As the Duke’s steward, Ailei had no fewer responsibilities than Lady Xie Yier.
Before leaving, she took one last look at Aier.
The blonde girl stood in the afternoon sunlight, a lingering trace of confusion still in her green eyes, and the two blushes on her cheeks—“stamped” there—had yet to fully fade, like two startled water lilies.
Something soft and unspeakable in Ailei’s heart was gently stirred.
But duty called, and she could only suppress that secret concern. Her silver hair drew a cold arc as she turned, quickly disappearing at the end of the Academy Corridor.
After Ailei left, Aier remained in place, still gazing at the corner where Ailei had vanished.
She felt somewhat grateful that, when tormented by all sorts of interpersonal troubles, at least there was someone she could confide in.
As expected, Sister Elei really is the best.
If only Sister Elei’s status were a bit higher—maybe then, when Master bullies me, there’d be someone to keep her in check…
Wait! Why am I calling her Master in my heart now too?
Realizing this, Aier suddenly rubbed her own cheeks hard, trying to physically disperse the tangled thoughts in her mind.
No, no, I can’t let this habit continue. I still have to live my own life! I must stay clear-headed!
Aier, oh Aier!
So what if that woman sticks to you every day?
So what if she cares enough to send someone over to check on you?
Fine, I guess she really does care about me at least…
But!
Wasn’t it the same when I lived with Xiqi? We were close and cared for each other too.
Even if that woman has a top-tier figure and stunning looks, and it really is comfortable lying in Dalei’s arms…
But that’s not the point!
The point is, how can you let yourself sink just because of something like this?
Right now, you’re just forced to compromise, pretending to be obedient in front of that woman. That doesn’t mean you’ll always be her caged canary!
That’s right, sooner or later, I’ll break free from this collar!
Aier earnestly reflected on herself.
Aier returned alone to the Classroom, preparing for the afternoon class.
Inside, the students had already formed their own little groups, gathering in threes and fives, excitedly chatting and laughing as if there were endless topics to discuss.
Aier felt somewhat uncomfortable with all this noise. Out of habit, she lowered her head and quickly walked to a corner seat by the window in the last row, trying to shrink into that relatively quiet shadow.
She instinctively glanced around the room, her gaze sweeping over unfamiliar faces.
She didn’t spot that familiar bright orange figure… Donna wasn’t back yet?
Aier was momentarily dazed, then silently mocked herself: Wait, why am I worried about her? It’s better if she doesn’t come to bother me!
Yet, the lingering, distinctly different warmth on both sides of her cheeks wouldn’t fade, like a brand.
Come to think of it, Donna’s lips seemed even softer…
Aier was startled by the sudden comparison in her mind, and her pale cheeks instantly flushed with a light red.
She shook her head vigorously, scattering the messy thoughts in her mind, and forced herself to focus on the class that was about to begin.
The afternoon lesson was the dull Afternoon Grammar Class.
The professor explained those tongue-twisting, spell-like lines of Ancient Poetry in a flat, emotionless tone, and a drowsy air filled the classroom.
Aier tried hard to concentrate, but those ornate words and complex rhythms sounded like a lullaby to her. She could only grit her teeth and endure, her gaze occasionally drifting to the swaying shadows of trees outside the window, struggling through this long class.
The teacher’s announcement of the end of class sounded like salvation.
Aier closed her book and was about to breathe a sigh of relief when an anxious and urgent orange figure rushed to her seat like a whirlwind.
“Um, um…” Donna’s voice was obviously nervous and uneasy, completely unlike her usual arrogant self.
She was slightly out of breath, golden hair sticking messily to her smooth forehead, and those orange eyes flickered, not daring to meet Aier’s gaze.
“Hm?” