Chapter 151: A Sister’s Promise
Fran could hardly contain herself. She bounced on the edge of her bed, knees springing up and down like a tiny, excited spring. Her arms stretched wide with every jump, as if she were trying to hug the whole room in her joy.
"Calm down, Fran... Lol," Dila said, chuckling softly, her tone teasing but gentle. She leaned against the doorway, watching Fran’s unrestrained happiness with a fond, amused smile.
Fran froze mid-jump, her brows furrowing slightly as she tilted her head. "What... is ’Lol,’ sister?" she asked, her voice curious, almost innocent.
Dila’s cheeks flushed faintly as she realized Fran genuinely didn’t know. "Ohhh... I forgot you don’t know," she said, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "It means... ’laugh out loud.’ Except, I just summarized the word instead of actually laughing out loud. But still... you’re funny, Fran, doing that."
Fran’s eyes sparkled as the information settled in. "Ohhhh... that’s what it is, Lol!" she exclaimed, pausing for a moment as she thought it over. Then a bright, mischievous smile spread across her face. She turned her gaze to Dila, her expression glowing with playful curiosity and warmth. "Okayyy!" she said, her tone light and happy, as if sharing a secret joke with her sister.
Suddenly, Fran’s eyes widened as she looked at the clock. "Sister... it’s dinner time already!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on the edge of her bed.
Dila tilted her head, blinking slowly as realization dawned on her. "Ohhh... when you put it that way... I guess it is," she said, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
At that exact moment, the door swung open, and two maids stepped into the room, bowing deeply. "Ohhh... High Princess... and Fran, I’m honored to meet you both," they said in unison, their voices polite yet tinged with nervous excitement.
Dila returned their bows with a gentle smile. "Thank you," she said warmly, her eyes softening at their respectful demeanor.
The maids then wheeled in a small rolling table, neatly arranged with dishes that smelled heavenly. The aroma filled the room, making Fran squeal in delight and practically bounce again.
Meanwhile, the other maid seemed unusually fidgety. She held a bundle of pajamas tightly in her arms, breathing shallowly as if the weight of the garments carried the fate of the world. She shuffled from one foot to the other, her cheeks tinged pink, clearly unsure how to hand them over without causing some minor catastrophe.
Fran’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she noticed the maid’s anxiousness. "Sister... look at her... she’s holding those pajamas like they’re made of gold!" Fran whispered, stifling a giggle.
Dila chuckled quietly, shaking her head. "I think she’s just nervous... maybe scared she’ll drop them." She glanced at the maid and smiled reassuringly. "It’s okay, you can set them down here," she said gently.
The maid visibly relaxed, letting out a shaky breath as she carefully placed the pajamas on the bed. Fran, still giggling, leaned over to Dila and whispered, "Sister... I think dinner and pajamas are equally exciting for them."
Dila smirked softly, shaking her head in amusement as Fran practically hummed in excitement, already plotting which dish to try first. The room hummed with a warm, lively energy, both funny and comforting, as their evening began.
The maid who had carefully placed the pajamas seemed to regain her excitement, her eyes sparkling with barely contained glee. She suddenly stepped closer to Dila, closing the distance, and clasped both of Dila’s hands tightly in hers. "Is it true?!" she whispered loudly, almost as if shouting in her excitement. "The rumors... you and Prince Jade... are you... getting together? Ahhhh! He’s so handsome! You’re so lucky, High Princess!"
The other maid quickly leaned over, placing a finger over her lips. "Pst, pst! Hey, cut it out! She’ll execute us if you press on!"
Dila’s mind twisted in mild disgust at the mention of Jade’s name, but her face told a different story. She allowed herself a soft, amused smile, closing her eyes slightly. "Yes... he is... charming," she said quietly, a gentle warmth in her voice.
The maid that put their pajamas got excitement only grew, clasping her hands again as if holding onto a treasure. "Maybe... maybe you should... get together! Ahhh, if only it were possible because the status gap is soo grate ahhhh!" she said, closing her eyes tightly, her tongue almost peeking between her lips in exaggerated longing.
The other maids quickly intervened, gently but firmly grabbing her by the shoulders. "Come on, come on! That’s enough!" one of them said, tugging her away from Dila. The flustered maid flailed her arms dramatically, letting out a long, exaggerated "Nooo!" as she was guided away.
As the maids escorted her back toward the door, bowing repeatedly, they apologized in unison. "Forgive our impertinence, Princess... please enjoy your proper dinner."
The door gently closed behind them, leaving Dila and Fran alone. Dila couldn’t help but chuckle softly, the warmth of amusement lingering in the air. For a moment, she had completely forgotten the mention of Jade, her thoughts replaced by the lively, ridiculous energy of the maids.
