Chapter 364: Uninvited Guest, Scumbag vs. Tease, Facing the Bull is the Real Fun (1)
"Are you alright?"
Lilith heard the guilt in Fafna's voice.
"I thought you'd have made great progress after a year at Seven Shields Academy. I accidentally used a bit too much strength."
In other words, I didn't realize you were so fragile—you shattered at a touch!
But Lilith didn't catch that hidden meaning.
She only felt that her sister was showing concern for her.
In the past, she never would've received such treatment.
Being disciplined by Sister was already something to be happy about, but now she even got her sister's pity because of it.
Ah~ She was so blissfully happy she could faint.
"It's alright, Sister. I know you only did it to motivate me."
"It's my fault for not being good enough, not yours."
Shia watched the "harmonious" scene between the sisters and smiled contentedly.
Just as the three of them grew increasingly "close," the guests for the birthday banquet were gradually arriving.
Very few guests were privileged enough to stay in the main house. Apart from the two returning sisters and the half-family-member Shia, the only others were:
First, the Queen of the Moon, invited to help ensure security.
Second, the newly arrived guests tonight—the Radiant Light Order, also invited by Sophia.
The Radiant Light Order was a recently emerged religious group.
Though small, their members were known for their pure devotion.
What truly made them famous was their reputation for getting the job done without question, once a contract was signed.
Compared to other organizations, working with the Radiant Light Order was refreshingly simple and efficient.
Sophia hadn't invited them for mere courtesy—they were here to set up defensive formations.
Lilith and Fafna were disturbed by the noise outside, ending their intimate "sisterly bonding" time.
In truth, Fafna simply couldn't be bothered to deal with clingy Lilith anymore. Hearing the commotion, she immediately chose to step out and investigate.
Members of the Radiant Light Order, dressed in white robes and veiled in white gauze, were busy setting up formations all over the main house.
Fafna frowned slightly at the sight of the strangers in her home.
The housemaids certainly didn't dress like that.
And these people, carrying tools for setting up magical arrays, ignored the three emerging from the room.
Lilith saw her sister frown and immediately became displeased.
"Who are you?"
Shia glanced at the uniformed newcomers, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Looks like more guests have arrived.
The Radiant Light Order members completely ignored Lilith's question.
Their principle: work, don't talk, don't meddle.
They didn't consider themselves beneath their employers either, so they didn't bother with Lilith's scolding.
"They must be people Aunt Sophia invited," Shia said calmly.
The two girls turned to him, frowning.
When the trio arrived at the reception hall, Sophia was there, warmly hosting the head of the Radiant Light Order.
Her solemn, cautious demeanor made the event feel less like a birthday celebration and more like preparing for battle.
Yet few noticed this detail.
All three's gazes converged on the Radiant Light Order's leader.
A holy, elegant beauty, draped in a sheer golden gown covered in shimmering sequins that sparkled under the light.
Her golden hair fell straight to her ankles.
Her face was veiled in white gauze, only allowing a glimpse of breathtaking beauty.
Her eyes, like clear autumn waters, seemed untouched by the dust of the world.
Every glance exuded endless holiness and serenity.
Her slender white wrists and bare feet were adorned with glistening gems, jingling softly.
Yet despite her dazzling presence, the overwhelming sense of sanctity she exuded only made her more mesmerizing.
The trio's arrival caused a noticeable stir—a tall, cold Valkyrie and a lively yet dignified heiress—but the Radiant Light Leader's gaze rested mostly on the boy between them.
Handsome, elegant, and effortlessly charming.
Even standing between two exceptional women, he didn't pale in comparison.
Their eyes met.
Her clear gaze curved slightly, a flicker of recognition flashing through her.
Sophia hadn't expected the Radiant Light Order's leader to come in person. As she carefully attended to her guest, she noticed her sudden pause.
Following her gaze, Sophia's own eyes softened into a warm, motherly smile.
She beckoned.
"Lilith, Fafna, Shia, come greet our guest."
"This is the leader of the Radiant Light Order."
Sophia gave a brief introduction.
Shia kept his gaze fixed on the woman's eyes.
And the holy beauty's gaze never left Shia.
Given her appearance, if he hadn't already known the story, he might not have recognized her.
After all, who would expect the founder of the Radiant Light Order to be a mere student at Seven Shields Academy?
At school, she was a celebrated goddess—gentle, charitable.
But behind the scenes, she was the mastermind of the Radiant Light Order.
The holy saintess before him, completely transformed, was none other than the Dawn Saintess, Irene.
On campus, she wore a mask of kindness while secretly tormenting the lonely Sistine.
Seemingly gentle, but rotten to the core.
Outside the academy, cloaked in the Radiant Light Order's holiness, she was no less a hypocrite.
Right now, she looked pure and serene, but only she knew what truly lurked in her heart.
"Such fine young talents. Madam Sophia has raised them well."
Even her cool, noble voice carried a touch of sanctity.
Sophia's smile remained gentle and full of maternal warmth.
"You're too kind, Your Grace."
"How could I not be? Miss Fafna may only be an adopted daughter of the Guen family, but her name as the Valkyrie of the North is known far and wide."
Sophia's smile held a trace of pride.
But Fafna's aura grew even colder.
She hated when people emphasized her status as an adopted daughter.
Raised by the same parents, even more capable and mature than others, yet always labeled "adopted."
Was bloodline really that important?