Chapter 269: The Showdown Between Besties, Let Me Take the Fall (2)
Violet blinked in realization, her eyes lighting up. That's right—Nia was the elven princess! An alliance with the elves would undoubtedly strengthen the kingdom.
This visit wasn't just about seeking advice from Shia. It was also an opportunity to explore new diplomatic avenues.
Feeling invigorated by Nia's support, Violet wasted no time. She moved to sit beside her, her posture relaxed and confident.
"Princess Nia, I've heard much about your reputation since enrolling here. It's a shame we haven't had the chance to meet before now. But better late than never, right?"
Her words were warm yet composed, striking a balance between camaraderie and respect. After all, Violet wasn't just any noble—she was a princess herself. Their statuses were equal, making this an ideal opportunity for collaboration.
"Is that so? I wonder, what kind of person have you heard me to be?"
Nia tilted her head slightly, her face adorned with a naive and delighted smile.
"I've heard that senior possesses great strength, upholds justice, and is strikingly beautiful—a goddess in the eyes of countless students."
"But after meeting you, I feel even the rumors fail to capture even a tenth of your charm."
Violet silently gave herself a mental pat on the back.
'Wow, I really nailed that!'
Off to the side, Aph couldn't help but cover her face with her hand.
'Your Highness, don't you think this level of flattery is over the top?'
'Where's your royal dignity?'
This feels like a concubine fawning over the empress.
Violet continued, pouring a cup of tea for Nia and offering it with both hands, her smile beaming.
"Serving tea with both hands is how one treats an equal, after all!"
Aph was too drained to even retort.
This is even more sycophantic.
How could the princess be doing this?
Her Highness carries the noble bloodline of the royal family, someone always respected and admired.
And yet, here she was, lowering herself entirely, all for the betterment of the kingdom.
Softening her heart, Aph finally stood up and took a seat beside Nia.
"Senior Nia, speaking of which, your performance when we first met left me in awe. Could I humbly ask for some pointers?"
As her princess's knight, it was her duty to shield her from such indignities.
Nia turned her gaze to Aph, her smile kind.
"Oh, it's nothing special—just lots of practice, really."
"Princess Nia, sitting for too long can be tiring. Would you like me to massage your shoulders? It's rare for you to guide us like this."
Before waiting for a reply, Aph's hands landed gently on Nia's shoulders, beginning to knead them.
"This is too much, really."
Nia's cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she scratched her head shyly.
"Respecting one's seniors is my duty," Aph insisted.
Her actions, however, left Violet utterly dumbfounded.
Wait, are you competing with me now!?
Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Aph indignantly.
I'm the one with the same status as Senior Nia, alright? Handling diplomacy is my job!
Move aside and let me do it!
Aph met Violet's gaze without an ounce of retreat.
Don't be ridiculous—serving others, even humbling oneself, is my responsibility as the princess's knight.
It's my duty to protect the princess from disgrace, to bear these burdens myself.
Violet, however, didn't sense even a hint of Aph's so-called "goodwill."
For her, Aph's behavior was an affront.
Her irritation bubbled over—You're sidelining me from everything!
"Thank you for your invitation, Senior. I humbly accept," Violet declared, seizing the moment to wrap an arm around Nia's shoulders, casually brushing Aph's hands aside.
She even sneaked a glare at Aph.
Diplomacy is my job. Back off!
If Aph insisted, she'd have to resort to prying Violet's hands off herself.
Left with no choice, Aph reluctantly settled back into her seat.
Nia, meanwhile, maintained her cheerful demeanor.
"It's fine, we're always happy to host friends."
Aph reached for the fruit platter on the table, spearing a piece with a fork before bringing it to Nia's lips.
"Princess Nia, have some fruit!"
Her fawning was almost unbearable to watch.
But Violet wouldn't stand for it. She snatched the fork right out of Aph's hand.
"How could you trouble yourself with something like this, Aph?"
"Your hands are meant to hold swords, to protect the kingdom. I'll handle these small gestures for our senior."
Aph clearly didn't agree.
The two immediately began bickering, their words clashing like swords.
Aph: "This is my duty as a knight. Protecting and serving is what I'm meant to do."
Violet: "And yet, you've never fed me fruit as my knight."
Aph: "Shall I feed you some now, Your Highness?"
Violet: "Forget it. Why don't you just head back? I can handle things here."
Aph: "I must remain by your side, through thick and thin."
Violet: "There are still matters at home that need your attention."
Aph: "But staying with Your Highness is equally important."
…
Nia timidly raised her hand.
"You're both guests here. Isn't taking care of guests the host's job?"
The two turned their eyes back to Nia, their competitive spirits flaring up once more.
"Really, there's no need to fuss so much between friends!" Violet beamed, effectively elevating their relationship from senior and junior to close friends.
"By the way, Senior, I recently bought some beautiful jewelry that I think would suit you perfectly. Why don't you come over and try it sometime?"
The first move to win over the queen—gifts.
A warm attitude was the foundation, but to truly stand out, charm and thoughtfulness were essential.
"That's too much. I couldn't accept something like that."
"Why not? I admire you, Senior. It's just a small token of my appreciation."