality, it should have been impossible for her to act with such timid lack of confidence.
She was always full of self-assurance, head held high. When would she ever steal glances at someone like that?
This could only prove one thing—Lilith might harbor feelings for Greg that she shouldn't have.
Vivian had originally wanted to probe Victoria, but now she suddenly realized that the person she needed to be most wary of might be her own sister, Lilith.
That was why she had rejected Lilith’s invitation just now.
She knew very well that if they reconciled completely now, if they went back to being close sisters who shared everything, she wasn't sure if she could still harden her heart to compete with Lilith.
That reclaimed sisterly bond would become her greatest weakness.
Therefore, at least for now, she needed this rift to persist a little longer.
“I’m sorry, Lilith.”
Vivian looked up toward the setting sun in the distance, her ice-blue eyes reflecting the brilliant evening glow:
“Once everything has settled, I will make it up to you.”
Her voice was very soft, like a sigh, dissipating into the evening breeze.
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