Hearing her little sister's words, Houraiji Kyuusyou immediately understood what she meant.
When it came to passive perception, she wasn't as strong as Delta.
But in terms of active perception, the difference between them wasn't great.
She deliberately extended her senses.
On the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana, she detected lingering traces of different girls' auras.
Several of them still carried faint, un-dissipated scents, clearly left not long ago.
She and the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana were nothing more than ordinary classmates.
Houraiji Kyuusyou pressed her lips together and didn't say a word, though inwardly she couldn't help thinking that the other party's private life was far too casual.
Delta lifted her gaze toward the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana, her tone cold and stiff. "You'd better stay away from my sister." The words sounded like a warning to the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana, but in truth they were a reminder to Houraiji Kyuusyou—this ill-intentioned bad woman had long set her sights on her.
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana paid no mind to Delta's chilliness. Instead, she smiled at Houraiji Kyuusyou, her eyes curving into crescents. "Kyuusyou, your sister is really cute."
Houraiji Kyuusyou felt a bit awkward and quickly changed the subject to break the subtle atmosphere. "Is Mei not with you?"
"No. Mei is avoiding me." The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's voice was calm, betraying not the slightest emotion.
"I see." Houraiji Kyuusyou let out two dry laughs. The air felt even more stagnant.
Just then, a crisp voice suddenly rang out. "What are you all talking about?"
Vita approached with light steps. The moment her voice fell, the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's eyes lit up. Like a kitten that had found a warm nest, she lunged straight into Vita's arms, wrapping both arms tightly around her waist. She buried her head directly against Vita's chest and rubbed against the soft fabric. "Big Sister Vita, I like you."
"Haha, what a sweet talker." Vita laughed and lifted a hand to gently pinch the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's cheek. "Big Sister likes you too."
"Really?" The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana lifted her face, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Of course it's true." Vita smiled, her fingers brushing through her soft hair as she gently rubbed her head. The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana smiled even wider, tightening her arms and clinging to Vita without letting go.
Seeing this, Delta didn't hesitate. She grabbed Houraiji Kyuusyou's wrist and turned to walk away.
Everyone knew.
Vita was a bad woman.
Someone to stay away from.
On the other side, Vita patted the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's back helplessly. "You're hugging too tightly. I can barely breathe."
Hearing that, the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana obediently loosened her arms a little, yet she still stayed nestled in Vita's embrace. She looked up at Vita and asked seriously, "Big Sister Vita, do you like them?"
The "them" she referred to were Houraiji Kyuusyou and Delta, who had just been pulled away.
Vita smiled as she lightly stroked her cheek, her eyes full of amusement. "The ones Big Sister likes are interesting little ones like you." After a pause, she asked curiously, "Why ask that all of a sudden?"
"Big Sister Vita, anyone you like—I can win them over for you." The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's gaze suddenly burned hot as she stared straight at Vita. Her tone was so serious it didn't sound like a joke at all. "Big Sister Vita, if you're willing..."
"Don't fool around." Vita raised a finger and gently pressed it against the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's forehead, cutting her off. A hint of laughter hid in her eyes as she tilted her head in indication. "My dear Sister Bronya is still watching from over there."
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana froze. Following Vita's gaze, she turned her head and saw that Bronya had appeared beneath the corridor at some unknown time. She stood leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed, watching them with interest, a playful smile in her eyes.
"Tsk. Cinderella and a little bird together—now that's quite an interesting script," Bronya's calm voice carried a trace of teasing.
Vita immediately let go of the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana and turned to blink at Bronya, her tone coy and soft. "Dear Sister Bronya, did you come here specifically to laugh at little Vita?"
"No." Bronya straightened and walked toward them at an unhurried pace. "Whatever games you play are your business. Just don't get in my way."
"Mm-hmm, little Vita would never disturb Sister Bronya." Vita instantly put on an obedient and well-behaved expression, her eyes curved pleasantly, making her look quite likable.
"Your words carry no credibility." Bronya shot her a calm glance, her tone certain and leaving no room for sentiment.
"Am I really that unreliable in Sister Bronya's eyes? That makes little Vita so sad." Vita clutched her chest and pouted in mock grievance.
"Yes." Bronya nodded cleanly, answering without hesitation.
Her gaze shifted away from Vita and landed on the Herrscher of Dominance Kiana. After a slight pause, she said, "You should recognize me, Angelia Schariac—though now, you should call yourself Kiana."
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana looked at the tall, grown-up version of Bronya before her. A fleeting flash of surprise crossed her eyes, but she quickly understood and gave a light nod. "So you're one too."
"Mei, Kiana, Seele, Wendy—they're all mine." Bronya's tone remained calm, yet it carried an unquestionable dominance, each word clear and firm.
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana lifted her gaze to meet hers, her eyes bright. "You want me to give up."
Bronya, however, changed the topic. "I can introduce someone to you."
"Not interested." The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana rejected it without a second thought, her tone crisp.
"I've already sent it to you. Take a look before you decide." Bronya didn't press her, her voice as light as ever.
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana paused slightly and lowered her head. A gray panel materialized before her eyes. On it was a message sent by Bronya. In the remarks section, it read—Sa, Vita's mother.
Vita's mother!
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana's eyes lit up instantly, interest nearly spilling out of them, as if she had discovered some novel treasure perfectly suited to her tastes.
"Well?" Bronya raised a brow at her, smiling faintly.
"Sure." The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana responded succinctly. With a tap of her fingertip on the panel, she immediately accepted the friend request and began chatting with Sa.
Vita, standing to the side, twitched at the corner of her mouth.
So this is how we're playing it?
She looked at Bronya, her tone filled with genuine admiration. "Sister Bronya, you've got so many partners and flirted with so many girls, yet you're not afraid of your garden catching fire at all. Little Vita is truly envious."
The Herrscher of Dominance Kiana also glanced at Bronya, amusement flickering in her eyes as she gave a light snort.
Bronya lifted her chin slightly. A trace of barely perceptible pride flashed through her eyes as she spoke matter-of-factly. "Don't envy it. This is my charm."
Watching her so smug and self-righteous, the corner of Vita's mouth twitched even harder, and she couldn't help but curse inwardly.
Shameless!