A Warm Welcome in the Courtyard

“Good afternoon, Princess Elena.” No sooner had they entered the fragrant courtyard than a black-haired maid appeared before them.

“Ah, Lina, has Aiya had her lunch?” Clearly, Elena shared a close bond with this maid.

Dressed in a sharp maid’s uniform with her black hair cut short, this maid exuded an air of professionalism.

At least, I can enjoy some comfort, Ziyao thought.

The maid, named Lina, naturally noticed Ziyao following Elena. “Your Highness, who is this young lady?”

“Ziyao, a Seven-Star alchemist,” Elena whispered. “The creator of the elixir.”

“So young?” Lina was taken aback. She had encountered Seven-Star alchemists before, but they were nearly all elderly figures with white hair. Yet, this young girl before her, despite her white locks, was clearly not old.

Ziyao paid no mind to Lina’s scrutinizing gaze, knowing her appearance lacked conviction. “Elena, won’t you introduce us?”

“Ah, I almost forgot. This is the finest maid in the capital, Miss Lina,” Elena explained. “With her caring for Aiya, I can travel with peace of mind.”

Lina smiled and extended her hand. “Your Highness is too kind. I still have much to learn. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ziyao.”

As Ziyao grasped Lina’s hand, she noticed it was not as delicate as her own, marked by years of training in martial arts, with callouses in some places.

A maid skilled in combat, Ziyao realized.

“Miss Lina, if you like, I can craft an elixir to remove those callouses,” Ziyao offered as she released Lina’s hand.

“Thank you for your concern, Miss Ziyao, but I’m not bothered by these small scars,” Lina sighed, leading them toward the courtyard’s center. “You’ve arrived just in time; Princess Aiya and Miss Raphael are having lunch. Shall I prepare a meal for you both?”

“Ziyao, are you hungry?”

“You know I am, dear Princess Elena. I didn’t even have breakfast.”

“Then we’ll have two more portions prepared.”

The courtyard was vast, and after traversing a grand garden, they finally reached Aiya’s residence, a charming three-story wooden house. Its walls were adorned with various vines, enhancing its beauty.

“It’s like a scene from a fairy tale,” Ziyao marveled, envious of the royal lifestyle.

“Due to Princess Aiya’s frail health, the Emperor had this courtyard built for her. Plants can soothe wounds, can’t they?” Lina smiled. “Please, enter.”

Lina opened the wooden door, and a soft voice echoed from inside, “Lina, is Sister here?”

“Aiya, it’s me,” Elena called out, removing her sandals and walking in her white silk stockings across the wooden floor, not bothering with slippers, as she rushed into the dining room.

“Elena…” Ziyao hesitated, wondering why Elena didn’t change into slippers.

“Miss Lina is used to it. Princess Elena and Princess Aiya share an exceptionally close bond, and they haven’t seen each other for nearly a month,” Lina explained.

Oh, they’ve been apart for too long, Ziyao thought, her expression curious as she wondered about the depth of their sisterly affection.

“Follow me, the table is set,” Lina said, guiding them to the dining room. Ziyao’s curiosity only grew as she entered.

Elena, usually cool and composed, was clinging to a golden-haired little girl as if possessed, who struggled weakly to free herself. “Is this… really okay?” Ziyao asked.

“Of course, they’re just like this,” a white-haired woman at the table responded. “I’m Raphael, the Holy Maiden from the Sacred City.”

Raphael appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a formal clerical robe that accentuated her figure. Her white hair was braided into four ponytails, giving the impression of wings. “Ziyao, Seven-Star alchemist,” she acknowledged, motioning for Ziyao to join her. “Give those sisters some space.”

Ziyao complied, adjusting her attire before taking her seat. Lina had already placed a meal before her: a fancy smoked meat sandwich, a fruit salad, and a glass of orange juice.

“Thank you, Miss Lina,” Ziyao said, taking a bite of the sandwich, feeling invigorated.

Anything tastes delicious when one is hungry. Soon, Ziyao had finished her meal, while the sisters seemed far from done with their affectionate reunion.

“Perhaps we could discuss Princess Aiya’s health,” Ziyao proposed to Raphael, feeling uneasy under her intense gaze.

“Oh, Princess Aiya’s health?” Raphael fidgeted, wiping saliva from her lips, an act that didn’t quite suit her dignified demeanor. “I’d suggest you perform a full body examination. It’s more efficient that way.”

“A full examination? Elena will allow it?” Ziyao glanced at the entangled sisters. “That would require undressing.”

“You’re not like those men, and you’re probably not much older than Aiya.”

“I… never mind,” Ziyao started, considering emphasizing her gender, but the moment didn’t seem right. Raphael was right; a direct examination was necessary to understand Aiya’s condition. If something went wrong with the medication, Elena might have her head.

“Could you provide me with a copy of your treatment plan? I’d like to consider what materials to prepare.”

“Of course, I’ll fetch it right away,” Ziyao agreed.

As Raphael’s figure vanished through the door, Ziyao’s brow furrowed. What was that about? Was she afraid of me?

“Don’t mind Raphael, she’s just like that,” Elena’s voice carried from across the room. “Come meet my little sister, Aiya.”

Ziyao turned to see the little girl, now seated, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Aiya’s features bore a striking resemblance to Elena’s, with golden hair tied in twin ponytails, enhancing her adorable appearance.

“Lothia… you… have finally returned.”