Chapter 72: A Potion, a Pact, and a Princess’s Predicament

“Luoya, where did you get this medicine?”

Gern hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to tell Lilia. She reasoned that Lilia would have an extra layer of protection when undertaking missions, should she know.

“The ones who infiltrated our academy before—I got it from them. Lately, I’ve been researching whether I can develop a potion to enhance mental energy.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is…” Lilia’s voice trailed off as a sudden realization struck her. ‘The fact that she had drunk the potion herself, and then done ‘that’ to Gern,’ made her feel a profound sense of awkwardness.

“Um… I’m sorry, Luoya. I didn’t know what that thing was…”

Gern waved a dismissive hand, indicating it was fine. “Anyway, there’s still more. Just don’t accidentally drink it next time.”

“Mhm, mhm, I’ll definitely drink it by mistake next time.”

“Hmm?”

“Pfft, I mean, I definitely won’t drink it by mistake next time.”

After the farcical exchange, Gern gazed at her disheveled bedroom, her mood mirroring its chaotic state. ‘My identity has been exposed, but not entirely. This is probably the best possible outcome.’

“Sigh~”

She let out a helpless sigh, her pale golden vertical pupils filled with weariness.

At that moment, Lilia noticed Gern’s somber mood. Quietly, she crept up behind Gern, then playfully pounced onto her.

Gern was startled, and just as she was about to struggle free from Lilia’s embrace, she heard Lilia whisper softly into her ear.

“Luoya, how about this? I’ll take you out shopping today. It’ll be a nice change of scenery.”

“No, no!” Gern frantically shook her head. Given her current predicament, ‘if she went shopping with Lilia, there was no telling what mischief Lilia would get up to with her.’

“Oh, Little Luoya, my dearest Luoya, please just come out with me.”

To her utter astonishment, Gern witnessed Lilia actually pouting and pleading with her. It sent shivers down her spine. ‘She never imagined that the cold and aloof Klett Queen from her previous life could possess such a girlish side. It utterly overturned her worldview.’

“Cough…” Gern wiped away the nosebleed that had unexpectedly sprung forth, a flush of crimson spreading across her delicate cheeks. ‘She truly couldn’t handle this. In her previous life, she had never experienced romance, and this current situation was almost enough to make her pout.’ Nevertheless, Gern held firm to her principles, believing she couldn’t simply succumb to Lilia’s charm.

Seeing Gern waver, Lilia pressed on. “Look, since I acted so disrespectfully towards you, it’s only right that I make it up to you today, isn’t it?”

Lilia intensified her assault. Her already beautiful face, when put into a pout, became an irresistible weapon against any man—or in this case, any girl.

Gern felt as though her very soul was being drawn out by Lilia. She struggled to control her emotions, refusing to succumb to Lilia’s relentless charm offensive.

Seeing Gern remain unresponsive, Lilia pouted her lips, looking utterly adorable.

“Sister Luoya, since you’re a girl now anyway, isn’t it perfectly normal for two girls like us to go out and have fun?”

Gern remained silent, her pale golden dragon eyes staring blankly ahead.

“Sister Luoya, come out with me, please? Come on, I’ll take you to eat something delicious, how about it?”

Lilia’s scent wafted around Gern’s nose as the golden-haired girl moved from behind Gern to stand directly in front of her.

Splatter~

Nosebleed splattered across Lilia’s face. Her expression froze, and she reached up to touch the bloodstains on her cheek. The girl’s appearance at that moment, combined with the bloodstains on her, merged perfectly to form a picture of exquisite beauty.

Lilia smiled, her eyes filled with an intoxicated expression. “Ah, it’s Little Luoya’s blood! This must be like a blood oath of recognition, right? So from now on, I belong to Little Luoya, alright?”

The moment those words left Lilia’s lips, Gern felt her soul had been utterly captured by Lilia. Who could possibly resist such an assault?

“Ah… Lilia… Ma… Master, can’t I just go out with you?”

“Really?!” Lilia’s eyes lit up. She instantly grabbed Gern’s small hand and pulled her towards the wardrobe to change clothes.

“Hey, hey, wait a minute. Shouldn’t we tidy up the room first?”

“Oh, right, right, right! Look at my memory. Little Luoya, you wait here. I’ll have this place tidied up in a flash.”

With that, Lilia headed out to fetch cleaning supplies. Gern watched her retreating back, lost in thought. ‘This strange flutter in my heart… what could it be? Could it be that I’ve fallen for Lilia? No… that’s impossible. She’s a princess of the kingdom, and she and I aren’t suited. Besides… I’m not a real girl.’

Gern’s mind raced with wild conjectures, a faint hint of melancholy settling in her heart. She couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. ‘What was wrong with her today? She must be sick, perhaps.’ She shook her head vigorously, attempting to dislodge the intrusive thoughts.

Just then, Lilia returned, laden with cleaning tools. Gern watched her fumbling efforts, a laugh bubbling up. ‘This girl, she clearly never does housework. She can’t even clean properly.’

****

Nearby, Lilia was attempting to organize the scattered items on the floor, beads of sweat already forming on her forehead. ‘Little Luoya is watching me. As her ‘big sister,’ I can’t possibly make a fool of myself in front of her.’ So, she redoubled her efforts. With a sharp ‘crack,’ the broom snapped. Lilia, having misjudged her strength, had broken it clean in half. ‘Great, now Little Luoya is going to laugh at me.’

Lilia shook her head, a bitter feeling rising within her. Just then, a small hand rested on Lilia’s shoulder.

“Lilia… Mi… Miss, let me do it.”

Gern smiled gently, taking the broken broom. She used ice magic to freeze the two halves together.

Lilia watched Gern’s busy figure, a little lost in thought, a warmth blossoming in her heart. ‘I never expected our Little Luoya to be so gentle.’

The room was quickly tidied, restored to its original pristine state, as if nothing had ever happened. The two girls stood in the immaculate room, their eyes meeting. Seeing each other’s disheveled appearances, they burst into laughter.

A moment later, Lilia composed herself, pointing to Gern’s messy hair. “Alright, Little Luoya, it’s time to get yourself ready. We’ll be heading out soon.”

Gern shot Lilia an exasperated look, retorting sharply, “You’re one to talk! Aren’t you just the same?”

“Oh, come on, let’s change clothes, change clothes.” With that, Lilia impatiently began to strip off her clothes. Gern, startled, quickly retreated a few steps, covering her eyes with her hands.

“Lilia, Ma… what are you doing!”

“Hm?” Lilia tilted her head, looking at Gern with a puzzled expression. “Changing clothes, Little Luoya. Why are you acting so shy? We’re both girls, what’s there to be afraid of? Do you want me to help you change?”

“No!” Gern frantically shook her head, her cheeks flushed as red as a ripe apple.

“Come on~ Come on~” Lilia advanced with a mischievous grin, reaching out to grab Gern’s clothes. Gern swiftly dodged her, then bolted. She sprinted away, giving Lilia no chance to catch her.

Lilia shook her head helplessly, feeling a touch of regret. ‘Little Luoya is perfect in every way, except she’s too shy. We’re both girls, what’s the big deal about seeing each other?’

Downstairs, Gern leaned against the wall, panting heavily. ‘She had almost been completely exposed by Lilia just now. Although… this body is a girl’s, I am fundamentally a boy. Being seen naked by the opposite s*x—that’s something best avoided.’