Chapter 48: The Good Little Sister Cultivation Plan

Stepping out of the tent, Hilvyn’s face did not reflect much joy.

“What’s wrong?” Elara tugged at her hand. “Smile for me.”

“Hehe…” Hilvyn forced a smile, her expression a little awkward. “Master.”

“Call me ‘Sister’.”

“Sister, I would never harm you!”

Her voice suddenly rose, her expression earnest.

‘So that’s it.’

Elara understood the reason.

The s*ave trader’s ‘advice’ earlier had, in a roundabout way, warned Elara to be wary of Hilvyn changing her mind or even betraying her in the future.

To Elara’s ears, it was merely a reminder, and she didn’t dwell on it, for she trusted Hilvyn.

However, for Hilvyn, it was akin to being branded.

Elara had been so consumed by the joy of dissolving the s*ave contract that she had overlooked this detail.

“Of course,” Elara said, her tone serious. “I trust Hilvyn.”

She paused, then added:

“If I lie to you, I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.”

“Me too!” Hilvyn pursed her lips, thinking hard. “If I lie to Master, I’ll… I’ll never eat toast again in my life!”

“What did I say to call me?”

“Sister! I’m just used to saying ‘Master’ usually.” Hilvyn scratched her head, quickly correcting herself.

“Let’s go. We’re going home.”

Elara led Hilvyn through the s*ave market, just as she had that night two months ago.

But this time, Hilvyn would have no further connection to this place.

“Sister, I want toast for lunch.”

Listening to that soft, genuine ‘Sister’, Elara couldn’t suppress the upward curve of her lips.

“Say it again.”

“Sister?”

“Again.”

“Sister, Sister! Sister!”

Hilvyn rattled off a string of ‘Sister’s, almost making Elara feel like an embryo from sheer delight.

“Alright, Sister will treat you.”

“Yay~”

After lunch, they didn’t return home but embarked on the day’s entertainment: strolling through the streets, watching street performers juggle, and more.

Eventually, Hilvyn wanted to visit Martha’s tailor shop again. Elara, unable to refuse on such a joyous day, didn’t stop her.

Finally, after a casual dinner, they made their way home.

Having been ‘marinated’ in the s*ave market’s air all morning, Elara felt a faint, lingering strange odor on her.

“I’m going to take a bath. The s*ave market’s air has made me reek.”

“Okay—Sister, you go first. I’ll fetch the water.”

Elara’s lips curved upward, a wave of contentment washing over her. ‘Having such a sensible little sister feels truly wonderful. I’ll forgive the world for one second, at least.’

Bucket after bucket of water was brought in. Hilvyn, true to her word from last time, didn’t peek her head in.

Elara first rinsed her body, then poured the remaining water into the bathtub, settling comfortably into it.

“Ahh~”

‘Indeed, only when bathing does the world feel beautiful. Cheers to the world.’

Elara vaguely closed her eyes. Whenever she bathed, she felt the creases of her brain smooth out, unconsciously drifting into various thoughts.

Having a younger sister had always been her wish, both in her previous life and this one.

In this body’s family, there was also a younger sister named Lilianna, her only blood relative with whom she had been somewhat close.

Elara opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling as thick, white steam slowly ascended from all around her.

‘Lilianna must be sixteen now, probably already in her prime. I wonder how she’s doing. Sigh~’

‘Although I love her dearly, I am ultimately not her true sister.’

Elara recalled the day she left home five years ago. Lilianna was the only one who chased after her, crying as she bid farewell.

She had even said, against her true feelings, “I’ll come home to see you again someday,” a promise she knew she might not keep.

Elara surmised that Lilianna probably hated her by now.

‘But it’s all in the past.’

‘I can stand on my own now, and my life is quite comfortable, especially with the lovely Hilvyn by my side.’

‘I am content.’

Elara glanced down at the tub. “Hilvyn—”

“What is it, Sister?”

“The water’s a bit low. Could you fetch another bucket?”

