Chapter 57: The Cat That Steals Fish

Bandit Camp, Pavilion

“Watch your tone! My Highness would never act like that. If anything, your Lucius is the shady one, cozying up to my Highness under the guise of cooperation…”

“No way! Lord Lucius isn’t like that. He didn’t even fall for the Saintess, so why would he care for your…”

Fratina nearly called Christine a fallen princess but stopped, realizing it was too rude.

Both refused to believe their master would make the first move, defending their own while disparaging the other.

It was late, and though far from the pavilion, they kept their voices low to avoid detection.

After bickering, they calmed down, their gazes returning to the pavilion.

Fratina’s eyes fixed on Christine, as if judging her worthiness as Lucia’s partner.

To be fair, Christine was striking and capable, leading such a large force. Her royal bloodline outshone most.

She was, objectively, a top-tier match.

But Fratina didn’t want anyone else by Lucia’s side.

While Fratina mused, Lucia and Christine’s conversation continued.

“Christine, you could lean on your people sometimes. Emmeline, for instance, seems reliable.”

“…”

Christine was silent, then gave a bitter smile. “I’ve thought about it. But if I show weakness, won’t those drawn to my strength start to waver?”

“I trust Emmeline, but I can’t keep burdening her with my complaints. She’s already given so much.”

“You might not believe it, but since we fled together, Emmeline’s shielded me from everything.”

“From facing thugs while begging to handling challenges when we started this group—she’s paid a steeper price than me.”

“If I vent to her, I fear it’d only add to her stress.”

Lucia sighed. Emmeline and Christine seemed like a master and servant who cared deeply for each other, yet their mutual concern led them to shoulder more alone.

She didn’t know Emmeline’s state, but Christine’s words hinted at it.

Lucia reached out, gently patting Christine’s back. “It’s okay, Christine. For now, you can share your worries with me. Still, I suggest opening up to Emmeline soon. If you’re hiding things from her, she’s likely doing the same. Better to clear the air.”

“Thanks.”

Lucia’s comfort seemed to help. Christine wiped a tear, smiling. “I just needed someone to talk to. Getting it out feels better.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not some whiner who’ll dump on you all day.”

She reached for Lucia’s hood, playfully.

To Fratina and Emmeline, watching from afar, it looked far more intimate.

With Lucia facing them and Christine’s back turned, her gesture seemed suggestive.

Startled, Lucia leaned back, falling onto the bench. Christine, missing the hood, stumbled onto her.

“What are you doing!”

Lucia sounded annoyed.

Christine stuck out her tongue. “You’re so pretty. It’s just us—can’t I get a better look?”

“No way. Even Fratina hasn’t seen my face…”

Lucia blurted out, then remembered she’d met Fratina twice as a “normal” person.

Christine, hearing this, seemed to grasp their dynamic.

Laughing, she sat up, pulling Lucia with her. “Haha, Lucia, if that’s the case, show Fratina your face. You’re so stunning, how could she dislike you?”

“No way…”

Lucia shook her head. She couldn’t reveal her identity unless absolutely necessary.

“Alright, it’s your call. But if we get closer, I’d like to see you openly.”

Though Christine meant no harm, Lucia couldn’t help but misinterpret slightly.

“Let’s… talk about that later.”

As they bantered, Fratina’s face darkened.

Gripping Emmeline’s shoulder, she hissed, “You sure your Highness isn’t like that? Why’d she just tackle Lord Lucius?”

Emmeline was speechless.

She hadn’t known her Highness could be so forward. There were many ways to pursue revenge—why seduction?

Her noble status shouldn’t stoop so low…

Seeing Emmeline silent, Fratina’s mood didn’t improve.

Christine, still chatting and laughing, earned a few mental curses from Fratina as a “sneaky cat.”

‘Hmph, noble blood indeed. Even seduction comes naturally.’

“Show some respect!”

Emmeline lacked confidence but stood by her Highness.

Fratina didn’t back down. “What? Can’t handle the truth?”

“And you?”

Emmeline countered. “Why do you care so much about Lucius? If they end up together, what’s it to you?”

Fratina froze, struck by the question.

Why was she so upset? If Lucia and Christine paired up, it just meant they were a better match.

Shouldn’t she be happy for them?

But the thought tightened her chest painfully.

Why did it bother her so much?

Emmeline wanted to say more, but the pressure on her shoulder vanished.

Looking over, Fratina had turned, heading back to her room.

Confused, Emmeline shook her head and returned her gaze to Lucia and Christine.