Chapter 201
Nelia grumbled as she shrugged off her shawl.
“How could you pick a meeting place like this? Who would come to a place like this? Even with no taste, there are limits. I’ve recently hired a renowned etiquette teacher. Once we get home, you’re going to have to go through training again.”
Nelia spoke as if it was already a given that Sebelia would be returning and rambled on about her plans. Sebelia humored the nonsense with a polite smile before abruptly replying:
“How thoughtful of you. I didn’t expect you to care so much after only meeting twice.”
“Oh, really.”
Why did she keep acting like they barely knew each other? Nelia muttered and ignored Sebelia’s words, then waved her hand awkwardly as if embarrassed.
“If it’s because you’re shy, don’t be. We’re family. It’s only natural for an older sister to look after her younger sibling. Who else cares about you as much as I do?”
At that moment, Sebelia unexpectedly felt a sharp pang in her chest—like her chest was being torn apart by jagged teeth.
Care about me?
No way. She scoffed inside at Nelia’s words. Unlike Nathan, Nelia never took the initiative to torment her. But that didn’t mean she truly cared.
To Nelia, Sebelia had just been a tool to get praised by adults as the obedient, well-behaved elder sister.
So, now that I’ve grown up, I’m no longer useful.
Once Sebelia stopped being a troublesome crybaby, Nelia withdrew her attention completely—even until the moment Sebelia took the medicine and attempted suicide at Hillend Hall.
“…Is that why you cared for your younger sister so much you didn’t even attend the funeral?”
Sebelia placed her teacup down and spoke in an unusually calm voice. Surprised by the change in tone, Nelia looked up and stared at her.
“How amusing.”
Sebelia’s cold gaze pierced into Nelia’s heart. The chilling feeling made Nelia shudder. Realizing she’d received such a look from Sebelia, she clenched her teeth in frustration.
Is this girl really crazy?
Nelia had heard that Sebelia hated her life in the North so much she faked her death and ran away. But she could never understand why she had to bear the brunt of that resentment.
Still, she couldn’t risk spoiling the mood by reprimanding her now. At least not until the time their father mentioned—Nelia had to keep Sebelia here.
Hiding her true intent, Nelia looked at Sebelia with soft, tender eyes and even bent down to hold Sebelia’s hand.
“Sebelia, I know you’re angry. But what good is it to dwell on the past now? We’re simply giving you what you want. Since you hated the name Sebelia, we’re willing to adjust to that. Why misunderstand Father’s sincerity?”
“Are you speaking sincerely now?”
“Let’s drop this and go back. I’ve moved your room and redecorated it. I even put up the wallpaper with white clouds you’ve loved since you were little. Don’t you want to see it right away? Hm?”
Her sweet voice, like coaxing a child, left Sebelia dumbfounded. The tone was one thing, but white cloud wallpaper? How old did Nelia think Sebelia was?
I’d rather deal with Nathan.
Sebelia felt a headache coming on dealing with someone who just didn’t get it. She sighed and, using the chair for support, stood up.
From her fingertips, pale smoke drifted, transforming into a small feather that fluttered gently—an illusion sharing senses with Sebelia.
“I must have been sitting too long. I’ll go get some fresh air.”
Sebelia casually hid the illusion under the table and stepped into the hallway. Even then, she felt Nelia’s resentful gaze piercing her cheeks, making her stomach churn.
* * *
Sebelia’s footsteps faded down the hall. Nelia held her breath, waiting until Sebelia had fully left the corridor. When the footsteps vanished completely, Nelia sighed regretfully.
“I really didn’t want to do this. But dealing with a late-blooming teen is no easy task.”
Yet despite her disappointed tone, she smiled brightly and pulled out the vial.
“I just hope you don’t become a fool, little sister.”
Plop.
Nelia dropped two drops into Sebelia’s teacup and had the staff order fresh tea just in case. When the steaming teapot arrived, she poured the rest of the d**g into it.
Hoo.
As the steam began to cool, Sebelia opened the door and came back in.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No worries. I thought the tea had gone cold, so I ordered fresh. It must’ve been chilly outside, have some.”
Sebelia smiled softly and lifted her cup. The sound of tea sliding down her throat echoed in the private room.
“You’re just like when you were little.”
A white feather flickered along Nelia’s neck, tracing the curve of her dark hair.
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