Xie Yier: “Tomorrow morning, come back to the castle with me. I’ll have the butler draft a contract, for a period of three years. In the Empire, once a contract is signed, everyone has to follow the rules and regulations. Consider it a form of security for you.”
Xie Yier: “I’ll also have the butler pay off all your family’s external debts. Of course, this isn’t about clearing your debts for you—it’s just making me your sole creditor. As long as you can repay everything within three years, you can regain your freedom.”
This was Xie Yier’s bait, meant to put her little cutie at ease. But in reality, how could she possibly let go of what she truly wanted so easily?
Of course, she would also work hard to make her little cutie reluctant to ever leave her, willingly becoming her beloved pet.
“I understand, big sister.” Aier nodded obediently.
Only then did Xie Yier realize—now that Aier belonged to her, how could she be called by such an ordinary title? So she added:
“And from now on, the way you address me needs to change as well. Outside, you should call me Lady Xie Yier or Duchess.”
Duchess! Aier was startled in her heart. She had thought that this mysterious big sister standing before her was someone of unusual status, but probably only around the rank of Count.
She never expected that she had already reached a position just under one and above all others.
If that’s the case… will she ever be able to leave in the future?
Xie Yier hadn’t finished: “As for inside my castle or in private places…”
Perhaps out of wicked amusement, or maybe a surge of possessiveness, Xie Yier smiled mischievously and said, “You have to call me Master.”
Clearly, Xie Yier had already investigated Aier’s circumstances thoroughly, otherwise she wouldn’t have arranged everything so perfectly, leaving Aier with nothing to complain about.
If she had to voice any dissatisfaction… was it really necessary to call her “Master”?
Maybe this was just the quirk of the powerful, enjoying the feeling of ruling over and controlling others.
“Al-alright. Sis… no, Master…” Aier hurriedly corrected herself, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz.
Those emerald eyes stared fixedly at her toes, completely unwilling to look up.
Xie Yier’s lips curved up, the golden light in her eyes growing even gentler, like molten gold, filled with immense satisfaction.
Looking at Aier’s obedient yet lost expression, the joy of getting exactly what she wanted was almost overflowing.
“Do you have any other concerns? Or… is there anything I’ve missed that you care about?”
Her tone was so gentle it could almost drip water, more patient than anyone could imagine.
Xie Yier had never considered others like this before. If any of her old political opponents saw her now, they would be utterly shocked.
“Um… it’s just that school is about to start.” Her voice was hesitant, with a trace of barely detectable hope.
Although Aier had been stripped of her title, she still managed to get accepted into the Royal Central Academy as a commoner through her own efforts.
Soon, she would have to report to the academy.
Xie Yier: “Oh~ I remember you got into the Royal Central Academy, right? Is there a problem with that?”
Aier pressed her lips together: “If I go to school… I’ll have to travel back and forth every day, it’ll be quite a hassle… It might not be convenient to go to Master’s place…”
In truth, this was a little scheme of Aier’s. She wanted a bit of freedom. If she only had to serve on weekends, that would be perfect.
However, Xie Yier instantly saw right through her little plan.
“There’s no need to worry about such a trivial matter.” Xie Yier chuckled lightly. How could she let Aier have her way? “I’ll have a carriage dedicated to taking you to and from school every day.”
“But, every day when you come home, you must tell me about the interesting things you encountered at school, who you met, so that I can know about your day too, okay?”
A chill ran up Aier’s spine, instantly drowning out her earlier longing for freedom.
She didn’t dare hesitate for a second, and quickly responded obediently, “Yes, Master. I… I’ll share with you.”
“Mhm~ What a good girl~” Xie Yier gently pinched her nose, her tone full of rewarding praise.
After that, she began to ramble about every detail of Aier’s life at the castle, arranging every aspect with meticulous care.
She loved this feeling of having everything under control.
Outside, the night deepened. Xie Yier finally finished her arrangements, stretching her body gracefully. “Alright, time for us to sleep~ Tomorrow your Master has a pile of things to deal with.”
With that, Xie Yier climbed onto the bed, then looked at Aier and patted the spot beside her.
She looked just like someone calling a kitten or puppy to come sleep with her.
Aier felt a bit resistant inside. Even if she was the benefactor, she was still a person, not some kitten or puppy!
She would rather sleep on the sofa or the carpet than be called over like this.
But…
The little spark of resistance in Aier’s heart was eventually smothered by sleepiness and her longing for a warm bed.
She responded softly, then slowly scooted to the edge of the bed, carefully lying down in Xie Yier’s embrace.
Aier: “Mmm…” A faint whimper slipped uncontrollably from her throat.
Strong arms tightly locked Aier’s slender waist and upper body, and smooth, toned legs—without an ounce of extra flesh—rested unyieldingly over Aier’s delicate calves.
The whole embrace was warm, soft, and fragrant, like a thick, cozy protective shell.
Aier’s body tensed instantly, instinctively wanting to shrink away, but the gentle yet unyielding strength held her firmly in place.
That subtle fragrance was enough to make her dizzy, her mind going hazy…
Her heartbeat kept speeding up. Thump thump thump, thump thump thump!
Summer in the Royal Capital wasn’t really hot, but in the deep of night, it could even feel a bit chilly.
Aier was soft and cuddly, making it incredibly comfortable to hold. Naturally, Xie Yier slept soundly.
But Aier was struggling. Her nerves, already taut, couldn’t relax, and being held so tightly only made it worse. The constant heat radiating from Xie Yier, like she was clinging to a burning furnace, made Aier feel unbearably hot all over.
Guu-yong guu-yong… guu-yong guu-yong… (wriggling like a silkworm baby)
Those deep golden eyes opened.
“Little cutie, why are you so restless?”
“Eek!!!”
Aier couldn’t help but let out a cry of surprise!