Chapter 268: The Showdown Between Besties, Let Me Take the Fall (1)
The afternoon sun had cooled, transitioning from bright white to a warm orange.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
The four continued their casual conversation, riding the momentum of their earlier exchange, creating a relaxed and pleasant environment.
Just as Violet felt her heart threatening to leap out of her throat, a sudden knock at the door startled her so much she nearly jumped out of her seat. Her pale complexion turned even whiter, almost ghostly.
All eyes turned toward the door. Rong was the first to stand and walk over to open it.
The door creaked open, and Rong stepped aside.
A tall, athletic figure walked in from the outside. Long dark green hair cascaded down her back, her body an epitome of perfection, her healthy bronze skin glowing faintly.
Seeing Aph appear at the door, Violet instinctively tensed. Her soft, round ass shifted nervously on the cushion as her gaze flitted about, avoiding Aph's piercing eyes.
Why was she here?
If earlier she had been feeling restless while waiting for Shia's response, now she was genuinely nervous. A fine sheen of sweat appeared on her back as she sat stiffly, unable to relax.
"Aph-sister, w-why are you here?" Violet was the first to speak, her voice betraying her unease. She seemed to be trying to mask her anxiety, but her guilty demeanor only became more apparent.
Her entire posture exuded the vibe of someone caught red-handed.
Aph's sharp gaze swept across the room before locking onto Violet. Her deep green eyes seemed to see through everything, examining Violet from head to toe with a calm intensity.
Under such scrutiny, Violet's unease only grew. Her fingers instinctively dug into the leather sofa beneath her, but the slippery surface offered no support, leaving her feeling even more on edge.
Finally, Aph spoke. "I'm here for Her Highness. He was late returning home today."
Although her tone was steady and emotionless, it only made Violet feel guiltier.
Aph had suspected this outcome but still couldn't suppress the pang of frustration and melancholy at finding Her Highness here, in Shia's residence.
'Your Highness, why are you here?'
'Do you know what you're doing?'
'This isn't where you're supposed to be!'
Violet's fingers scratched at the leather sofa again, futilely searching for a way to ground herself. Her tension had her perched stiffly, her nervous energy spilling over.
The previously harmonious atmosphere had shifted into something much more awkward and tense.
Rong glanced between Violet, who looked ready to bolt, and Aph, whose intense gaze had not wavered. She seemed puzzled by the sudden shift in mood. Meanwhile, Nia watched the scene with wide, curious eyes, her innocent face lighting up with a hint of amusement.
This scene… it looked far too much like a classic 'caught in the act' scenario.
"Why is Her Highness here?" Aph broke the silence again, directing her question squarely at Violet, who faltered, her lips parting to speak but failing to form words.
But then she froze. A sudden thought struck her.
'Wait, why am I even nervous?'
'What am I feeling guilty about?'
'I'm here to discuss serious matters with Shia!'
Their interaction earlier had gone smoothly. But now, under Aph's intense scrutiny, Violet's composure had faltered. However, as the realization dawned on her, she straightened her back, her shoulders squaring.
"I came to consult with Master Shia on important matters," Violet declared firmly. She deliberately emphasized the title "Master Shia," her meaning unmistakable.
Her chin lifted slightly, and her earlier hesitation disappeared. Her aura was once again that of a confident royal.
'I'm here to discuss kingdom matters, for the Silvermoon Kingdom's sake. What's there to criticize?'
'This is my duty as a princess!'
"What kind of 'important matters'?" Aph's eyes remained fixed on Violet, unwavering in their intensity.
"Diplomatic and financial matters concerning the kingdom!" Violet replied confidently. "Her Majesty entrusted me with this responsibility. It's my duty as a princess to handle these affairs."
Aph's gaze bore into Violet for a long moment. But ultimately, she nodded slightly. "Even so, Her Highness should have informed me instead of staying out late without a word."
Her words carried a faint trace of concern. However, the atmosphere between the two wasn't one of genuine care. Instead, it was more akin to two opponents facing off in a standoff.
Neither woman was willing to concede. Their gazes locked, silently clashing.
Nia, watching the tension unfold, glanced between the two, a new idea forming in her mind. A sweet, harmless smile spread across her face.
"You know," Nia began cheerfully, hugging a pillow to her chest, "it's almost dinnertime. Why don't both of you stay for dinner?"
As she spoke, Nia gave Rong a small nudge. Rong, still clueless about the brewing tension, nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, yes! Stay and eat with us," Rong added with a smile.
Their suggestion, though seemingly innocuous, felt more like adding fuel to the fire. If Violet and Aph left now, the tension between them might dissipate. But staying together, with temptation hanging in the air, would only escalate matters.
Violet and Aph both turned their gazes to Nia, their expressions unreadable.
Nia, her usual innocent demeanor intact, exuded a quiet elegance. Her long elven ears twitched slightly as she smiled at Aph with calm confidence.
"Junior Aph, Violet came here today to discuss the brewing project. Her intentions are for the kingdom's benefit," Nia explained, her tone soft but resolute. "And don't forget, this isn't just Shia's residence. I, the elven princess, am here as well."
As she spoke, Nia subtly straightened her back, emphasizing her natural grace and poise. Her chest rose ever so slightly, her royal presence undeniable.
"Wouldn't forming an alliance with the elves greatly benefit the Silvermoon Kingdom's future?" she added, her gaze steady and filled with quiet authority.
Her words were confident, her tone carrying the weight of her royal status.