Quicker than I expected, Aria was already hugging me. She was a bit taller than the last time we met, a full head higher than me. She was a little stronger than before too, proof of how much she had grown.

  “Tya! It's been so long since I've seen you, I missed you so much!” she said in a high-pitched cheerful voice. Very different from her tone earlier, when talking to her sister.

  “I missed you too.” Getting hugs from Aria was great. There was a sense of familiarity, like a sister, which made physical contact with her very pleasant.

  What about Yuliana? Well… she's special.

  Cough.

  Anyways

  “Your voice is lovely.” She said, pulling away a little and squeezing my cheeks with both hands. “Tya is so cute, your dress is so cute, your hair is so gorgeous.” She kept complimenting my appearance using as many synonyms and cute words as she could, causing my face to feel hot. I had to stop her before I turned into a tomato or worse.

  “How have you been? There's a lot I want to talk about.” I said, leading her by the hand to the couch and letting Agalia, who had just come out of her daze, help us sit down. Or rather me. Aria was tall enough that she didn't need help.

  “Hehe, not much has happened. I've been studying a lot since my birthday last year, *sigh* it's boring sometimes, but I like it.” A small smile formed on her lips as she spoke, she seemed very happy to be able to talk to me. I could tell she had been feeling lonely. The only kids her age she could interact with were Yuliana and me, not to mention the children of her mother's twin friends. It’s no wonder she looked so happy right now.

  “I'm studying too. Kila is teaching me many things, Nini too. She taught me how to read and write.” I said, recounting to her a little of what I had been doing too.

  “Nini?” she asked curiously.

  “Hmm, Zenya, my big sister,” I replied with a slight blush. It was a little embarrassing that others knew about the nickname I use for my sister. mostly because of how childish it sounds. I could see Aria hold back her laughter for a moment, but I decided to let it go...for now.

  “Did you know I met her once?” she revealed, causing my eyes to widen in surprise. Why had I never heard of that? Aria seemed to understand my unasked question, “No wonder you didn't know. It was at a tea party a while back. She recognized me almost immediately and...” Aria paused, her eyes suddenly lifeless, as if that memory was too much for her. “Well, Lady Zenya seems like a good older sister... yeah...”

  Ah, I think I can imagine what happened. Nini... Zenya can be somewhat... intense when it comes to me, especially if someone is willing to listen to everything, she has to say. Aria just shook her head and regained her previous energy. Then, something came up that I needed to talk about.

  Aria mentioned being a little envious of Yuliana, who had improved so much in her writing and speaking, that she couldn't help but feel that she was some kind of genius kid. Of course, I could understand that feeling. Yuliana was abnormally good at everything she did. The last letter I received, which Aria seemed to get too, mentioned that she was already practicing magic at a basic level. Something like that was unheard of, not only for the Nazzik’s, but also for most people, especially high-ranking nobles.

  We both sighed as we thought of that little angel and what the future had in store for her.

  It was at that instant that I decided to mention that important detail. “Aria, why haven't you answered any of my letters?”

  Aria was startled to hear my question and averted her gaze to the side, guilty and, for some reason, embarrassed. That slight blush on her cheeks was kinda cute. But it didn't erase the fact that she wasn't answering my question.

  My gaze became more intense, the kind that could drill into her head if it could. Aria seemed to sense it, since she started shaking a little and fidgeting nervously.

  “S-sorry.” She said, placing her hands in her lap and grabbing her dress. She still looked embarrassed, but her apologetic look seemed honest enough to me.

  “Did something happen?” I asked, feeling a little worried.

  She shook her head and moved closer to me, speaking softly. “The truth is... I'm not very good at writing or reading. My maid is always the one who helps me read the letters. I... I don't want other to write my letters. I want to do it myself. That's why... I haven't answered you. Neither to Yuliana.” Her sad expression made me feel a little guilty. Maybe I was being a little hard on her. I know that, in this world, children are a little quicker to learn how to do things, but I think I was being a little oblivious and hard on her. I think it was abnormal enough to be able to know how to do so many things at my young age. Yuliana, more than anyone. And, when I first learned how quickly my angel learned to do things, I also felt like I was being left behind.

  I put my hand over hers, and squeezed it tightly, smiling gently at her. I didn't want her to think she was inferior to us, but I also didn't know what to say to make her feel better. So, my solution was to be honest and say what I want.

  “I'm really want to read the letters Aria will write for me.”

  Aria smiled sweetly. Her cheerful face was practically a treasure to be protected at all costs. Aria is a good friend, and I want to protect our friendship with all my might.

  “Aria!” her sister shouted, advancing towards us. We both turned to her and I could see irritation on her face as she saw me sitting next to Aria.

  I have a bad feeling about this...

  “Yes, shivit?” Aria replied calmly, stepping down from the couch we were sitting on.

  “Go. They have everything ready to start working on you.” Aria nodded and silently said goodbye to me.

  Her eyes look like she hoped she could see me when it was over. I nodded and she quickly left giving one last worried look at her sister, who didn't take her eyes off me at any time.

  Convinced that something was going to happen, I decided to get off the couch, with the help of a very nervous Agalia, and set about introducing myself. After all, the basis of civilized social interaction is a polite introduction.

  “Good afternoon, my name is Orinthya-”

  “I'm not interested in your name, brat.” She interrupted, in an irritated and almost disgusted voice, which made me look at her with a bit of surprise. I'd expected hostility, given the attitude she'd displayed so far, but to act like that? It was more than unexpected.

  Her eyes seemed to look at me as if I were a pile of garbage obstructing her path. “All I want to know is what some vermin like you is doing here, and why you were speaking so familiarly to my sister.”

  I remained silent, too shocked by the seemingly unwarranted animosity. There really were such people, huh? Just as I was about to introduce myself again, and see if that could appease her, I was forced back by Agalia, who stepped between us, protecting me.

  From behind her back, I could see the tension that overwhelmed her, like a string about to snap. Her shoulders trembled slightly, as if the moment Aria's sister said something, she would jump like a frightened cat. Her tail was flapping like a whip, tapping the ground nervously, and her wings were constantly twitching, as if she was going to take flight and escape at any moment. I was completely clueless as to why, if she was so terrified, was still holding her ground despite that murderous look Aria's sister was giving her. I couldn't see her face, but I was sure she was doubting her decision terribly, and yet, she was there, protecting me.

  “Step aside, commoner.” The noblewoman ordered disdainfully.

  Agalia flinched at her words, but still didn't move an inch. “N-n-n-n-no. I-I, I was tasked with taking c-care of the l-lady.” She said in a shaky voice, mimicking her trembling body. Despite that, she stood her ground, full of a bravery that, unfortunately, didn't show beyond her stubbornness in not trying to abandon me.

  “Tch.” Aria's sister clicked her tongue and, before we could react...

  *slap*

  The sound echoed in the silent establishment. It was so loud and sudden that I jumped in shock. Then Agalia fall. The arrogant noblewoman had slapped her so hard that she knocked her to the ground next to me.

  “!” I gasp, worried, and approach her to check if she was ok.

  A large red mark start forming on her cheek, growing more intense as time passed. Some tears were already gathering in her eyes, which had opened wide and showed the disbelief and terror she should be feeling.

  “What do you think you're doing? Estúpida perra” I shouted angrily, glaring at the irritating noblewoman who only seemed pleased by her action, as if she was sure she’d done the right thing. But as soon as my words reached her ears, her face distorted in a clear show of offense and anger.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “A lowborn brat dares to address me, a high noblewoman in such a manner?” she roared, like a raging bull. She grabbed me by the hair and lift me off the ground. Then she grabbed me by the face and grinned mischievously. “You think you can talk to me in such a way? You're dumber than you look.”

  I struggled, trying to dig my claws into her hands to free myself, but somehow, I couldn't muster my strength, which I barely had.

  “Should I just do the same to you and throw you to the ground like that trash over there?” she whispered, showing me how amused she was at my suffering. She brought her face closer to me, sadistically enjoying my attempt to free myself, and that's when I took the opportunity to throw a kick that impacted directly against her jaw, and causing me to fall to the ground.

  Fortunately for me, not so much for Agalia, I fell on top of her, which softened the impact, though it elicited a gasp of pain from the girl.

  “Fucking bitch!” Roared the noblewoman. “I will give you a good lesson!” She shouted again, flinging herself at me.

  “Sister, what are you doing, stop!” Aria's voice reached us. Both this bitch and I watched the girl run up to us with a pale, terrified face. It seems that, her sister's screams and the commotion we were causing alerted her, making her to return immediately.

  I could imagine what was going through her head right then, and the terror of wondering what would happen to them if this continued. Her expression was the same as Isolde's has at that time.

  “Not until I take care of this little rat.” Snarled the noble bitch, grabbing me by the hair again and this time hitting me in the face with her open hand, knocking me to the ground. I felt a terrible pain in my cheek and nose. One of my eyes was burning like sand had been thrown into it. A slight taste of iron flooded my mouth and, as I spat, something white fall to the ground along with my red spit.

  This bitch just knocked one of my fangs?

