Chapter 64: Elena’s Schemes and Lovelenica’s Doubts

“Miss Lovelenica,” Elena began, “I actually had a word with Julie a few days ago. I told her not to be so overbearing within the church.”

“She’s now aware of her shortcomings, and after speaking with Mother, Mother has also decided not to punish you further.”

Elena spoke again, briefly summarizing the events of the past few days for Lovelenica.

“So, it’s perfectly fine for me to openly bring you a cake now.”

“Oh, I see.”

Only then did Lovelenica understand why Elena was so boldly delivering a cake to her at such a normal hour.

She couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

“Still, for someone as arrogant as Julie, it’s truly impressive that you managed to make her realize her mistakes.”

“After all, I am Julie’s elder sister; I still command some authority in front of her.”

Elena explained with a casual shrug, though in reality, it was far more than mere authority.

Julie was, in fact, somewhat terrified of Elena; it wasn’t persuasion, but rather a forceful slap that instilled fear in her.

Theresa had initially intended to continue punishing Lovelenica.

However, under Elena’s subtle coercion and persuasion, Julie explained the situation to Theresa, prompting her to spare Lovelenica.

Yet, Elena had already conspired with Julie, preparing to secretly plot Lucia’s demise.

After all, Julie and Elena only knew Lovelenica was Bloodkin, aware that she had come to the Arcadia Kingdom to execute an infiltration mission.

However, neither of them was privy to the mission’s precise details; only Theresa knew the full scope.

Thus, the two had no reservations whatsoever in planning Lucia’s assassination.

****

“Miss Lovelenica, I heard from Julie that the church dispatched you and the student who visited you that day to Cariso City to handle an Impure-grade incident. Did you encounter any dangers in Cariso City? Your student didn’t hold you back, did they?”

Elena brought up the mission the church had assigned Lovelenica. On the surface, she appeared concerned for Lovelenica, but in truth, she sought to probe the relationship between Lovelenica and Lucia.

She knew that Lovelenica, as a high-ranking Bloodkin, was almost impossible to kill.

“Haha, Lucia isn’t that weak. She wouldn’t hold me back at all.”

Lovelenica waved her hand, letting out a light chuckle. She was extremely pleased with Lucia’s performance during the mission.

Lucia was no burden; she was a reliable companion.

However, upon hearing Lovelenica’s nonchalant words, Elena’s expression instantly stiffened, a flicker of darkness in her eyes.

“From what you say, then, your relationship with her must be quite good?”

“Eh?”

Upon hearing Elena’s question, Lovelenica suddenly hesitated. Her tone just now certainly made it sound as if her relationship with Lucia was excellent.

But upon closer reflection, were they truly close?

Lucia didn’t understand her true self; she merely harbored beautiful fantasies about her. The moment those fantasies shattered, she would undoubtedly turn the very blade Lovelenica had honed against her.

Soon, Lovelenica provided her answer.

“Cough, cough… Actually, it’s just so-so, not particularly good.”

At this, Elena’s expression seemed to relax somewhat. She continued, cautioning Lovelenica.

“Miss Lovelenica, you must be extremely careful. Do not trust anyone outside of our family. No matter what, others are ultimately just ordinary humans.”

“If you were to inadvertently expose your identity one day, they would immediately turn against you and become your enemies.”

“I know, I know, I’ll be careful.”

Lovelenica rubbed her temples, taking Elena’s warning to heart.

Although Elena’s purpose in saying these words was to monopolize Lovelenica, Lovelenica genuinely believed Elena made an excellent point.

She really shouldn’t continue to maintain such a close relationship with Lucia.

After all, Lovelenica had initially only intended to use Lucia; there was no need to cultivate genuine feelings.

Moreover, after she devoured Rachel, she gained a slight clue about her own powers. If she could fully reclaim her strength, Lovelenica would no longer need to exploit Lucia.

“Your student hasn’t done anything offensive to you, have they?”

Elena steered the conversation back to Lucia, as Lovelenica’s previous answer hadn’t provided much information. What exactly did ‘not particularly good’ mean?

“Uh… offensive things… I don’t think so. Does helping me wipe my body when I was sick count?”

“*Crack*—”

“Elena… what was that sound just now?”

“Nothing, I merely twisted my hand.”

Lovelenica seemed to hear a bone-cracking sound from Elena’s side, though she hadn’t heard it clearly. Faced with Lovelenica’s inquiry, Elena merely maintained a faint smile.

“Speaking of which, Miss Lovelenica, where did you stay during those days in Cariso City? The facilities in the convent surely can’t compare to home, can they? Did you find it comfortable?”

“The convent doesn’t even have private bathrooms. Who would stay in the convent? Of course, we spent some money to stay in a lo— a more upscale hotel.”

Lovelenica’s tone suddenly shifted unnaturally, her mouth twitching as if she’d bitten her tongue. Elena almost didn’t catch what she was saying.

‘That was close… I almost let slip that we stayed in a love hotel. If anyone found out, I’d definitely be branded a perverted mentor!’

Lovelenica, in her innocence, still believed Elena was simply concerned for her, unaware of the terrifying consequences that would ensue if she truly revealed the fact of staying in a love hotel with Lucia.