Demon Sword Maiden

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"As you can see, Senior Sister, this is all part of a plan." Though clearly ashamed, Lily still knelt with resolve. "I would never do anything that betrays you."

Rinne stared at her in silence, her gaze full of meaning, but she said nothing at first.

"Senior Sister?"

"So you won't betray me, but you're willing to betray Shimizu?" she asked, her tone suddenly sharper.

"Huh?" Lily looked up, dazed and unsure.

Shimizu had done nothing but show absolute loyalty to her. She had risked everything, even suffered grave wounds, just to protect her. Lily had only relaxed because Shimizu had somehow taken control of the Imperial Princess' body and recovered completely, returning to her usual self.

But remembering that Shimizu had ventured into Yomi, ready to throw away her life to save her, made Lily's heart ache deeply.

"Come with me." Rinne led her into the stone chamber and sat down on the bed. "Kneel."

"Lily, I understand how you feel. But don't you think this is a little selfish?"

"What?" Lily blinked, clearly confused.

"For your sake, Shimizu gave everything. She risked her life without hesitation and loves you so deeply that she'd gladly suffer a thousand wounds if it meant keeping you safe. With a heart so devoted, how could you bring yourself to turn away from her?" Her tone carried a hint of sternness.

"Senior Sister… I do understand how much Shimizu loves me, and I truly want to repay her. But I want to stay loyal. You're the only one I've ever loved."

"That's not entirely right, Lily," Rinne said softly, taking her hand. "If you were just an ordinary girl, your loyalty alone would be enough. But you and your sisters have shared battles, tragedies, and unshakable bonds. Shimizu, especially, has given you her entire heart. If you push her away, do you understand what kind of sorrow she'll carry? She could live for thousands of years with that pain. Could you really leave her to that kind of fate?"

"What…?" Lily's body trembled, her chest tightening. She had only wanted to remain devoted and pure, never once considering the pain she might cause in doing so. She sat there, stunned.

"Just to uphold your idea of loyalty and pride, would you really hurt the women who've risked their lives for you? For Shimizu, rejection would hurt more than death. You know what kind of person she is, don't you?"

"Senior Sister…" Lily suddenly understood how misguided she had been. She thought protecting her sisters was enough to repay their love, never realizing what they truly yearned for.

Her so-called gentleness and loyalty had, in the end, turned into something quietly cruel.

"Then what should I do…?" Lily knelt lower, resting her head and chest against her senior sister's knees, looking up with innocent, pleading eyes.

"What should you do? Just follow your heart. I won't tell you to fulfill every sister's romantic desire—though that may be part of your burden. But love isn't a duty you pay like a debt. That would only hurt them more."

"Senior Sister…"

"But remember this, Lily. Be sincere with each of them. Don't love them out of obligation to me, or push them away because of me. You bear a fate far larger than yourself. If they give you their hearts, you must treat them with truth. Let your heart guide you."

"Follow my true feelings…" Lily whispered, her cheeks flushed as her thoughts turned again to Shimizu. Her senior sister's words softened the guilt in her heart, allowing her buried feelings to gently rise.

Rinne blushed as she caught Lily's distant gaze. She reached out and lightly brushed Lily's lips with her fingertips.

"I'm not telling you to become a base or promiscuous woman. But as a woman, you may find yourself needing to make sacrifices. There are times when loyalty and love cannot coexist in perfect balance. You're a kind girl, Lily. Could you really bear to watch your sisters fall into loneliness, suffering in silence and pain?"

"Sister Rinne…" Lily's cheeks were glowing, her eyes distant and hazy. She slowly rested her head on her senior sister's lap, her hair cascading over the soft white fabric of the skirt. "I'll do whatever you ask of me. It's my duty to make sure all my sisters are content… that they're fulfilled."

Rinne gently stroked her hair, slowly shaking her head. "I'm not asking you to be promiscuous, Lily. I'm asking you to be kind, to learn how to show affection from the heart. I want you to understand what I feel. But if you ever let yourself fall too far, if you give in to excess and become shameless, then I'll have no choice but to punish you."

"Yes…" Lily looked dazed, uncertain. Lowering her head, she placed a soft kiss on the skirt draped over Rinne's thigh. "There's still so much I don't know. If I do something wrong or go too far, please correct me. Punish me if I must be punished… Teach me how to be a good woman. I don't want to stray or become a disgrace. Alright?"

"Yes." Rinne nodded softly.

"You're everything to me, and I know I'm the same to you. But Lily, those sisters who would give everything for your sake deserve your gratitude. If I could, I would offer myself to them in your place, to repay them. But I know that wouldn't work. You know it too. They love you, not me. Only you can give them what they truly want."

She paused for a moment, her tone becoming firmer. "I'll always be by your side. I'll guide you when you're unsure, and correct you when you make mistakes. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Lily's voice was soft, her face burning red. "If I make a mistake, I'll accept your punishment… no matter how harsh." After all, she belonged to her. Being disciplined by her senior sister was something she would gladly endure.

"Good. If you understand, then go."

"Huh?"

Rinne retrieved a small porcelain bottle, violet in color and carved with intricate patterns. "This is Heavenly Jade Dew, a perfume beloved by Celestial Maidens. Put some on, and add a bit of lipstick. That way, your Sister Shimizu will understand what your heart intends to say."