  I began to tremble, not from fear, but from anger. This bitch dared, not only to insult me and attack the girl that was taking care of me, but also hit me so hard as to knocked out one of my fangs?

  I was so enraged that I simply couldn't keep myself under control, much less want to. I saw Aria trying to stop her with all her might, screaming that if she continued, she was going to get in big trouble, but that bitch ignored her, trying to get closer to me with her face distorted with rage.

  “And she calls me my vermin. HA!” I muttered, and then I just let myself go, running with all my might the moment that bitch turned to look at Aria. Then I jumped towards her leg and bite. I bite as hard as I could.

  My teeth, fangs capable of tearing flesh with ease, dug into her calf with all the force my jaw was capable of exerting, making her scream in pain, giving me an incredible feeling of satisfaction. Aria screamed at me, imploring me to stop, but it was too late, I had already made up my mind that, at the very least, I was going to rip a good part of that fucking bitch's leg.

  Fed up with the situation, I saw her do something with her hand, something shiny began to form. A shiver ran through my whole body. It was dangerous, and she was going to throw it at me at any moment.

  Suddenly, an unknown force, a shiver much worse than the one before, on top of an enormous pressure on us, made us all freeze. There, at the door that led to the back room, was my mother, staring furiously at what was happening. Behind her, Tina was in shock, but didn't take long for her to run to me.

  Feeling somehow appeased, I decided to release my bite and move away from the bitch, falling on my ass. I turned to Agalia, wishing she was okay. To my great surprise and relief, Raelia was already there, hugging and comforting the poor girl that was crying inconsolably. Raelia looked at me with an apology in her eyes. Then, she looked down at the bitch, who was frozen in place, probably because of my mother's unexpected appearance. It was then that her voice echoed through the silence.

  “Iseria Eleios. I let you go unpunished for a long time. Not even when you insulted my eldest daughter. And I did it because she'd sorted things out on her own. But now?” Mom turned her gaze to me, watching as Tina was desperately trying to do something about the bleeding on my face. I wasn't sure what it was, as I couldn't feel much, perhaps from the wound itself or the adrenaline flooding my veins, but I knew something was bleeding besides my mouth. “But now I realize it was a mistake. Your attitude only worsened, to the point where you tried to murder my youngest daughter.”

  The bitch, Iseria, opened her eyes wide, like a deer caught under the headlights of a vehicle. In panic she looked at me as if she couldn't believe what my mother said. Then she fell to her knees on the ground, as if she were about to faint at any moment. Her face, pale as a corpse, showed how terrified she was.

  Aria, then, ran straight to my mother and prostrated herself, begging in terror.

  “Please, please, please, Duchess, forgive us, please,” She begged between sobs. Pleading, scared to death at my mother. “I beg you, please forgive her terrible offense. I-I tried to stop her, but she was not thinking clearly. She is my only sister. Please, I ask you, your grace, to give us mercy. It was a terrible mistake. Your grace can be mad at her all you want but please-”

  “Silence.” My mother interrupted her in a deep voice, but devoid of anger. She gave me a sad look, as if she was somehow asking my opinion. I nodded, hoping that she would somehow understand what I wanted to convey to her. Fortunately, she seemed to, and crouched beside Aria, stroking her back hoping to calm her down. The sudden touch made Aria flinch, but my mother’s touch seemed to be gentler enough to help her.

  Mom helped her up, cleaned her face which had been left in a terrible state due to tears and snot. She was terrified, obviously, and my mother didn't have the heart to say anything else. She took the poor girl and lifted her in her arms, walking over to where Tina and I were.

  She walked past Iseria without even looking at her, however, her footsteps echo loudly, causing a very distinct shudder in that bitch with each step my mother took.

  “How is she?” she asked to Tina as she crouched down to be on my level. Aria had clung tightly to her, sobbing quietly.

  “...Other than stopping the bleeding, I don't think I can do much more.” Tina shook her head, terribly frustrated, biting her lip and looking down sadly and helplessly. “She needs to see a physician as soon as possible.”

  Mom nodded in agreement. She gave me a hurt look before changing completely to an expression of restrained anger.

  “Tina!”

  “Yes, my master!” suddenly the maid prostrated herself, like the excellent servant she was always supposed to have been.

  “Warn Erlathan, then go and fetch our carriage.” She ordered in a firm voice, then, adjusting her tone to a softer one, she spoke to Aria, still in her arms. “Little one, how many escorts did you bring?”

  “...two,” Aria replied haltingly after a brief moment. Her voice trembling a little.

  “No maidservants?”

  Aria nodded. With that, Mom instructed Tina to inform Eleios' escort what had happened inside, and take one of them with her to bring their carriage too.

