Chapter 49: Revenge

In the staff work area of the Starry Dream Café.

“Argh!” Iana was fuming. “Veronica is absolutely doing this on purpose.”

Chiye placed freshly washed strawberries in a basket and said gently, “She seems to like you, doesn’t she?”

“And aren’t we here to work as maids? Calling them ‘Master’ is just part of the job.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re used to it,” Iana complained, pulling cream from the fridge. “For a newbie like me, saying ‘Master’ feels so embarrassing.”

As Iana prepared the strawberry parfait under Chiye’s guidance, she recalled Veronica’s earlier teasing, her face reddening.

Iana’s blush wasn’t from girlish shyness but more like the heated frustration of being mocked in a game.

Dragon Clan members are born proud, always carrying themselves with superiority. Yet here I am, forced to call Veronica ‘Master’ with no way to fight back.

Iana felt like her lungs were about to explode from anger, and she stopped working on the parfait.

“What’s wrong?” Chiye asked, noticing Iana’s dazed state.

“I’m wondering what would happen if I added something special to Veronica’s strawberry parfait,” Iana said, a eerie smile creeping across her face, her eyes distant as if plotting something grand.

Chiye felt a shiver, her voice trembling slightly. “What kind of special stuff?”

“Chili sauce, mustard, something like that.”

“No way!” Chiye was shocked by Iana’s train of thought. If we added that, we’d both be fired in no time.

“Tch,” Iana clicked her tongue.

“Alright, alright, stop messing around,” Chiye said, gently patting Iana’s head as if soothing a sulky child.

In the main hall of the Starry Dream Café.

Veronica sat upright, locking eyes with Ethelrina across from her.

She’d brought Ethelrina here today while Sophia and Flora were away, specifically to test Ethelrina’s acceptance of the maid role.

Though I’m certain Ethelrina is the one I love, I have my own little desires—like having her call me ‘Master’ in bed.

Veronica doubted Ethelrina would agree, but what if?

For my future happiness, I need to gauge how open Ethelrina is to this.

But when Veronica saw the little maid named Iana, her heart fluttered, and her desire to hear Iana call her “Master” reached its peak.

Especially that reluctant, forced expression—it’s driving me wild.

Ethelrina frowned, looking at the primly seated Veronica, and repeated, “You really like that maid, don’t you?”

“No way, I’m just teasing her,” Veronica said, taking a sip of her coffee and glancing at Ethelrina. “Don’t you think it’s satisfying to hear a maid’s reluctant voice?”

Ethelrina blinked, confusion in her eyes. “Why would that feel satisfying?”

“I heard it from someone else and came to test it out,” Veronica replied.

Soon, Iana finished preparing Veronica’s strawberry parfait.

“Master, your strawberry parfait is ready,” Iana said slowly, walking out from the kitchen area and standing before Veronica.

“Mmm,” Veronica responded, elegantly setting down her coffee cup, her pink eyes glinting with anticipation.

Seeing Ethelrina watching them, a bold idea struck Iana.

Since Veronica likes Ethelrina, and Ethelrina probably doesn’t like her partner messing around, what if I act overly close with Veronica to lower Ethelrina’s opinion of her?

As Iana, even if Ethelrina wants revenge, she won’t trace it back to Ian.

With this thought, a smile spread across Iana’s face, far more natural than her earlier forced professional smile.

“Let me feed you, Master,” Iana offered.

Veronica was taken aback. Though she’d requested Iana feed her, when did this maid become so forward?

But Veronica didn’t think much of it. Iana’s initiative takes away some of the fun, but with Ethelrina here, teasing her further might give me away.

Iana scooped up some cream with strawberry sauce, leaning forward slightly, her lace collar brushing Veronica’s shoulder, her face flushed. “Master, please open your mouth.”

Veronica, caught up in Iana’s actions, felt a rush of delight. She parted her cherry lips, a faint fragrance drifting from her breath.

As Veronica opened her mouth, Iana stole glances at Ethelrina, noting her furrowed brow and obvious irritation.

Plan’s working, Iana thought, secretly thrilled. I’ve successfully lowered Ethelrina’s opinion of Veronica. Now’s the time to press the advantage.

Veronica took the spoonful Iana offered, her face full of enjoyment.

But then she quickly released the spoon, suppressing the strange expression that flickered across her face.

Seeing this, Iana wondered if Veronica had figured out her plan.

But so what? As long as Veronica doesn’t stop me, I’m just doing what she asked. Iana pressed on, scooping another spoonful of cream.

This time, Iana deliberately aimed off, smearing cream on the corner of Veronica’s mouth.

“Oh, sorry, Master,” Iana said, feigning an accidental mistake and sounding flustered.

“Let me wipe it for you, Master,” Iana said, pulling out a handkerchief she’d prepared, which carried a faint milky scent from being kept close to her body.

“So sorry, Master,” Iana said, deliberately slowing her wiping, her fingertips brushing Veronica’s chin as she leaned in close, her voice trembling. “It’s just that I got too nervous seeing you, Master.”

Veronica’s mind went blank. Iana’s scent feels so familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve encountered it.

Maybe next time I won’t bring Ethelrina, Veronica thought. With her here, I can’t fully let loose.

Ethelrina, watching the entire scene, stared intently at the two, as if afraid to miss a single detail.