The mother’s appearance and departure had at least granted Ailinuo a brief respite, allowing her tense emotions to calm slightly.
Yet the moment she was alone with Seraphina again, that nervous awkwardness returned in full force.
She clenched her hands tightly, cheeks scarlet, gaze flickering everywhere except toward Seraphina.
“Your Highness…” Her voice was no louder than a mosquito’s buzz, even more nervous than it had been in the banquet hall. “Um… I… I’ve… always admired you very, very much!”
Seraphina leaned against the balustrade, moonlight tracing her slender silhouette.
She said nothing, only watched Ailinuo in silence.
That silence only fueled the girl’s anxiety. Ailinuo stumbled on, incoherent. “I… I’ve read every single record of how you handle state affairs… I even begged Father to show me all the decrees you granted the Bloodborn… and, and the conflict at Blackstone Outpost too.”
“Father often sighs in his study about how brilliant and… and… ah, anyway… you’re truly amazing!”
The more she spoke, the more excited she became. She lifted her head, eyes shining with fervent light. “I… I know this request might be presumptuous, and… what’s more, you already turned me down a few months ago… but I truly, desperately wish for the chance to learn at your side!”
“Even if it’s only fetching tea, pouring water, or sorting documents… anything at all! I’ll work very hard!”
Having used up every scrap of her courage, she abruptly bowed her head, the tips of her ears glowing bright red, as though awaiting judgment.
Seraphina watched her and felt both amused and a little helpless. This kind of feverish adoration was a first for her; especially from someone of Ailinuo’s noble status who was being so painfully straightforward and clumsy about it.
“Lady Ailinuo is still very nervous, I see.”
Hearing that remark, Ailinuo’s heart thumped with a sinking dread.
But then Seraphina’s tone shifted. “Still… you’ve improved a great deal since last time. If I recall correctly, last time your father made the request on your behalf.”
“Y-yes…”
“I remember wondering back then whether it was your father who wanted to work for me, or you.”
Ailinuo caught the hidden meaning and flushed deeper. “I’m sorry… I was far too nervous then, I couldn’t say a single word, so… so I asked Father to…”
She deeply regretted it now. If only she had been braver that day, perhaps Her Highness would have agreed!
Of course, Seraphina knew the real reason perfectly well, but this explanation would do just fine.
She could hardly admit out loud that back then she had simply been lusting after the girl’s body.
That would make her no different from a pervert!
As for now… the “tools of the crime” had long been confiscated. Even if she still wanted the body, all she could do was a double-slit interference experiment at best.
And Seraphina certainly didn’t have the knowledge to perform that experiment.
“However, Lady Ailinuo.” Seraphina’s voice suddenly cooled beneath the moonlight. “Working at my side is tedious and exhausting. Many of the maids in the Demon King’s Castle complain about it in private!”
Hearing a possible opening, Ailinuo jerked her head up; she would not let this chance slip away!
“I’m not afraid of hard work! Truly! Father said that as long as you agree, it’s fine.” Her voice grew smaller, carrying an almost coquettish plea. “Your Highness… please, just give me one chance… even if I can only occasionally help in your study…”
Under the moon’s witness, the young girl’s earnestness and shy affection were utterly genuine, without the slightest pretense.
Seraphina pondered, leaving poor Ailinuo in agony.
Ailinuo’s heart pounded ba-bum ba-bum, terrified she would miss this opportunity and have no idea when the next one might come.
Seraphina was indeed thinking, wondering how Movira would react. From Movira’s recent behavior, she probably already saw Seraphina as… well… a consort?
Though Seraphina was reluctant to admit it.
That was the only way to explain it, though.
Which raised the question: if Ailinuo entered her daily life, would Movira… object?
The air on the terrace seemed to freeze. Only Ailinuo’s slightly rapid breathing from nerves and the faint, muffled voices drifting from the distant banquet hall remained.
Seraphina’s gaze brushed over Ailinuo’s faintly trembling ear tips filled with anticipation, finally settling on those crimson eyes brimming with starlight.
Duke Dekrian’s early support was a vital cornerstone for the new agricultural policies, and his performance tonight had been impeccable. Soothing and winning over this little vampire girl didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.
More importantly, Ailinuo could offer absolute loyalty; Seraphina could detect not the slightest hint of potential betrayal.
For a… sovereign, the most important quality was not talent, but unwavering personal loyalty.
“Tedious and exhausting are not empty words.” Seraphina’s voice remained calm, yet the distance in it had lessened.
“There is never a shortage of people to serve tea or deliver water at my side. But if you genuinely wish to learn something, rather than a passing whim… very well. I can give you a chance.”
Ailinuo’s pupils dilated instantly. Joy exploded across her face like fireworks. “Really?! Your Highness… it’s not a whim, I sincerely wish to learn by your side with all my heart. I will never disappoint you!”
Watching her cheer and bounce, Seraphina raised a hand to stop any further outburst. “The Demon King’s Castle is still some distance from the ducal mansion. I will discuss with your father later about arranging for you to stay with me long-term.”
“You may begin by organizing documents and familiarizing yourself with the relationships between the various demon clans.”
“I understand, Your Highness! Thank you!” Ailinuo nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with emotion almost to the point of tears.
“Very well. The banquet is not yet over, and you are tonight’s protagonist. You should not be absent for too long. Return now.”
Seraphina turned away, no longer looking at her, signaling that she should go back to the hall.
When Ailinuo re-entered the lively hall, the flush on her cheeks had not faded, but her demeanor had returned to its usual elegance.
Duke Dekrian saw his daughter’s expression and immediately understood.
As the banquet drew to a close and guests began taking their leave, Ailinuo, at her father’s prompting, gathered her courage once more. During a quiet moment for Seraphina, she asked softly, “Your Highness, the night is already deep. Though the journey back to the Demon King’s Castle is not too far, it is still tiring. Father has prepared guest rooms for you and Miss Lina… Would you perhaps be willing to rest here for the night?”
Seraphina did indeed feel weary, not only physically but also mentally from handling the entire evening.
She glanced at the thick darkness outside the window, thought for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. I shall impose upon your hospitality.”
In the end, under Duke Dekrian’s personal guidance, they arrived at the quieter eastern wing of the ancient castle.