The major reconciliation between Vivian and Lilith right before their life-and-death parting was once one of the most tear-jerking plot points in the original game.
It was precisely because of that storyline that Greg had resolved back then to save Vivian and ease the rift between the sisters.
He remembered clearly that in the original game, they obviously loved each other deeply, yet due to misunderstandings, pride, and the Demon King Cult taking advantage of the situation, they had stepped onto opposing paths until everything was beyond salvation.
He did not want an ending like that to happen again in this world.
So at this moment, when he saw Lilith—tsundere to her very core—actually convince herself and invite Vivian to afternoon tea with a blushing face, a wave of relief and satisfaction swelled in Greg's heart.
Because this was an outcome he had worked hard to bring about, proof that he was changing the storyline.
He should be happy about this.
However—
"What's with your eyes darting over to me every few seconds while talking to the sister you admire so much!?"
Greg couldn't help but inwardly rant.
Standing to the side, he clearly caught those amber eyes of Lilith's darting a quick glance toward him every few seconds before rapidly pulling away.
That look gave him an inexplicable sense of unease.
However, he soon thought of another possibility—perhaps that look was signaling for him and Victoria to leave quickly, feeling they were in the way.
After all, opportunities for the sisters to be alone together were rare, so having two outsiders present was indeed somewhat inappropriate.
With this thought in mind, Greg acted immediately, giving Victoria beside him a push to signal that they should leave together.
Victoria was somewhat reluctant. Gossipy light gleamed in her gray eyes, and she lowered her voice to say:
"This is major drama! Don't you want to watch? The love-hate drama between the Student Council President and her genius younger sister—this is a super rare scene!"
"Stop trying to watch drama all day! Keep this up, and sooner or later the drama's going to crash onto your own head!"
Without giving her a chance to argue, Greg grabbed Victoria by the shoulders, forcibly turned her around, and pushed her as he walked away quickly from the scene.
He had to give the two sisters enough space to have a proper talk.
In the corridor, only Vivian and Lilith were left.
Vivian stood quietly where she was, looking at her younger sister before her, who was both expectant and cautious.
Reflected in her ice-blue eyes was Lilith's face, faintly flushed with tension.
She recalled what Greg had once told her—Lilith was a tsundere whose coldness and harshness were merely a front, and deep down, she cared about her older sister more than anyone else.
Ever since learning this, many of the knots in Vivian's heart had long been resolved.
She had begun to understand the true feelings behind her sister's awkward words and actions, able to see the softness and insecurity hidden beneath her proud exterior.
And now, she similarly understood how much courage it must have taken for Lilith to take the initiative to 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 as cool and crisp as ever, yet carrying a rare touch of gentleness:
"I'm very happy."
Hearing this, Lilith's amber eyes instantly lit up like ignited stars.
The corners of her mouth curved up uncontrollably, and her voice bore irrepressible joy: "Then—"
"But not today."
Vivian's words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the hope that had just flared within Lilith.
Looking at her sister's instantly frozen face, she continued in that same calm tone:
"Have you finished today's training? Have you completed your etiquette lessons? Are you fully prepared for the exchange?"
Three questions, like three sharp arrows, accurately plugged Lilith's mouth.
Lilith stood in place, opening her mouth, yet unable to make a sound.
In just a few short seconds, her expression underwent a complex shift from joy to astonishment, and from astonishment to feeling wronged.
Ultimately, she stamped her foot hard and shouted loudly: "Dear Sister, you dummy!"
Then she turned around and ran off without looking back.
That fiery red hair fluttered behind her like a burning flame, quickly vanishing at the end of the corridor.
Now, only Vivian remained here.
Standing where she was, she looked in the direction her sister had vanished. The complex emotions that surfaced on her face—once like frozen ice—included guilt, reluctance, helplessness, and a deep sense of vigilance.
She hadn't actually wanted to do this.
She, too, had really wanted to sit down for afternoon tea with her beloved sister after so long and chat about recent events.
She had even imagined the scene in her mind—the two of them sitting by the window as sunlight washed over the tabletop, Lilith complaining about how tough her training was while secretly pushing her favorite dessert in front of her.
However...
She remembered that morning, on the outer edge of the crowd, when she had heard Greg say he was always watching Lilith.
Those words were like a tiny thorn jabbed into her heart.
Although she knew Greg might not have meant it in that way, Lilith was her younger sister.
While both were remarkably beautiful, they also shared many similarities.
Furthermore, Lilith's magic talent surpassed her own.
All of this forced Vivian to raise her guard.
"And then there was that look..."
She had also noticed it just now.
While speaking, Lilith's gaze kept drifting, consciously or unconsciously, toward Greg standing behind her.
That look carried a complex and subtle emotion she had never seen in her sister's eyes before. Given Lilith's personality, it should have been impossible for her to act with such timid lack of confidence.
She had always been full of confidence, holding her head high. When had she ever looked at someone so secretively?
This could only prove one thing—Lilith might harbor a feeling toward Greg that she shouldn't have.
Vivian had originally wanted to probe Victoria, but now she suddenly realized that the person she needed to guard against most might be her own younger sister, Lilith.
That was why she had refused Lilith's invitation just now.
Because she knew very well that if the two of them reconciled completely now, if they went back to being close sisters who hid nothing from each other, she wasn't sure if she could still bring herself to oppose Lilith.
That regained sisterly bond would become her greatest weakness.
Therefore, at least for now, she needed this rift to remain for a little while longer.
"I'm sorry, Lilith."
Vivian raised her head, gazing toward the setting sun in the distance. Reflected in her ice-blue eyes was the brilliant evening glow at the edge of the sky:
"Once everything has settled, I'll make it up to you."
Her voice was very soft, fading into the evening breeze like a sigh.
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