The room, now filled with the lingering aroma of dinner and the soft rustle of the curtains swaying in the evening breeze, felt light and comforting again. Fran, still quietly nibbling on her finger, looked up at Dila and smiled, sensing the subtle shift in mood. Dila returned the smile, shaking her head lightly, the corners of her lips curving with amusement and relief.
As The maids had left, and the room felt calm again, warmed by the glow of the lanterns on the walls. The small rolling table had been placed neatly between their two beds, and both Dila and Fran had set their plates with care. Steam still rose from the dishes.... fragrant soup, fresh fish, roasted pork, and warm bread that made the air rich and comforting.
Fran, eager as always, sat with her fork already busy. She leaned over her bowl, spooning up the light broth and gently forking pieces of fish into her mouth. Her ears twitched happily as she chewed, the simple joy of a meal showing in her sparkling eyes. Beside her, Dila sat straighter, more composed, her plate holding slices of roasted pork. She cut them neatly with her knife, savoring the crisp edges and the tender meat, her expression calmer now after the drama earlier.
Fran swallowed quickly, giggling as she looked at her sister. "Sister... I never thought you’d be so popular just because of that ja—" she stumbled, correcting herself with a cheeky grin, "I mean, that boy. Hehehe."
Dila paused mid-bite, her fork lingering near her lips. She lowered it slowly, her blue eyes darkening with thought. "Yeah..." she murmured, her voice softer, heavier. She glanced down at her plate, pushing a piece of pork gently with her fork. "But it’s not a good thing to me. I don’t like it."
Her words carried weight, the kind of weight that made Fran stop chewing for a moment. The younger girl tilted her head, ears drooping slightly, sensing that behind Dila’s simple words was something deeper.... a mix of discomfort, rejection, and hidden fear.
Fran didn’t press further right away. She only gave a small, nervous laugh to lighten the air, then poked her soup again. But her eyes stayed on her sister, watching carefully, trying to understand the storm Dila carried beneath her quiet, composed face.
The food in front of them was warm, but the conversation left a trace of coldness hanging in the air, the difference between their worlds becoming clearer at that table.
Dila suddenly leaned a little closer, breaking the heavy silence with a small grin. "Surprise... I’m not mad, Fran," she said, her voice carrying a light chuckle. "Hehehe." Her lips curved sweetly, but behind that smile her thoughts told a different story.... a mind still restless, her heart still caught in the unease that Jade’s name carried.
She picked up her fork again, poking gently at the food, and forced herself to sound brighter. "Cheer up, Fran," she added softly, her blue eyes lifting to her sister.
Fran blinked, her ears perking up with hope. "Really?" she asked, almost afraid to believe it.
Dila nodded quickly, the smile widening as if to erase all worry. "It’s nothing to worry about. He’s just Jade, hahahaha." She laughed, the sound playful but carrying a faint edge, a laugh meant to convince Fran more than herself.
Fran’s face softened, relief flooding her as her tail flicked lightly behind her. "Okay, sister," she said with a gentle smile. And then, little by little, she smiled wider too, following Dila’s lead, letting the warmth of her sister’s expression soothe her heart.
The two of them shared a quiet laugh together, the kind that smoothed the air for a moment, even if Dila’s true feelings stayed hidden deep inside.
Finally, after finishing their dinner, the sisters neatly prepared themselves for the night, and the room grew quiet, filled only with the soft rustle of fabric as Dila and Fran changed into their pajamas. Both of them slipped under the covers of their separate beds, the air calm and heavy with the comfort of a full stomach.
Dila lay on her side, silver-white hair spilling over the pillow, her blue eyes half-open. She let out a soft groan. "Hmmm... the lights are so annoying. I can’t sleep right like this." Her voice carried that slight cold tone she always had, mixed with a faint trace of weariness.
Fran, sprawled happily on her own bed with her cat ears twitching, nodded. "Yes," she agreed, her voice cheerful even in drowsiness. She rolled over and spotted the small rune-shaped button carved into the wall panel. With a little grin, she hopped off her bed, pressed her fingertip against it, and watched.
The rune pulsed softly, glowing for a brief second before the entire room shifted into a dim, calming darkness. The tall golden lamps along the walls faded almost completely, leaving only a faint amber shimmer that glowed like the last traces of twilight.
Fran giggled with delight, climbing back into her bed. "Hehe, much better, right?" she said, pulling the blanket over herself.
Dila adjusted her pillow, her expression softening slightly. "Hmm... nice technology for older folks," she muttered with a faint chuckle. "Interesting." She turned back, lying flat against her sheets, letting the dim glow settle into her thoughts.
At last, the room was quiet, the luxury of the academy dorm now wrapped in calm darkness. Both sisters lay in silence, the faint sound of their breathing filling the space, carrying them slowly toward sleep.
Dila’s eyes were closing, her body slowly drifting toward sleep, when Fran’s small voice broke the silence.
