Case 121: When time changes, people adapt.

I stared at Lyra for a while, then bitterly withdrew my gaze.

''Is that so...'' I pondered.

''You don't seem too surprised.'' The heroine remarked, naturally settling down beside me. ''Did you anticipate this?''

''Maybe. Don't worry about that woman. She won't do much.''

''I know. If she wanted to cause trouble, she would have done so a long time ago.''

Even though her mother and stepmother had escaped without a trace, Lyra appeared unfazed. Sometimes, I wondered if the callousness that she had toward her own blood was a good or a bad thing.

Though I couldn't say I was much better.

''But then... who will take over the Marquise?'' I ask, subtly avoiding Lyra's lecherous touch. ''One of the relatives?''

''I will.'' She firmly replied. ''Letting those hyenas in charge will only bring this house down.''

I didn't question her further. With her capabilities, not to mention the House of Orleans, even ruling the whole of Libre was a piece of cake. As for me... well, I knew Lily and her thoughts. She probably didn't want to be involved in this mess, and the Marchioness was infatuated with her enough to abandon her status. Simple as that.

In a way, this result was inevitable.

Yet, even though I had fully anticipated it... I couldn't help but feel lost. With everything that had happened these past few days, I realized that nothing could stay the same forever.

Time changes, and people have to adapt.

And I... was afraid of change. I wanted my life to be peaceful—was that such a difficult wish?

''...''

The more I thought about it, the more foolish I felt. I, a mere insignificant human, wanted to go against the Heavens when I couldn't even save my own life.

Sighing helplessly, I burrowed my face between my knees.

Perhaps the only remedy I had in this chaotic life was my loved ones. They shielded me from the negativity I faced, embraced me, and helped me get up from despair. But even that perfect barrier was starting to show cracks.

That evening, Rachael paid me a visit.

''Rachael!''

Upon seeing me like this, she immediately frowned. For a heartbeat, I thought I must have looked terrible.

''Have you eaten properly? You look thinner.''

''Ah... I'm okay, really.''

When it turned out that she merely worried for me, I was relieved. As she restlessly examined my body, I couldn't help but avert my eyes guiltily.

How could I not have eaten well when Lyra nearly force-fed me every spoon of food? Rather, it was because the elixirs were losing their effects. My heart tightened when I recalled their anxious expressions a few years ago. Would they return to that state if I became frail again...?

Even though I already knew the answer, I could hardly bring myself to believe it.

Nevertheless, we spent a while chatting.

Rachael sat me on her lap, tentatively feeding me the cake she brought as we cuddled. My princess was also considerate as she concisely informed me of the worldly matters, especially the developments in the monarchy.

She knew I was interested in them.

''Isn't it... stuffy in here?'' She asked after a while, a hint of remorse apparent on her face. ''Tell me if it's uncomfortable. I'll negotiate with your sister to let you out.''

''You can do that?'' I replied, somewhat surprised.

In an instant, Rachael's momentum halted, ''...I'm not sure. Your sister is stubborn, not to mention her cause is valid this time, too.''

''Ahahah... I mean, it's not exactly uncomfortable, I guess. Lyra takes care of me well.''

Pinching my cheek, the princess sighs, ''You still dote on your sister too much. But you indeed need to stay put for some time. The political world is in turmoil right now. Demons and enemy forces are on the rise once again, all thanks to a certain someone who stirred the pot.''

I could only laugh awkwardly. It was my fault... but I merely accelerated the process. I didn't cause it. Those petty demons were bound to make a move sooner or later.

''...Cecilia.''

''Huh?''

Suddenly, Rachael closed in and kissed me. Feeling the familiar softness, I quickly resigned to her touch.

''We'll take care of everything.'' She said firmly. ''Stay obedient and wait for good news, okay?''

''...Okay. I trust you.''

Rachael's expression brightened, but suddenly turned sharp, ''By the way... did your sister do something inappropriate to you?''

''H-Huh?!''

At my flustered reaction, her countenance turned even fiercer, ''Don't speak. I will remember this.''

Before I could find an excuse, Rachael threw me onto the bed. The metal chains clinked excitedly, weighing on my delicate skin. Rachael's figure approached rapidly, soon filling my vision.

No matter how much I looked at her, I couldn't stop admiring her gorgeousness.

''Nn...''

Her slender fingers traced up my tail, the electrofying sensation rendering my legs weak.

''I have plenty of time today.'' Rachael smiled seductively. ''Let's enjoy ourselves.''

''...Yes.''

*****

''Niece, you can't be so ridiculous.''

''Ridiculous? How so? I am the legitimate heir to the Marquise. There should be no question about my succession.''

''However, you are inexperienced. At least until you are capable enough, leave it to us adults.''

Luxury cars filled the Orleans mansion's front yard. Right after the Marchioness couple went missing, Lyra immediately summoned the close relatives of the House to settle operational matters, which was why the vehicles all had the family's crest on them.

Since the marchioness was missing, deciding on a new head of the house, even if temporarily, was crucial to keep the Marquise stable.

''...''

'What a bunch of greedy fools.'

Even though Lyra had expected it, seeing in person how 'good' her relatives were was nauseating. In her eyes, their covetousness nearly oozed out of their bodies, stenching the room whole.

Naturally, everyone wanted to seize control of the house, taking the benefits for themselves. After all, they weren't outsiders, so they at least could become the real head in the future.

'They must have thought I was easy to deal with.'

Lyra sneered inwardly.

Unfortunately for them, she was above these trivial disputes a long time ago. Although she would leave the job of managing the household to trusted attendants anyway, she didn't want these people to take advantage of her.

Seeing the older relatives arguing for the title, the heroine sighed.

''This matter is settled.'' She coldly intervened. ''I will be the head of House Orleans from now on.''

Almost immediately, voices of opposition poured back. Unfazed, Lyra took out what she had prepared and slapped it onto the table.

''It's the emperor's decree.''

The room fell silent. The document was indeed genuine, which meant their hopes were completely lost.

After shutting the loud hyenas down, Lyra calmly proceeded with arranging the household matters. Since the Marchioness was somewhat capable despite her lousiness, there weren't many changes.

By midnight, Lyra ended the meeting and sent the guests home.

''...''

Her gaze flew out the window, casting onto the distant city. She remembered watching fireworks with her sister through this same window years ago.

It was a cold day, but she had someone's warmth to soothe her loneliness at that time.

Still... nothing could stay the same anymore. She changed, her sister changed, and so did the world. If Lyra didn't adapt, only she and the people around her would suffer.

Lyra exited the room with a weary sigh, knowing her 'work' wasn't done just yet.

''Can we talk?''

Beyond the door, Rachael, the imperial princess, was waiting with a solemn attitude.