Rona had just taken her bath, and was about to head out again when she heard a knock on the door. She frowned, wondering who it could be. Her mom who used to keep her company no longer did that ever since Anthony entered the perilous lands. Although she never allowed her resentment to be too obvious, Rona who used to be the center of her world, receiving all the attention could tell.

She no longer gave her random gifts, invited her out for a helicopter ride, did her nails, or allowed her tag along to charity balls or company events. Even the fashion company founded by her mom which gave her the first of each of their new products no longer did that. Her mom rarely talks to her, even when they're together at dinner or breakfast. And Rona herself didn't dare to start a conversation knowing the kind of pain she put her mom through. One son is dead, the other has a missing soul shard and may soon join the first. All because of one stubborn and over pampered daughter who fell into a trap despite the family's effort to prevent it. If Joyce could still genuinely smile at her daughter and fawn over her after all that happens, then her relationship with the boys should be investigated.

As for Kaiser, who often tried to squeeze out time from his busy schedule to take her shopping, he never talked to her again. He won't even let her near his room, labs, or home offices. There were guards everywhere, making it obvious that Kaiser doesn't want to take chances with her again.

The maids coming to her were even more ridiculous. Although they never insulted her or looked down on her after the incident. The occasional judgemental looks mixed with pity irritated her, making her not to like their presence. The one in charge of keeping her room and clothes clean already did her chores earlier that morning. And the maids no longer come to call her for her meals or bring food up to her when she throws a tantrum. Once they deliver the message through the intercom, they leave it to her to decide whether to eat or not. Days when she missed meal time due to one reason or the other, she had to go down to the kitchen herself.

So hearing someone knock on her door was truly surprising to her. It has been weeks, no, months, since she heard a knock on her door.

She opened the door still frowning, only to see a familiar face. It was Martha, one of the maids that used to be close to her. She cleared her throat, looking uncomfortable as she faced Rona.

"Lord Kaiser asked me to call you. He's in his study, the one on the second floor."

Rona's heart skipped multiple beats as she wondered the reason Kaiser suddenly remembered her.

"Do you know why he called?" She asked, grabbing the arm of Martha who had turned to leave.

"I don't know that. When did it become the turn of mere servants like me to know what Lord Kaiser is up to?" She muttered and quickly ran away.

Rona took a deep breath and sighed, not bothering to question her further.

'Could it be because of the incident outside the martial arts pavilion? It has just been an hour. Is the elders council pressuring him already?'

******

Kaiser was facing the wall with a cup of herbal tea in his hands as he waited for Rona. His assistant Jason was right beside him holding some documents. The door automatically opened and Rona entered. Kaiser slowly turned halfway, showing only his side profile.

Rona immediately went down on her knees behind him, surprising Kaiser. When did his sister become so spineless?

He turned with a frown.

"Why are you kneeling? What's wrong? Did I ask you to kneel?"

"I know I shouldn't have given in to my anger and fought in front of the pavilion. I'm willing to accept any punishment you give me." Rona whispered, clenching her fists.

Kaiser didn't know whether to laugh or cry because of her stoic expression.

"The only reason I will punish you is for not beating them enough. As my sister, you don't need to bend sideways for anyone, nor do you need to calmly take insults and crass words. If anyone steps out of line, you pull them back in with your fists. That's why it's important to always be the strongest. Besides, what do you have to fear? I'm still here."

He turned around and saw that she was still kneeling, making him chuckle. He caressed her hair and pulled her up.

"When people try to hurt you, the right thing is to multiply the pain they intended to give and dish it first. Don't take shit from anyone. Be competent and powerful, leaving your footprints on the sands of time. Remember where you came from, the only person you have is yourself. There's no such thing as constant enemies or constant friends, only constant benefits, that's all people are after. The moment they see mutual benefits, most people automatically become friends and work together. As for your feelings, it won't matter in the bigger picture. No one truly cares about you except for your immediate family. Even that love might fade for a reason. Do you understand why I'm saying this?"

"Yes. I know that I'm the only one who can protect myself and look out for my interests. And I understand that in the battle of survival, when everything is on the line, selfishness wins out." She whispered, still facing the floor.

"Look at me." Kaiser said, making her slowly raise her face and their eyes met. Kaiser released a bit of his aura but she kept looking at him steadily, her eyes cold and void of all emotions.

"That's right, that's what I'm talking about. Emotions are the most useless things in the world, and the worst of them is lust. That's why your brain should be the one directing the actions. If you must entertain any emotions, then it must be the burning of duty, and the unquenchable desire to not just survive but be at the top. I raised you to be a tiger, not a cat curling up in the arms of the enemy."

"I understand. I won't disappoint you. Never again."

"You better not. Otherwise, I don't know what I might do next."

Kaiser waited for a while and motioned to his assistant to give him the documents.

"Since you're ready to take up your position, I have decided to give you a weapon."

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