Chapter 122: Whose Powerful Ally Are You Clinging To?

After dealing with the unruly Helen, Sakura Ling narrowed her eyes at Louis, who was cranking the car to life in front of them, and cursed inwardly.

That little brat Lilith couldn’t possibly have gotten involved with Louis, could she?! How can she be so thoughtless? I told you to cling to someone powerful, but which leg did you choose to hug?! Just wait—I’ll tear you two lovebirds apart tonight!

After muttering angrily to herself, Sakura Ling leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Yet there was a familiar scent in the air—one that filled her with inexplicable dread. Unable to resist, she made a strange face and spent quite some time sniffing around the car.

By then, Louis had finished starting the engine and climbed into the driver’s seat. Seeing the vixen sniffing about inside the car, he felt rather puzzled.

I haven’t been fooling around in the car. What is she sniffing for with that little puppy nose?

When he noticed Sakura Ling glaring at him, Louis smiled to himself. He decided to see what she intended to do and had no plans to expose her suspicions.

He glanced into the rearview mirror at Osiklis and the others, who were chatting animatedly, as well as Lilith, who kept winking at him. Then he started the car.

Before long, Sakura Ling and Helen had joined the conversation in the back. Sakura Ling was an excellent conversationalist; after only a few words, she had livened up the atmosphere. The awkwardness that naturally came with so many people meeting for the first time vanished as well.

Kate of the Crawley family received particular attention from Sakura Ling. She clearly intended to befriend this supporter of Osiklis.

She even teased Kate a few times about whether she would consider a marriage alliance with the Foxes. It would bring their relationship closer, and Sakura Ling could also introduce her to some reformist wizards. The Crawleys would become supporters of Osiklis in the future, so nothing could be allowed to happen to them. If they could join the wizarding community, many things would become much easier.

Kate politely declined, explaining that she was widowed.

Sakura Ling frowned and could not help glancing at Louis again.

Osiklis was deeply moved. Kate must truly have loved her husband. If only I could have such a sincere love in the future.

The princess began fantasizing about a prince who would remain utterly devoted to her.

“Ahem, Teacher.” The corner of Louis’s eye twitched violently. He was beginning to find it unbearable. “Do you intend to return to the palace today, or stay here for a while?”

“Let’s go to the hotel first. I’ll return to the palace after a few days.”

The group soon settled into the hotel. It was around eight o’clock.

After putting away their luggage, Osiklis, Sakura Ling, and the others discovered that the surroundings were exceptionally pleasant. Assuming Kate had arranged everything, they were filled with warmth.

She had certainly gone to a great deal of trouble. The suite was fit for a state guest.

Earlier, when Osiklis and the others had spoken with Kate, they had learned that she had reserved several rooms at the hotel. They had not known that Archie had upgraded their accommodations and paid for an entire year in advance. Helen, meanwhile, had evidently enjoyed herself rather too much the previous day and had forgotten to report that Louis had sent Arlong flying.

Thus, when they went to the restaurant and saw a number of ferocious-looking dragons eating breakfast, their expressions became somewhat peculiar. Several of them even saluted in their direction.

Have they recognized me?

The musicians in the restaurant also wore strange expressions.

When are these bigwigs from Stog going to leave? Do they think this place is their headquarters?

During breakfast, Kate asked about Osiklis’s plans. When she learned that the princess had not yet decided what to do, Kate thought for a moment before speaking.

“That works out perfectly. Yesterday, I was discussing the possibility of holding a banquet in your honor with some friends. There also happens to be an art salon and charity auction today hosted by the great painter, Sir Barrow. They will probably all be attending, along with many nobles. Members of the Belief family will be there as well. Everyone is eager to meet you.”

Osiklis’s eyes lit up. There were countless powerful nobles in the city, but at present, the Beliefs were the only ones she could truly establish connections with.

She glanced deliberately at Louis and coughed. Seeing that he was focused solely on cutting steak for Helen and had not noticed her, Osiklis kicked him under the table.

The message was clear: she wanted him to accompany her, lend her some support, and introduce her to the members of the Belief family.

But when Louis looked over, she immediately pretended to be discussing the salon with Kate.

“I won’t be going. None of the clan heads have probably arrived yet, and I don’t know any of the people who will be there.” Louis wiped his hands. “You should go and relax. Don’t pay too much attention to the Beliefs. The ones attending today should all be minor figures.”

Osiklis rolled her eyes at his words.

Oh, please. You make it sound as though everyone you don’t know is a minor figure!

When Osiklis kicked him again, Louis frowned. Then he realized that her foot had landed on his chair—and was teasing him.

His mouth fell open. He suddenly wondered whether it might be Kate. But apart from Sakura Ling, who was smoking faintly with narrowed eyes as she watched him, everyone else seemed occupied.

He touched the foot, then lowered his head for a look. It was covered in flesh-colored stockings. Kate was not wearing those today.

Osiklis, Sakura Ling, and Lilith were all wearing that color.

It couldn’t be either of the first two.

After listening to their thoughts, Louis finally realized it was Lilith. He wiped away a bead of cold sweat in exasperation.

That girl had been sitting there pretending to eat obediently, and he had not noticed her at all.

I don’t have time to accompany you today, but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt for you to go out and broaden your horizons.

Louis communicated with Lilith through their eyes, and Sakura Ling caught the exchange. Her eyes narrowed once more.

What a disgrace! Absolutely shameless! She has completely besmirched the Fox family’s reputation!

My little aunt asked you to follow me and learn something. Is this what you learned? Your sister is so strong and independent, with so many virtues—and this is what I ended up teaching you? Who taught you to cling to powerful people like this?

She decided that she would give this boy—and her shameless little sister—a proper lesson later.

Sakura Ling suddenly smiled sweetly.

“So, Mr. Louis, what are your plans for today? I don’t particularly care for salons, nor do I enjoy socializing with the nobles of this city. I may as well join you and lend a hand.”

“Oh, I’m going to another salon.” Louis pinched Lilith’s little foot.

The corner of Sakura Ling’s mouth twitched violently. She nearly slapped him.

“Ahem, Louis.” Osiklis coughed and glanced at him, clearly asking how he could speak to Teacher Sakura Ling like that. Then she smoothed things over. “Why don’t you let Teacher Sakura Ling accompany you? She knows the city well, and quite a few people from the Ministry of Magic have arrived recently.”

“Oh, all right. Let’s go together.” Louis sighed. He glanced at Sakura Ling and could tell just how bored she was today.

Don’t! If my sister comes along, how am I supposed to have any fun?

When Lilith kicked him several times, Louis reached down and slapped her foot away.

Fine. I’ll take the older one and the younger one out for some fun. Speaking of which, what exactly is that Son of Lant thing? A tank? An armored vehicle? Sakura Ling hasn’t seen it yet, has she?

Louis placed several more pieces of the food he had cut onto Helen’s plate.

“Eat a little more. You’re still growing.”

“Why does everyone treat me like a child? I’m not little anymore! I’m almost five foot seven!”

Helen was displeased, her mouth jutting out so far it could have served as a coat rack. When her sister ignored her, she turned toward Sakura Ling across the table with a pleading look.

“That boy never has a decent thing to say—but Louis is right.” Sakura Ling suddenly glared at Helen. For once, she and Louis were in complete agreement. “A girl can’t grow only upward. You’re already starting to look like a pole.”