Chapter 143 (1/2)

Camille stared blankly after Claire’s disappearing figure. The door was still creaking on its hinges. Claire had arrived abruptly and left even quicker.

After a while, Camille finally came back to his senses. “Claire, you come right back! Pay for my door!” he yelled after her painfully.

But already far away, Claire could not hear him.

She walked through the streets, gazing up at the clouds, feeling enlightened. All her vexation had disappeared. The fallen knight and the girl had already died and feeling sorry would not bring them back. Claire knew what to do now. She had almost forgotten her original goal: becoming strong. Who cares about the goddess of Light? If she could become strong enough to become a goddess, why couldn’t Claire do that too?

Claire let out a long breath, then started making her way to Hill manor.

As soon as she entered, the guards at the entrance saluted her deferentially, then hurried in to announce her arrival.

Claire’s status was now different from before; she was now also a Reverend of the Temple of Light!

The moment Claire entered the hall, Katherine and Lashia greeted her.

“Claire!” Katherine beamed with a smile as she hurried over and clasped Claire’s hand.

“Elder sis! You’re finally back!” Lashia ran over excitedly, playfully grabbing Claire’s arm.

“Hello, Mother, Lashia.” Claire smiled, her heart warm.

“Elder sister, you’re so not fair! You did so many cool things behind our backs!” Lashia tugged on her arm.

“What?” Claire looked at Lashia with confusion. Suddenly, she noticed that Katherine’s hand was trembling slightly.

“Still pretending!” Lashia’s words tumbled out as she said in a rush, “You fought for the Li clan at Lagark and defeated that Hua-something-something brilliantly! Making you famous! Grandfather knew about it a while back. Even the emperor is aware.” Then she said regretfully, “What a shame, I wasn’t there to see it.”

Claire finally understood what Lashia was talking about. She smiled faintly.

“It was nothing. I decided to fight on their behalf when I became aware of Mother’s relationship with them. In the end, it was only because the Feng and Shui clans forfeited that I was able to win.”

Katherine’s grip tightened.

“Claire, I, I…. Thank you.” Katherine was so moved that although she did not know what to say, her heart was unusually warm. From the corner of her eye, something glimmered.

“Mother, there’s no need to say thank you. They are your family, so they are my family.” Claire also gripped Katherine’s hand tightly in response. Katherine was choked with emotions, sobbing, but smiling.

Claire’s father, Roger, had been standing next to the door at the side quietly the entire time, looking on. Katherine had made such a large sacrifice for him, and he had always felt guilt, but was unable to do anything for her. However, what he had always wanted to do had been fulfilled by Claire. As he watched the merry three, Roger’s emotions were extremely ambivalent.

“Elder sister, Grandfather has still not returned yet. If he knew you were back, he would be so happy. Oh right, Second Brother will be back too today, yay! Tonight, we can all eat together!” Lashia said happily.

Second Brother? Claire paused. Only then did she remember that she seemed to have a second brother who was the captain of the Griffin Squad. She had seen him once at the student exchange competition and once at her birthday. She barely had any memories of him. The only impression she had of him was the cold and despising gaze he always gave her.

“Oh right, Mother, how are you home today?” Claire recalled that her mother was already the head lady in waiting of Princess Maurice.

“She heard you was coming back, so Mother specially asked for the day off!” Lashia tilted her head and said playfully. “After Jean returned and reported, Father sent servants to inform Mother and Grandfather.”

“Oh,” Claire responded indifferently at the mention of her father.

“Oh, also, Lashia, where is little leopard? And Jean?” Claire asked.

“In the rear courtyard. Elder sister, let’s go and see your little leopard. I raised him well. That little fellow sure can eat! Every day he eats loads of fresh meat.” Lashia pulled Claire by the arm impatiently, then winked playfully at Katherine. “Mother, elder sis and I will be in the rear courtyard. Call us when second brother is home.”

Katherine nodded lovingly, her eyes full of warmth. Seeing the two previously antagonistic sisters now so harmonious, of course she would feel this way.

Lashia pulled Claire to the door, facing Roger who was full of conflicted emotions.

“Father,” Lashia greeted him, smiling.

But Claire was completely cold, passing by Roger without even a single glance as she walked to the rear courtyard.

Lashia revealed a somewhat embarrassed expression as she hurried after Claire.

Roger slowly turned around, watching Claire as she left. After some time, he sighed. Who would have thought the most disappointing child would suddenly become the most brilliant of the family.