  Wasting no time, the maid replied loudly, “Yes, Master!” and hurried away.

  Before long, two people entered the establishment. The first, Sir Erlathan, who immediately walked toward us and knelt before my mother, awaiting her orders. The other, a soldier of the Eleios family looked in astonishment at his mistress, lying on the floor in complete shock. Then he looked toward my mother, who was holding his other mistress, and finally, at me. But, when he saw me, his face, barely visible through his helmet, darkened, as if he had just looked death in the eye.

  That look worried me. I don’t know how serious my injuries are, and from the looks they gave me, it seemed serious. But I didn't want to think about that, besides, I didn't want to touch it. I was afraid that if I tried it, it might get worse.

  I was more surprised that I hadn't cried during this whole experience. Last time with Aria, I cried almost instantly, but this time was odd.

  The soldier stood beside Iseria without a word, but his posture and twitching movements showed how worried he must have been.

  “Sir Erlathan, once both carriages arrive, we will leave. Make sure Eleios' carriage follows us to the manor.” Mother spoke with a firm tone, her words directed not only towards our knight alone, but also to the escort standing firm beside Iseria.

  “At your command, your grace!” he replied, then moved to the door and stood watch.

  “Now, this goes for everyone present.” Mother announced in a deep voice. Her presence, the same one I felt when I saw her arrive earlier, spread throughout the place, visibly pressing down on everyone here. “This incident will not leave here. There will not be a word, nor even a thought about what happened this day. Whoever dares to go against my order, will suffer the consequences. Have I made myself clear?”

  Everyone here, excepting me and the Eleios sisters, responded in unison with a “Yes, your grace” and a firm nod. At that, my mother finally sighed and plopped down on the couch, motioning for me to come closer.

  “M-Miss.” A shaky, small voice came to me as I sat beside Mom. It was Agalia, who finally managed to calm down. Her cousin, Raelia, was keeping her propped up by one arm, not letting her legs from giving in.

  “Are you okay?” I asked worriedly. Her face looked a little pale, and although the red mark on her cheek was still noticeable, she seemed a bit better.

  The girl nodded, looking quite dejected. Tears threatened to form again, but she managed to resist the urge and turned to me again.

  “I'm so sorry, for not being able to protect you better.” Agalia bowed, apologizing again and again. I felt bad for her. It wasn't her fault, after all. She did what she could, so I couldn't be anything but grateful to her. “It was my job to keep the young miss from getting hurt, and I failed miserably. Whatever punishment you-“

  I shook my head, stopping her words. “Thank you. Agalia is very brave and cool.” I spoke.

  That was my honest thought. Even if I ended up getting hurt afterwards, she didn't hesitate to protect me despite how terrified she was, and that's something to be commended. Not many people swallow their fears and face them like that. I'm sure with a little confidence and support from her cousin, she'll get through this and improve a lot.

  She tried to say something else, but Raelia stopped her. Agalia felt silent for a moment before thanking me in a small voice. Raelia then told her to go to the back room and rest.

  With that, the girl left after thanking me and my mother one last time.

  Raelia stayed with us and, when her cousin finally disappeared behind the door, her expression changed completely. The ever-smiling Valven was no longer here. She now looked as serious as a hangman ready to execute a convict on death row.

  “Your grace.” She called out to my mother with restrained anger. Mom just looked at her silently. “As the person in charge of this establishment, I humbly ask you to allow me-”

  “No.” Whatever request she was about to make; it was immediately denied. Raelia gritted her teeth helplessly. She seemed to want to say something else, and struggled internally on whether she should say it, but my mother's voice got her attention again. “I know what you're feeling, but I can't allow you to take action just yet.”

  Raelia clenched her fists tightly. She was so frustrated that she couldn't do anything but stand there. She stood there, doing and saying nothing more, looking more and more frustrated. But, in the end, seemed to come to an agreement with herself, she took several deep breaths until she slowly calmed down.

  “Forgive me for displaying such an inappropriate attitude, your grace. I will trust your word and wait patiently for justice in this incident.”

  Mom nodded and after that we all kept quiet until Tina returned. We got into the carriage right away. Aria came with us in our carriage, mostly to make sure she was okay. She sat next to me and I spent the whole ride trying to lift her spirits, reassuring her that everything would be fine and that she shouldn't worry. But, every time she looked up at me in the eyes, her expression would turn somber and she would lower her head again. That response worried me, not just because there wasn't anything I could do for her, but also because so many looks like that were already too terrifying to avoid thinking the worst. At least my eye no longer felt like it was on fire.

  It was a very long drive home, as I tried to keep the anxiety under control.

  Here!) everyone is welcome!