Chapter 59: Treya and Her Beloved Sister

“Big Sister Eugenie, please, one more time.”

On the eastern side of the royal palace, where the sun had already set and only the darkened sky remained, the training grounds under the Evening Star’s glow were quiet. A silver-haired girl tightly gripped her sword, addressing her red-haired elder sister.

Her arms and legs trembled from exhaustion, but she steadied her breathing, stood tall, and raised her sword, performing the royal family’s formal invitation stance.

The pale yellow lamplight illuminated half of her face and her silver hair, casting a serene glow.

“Oh, my dear little Ninth Sister~ Do you even know what time it is? You need to rest properly and take better care of yourself. The engagement ceremony is just a few days away, and you’ll finally meet your fiancé. Get your priorities straight, will you?”

Compared to Treya, who looked like she had just endured a grueling battle, Eugenie appeared completely at ease. She twirled the wooden training sword in her hand with practiced grace, her tone laced with a subtle mockery that she didn’t bother to hide.

But…

Treya didn’t seem to pick up on her sister’s sarcasm.

She simply stared at the worn wooden training sword in her hands. Unlike Eugenie’s, hers was old and battered, with numerous scratches and a dulled tip.

Treya wanted to become an exceptional swordswoman.

At the very least, she wanted to master the Entark family’s sword techniques.

Not for any grand reason.

Her father, the king, often visited her despite his busy schedule.

He would tell her stories about her mother, a remarkable swordswoman renowned even among the elves. Her parents had met and fallen in love while exploring dungeons together.

So…

Treya wanted to become a swordswoman.

For a beloved princess, such a reason was more than enough.

And…

Becoming an exceptional swordswoman would allow her to be like her most admired sister, Eugenie—venturing into dungeons and earning the adoration of the people.

“I understand. But there’s a time for everything, and right now, I need to practice my swordsmanship.”

Her tone was calm, her expression cold, as if devoid of emotion.

Eugenie pursed her lips, her dissatisfaction showing for just a second.

“…Big Sister, why can’t I be like you? Am I not working hard enough?”

“It’s fine. When you’re my age, you’ll reach this level too.”

Eugenie smiled, offering her reassurance.

In the warm lamplight, Treya looked up, her expression tinged with confusion.

Her silver hair, illuminated by the soft light, looked like a streak of the Milky Way cutting through the darkness of the training grounds. Treya stood tall and graceful, like a flawless ice sculpture. Even without moving, she exuded an air of perfection.

Her elven mother, though long deceased, had left her with pointed ears, silver hair, a beautiful face, and a cold demeanor—treasures that would last her a lifetime.

The public often said that the Ninth Princess neither smiled nor cried, as if she were a statue pulled from an icy cavern, frozen for millennia.

But…

This didn’t stop Treya from being adored. As the youngest princess, she was the most cherished and beloved. She frequently appeared at royal events, and the people of Entark adored her, cheering every time she appeared.

Even when her carriage passed through the streets, crowds would gather to greet her.

However, Eugenie, her Fourth Sister, found this… extremely irritating.

“From my perspective, you’ve worked hard enough, little Treya~ To have mastered my sword techniques to this level so quickly is already quite… impressive.”

Under the fading twilight, Treya couldn’t make out Eugenie’s expression, only her silhouette.

“Thank you for the compliment, Big Sister Eugenie.”

Treya nodded, still oblivious to Eugenie’s sarcasm.

“Alright, fine.”

“Big Sister, your swordsmanship is incredible. I want to be like you. I want to become an adventurer, explore dungeons, and stand at the same height as you.”

“Big Sister Eugenie, you’re the best sister. So please, teach me more.”

Treya steadied her sword once again, assuming a defensive stance.

“Oh? Is that so?”

Eugenie’s tone grew sharper.

“Then watch closely—”

In the blink of an eye, faster than the flutter of a moth’s wings near a candle, three sword flashes streaked before Treya’s eyes.

Before she could react, her wooden sword was sent flying.

Eugenie’s blade, faintly shrouded in black mist, was already at Treya’s throat.

“At this level, my dear little sister, you’re still far from ready.”

Eugenie twirled her sword before sheathing it.

Treya’s sapphire eyes, framed by her silver hair, were filled with disbelief.

She had trained so hard, yet…

Even now, she couldn’t see her sister’s movements…

Was the gap between them really this vast?

“Big Sister Eugenie… you’re amazing. You’re still so amazing…”

Treya nodded.

“So, please, show me that sword technique again. Let’s go again.”

“Alright. But for now, you should rest and focus on preparing yourself. The family places great importance on this marriage. Don’t mess it up. I truly envy you, Treya—so young and already promised such a good match.”

“Yes, Big Sister… I… I’m looking forward to it too. That’s why I want to perfect my swordsmanship.”

Treya quickly wiped her sword clean and carefully put it away.

She had only learned about her engagement a month ago. It had come as a complete surprise to her.

What kind of person was he?

Had she met him before?

Was he royalty?

Was he handsome?

…

A flood of questions filled her mind, but all she knew was that he was the youngest son of the Hysterm family.

Still…

She was excited.

He was like a character straight out of the fairy tales she loved as a child!

And in every one of those stories, the fiancé was always a handsome, kind, and gentle man. He would care for her, be loyal to her, and treat her with utmost tenderness.

“If… if he finds out his fiancée is skilled in swordsmanship, he’ll probably be really happy.”

“Tch. How nauseatingly pure and naive.”

“Big Sister Eugenie, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I was just saying, Treya, you truly are as noble and beautiful as they say—a perfect half-elf princess.”

“Well, this is a marriage arranged by Father. I trust him to handle everything. I believe in him.”

“Hah. That bastard only acts like a decent human being when he’s around you.”

“Hmm?”

“Nothing.”

This was why Eugenie hated being around Treya.

Treya, Treya, that infuriating Treya.

In a royal family where everyone schemed to become the next king, she was an anomaly.

She didn’t fit in with the siblings who plotted each other’s downfall.

She was like an untainted sheet of white paper, always viewing the world through her innocent lens.

It was laughable that Eugenie had to pretend to be interested in teaching this sheltered princess swordsmanship every day.

Hmph…

“Then… Big Sister, could you help me pick out an outfit that my fiancé might like?”

“Sure.”

Eugenie agreed with a smile…

But as she twirled a lock of her red hair, her thoughts darkened.

Treya’s downfall would come on the day of her engagement.

The fiancé she eagerly anticipated…

Would become the first person to betray her, despise her, and hurt her.

“But first, dear Treya.”

“Hmm?”

“Before picking out an outfit…”

Eugenie reached out, using two fingers to pull the corners of Treya’s mouth upward. She applied just enough force to make Treya frown slightly in discomfort.

“You need to learn how to smile for your fiancé.”