She cried for a long while, and the emotions swirling in her tears gradually shifted from pure grievance to a stubborn unwillingness and… a possessiveness bordering on obsession.
Her gaze slowly changed, the shimmer of tears now revealing a kind of paranoid determination.
At this point, giving up was impossible!
Since gentle means didn’t work, and trying to buy her off with money failed…
Then… this Miss will just chase her personally! I refuse to believe it can’t be done!
The long and agonizing afternoon finally came to an end.
As soon as the group tour of the academy dispersed, Aier couldn’t wait to rush to the meeting point, desperate to end this miserable day as soon as possible.
Donna didn’t show up again—who knew whether she was obediently lying in the infirmary or had already taken leave and gone home.
But what did that have to do with Aier? After all, she had fulfilled the service she was paid for, so her conscience was clear.
While Aier was spacing out, that familiar carriage had already pulled up in front of her.
A jade hand, adorned with lace gloves, elegantly lifted the velvet curtain, revealing Xie Yier’s stunningly beautiful face.
In that instant, her crimson lips curved into a heart-stirring smile. “Did Little Ai behave herself today?”
Why did that sound just like picking up a kid from kindergarten…
Although Aier really wanted to complain, she had to act obedient and well-behaved in front of Xie Yier.
Aier clumsily climbed into the carriage. Ever since she’d hit her head on the door frame, she was awkward and careful every time she got in.
She didn’t notice at all that, not far away in the shadows, a pair of orange eyes was staring intently at her back—and at the luxurious carriage slowly pulling away.
Donna gritted her teeth, nearly biting her handkerchief in frustration until little pearls fell off.
“That’s the Violet Emblem! That means the woman peeking out of the carriage is Lady Xie Yier, the Duchess?! No wonder Aier wasn’t interested in the job I offered—she’s got such powerful backing!”
All of Donna’s confusion and dissatisfaction were instantly resolved.
In the noble circles of the Empire’s Royal Capital, Donna, a sheltered Noble Lady, might not recognize all the family crests, but Lady Xie Yier Monica, the Duchess? There wasn’t a soul in the Royal Capital who didn’t know her!
As one of the two younger sisters of Empress Monica, Xie Yier wielded real power over the Royal Capital’s security and the Empire’s cutting-edge research.
Going against her? That would be like bedding down beside a latrine—never far from trouble!
The gap was simply too vast! How was she supposed to compete?
The family background Donna had always been so proud of was utterly worthless in the face of true power.
However, the disappointment and defeat in those eyes hidden in the shadows did not last long.
Defiance and possessiveness flared up like oil thrown on a fire!
So what if she’s a Duchess? There’s no way you can watch her every second. I, Donna Trowis, will never let go of someone I’ve set my sights on!
Meanwhile, inside the smoothly moving carriage, Aier sat uneasily across from Xie Yier, carefully considering how to speak.
“Little Ai? You seem… troubled today, don’t you?” Xie Yier crossed her legs elegantly, her slender fingers tapping lightly on her knee. “Would you like to share with your Master?”
“Master, I…” Aier’s voice was as dry as sandpaper.
“It’s alright, take your time. I’ll be a good listener,” Xie Yier coaxed gently.
“I… Today at the opening ceremony, I sat next to a girl for half the day. She insisted on sitting beside me, and when I tried to leave, a passing teacher stopped me. Later… she wasn’t feeling well, and there was no one else around. I couldn’t bear it, so I helped her to the infirmary and stayed with her for a while…” Aier steeled herself and quickly blurted out the report she had prepared in her heart.
Aier could even hear her own frantic heartbeat. She was afraid Xie Yier would escalate things today and deal with her right here in the carriage.
“Oh~ Is that so…” Xie Yier drawled, but showed no hint of displeasure.
She already knew about these things. The spy Elle found for her was a professional, and had already delivered a full report of the day’s events.
She was just waiting to see if Aier would try to hide anything.
If Aier told the truth, judging by how resistant she was to that little Trowis girl, Xie Yier was willing to be magnanimous.
But if she tried to hide it… heh~
She wanted to see if her little white rabbit could handle two carrots at once.
“Master, aren’t you angry?” Aier sneaked a glance up, meeting Xie Yier’s amused gaze, and grew even more flustered.
This reaction isn’t right! It’s way too suspicious!
Xie Yier smiled slightly. “Little Ai is so honest, why would I be angry? Besides, you said you didn’t want to get close to that girl, didn’t you?”
Seeing Xie Yier act as if everything was under her control, Aier couldn’t help but wonder—
Could it be… that she’s been watched by spies all along?
The more Aier thought about it, the more nervous she became.
Thank goodness I didn’t hide anything…
Even though she had no proof there were spies around her, Aier decided to keep her guard up.
Next time, I really need to stay away from those girls.
Before long, the carriage returned to the castle.
As soon as she got to the villa, Aier hurried off to take a shower, tossing her clothes straight into the dirty laundry basket.
After a quick wash and changing into clean clothes, Aier wasted no time heading for the bedroom.
“Little Ai, come and massage your Master’s legs~” As soon as Aier pushed open the door, Xie Yier immediately called out.
“Coming.”
Aier knelt obediently and skillfully in front of Xie Yier.
After all the “practice” she’d had lately, she was already used to serving Xie Yier.
Her fingertips touched the delicate stockings wrapped around those long legs. With her eyes lowered, Aier began to apply pressure mechanically.
Watching Aier work so diligently, Xie Yier narrowed her golden eyes. “Do the stockings feel nice to touch?”
Aier: “I’d rather touch your legs…”
The moment Xie Yier asked, Aier blurted out what was on her mind without thinking.
Crap, what did I just say?
Aier didn’t realize she’d just exposed her own preferences.
“Oh? So Little Ai likes her Master’s legs, huh?”
Xie Yier was instantly delighted. She looked at Aier with seductive eyes, then slowly peeled off a stocking from one foot and used her rounded toes to lift Aier’s chin.
“Mm… y-yes.” At this point, Aier could only admit it and accept her fate.
“Then do you love your Master?”
“Love.” Aier answered without hesitation. Even someone as emotionally dense as her knew this was the answer that would make Xie Yier happiest.
“You little liar, telling fibs again~ But… Master likes hearing it.”
Xie Yier knew perfectly well that there was no way Aier actually loved her.
Their relationship had no foundation of affection; it was maintained entirely by money. Aier was just fulfilling her contract, playing the part of a perfect canary at her side.
But… just because she doesn’t love her now, doesn’t mean she never will.