Two Veras and Two Nations
The food that night was delicious; there was no debate there. Even Vera, who did her absolute best to show her dignity as the eldest daughter, revealed her true nature before the dishes. She, like her sisters, buried her head in the food. Miss Vera joyously watched the sisters indulged. She had a doting look and tenderness in her gaze. She looked Tanya’s way and remarked, “The Princesses are truly cute.”
“Thank you. The four Princesses’ father is King Troy, and their mothers are beauties in their own right, so it is natural for them to be cute.”
Tanya proudly puffed her chest as though the compliment was for her and not the four Princesses. The four bashfully smiled. The youngster at Miss Vera’s side smiled, as well. He reported, “Miss Vera, the four Princesses helped me out a lot during my time there and even saved my life.”
Miss Vera turned to the youngster with a smile. She then looked at the four Princesses and, in a serious tone, said, “I see. I owe you my gratitude, then. Money cannot buy loyalty, but true loyalty is priceless. He is my most trusted bodyguard and friend. When I heard of his mishap, I struggled to regain my composure. To be able to see my loyal bodyguard and friend again, your assistance was integral. Princesses, your souls and appearance are both beautiful. I would like to give you my heartfelt thank you.”
Miss Vera stood up as she spoke. She gave the four sisters a deep bow. Startled, Nona tried to stand up in a flustered fashion while still chewing her food, but Vera yanked her impolite sister back. Surprised, Liu Yue’s ears twitched. Liu Yue replied, “We did not actually do anything. It was merely his loyalty to you that moved us. We, too, do not hope to see someone innocent die.”
Truthfully, the things that took place between them were rather complex. The same could be said about their relationship. It was far from being as complex as was worded. With that said, they judged it pointless to tell everything to Miss Vera. Furthermore, the four weren’t willing to mention how they had the tables turned on themselves when they were locked up. It was a humiliating experience.
“Kindness is the nicest gift the heavens have given your father. Of course, the same could be said for you. When I see you, I have nothing but respect for King Troy, who I have not had the fortune of meeting yet. As his daughters are so gentle, kind, strong and brave, he must be even more brilliant,” praised Miss Vera.
Hearing praise for Troy was commonplace for Ying and Tanya, which was why they didn’t react. The sisters, on the other hand, excitedly exchanged eye contact with each other. The four told themselves they were there as their father’s representatives. Hence, they had to make sure they didn’t embarrass him. To know that their deeds not only avoided negative opinions but even earned praise put radiating beams on their faces.
Miss Vera noticed the cheerful tail moving about in the chair. She looked to Liu Yue, teeming with curiosity: “Liu Yue… correct?”
Liu Yue forgot to wipe the butter by the corner of her mouth with her napkin. Her long ears twitched when she looked at Miss Vera, which was a sign that she was slightly nervous. Miss Vera scanned Liu Yue’s long tail and ears: “You are… not a human, correct?”
“Correct. I am a member of the Moon Fox Tribe.”
Liu Yue didn’t find the question offensive because she wasn’t human. Liu Yue was honoured to be a member of the tribe. She proudly looked at Miss Vera and twitched her ears, which indicated that she didn’t mind Miss Vera was from a different race.
Miss Vera scanned at Liu Yue’s smooth, soft tail and ears. She curiously asked, “How amazing… Can I have a touch…?”
Liu Yue hesitated a bit. Her tail was most definitely out of bounds. Realising that, the youngster lowered his head to whisper in Miss Vera’s ear. Miss Vera apologised: “I see. I understand you cannot let others touch your tail. I am sorry for my very rude request. I apologise.”
“Oh, no… Mm… I cannot let you touch my tail…, but you can touch my ears. If you insist…”
Liu Yue felt bad since Miss Vera was so understanding and immediately apologised. She leaned her head over. Miss Vera wiped her hands with a smile then carefully pinched Liu Yue’s ear. She cheerfully complimented, “What beautiful fur. Though I do not understand fur, I assume your fur must be the most outstanding type.”
Ying calmly stated, “Miss Vera, using terms of praise for goods is not considered praise.”
“Oh, you’re right. You’re right. You’re right. I apologise, I apologise. It was because I did not know how to describe it. It’s my first time seeing something magical. It’s rare for mana to exist due to the stones we have. As such, we do not have such a pretty and esteemed magical existence such as you. By the looks of it, we have missed out on lots of beautiful things.”
Miss Vera pulled her hand back. Liu Yue didn’t feel uncomfortable with the way Vera touched her by any means. In fact, she felt somewhat happy. Miss Vera muttered something next to the youngster’s ear. He responded with a small nod. Liu Yue didn’t hear what exactly was said; however, she knew it wasn’t anything harmful to her.
“Now, then, one thing that has my interest is having the same name as Princess Vera.”
Vera vigorously raised her head. She waited for a long time to hear the coincidence mentioned. She knew that she’d definitely be queried and prepared. With a smile, Miss Vera said, “Here, we would say that it is destiny to describe two unrelated individuals who coincidentally share a relationship. I think we were fated to meet. I believe my father and your father did not discuss it, so sharing the same name with each other is a beautiful coincidence. Princess Vera, please tell me, when you saw me and now that you are sharing dinner with me, do you feel that I have shamed your name?”
Vera shook her head: “No, Miss Vera. Your etiquette is very much so up to standard. I admire that. If possible, I hope to be as graceful as you are in the future and become a qualified Queen. I do not want to embarrass this name, either, and I most definitely do not want to taint your name.”
“I am very envious of you. Females succeeding the throne seem to be common over there. You would make a wise ruler who would not pale in comparison to your father. Nevertheless, as you have praised me, I, too, shall do my utmost. There are still countless others who oppose me solely because I am a woman.”
“Competence has naught to do with gender.”
“You’re right.”
The two Vera’s mutually smiled. Miss Vera then said to the four sisters, “This time, I want to prove that competence has nothing to do with gender. I also hope that you four Princesses can assist me. I do not need you to run around for me. All I need is for you to stand behind me. I will feel absolutely reassured with you standing behind me.”
Glossary
*Ying’s remark of using terms of praise for goods is due to Miss Vera using a term you’d use when referring to fur on goods as opposed to one’s body. Specifically, she used 皮草, as opposed to 皮肤/皮毛. Fur is just fur in English, but it’s more complex in Chinese.
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