Claire embraces Riley with a wide smile.

She acted intimately, as if reuniting with family after a long time of separation. Her greeting was much warmer and more affectionate than the last time Riley encountered her with Hila.

Riley wanted to push her away immediately, but there were too many eyes watching, making it impossible.

Regardless, she was family, and Riley tried to manage her expression because displaying family discord in such a setting would gain them nothing.

“Finally, the world knows about Sister? You must feel relieved now, Sister. You’ve probably been frustrated all this time.”

“I wasn’t particularly frustrated.”

“Really? I was extremely frustrated. You acted like you were about to get married any moment, but there has been no progress. I wondered what you were doing. But a wedding at the end of the year? Why bother? Just quickly have the ceremony and get it over with.”

“I considered the academy’s schedule.”

“Oh, really? If it were me, I would have expedited the wedding for a better chance to build connections within the academy. It’d be more advantageous.”

While maintaining a smiling face, Claire shot a pitiful look at Riley. Her acting skills were impressive.

In reality, she might have been preparing to become a theater actress. With this level of performance, she might have already conquered the theater world.

“Could you let go of this? It doesn’t seem like we’re in a friendly atmosphere to exchange fist bumps.”

“Still, endure it. What can we do? We’re sisters.”

“…….”

“At first, I couldn’t stand it, feeling so bitter and annoyed. Why did that stroke of luck go to you? It did hurt my pride a bit. But now, I’m not angry anymore. I thought the more emotional energy I spent on this, the more I would lose.”

“So, what do you want…?”

“I just want to get along well with you now. That way, I won’t have to endure another blow to my pride, right?”

Why did she always think in terms of her own benefit? Why was she always self-centered? She couldn’t consider things from others’ perspectives. That’s why she was shamelessly begging like this.

When ridiculing and despising someone as if they were insects, she had no regard for their feelings. And now, instead of saying, “I want to get along well for my own benefit,” she openly announced it like a notification.

Riley let go of her hand.

“Sorry, but I have no desire to get along well with you.”

“But we’re family, and you can’t help it.”

“When you refused to acknowledge me as family, even if I died, suddenly you declare ‘family, family’ only in situations like this.”

“Back then, you were just a useless burden, but now, you’re not, right?”

With a cheerful smile, she continued to relentlessly spread malicious comments. If spreading rumors and causing trouble was her intention, then she had undoubtedly succeeded in ruining the party.
Seems like she really wants to fight, doesn’t she? If a fight breaks out with Claire here, it could ruin the party that Gimnen prepared for a long time.

Thinking back to the incident during the last meeting, there was no guarantee that Claire wouldn’t do something crazy.

Although it would be wise not to provoke her too much, considering she might ruin the party with some insane act, Riley couldn’t help but feel irritated as Claire continued to lightly scratch her nerves.

“Seeing you makes me think I should get away from the Eadallin name as soon as possible.”

“Amusing. If you get married, are you planning to sever ties with us?”

“It’s not impossible.”

“Oh, really. But that won’t be easy, will it? No matter how much you claim to be the Horizon’s Matapju, it won’t be easy to handle personal family matters. Don’t think so lightly that you can easily deal with our family relationships, sister. Even if you wake up dead, you’re still a member of our family. Abandoning the Eadallin name? Impossible!”

“…….”

“And now, you’re about to become a marchioness. It would be best not to create any blemishes that could be a flaw to others, right? It would be entertaining to see people gossiping about your family affairs, wouldn’t it? Do you want the world to know that you are from the Konggaru family? Who do you think would be most affected?”

Konggaru family, huh? Claire spewed harsh words without hesitation, even spitting on her own face. Riley lost her words, staring blankly at her and then sighed.

Then she passed by Claire. Riley thought Claire would stick to her and act unpleasant, but for some reason, Claire grinned while watching Riley move away.

‘Always like that.’

Pressuring and pushing people psychologically was also one of Claire’s specialties. In the past, Riley might have felt that her words were just and obediently submitted to them.

But not anymore. Riley still found it amusing that Claire, who was begging forcefully, was now just a joke.

It wasn’t because of trust in Gimnen’s protection. It was because Riley, who had finally freed herself from Eadallin’s shadow, faced reality.

‘… They’re still treating me like a fool. Well, whatever. I don’t mind. I actually prefer it.’