The tub was still a good section from being full; the water hadn’t reached above her chest.

“Okay~”

Hilvyn’s sweet voice responded, followed by a period of silence.

Soon after, footsteps echoed outside the door again, but it didn’t open immediately to deliver the water.

‘What is she doing outside the door?’

Just as this thought formed in Elara’s mind,

The door opened. The bucket wasn’t pushed in; instead, Hilvyn carried it in herself.

The delicate figure in the bathtub stiffened, quickly covering her chest.

Hilvyn had entered wearing only a thin linen undershirt.

“If you leave it by the door, I’ll get it myself.”

“But wouldn’t Sister have to leave the warm bath then?”

Hilvyn walked to the tub, adding water for Elara while leaning against the rim. “So, I’ll pour it in.”

‘Uh…’

Elara struggled to control herself, but her eyes were irresistibly drawn. It was then she finally understood the meaning of ‘the greater the mass, the greater the gravity’.

“Next time, put on your outer clothes. Even at home, you should mind your appearance.”

The thin undershirt accentuated everything that should and shouldn’t be.

“Eh, Sister.”

But Hilvyn clearly sidestepped the issue, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“I want to bathe with Sister.”

“No.” Elara rejected the idea without a second thought.

“Please~ Sister~”

Hilvyn began her second round of persistent coaxing.

Seeing that endearing little face, Elara almost relented.

“No means no.”

“But I really want to with Sister…”

“I don’t agree.” Elara’s tone was firm, and she simply closed her eyes.

This matter was, of course, non-negotiable. She knew Hilvyn’s intentions were impure. If this little girl had no ulterior motives, she might have considered it.

‘No.’

Elara’s brain began a frantic internal struggle.

‘Even without ulterior motives, it’s impossible. My own thoughts are too depraved; I cannot allow such a thing to happen. Absolutely not.’

‘In short, no matter what, it’s a no.’

Elara’s plan was not to ‘fall out’ with Hilvyn, nor to say anything too harsh. Instead, she would simply ignore her, waiting for Hilvyn’s enthusiasm to dissipate naturally. Then, wouldn’t she obediently remain her sister?

Even in romantic relationships, the honeymoon phase eventually passes. Hilvyn wasn’t even ‘in love,’ so Elara believed she would give up soon enough.

Elara secretly prided herself on this strategy; it was utterly flawless.

She named it: ‘Good Little Sister Cultivation Plan!’

‘Having a sister, money, and a home—even if it’s rented, I’ll definitely buy a big house someday. Isn’t this the ultimate dream?’

The more Elara thought about it, the more beautiful it seemed, her smile uncontainable.

Whoosh—

The sound of scooping and pouring water suddenly came from beside her, very close.

It dragged her back from her fantasy to reality.

‘Could that sound mean…’

Elara turned her head and saw a scene she would never forget, blurting out:

“What the hell?!”

‘See no evil.’

After only a glimpse, she frantically averted her face.

“Didn’t I say we couldn’t bathe together?”

She was out of options. All she could do was speak, or avert her gaze herself.

Hilvyn didn’t reply, diligently scooping water and washing her body, but a smile played on her lips—an expression of a successful scheme.

For a moment, both were silent, only the occasional splash of water echoing in the bathhouse.

The atmosphere was thick and unyielding. Elara’s heart raced, unsure what to say. Without the s*ave contract, she couldn’t force Hilvyn out.

The s*ave contract had just been dissolved that morning…

“Sister~ I’m coming in now~”

Hilvyn put on a playful expression, but Elara still had her face turned away and didn’t see it.

But Hilvyn didn’t care. She walked to the edge of the tub, unconcerned with modesty, and stepped in.

Water overflowed from the tub as Hilvyn sat down directly opposite Elara.

“Hey, Sister.” Hilvyn blinked, asking with an innocent face, “Why are you shy?”

The innocence in her eyes transformed into knowing slyness.

“Clearly… we’re both girls…”

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