"Sister... I’m scared."
Dila blinked, forcing her drowsy mind awake. She shifted her head on the pillow, turning slightly toward Fran’s bed. "Why? Aren’t assassins not supposed to be scared of the dark?" she asked, her voice soft but carrying that familiar edge of teasing.
Fran’s ears twitched against her pillow, and her voice came out trembling. "Y-Yes... but still... I never killed a person, you know." Her words quivered like she was trying to hold herself together.
Dila’s eyes widened slightly, the calmness leaving her face. She pushed herself up halfway on the bed. "Wait... wait... then why weren’t you scared when those bandits were slaughtered like pigs in a pig farm?"
Fran’s little hands clutched her blanket tightly. Her tail curled against her side. Her voice cracked as she confessed, "I-It’s because I comforted you, sis. I didn’t want you to see me that I was afraid too... afraid to see the violent smash, the bodies... cut in half..." Her voice shook harder, breaking at each word.
She sniffled, her tears finally slipping down her cheeks. "And... and... I’m afraid, sis... if... if I improve my assassin skills tomorrow... I might kill someone for real." Her voice was trembling now, breaking completely as tears soaked her pillow.
The darkened room felt heavier. Dila sat up, her chest tightening at the sight of Fran trembling in her bed. Her own blue eyes softened, the anger and sharpness from earlier in the day gone. For the first time, she saw Fran not as the playful, fearless cat girl she always to be... but as a young girl, still just sixteen, terrified of what her path might turn her into.
Fran lay curled on her side, knees drawn up close, her tail limp and trembling against the sheets. The quiet room felt too large, too heavy with her fears. She pressed her face into her pillow, trying to silence the sound of her own sobs.
Then... the faint rustling of blankets reached her ears. Fran’s ears flicked, even through her tears. Slowly, she turned her head and saw the dim outline of Dila’s figure moving across the small gap between their beds. The light from the faint glowing rune on the wall brushed against her silver-white hair, soft and shimmering like moonlight in the dark.
Dila climbed gently onto Fran’s bed, careful not to startle her. Without a word, she slipped under the blanket and pressed herself close, snuggling against Fran’s back. Her arms wrapped softly around Fran’s small frame, holding her as though she was something fragile.
"Don’t worry about it, Fran..." Dila whispered, her voice low and tender, carrying warmth despite its usual cold tone. She rested her forehead lightly against the back of Fran’s head. "I’m here."
Fran’s eyes widened at the closeness. The tears in her lashes blurred her sight, but she reached up with a trembling hand and rubbed at her eyes.
Then Dila rubbed her head gently as if to feel her sister’s presence more clearly.
Dila’s arms tightened slightly around her, a protective embrace. "I will protect you from any harm... as much as I can, as your sister. I promise you that." Her words were steady, firm, like an oath spoken in the silence of the night.
Fran’s lips trembled, but a tiny smile broke through her tears. She leaned back into Dila’s warmth, the fear in her chest easing little by little. The soft snuggle, the gentle promise... it felt like a shield wrapping around her heart.
The room was quiet again, but this time it wasn’t heavy. The darkness felt softer, like it belonged to them alone. And as Dila continued to hold her, Fran’s breathing slowly steadied, her tears drying while she drifted closer to a peaceful sleep in the safety of her sister’s arms.
The two of them lay close beneath the soft blankets, the faint glow of the rune casting only the gentlest light across their room. Dila’s silver-white hair spilled across the pillow, brushing against Fran’s dark navy strands, the contrast of their colors blending like twilight meeting dawn. Her arms remained snugly wrapped around Fran’s small frame, holding her as though letting go would shatter something too precious.
Fran’s ears twitched now and then, but her body gradually softened under Dila’s warmth. The trembling in her shoulders faded, her breaths slowing until they fell into a calm rhythm. Her tail, which had been restless and stiff, now curled gently along the edge of the bed, brushing against Dila’s leg in quiet comfort.
Dila’s eyes lingered open for a while longer. She studied Fran’s body language, the faint trail of tears still glistening on her cheeks. A tender sadness stirred in her chest, yet also a fragile sense of peace. She leaned closer, whispering so softly it was barely more than breath. "You’ll be fine, Fran... I won’t let the darkness take you. Not while I’m here."
The younger girl shifted slightly in her sleep, her lips curving into the faintest smile, as if she heard and understood even in her dreams. Dila felt her own heart ease, the storm of earlier fading into stillness.
With Fran nestled against her, Dila finally allowed her eyes to close. Her hold never loosened, even as her breathing grew slower, syncing with Fran’s steady rhythm.
The room fell into silence, broken only by the quiet hum of night beyond the window. And there, in that soft dimness, the sisters drifted together into peaceful sleep.... two hearts bound in warmth, trust, and the quiet promise of never letting go.