The steam from the tea rose in soft spirals, dancing in the morning air.
Selene watched the southern garden in silence, her eyes fixed on a golden-winged butterfly that had landed on a black tulip.
In front of her, sitting with perfect calm, was Ligia.
But inside?
"You owed me this, you smug cat"
The system purred gently in her mind.
"You finally want to see your status screen? My work as an intelligent interface is finally being appreciated? I'm touched..."
"Just show it already"
With a mocking meow, a translucent screen appeared before her eyes.
It floated like enchanted glass: elegant, alive, intrusive.
[STATUS PANEL — Ligia d'Argêntea]
Power Realm: ★★★ / Viscountess
Alignment: Blood | Soul | Creation
Race: Noble Vampire
Titles: Crimson Heiress
---
[Primary Attributes]
Strength: 9,320
Dexterity: 9,980
Vitality: 9,450
Magic: 9,210
Magic Control: 9,775
Intelligence: 9,683
Spiritual Resistance: 9,640
Perception: 9,910
Beauty: 98
Charm: 70 (+8) (Enhanced Etiquette and Poise — Class with Lady Asvalira)
---
[Passive Traits]
• Advanced Blood Regeneration
• Aristocratic Blood Aura
• Immunity to Enchantments
• Enhanced Sensory Detection
• Poison Immunity
---
[Awakened Abilities]
• Hemocline Flower
Magical manipulation of her own blood in both offensive and defensive forms.
• Soul Radiance
The soul does not obey flesh or time. It shapes to purpose, expands with pain, and arms itself with truth.
• Arcane Manufacture (Creation)
Ability to generate complex magical structures from pure intent.
---
[Current State]
• Soul Status: Stable
• Magical Resonance: Elevated
• Social Presence: Rising
---
The system purred softly.
"With that kind of power, if I were you, I'd buy an island and found an empire... But hey, to each their own"
Ligia bit her lip, trying to hold back a smile.
On the outside? Calm. Refined. Contemplative.
Inside?
"Ninety-eight beauty. I'm officially a walking magical heartthrob. No wonder the maids look at me like I crawled out of a forbidden ritual"
"Even with that charm, you could ruin three marriages with a glance. Four, if you wear heels"
"Want me to send you a cape? Because you are clearly in main-villain mode"
Ligia adjusted the rose on her necklace with a delicate gesture, maintaining her poise.
But her chest glowed with silent pride.
Strength, magic, intelligence, beauty... all there. Confirmed.
"I'm a well-wrapped problem"
Selene raised her eyes, interrupting her daydreams with disguised tenderness.
"You're very quiet, love. Everything alright?"
The screen dissolved into the air like perfume in a breeze.
Ligia blinked, returning to the surface of the moment.
"All good, Mother. Just... thinking"
Selene watched her with sharp attention. One arched eyebrow — a gesture that, at another time, meant a full interrogation.
But this time, she simply nodded lightly.
"Thoughts are good... as long as they don't become chains"
She turned back to the garden, taking a sip of tea.
"It's still too early to carry the weight of the world"
There was something in Selene's silence. Something guarded. Something unsaid.
But Ligia didn't press.
Instead, she let her body relax with a lighter gesture.
She pulled one knee up to the edge of the armchair, eyes sparkling with an idea.
"Mother... what would you think if I made clothes for Clarisse?"
Selene blinked, slightly surprised.
"Designs? For your little sister?"
"Yes. Modern clothes, like the ones I've been sketching. Less suffocating lace. Practical and beautiful. Clarisse loves color. I was thinking floral dresses, layered skirts, controlled ruffles... something fun. With style"
Selene lifted the cup to her lips, but didn't drink.
She imagined it.
Clarisse, in clothes that danced with the light. Not like a miniature protocol, but a living child. Happy.
And she smiled — a rare, genuine smile.
"I think it's a lovely idea. Clarisse would be delighted"
Then, she leaned forward.
Her platinum eyes met her daughter's.
"Actually..."
"Since you're feeling inspired... would you make something for me too?"
Ligia blinked.
"...For you?"
"Yes"
She smiled slightly.
"The clothes you've designed are different. But they carry elegance. Attitude. I'm... tired of velvet and century-old cuts. What harm is there in reinventing myself?"
The smile that bloomed on Ligia's face was so spontaneous it nearly made her slip from her chair.
Her eyes shimmered like crystals in sunlight.
"You'd really wear it, Mother?"
"Of course"
"You're my daughter. If you dare, it's because you see something. And it would be a sin to ignore that because of dusty old rules"
Ligia brought her hands to her face, blushing.
"I'll redraw everything. Something elegant, comfortable. With cuts that highlight your figure without choking it. It'll be... amazing"
Selene laughed with satisfaction.
"I believe in you"
"Surprise me"