The Villainous Noblewoman Is About to Be Forced into Love, Isn’t This Wrong? Chapter 102.2: Is It Sweet? (2)

“If you don’t know, just say you don’t know. Let put it another way: who do you support more?” Liana pressed on.

“Lady Liana, must you force to say sothing definitive today?”

“How am I to believe in your power if you won’t prove it?”

The diviner hesitated. These two acted as though they were carved from the sa mold—she had to test them first.

“Every deed done will be witnessed. The people of Lisat will make their own choice,” the diviner proclaid.

“As you say.”

Her answer, though evasive, had the sa effect as any other.

“It seems everyone thinks along the sa lines,” Liana muttered. “Calling yourself a diviner is a sham—nothing more than a comfort to the anxious.”

“The last ti Lady Liana visited , it only seed more natural because magic exists in this world.”

“Be direct—give Princess peilu your blessing.”

The diviner shivered as if affronted.

“May ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) I understand, then, that Lady Liana wishes to divine Princess peilu’s future?” the diviner asked.

“Yes, you could say that.”

“Lady Liana and Princess peilu care for one another deeply—a most enviable bond.”

“Does peilu care for as well?”

“Princess peilu is extraordinarily fortunate, but sotis she grows furious over Lady Liana, and at tis she suffers headaches of worry. Yet the one in a worse plight is Lady Liana, whose circumstances are more vexing than peilu’s.”

“Huh? No! Why are you poking at ?”

“Not poking—just... the details, Lady Liana will understand once you return.” The diviner raised her hand.

She should have stopped there, but after glimpsing the futures of those two, she found herself curious about the other’s fate as well.

“Miss Loraviel, is there anything you wish to ask?”

Stepping forward was Loraviel. Unlike the others, she was blunt.

“May I be of service to Lady Liana?”

...

Liana’s sensation of displeasure flared as she was suddenly teleported away. What strange things was that woman saying?

“What is it, Liana?” peilu appeared at her side.

“Nothing.” This was peilu’s chosen spot—better to be patient.

“Do you think that diviner spoke truthfully?”

“I never expected her words to be gospel. I sought only a bit of solace—though I will admit, it soothed sowhat.”

“And you, peilu? And you, Liana?”

“Sa here.” Liana’s expression grew wry. Divination offered calm upon hearing pleasant news, but upon hearing ill ons, it felt as though unseen eyes watched one’s back—provoking anxious thoughts.

“What do you an the future may hold entanglents? Entanglents where?”

“Ti is nearly up.” peilu’s face turned serious.

“There’s nothing to be done,” Liana shrugged.

“I’ve had Vivian ready the carriage. Shall I see you off?”

peilu’s tone had turned colder. “I’ve said too much already—any more would sound sentintal, and you might grow tired of it. Let’s not.”

“Very well.” They returned to peilu’s residence.

Vivian had already packed Liana’s belongings downstairs. Olivia, too, had completed the handover and prepared to accompany Liana back.

As the three of them stepped out, they saw Aileen’s carriage across the street, crates being loaded. Aileen spotted them and crossed over.

She approached Liana and saw the luggage in Loraviel’s hands. “Your Highness Liana,” she greeted.

“Have you finished your tasks, Aileen?” peilu inquired.

“Yes. The stubborn mages in the Dors territory finally yielded in negotiations,” Aileen replied, exhaustion in her voice. “The Norse family is fad for their arrogance—always convinced of their superiority. Dealing with them incurs endless difficulties. What should have been settled yesterday dragged on till now.”

peilu had experienced the Dors lord’s obstinacy firsthand when he ca to plead with her. “Thank you for your efforts.”

“To complete it at all is more than expected.” Aileen sighed.

“Are you preparing to return to Venus Manor now?” peilu asked.

“Yes. The celebration’s over and all is resolved. It’s ti to return.”

peilu exchanged a glance with Liana. “We’re headed back too—shall we travel together?”

“Liana?” Aileen looked at the two suitcases in Loraviel’s grip. “I thought you planned to stay in the Lisat capital a while. Why are you leaving so soon?”

“Actually,” peilu explained for Liana, “I have pressing matters to attend to and cannot spend much ti here. Once we linger too long, we must return to Ibet Magic Academy. So I took Liana out today so she wouldn’t be bored—and sent her on ahead.”

“I see.” Aileen nodded. “Of course—no problem.”

She clapped her hands, and the carriage ca to a halt before them. “Please, climb aboard. I have a few words for Liana yet.”

“Very well.”

They all boarded. Loraviel took the window seat so she could see Liana and peilu’s places—she could at least watch them, though she could not hear their words.

“What is it?” Liana asked, puzzled at peilu’s summons.

peilu held a parasol in her left hand; her right hand nervously twisted a lock of her golden hair. “I wanted to thank you... for caring for these past days.”

“Caring? Weren’t you the one looking after ?” Liana laughed.

She thought peilu was overthinking it again.

“No need to make a fuss—our relationship makes such things normal. Don’t dwell on it.”

peilu’s heart pounded, her breath quickening. “I used to think candy was only for children, a re bribe. But after today, I find... I rather like it.”

“Really? Just don’t eat too much—watch out for cavities.” Liana teased.

“I am not a child!” peilu bit back the emotions she struggled to contain. “Really, Liana, you’re exasperating!”

“Uh... sorry.” Liana blinked, unaware of what had co over her. But seeing peilu’s mild anger, she offered a contrite apology.

peilu laughed despite herself. “All right, I’m not mad.”

“Do you rember the question I asked you earlier?”

“What question?”

“You said you don’t dislike any candy—unless it’s bizarre. Correct?” peilu asked.

“Yes.” Liana nodded.

“I just obtained a rather special candy from Miss Wendy. Would you like to try it?”

“A special candy?” Liana’s curiosity piqued. In another world, peilu calling sothing “special” certainly ant it was no ordinary treat.

“Indeed. This candy changes flavor according to your mood. When you’re happy, it’s sweet; when jealous, sour; when sad, bitter.” peilu explained.

“Such a candy exists?” Liana had never seen one and was intrigued.

“Where is it? I must taste it,” Liana urged.

peilu’s expression turned mischievous. “It’s rare. Close your eyes—I have a little surprise for you.”

“All right.” Liana closed her eyes expectantly.

She heard the candy wrapper crinkle, then felt the candy in peilu’s hand—but peilu did not place it in Liana’s mouth. Instead, she put it in her own.

peilu closed her eyes and smiled—she was elated, perhaps emboldened by the diviner’s words, or perhaps unable to restrain her feelings for Liana any longer. No, it was simply what she wanted to do.

She rose on tiptoe and placed the parasol over Liana’s shoulder, shielding them from view.

“peilu?” Liana wondered as the parasol dropped on her shoulder. Before she could ask, she felt a gentle, soft touch on her lips—an entirely new sensation.

Liana’s mind went blank.

Then a tender sothing—peilu’s fingertip—pressed the sweet candy against Liana’s lips.

“Ah! Wait—why like this?” peilu exclaid, stepping back in a fluster, cheeks flushed, heart racing. Had she startled Liana? Would Liana be offended, dislike her?

But she felt no regret.