Early morning, the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the biological clock formed over more than half a month naturally woke Lilian.
Considering her sleep quality, Lilian hadn’t eaten much last night—just enough to quell her hunger—before lying down to sleep.
At this moment, the soft cooing of birds drifted in from outside the window.
Yesterday, Eileen had brought two sets of maid uniforms, explaining they were for changing and washing.
Lilian just needed to leave the worn clothes beside her; the maids would take them away for cleaning.
Lilian couldn’t help but think to herself, Which household’s maid uniforms are specifically cleaned by other maids…?
After changing, Lilian headed to the small dining room to eat with the maids.
This was also one of the rare times during the day when they could meet without deliberately seeking each other out.
The Earl’s mansion in the Imperial Capital didn’t have many people—just enough to keep the household running.
According to the maids, the Earl’s expedition seemed very urgent this time; Eleanora had come in a hurry as well, basically rushing to the capital on the day of departure with them in tow.
Lilian asked why Eleanora had come to the capital, but the maids hemmed and hawed, unable to give a clear answer, only saying Eleanora was very anxious.
When nobles went on expeditions, it was an unspoken rule that their family members would prepare and travel to the capital.
By Lilian’s understanding, this was both for protecting the family and the Emperor’s way of “supervising” nobles out on missions.
But Eleanora was so anxious that she just hastily packed and came to the capital.
The maids went on to say that Lilian was brought to the Earl’s mansion just a few days after arriving in the capital.
Lilian clearly noticed a teasing smile in the maids’ eyes as they spoke of this.
She recalled the words she’d heard when she was tricked into coming—something like “Miss Lilian is very famous.”
That must have been a lie.
They definitely had their eyes on her.
The system’s assessment was truly accurate—after a few compliments, she had flown off her feet, foolishly following them along.
If only her brother had awakened his memories a few days earlier, she wouldn’t be here working for that left-brain-attacking-right-brain young lady.
Lilian bit her fork in frustration.
She noticed the little maid Eileen acting a bit evasive when she heard about Lilian being brought to the Earl’s mansion.
Something felt off to Lilian, so she thought back carefully and realized that it was this little brat who had tricked her into coming!
Considering last night’s dinner, Lilian could only pinch the little maid’s cheek a bit harder.
The slight pinch caused some pain; the little maid pressed her lips together, looking guilty as she met Lilian’s gaze.
Seeing Lilian wasn’t angry, she relaxed.
After finishing breakfast, the day’s work began.
Under the Butler’s direction, the maids went off to complete their respective duties.
Lilian’s work wasn’t like that—her tasks were assigned by Eleanora, so whatever Eleanora told her to do, she had to do.
For example, combing hair and serving breakfast every morning.
Normally, these tasks were handled entirely by the maids responsible for waking the mistress.
Eleanora had only left the duties of waking and dressing to the other maids.
Today, the little maid Eileen was in charge of waking Eleanora.
But just as she reached Eleanora’s bedroom door, she suddenly called out exaggeratedly.
“Ah, my stomach suddenly hurts so much—”
To be honest, her acting wasn’t very convincing; Lilian immediately saw through the act.
But the little maid didn’t care and ran quickly to the corner of the corridor.
Looking back, she left a sentence behind: “Today’s young lady is in your hands, Lilian.”
She even winked.
Lilian was utterly baffled—this was definitely slacking off, right?
Well, never mind. Considering last night’s dinner…
Lilian pushed open the bedroom door and quietly stepped inside.
The little maid hiding around the corner couldn’t hold back a laugh when she saw Lilian enter the room.
“Hehehe, young lady, Lilian, eh, ehehe—”
Consider it an apology to Lilian.
Though this might earn a scolding from the Butler, Eileen believed it was worth it.
She even thought the Butler would think she did well.
Lilian would surely change her opinion of the young lady!
Thinking this, Eileen straightened her chest proudly, and the last bit of guilt vanished.
After all, she was just fulfilling her duties as a maid!
Sunlight was blocked by the thick curtains of the bedroom.
On the large bed, a silver head peeked out.
Stepping inside, Eleanora was lying on her side, sleeping with her mouth slightly open, breathing steadily.
