In the room, soft light spilled onto the exquisite furniture, and the faint scent of tea permeated the air.
Tii sat on the sofa, her slender fingers gently swaying the teacup in her hand as small ripples formed in the liquid.
Her gaze passed through the light tea mist and fell on Su Ling. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, carrying a hint of an elusive, teasing smile.
“Little Su Ling, are you really not considering staying? Since Princess Sista has other maids to assist her, you can just stay in the Castle and rest for a bit.”
“The conditions here aren’t bad, and other people do all the chores. I don’t want my little Su Ling to get hurt.”
When she said this, although Tii had some selfish motives, she was mostly acting out of concern for Su Ling.
She knew very well how dangerous Sista’s trip would be. Moria still controlled absolute power. If a noble set a trap and detained Sista during the negotiations, Su Ling would be unable to escape as well.
She did not care much about Sista’s fate; to her, the most important person now was Su Ling.
However, Su Ling gave an answer that disappointed her.
“I’m sorry, I’ve already made up my mind. I’m going to stay by her side.”
“You have a lot to learn next. Being a Princess’s Secretary is no easy task…”
“I know all that.”
Su Ling took a step forward, her gaze firm.
“It’s fine. I’ll learn well. Please teach me, Tii.”
Her eyes were focused and serious, as if she wanted to etch every word into her heart.
Tii gently set down her teacup. The porcelain met the wooden coffee table with a crisp clink.
Her gaze darkened slightly.
‘The feelings between those two… when exactly did they become so deep?’
In the past, she had not noticed it at all.
“Fine. Since you’re so persistent, I’ll teach you.”
As Sista’s former Personal Maid, Tii had personally participated in many negotiations with nobles during the period when Sista was governing in Moria’s stead. She was very familiar with the procedures and etiquette.
She leaned forward slightly, her hands folded on her lap, and her tone became serious.
“Then listen closely, little Su Ling.”
“As a Secretary, you are responsible for recording important information when Her Highness meets with the nobles, including their attitudes, their demands, and our responses.”
“At the same time, you must assist in organizing information, analyzing the situation, and providing useful suggestions for Her Highness.”
Su Ling nodded, her brow furrowed slightly as she thought and committed the words to memory.
“Is there anything else I need to pay attention to?”
“Of course there is.”
Tii cleared her throat softly.
“The Blood Clan is cunning. Their words are often full of hints and traps. If you aren’t careful, you’ll fall into a snare.”
“You must learn to judge their true intentions from the details.”
Su Ling repeated in a low voice, “Observe… the details…”
“I understand. I’ll keep it in mind.”
Tii’s gaze softened, and she let out a gentle sigh.
“Very good. I believe in you.”
“However, there’s one more thing — the most important one.”
“Hm?”
Her tone suddenly became stern.
“Protect yourself.”
“No matter what happens, ensure your own safety. Princess Sista is important, but your life is just as important. If you encounter danger, don’t hesitate. Evacuate immediately.”
Moonlight spilled in from outside the window, falling on Su Ling’s face.
“I understand. Thank you, Tii.”
Her expression was exceptionally firm.
Looking at her like this, a sudden wave of bitterness washed over Tii’s heart.
“Little Su Ling, why are you working so hard?” she asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. “Is Princess Sista really that important to you?”
Su Ling nodded and met her gaze.
“This is a critical period, and this is something I must do. If the position of Secretary is given to someone else, I worry she will be plotted against by those with ulterior motives.”
“The experience of being surrounded by Moria at the Summer Castle had a great impact on Her Highness. Although she hasn’t said it out loud, I can tell she is completely disappointed in Moria.”
“So, I want to stay by her side.”
Tii’s heart stirred, as if something were quietly melting.
She looked at the youthful yet determined face before her and suddenly wanted to ask the question she had been keeping in her heart.
‘Su Ling, what exactly are your feelings for Sista?’
But the words reached her lips only to be forced back down. She was afraid that once she asked, a certain balance would be broken.
“Is that so…” she replied softly.
It seemed the conversation was over. Tii stood up and walked toward the door, but she stopped after two steps.
“Hm?” Su Ling looked at her in confusion.
Tii turned her head, hesitating for a moment.
“Little Su Ling… it’s about the matter from before.”
“I still have one more question I want to ask you.”
Her voice was soft, but it carried emotions she had suppressed for a long time.
“How do you view my feelings?”
Regarding that confession, there had to be an answer. Even if she no longer held any expectations, she still wanted to hear Su Ling say it personally. She wanted everything to come to an end tonight.
Su Ling was stunned, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson. She lowered her head, her fingers reflexively twisting together, her voice so soft it was nearly inaudible.
“I…”
“I’ve been waiting for your answer.”
Tii’s heart couldn’t help but race. Su Ling took a deep breath, raised her head, and looked at her seriously.
“I like you, Tii.”
Tii’s body stiffened slightly.
“As… what kind of like?” Her voice was tight.
“The kind of like for a lover,” Su Ling said softly, her silver hair swaying gently in the dim light. “I’ve always been a bit slow when it comes to feelings. I never thought about these things seriously before.”
“Since you confessed to me, I began to truly consider my heart.”
“Thinking back, I’ve actually been thinking about you unconsciously for a long time.”
“Mornings with you make me very happy, and being comforted by you when I make a mistake makes me feel at ease.”
“When I found out you were a spy in the Castle, I was worried about your safety every day…”
“Looking back now, that feeling was probably love.”
Tii’s heart shook violently. Surprise, disbelief, and a faint sense of unease intertwined within her.
However, just as she was about to speak — Su Ling lowered her head.
“But right now… I can’t let go of the Princess’s matters.”
The warmth that had just ignited was instantly swept away by a cold wind. Tii’s fingers tightened, her nails digging into her palms and bringing a slight sting of pain.
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