Two Younger Sisters (Continued)

"You have to believe me. Rita really wanted to save you, which is why she did this. Rita really was thinking of you, really..."

She spoke faster and faster, growing more and more anxious.

As though she needed to prove something to herself.

She really had... really had done all of this because she was worried about Lord Ren Yu.

But after going there, not only had she failed to help, she had even needed Lord Ren Yu to save her instead.

Rita felt as though she had lost all face.

And if Lord Ren Yu misunderstood her too, then she...

Would be heartbroken!

Before Rita could finish, Ren Yu raised a finger and gently pressed it against her red lips, shaking his head.

"No need to say any more."

For a moment, Rita froze where she stood.

"I believe you, Rita. This wasn't your fault. You came to save me out of the goodness of your heart—I'm grateful before I could ever blame you. Thank you, Rita. I'm truly touched by your feelings."

"Lord Ren Yu..."

Rita stood there in a daze, having never imagined Ren Yu would say such things to her.

In her memories,

Lord Ren Yu had gradually begun distancing himself from her after coming of age. He had been neither warm nor cold toward her, especially here at St. Freya Academy. Aside from occasionally running into Lord Ren Yu while cooking and exchanging a few words, they had barely had any contact.

Rita had been utterly heartbroken over this.

But at this moment,

What had Lord Ren Yu just said to her?

Thanked her?

Acknowledged her feelings?

For a moment, a flood of emotions welled up in Rita's heart, and her nose tingled.

At that moment, she seemed to feel that everything she had done