While Aier was changing clothes, Xie Yier had already elegantly slipped into a meticulously tailored dark green velvet gown, her bearing extraordinary.
She walked in high heels, and with those long black-stockinged legs, Aier had to half-run to keep up with her after they left the room.
A solemn carriage had been waiting at the hotel entrance for quite some time.
Aier clambered onto the carriage with effort, only to bump her forehead against the doorframe with a “thud.”
“Ow~” Tears welled up in her eyes from the pain.
Xie Yier had already gotten in, but at the sound, she immediately leaned out. She bent down, cupping Aier’s chin in her hand, gently brushing aside the sweat-damp golden hair on her forehead to reveal the little red bump that had swelled up in an instant.
“Does it hurt?” Her voice carried a hint of barely perceptible helplessness, with a trace of reproach for Aier’s clumsiness.
“I-it’s nothing.” Aier held back her tears and tried to act tough.
“My little dummy.” Xie Yier chided softly, and without giving Aier any chance to protest, pulled her into the carriage and sat her down at her side.
She touched the spot Aier had pointed out—fortunately, there was no swelling, just a small red patch.
Then, to Aier’s astonishment, Xie Yier leaned in slightly, and her soft lips gently pressed on the little bump.
“A kiss will make it better.” She straightened up, her expression calm, as if this action was the most natural thing in the world.
“!!!” Aier’s cheeks flushed crimson in an instant, the heat spreading all the way to her ears!
This kind of gesture… only used to comfort little children…
It was too embarrassing!
Being treated like a child, Aier instinctively ducked her head low, wishing she could burrow under the seat cushion.
Xie Yier saw her beet-red ears and ostrich-like posture, and a trace of amusement flickered in her eyes.
She didn’t tease Aier any further, instead changing the subject: “Just make do with these outfits for now. Once we’re back at the Castle, I’ll have the Butler order you some new clothes, and you can pick out whatever jewelry you like.”
Her fingers idly twisted a strand of Aier’s obedient golden hair.
“Um… M-mistress.” Aier replied softly, then, as if summoning all her courage, she looked up at Xie Yier, “May I… go see my little sister Xiqi?”
Her emerald eyes were filled with cautious pleading.
Xie Yier’s fingers paused for a moment, but soon resumed their usual steady rhythm.
“Not yet.” Her tone wasn’t strict, and she added, “I know you miss her, but now is a crucial time.”
She placed her hand over Aier’s, conveying a weighty sense of reassurance: “The physicians I arranged are working on a recovery plan for Xiqi, and they need absolute focus and quiet. You don’t want to disrupt their rhythm and affect your sister’s recovery, do you?”
Aier: “Um…”
Looking into Xie Yier’s resolute eyes and feeling the sense in her words and the weight of her promise, Aier’s anxiety at missing her sister didn’t subside, but she could only nod.
“I-I understand. Mistress…”
The carriage arrived at Iron Eagle Fortress.
Iron Eagle Fortress had once been a military stronghold, but after Xie Yier took possession, it became her personal place of business.
Because of its former military use, the surrounding scenery wasn’t particularly pleasant. Even though Xie Yier had renovated it well later on, from afar it still looked rather gloomy.
But Xie Yier didn’t seem to mind at all.
After the carriage stopped, Xie Yier took Aier by the hand and led her into the Castle’s main hall.
Upon entering, Aier couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow…”
Compared to the exterior, the interior was lavishly decorated, so much so that Aier couldn’t stop craning her neck to look around.
Though she was a noble herself, she had never lived in such a magnificent Castle!
And there were so many maids here!
When the maids saw Xie Yier and Aier, they all paused in their work to bow, their gazes filled with curiosity.
So many scrutinizing looks made Aier tense up.
W-why are they looking at me like that…
Aier felt uneasy and tried to pull her hand back, but Xie Yier only held it tighter.
“Don’t be afraid.” Xie Yier smiled at her, her voice gentle. “This will be your home from now on, so you’d better get used to it quickly.”
Aier: “…”
Home…?
To Aier, this vast Castle felt more like a prison built just for her.
Walking up the stone stairs of Iron Eagle Fortress, she felt countless probing gazes like thorns on her back.
It wasn’t until a silver-haired Butler approached and bowed that those piercing stares were finally cut off.
“Lady.”
Her posture was impeccable, her voice clear and steady, devoid of any unnecessary emotion.
Aier’s gaze was drawn to the Butler’s crisp and efficient aura.
Her silver hair cascaded like a waterfall, her features were delicate, and every movement radiated a decisive competence.
Her cool, restrained aura was completely different from Xie Yier’s burning, aggressive presence, yet equally captivating.
An ice-cold beauty.
Looking at this woman, who was even colder than Xie Yier’s usual expression, Aier couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.
In fact, Aier had noticed that since entering the Castle, everyone she’d met was a woman—and all were beautiful.
Could this be that woman’s personal preference?
While Aier pondered, Xie Yier addressed the silver-haired beauty: “Ailei, take my little darling to my usual tailor and pick out some fabric for a few new outfits. While you’re at it, take her to the best jewelry shop in the city.”
“Be back before noon. Ailei, if you lose her while she’s with you, you know the consequences.” Xie Yier added.
“As you command.” Even Ailei’s voice carried a coolness as she bowed, then walked up to Aier.
As soon as she approached, a waft of fragrance drifted over—a faint scent of osmanthus, different from Xie Yier’s strong, aggressive perfume, this one felt more like the first love of a goddess.
“Miss Aier, please come with me.”
“Ah? Okay…” Aier replied somewhat nervously.
At that moment, Xie Yier called out to Ailei, tossing her a gold-embossed Royal Seal, her tone as casual as if she were handing over a trinket: “Here, take this. No need to bother with spare change.”
Ailei caught the Royal Seal and recognized it at a glance as the royal exclusive.
With this, at designated merchants, all purchases could be settled directly with the Empire Ministry of Finance via stamped receipts.
Who would have thought the Duke would bring out the Royal Seal for this girl.
This was no ordinary favor.
Ailei weighed Aier’s significance in her heart, but didn’t show it, only nodding slightly as she put the seal away.
From the moment they met, she’d been discreetly observing Aier. Aside from being cute, she hadn’t noticed anything else special.
Timid, with no hidden motives.
That was Ailei’s first impression.
Lady Xie Yier likes this type? Ailei was doubtful, but asked no more.
“Go on, don’t keep me waiting too long.” Xie Yier reminded again.
“Understood. Lady, we’ll only shop in the Central District, we won’t be delayed.”