Chapter 36: Dinner’s Served Again, Sisters!

A Heated Exchange

“I just wanted to cuddle!”

“What’s so great about that?”

“If I don’t cuddle, I’ll die!”

“You won’t die.”

“I will! I’ll really die!”

“Compared to keeping your oath, you’d rather do filthy things and smear my name?”

“I don’t want to! But I have no choice!”

“I said no, and that’s final! You absolutely can’t go to those places again!”

“If I can’t go to brothels, then… Cecilia, will you cuddle with me?”

The words stunned not just Cecilia, but Rita herself.

Reflecting, she realized how brazen and shameless her outburst was—some of it risking her identity’s exposure.

Any single phrase could’ve landed her at the city gate!

Why had she gotten so impulsive?

Cecilia’s face flushed red, then pale, her teeth clenched, speechless.

Never, in all her life, had anyone dared speak to her like that!

Was her life worth so little?

Yet, Cecilia noticed her tolerance for Rita was unusually high. Anyone else bargaining like this wouldn’t get the chance.

Many Holy Knights led messy private lives—she’d seen plenty—but most would dodge the issue and sneak off later.

Rita could’ve done the same, yet she earnestly haggled over something so trivial. She was… refreshingly candid.

That last line was a direct affront to the royal family, yet it stirred an odd feeling in Cecilia.

Joy, perhaps?

For the first time, Cecilia felt needed—not as the Fourth Princess, but as herself.

Or maybe the night’s atmosphere was too perfect, intoxicating her without a drop of wine in the flickering candlelight.

Silence lingered. Rita, unable to apologize, stared at the carpet. Cecilia, head lowered, saw only Rita’s quiet form in her eyes.

Finally, Cecilia mumbled an ambiguous reply, brushing the matter aside.

“When you need it, we’ll talk.”

Rita exhaled in relief, then wondered if Cecilia meant it.

Was that it?

What did “when you need it” mean?

Was it that meaning?

Rita’s heart fluttered, unable to read Cecilia’s mind.

Tonight, Cecilia seemed unusually lenient.

Where Rita found the courage to push further, she didn’t know.

Maybe just a bit more wouldn’t hurt?

“Actually… I need it tonight…”

An Unexpected Feast

Pushing boundaries worked—Rita’s hunger eased considerably.

Not in the way she’d imagined, though.

To be clear, Rita wasn’t a masochist, but being watched with Cecilia’s disdainful gaze while shamefully kissing her toes felt… peculiar.

Why toes? Cecilia forbade touching above the knees!

Relieving her hunger was enough—Rita wasn’t greedy.

She realized it wasn’t just physical closeness that sated her, but the emotions, desires, or impulses it sparked in the other person—abstract things.

What exactly, she couldn’t pinpoint.

Sated, Rita finally slept soundly.

A Rude Awakening

Her rest didn’t last. Early morning, a maid shook her awake.

“Lady Rita, Her Highness wants you soon.” The maid left with a mischievous, gloating grin, clearly enjoying disturbing her.

Rita thought Cecilia had urgent matters, but it was just breakfast duty as a personal guard.

Simply put, Cecilia and Angus ate at the table while Rita stood by, watching.

Staring at the elegantly plated dishes, Rita repeated to herself: ‘Sour, bitter, not tasty!’

Cecilia and Angus discussed recent city events and the exam’s next steps.

Rita wasn’t always clueless. Cecilia’s early summons likely wasn’t just for guarding but to share information indirectly.

As breakfast neared its end, a soldier entered, whispering to Angus. His expression shifted.

“Lord Angus, what’s wrong?” Cecilia set down her fork, wiping sauce from her lips with a handkerchief, clearly finished.

“Nothing, just some city news,” Angus deflected.

“A soldier, not a maid, brings the report—it must be serious. May I hear it?” Cecilia pressed.

Angus hesitated, then ordered the soldier, “Repeat what you told me to Her Highness.”

“Yes.” The soldier saluted. “Last night, two more attacks in Solus City—one in a West District alley, one at the South Gate. Both victims were male civilians, unrelated to the Holy Knight exam. We strongly suspect a succubus.”

Two men?

Rita’s heart stirred with doubt, but she suppressed it.

This wasn’t private time with Cecilia.

The soldier’s report continued briefly. Cecilia’s pursed lips parted.

“Lord Angus, your position as city lord is precarious.”

“Your Highness, I don’t shirk responsibility for city events, but I’ve tightened security lately…” Angus explained, his face darkening.

“You’ve realized, then. With so many incidents during the Holy Knight exam, even if I don’t pursue it, others will seize the chance to make trouble.”

Angus nodded gravely, staying silent.

“The exam’s first round is over. Attacking candidates now is pointless, and succubi don’t hunt daily. This is clearly a provocation against me—for my words yesterday. You’re merely caught in the crossfire, but you’re not blameless,” Cecilia continued.

“Their goal is to muddy the waters, but in murky waters, it’s easier to catch big fish.”