Her delicate face was calm and peaceful, occasionally licking her lips unconsciously.
Coupled with her silver hair, she looked serene and adorable.
She seemed to be sleeping soundly.
She didn’t show the usual expressions of disdain, mockery, or condescension.
What a good child—such a shame she had a mouth.
Sigh.
Lilian turned and drew back the curtains.
The morning sun, just right, poured onto the bed, causing Eleanora to frown.
“Lilian…”
Lilian jumped in surprise, then realized Eleanora had muttered in her sleep.
Turning back, she saw Eleanora’s mouth moving and flipping over to lie on her back, still not awake.
The sunlight reflected off her silver hair, dazzlingly bright.
Lilian also thought Eleanora seemed even more beautiful?
Unable to resist, Lilian walked over and pinched Eleanora’s cheek.
Soft and supple to the touch, utterly irresistible.
Eleanora seemed to open her eyes, so Lilian quickly withdrew her hand.
But Eleanora still looked groggy.
She propped herself up, her head wobbling as she saw Lilian and gave a giggling laugh.
Suddenly, she threw herself onto Lilian.
Her silver head rested against Lilian’s stomach, twisting and turning.
Lilian was about to step back but was hugged tightly by Eleanora.
“Lilian, hehe, Lilian…”
A faint, pleasant fragrance surrounded her.
Lilian didn’t dare move much.
If she startled Eleanora awake and made her realize the situation, given how things had gone before—or even just last night—she would surely be punished.
Better to avoid trouble.
Getting starved for a whole day wouldn’t be fun.
So Lilian just let Eleanora hold her, motionless.
After a while, the steady breathing against her stomach signaled Eleanora had fallen back asleep.
A nap, it seemed.
Knock knock.
A familiar knock sounded at the door.
Eileen peeked her head through the gap.
“Oh-ho—” She covered her mouth with one hand, making a strange noise.
Lilian sent her a pleading look.
Eileen ignored it entirely.
She only said, “Lilian, good luck,” then carefully closed the bedroom door.
Sigh, so much for teamwork.
Seeing a scene like this, it was worth whatever the cost!
After a while, Eleanora was still sound asleep.
Lilian was at a loss and reached out to shake her.
Eleanora gave a soft “Mm,” released Lilian, rubbed her eyes, and sat up, still drowsy.
Lilian breathed a sigh of relief and picked up the clothes prepared for Eleanora.
Her expression immediately changed.
She realized the style of Eleanora’s clothes wasn’t quite what she understood.
In simple terms, she had no idea how to dress Eleanora.
The door gap opened again.
Eileen’s voice came through: “Lilian, it’s getting late. Wake the young lady up quickly.”
“I don’t know how—”
Before Lilian could explain she didn’t know how to dress Eleanora, the voice outside returned, “Ah, my stomach hurts.”
Followed by footsteps retreating.
Alright, Eileen, you’re on my list!
Lilian was about to chase after her when the hem of her dress was tugged.
Wearing thin pajamas, Eleanora was still rubbing her eyes, her tongue tied as she said, “Change clothes…”
If Lilian forcibly broke free, Eleanora would surely wake up.
With that thought, Lilian gritted her teeth.
Rustle rustle—
The sound of fabric brushing filled her ears.
Eleanora felt something was off.
Her clothes felt uncomfortable, as if they were on backward, making her whole body feel wrong.
She opened her blurry eyes and saw a maid with dark green hair squatting nearby, quietly adjusting her dress.
What a clumsy maid, Eleanora thought. There’s no way my clothes are worn correctly.
She was determined to have a serious talk with the Butler about her.
Then her whole body trembled, suddenly realizing—
She didn’t remember any maid besides Lilian having dark green hair.
In other words, Lilian had found out she was groggy upon waking?
Thinking of this, a hot flush rushed to her cheeks; her ears began to turn red.
Lilian noticed Eleanora’s body suddenly shivering and looked up in puzzlement.
What met her eyes was Eleanora’s slightly flushed face.
She gave a grim, teeth-clenched smile, squeezing out three words from between her teeth:
“Li—li—an—”
Damn it!
My meal!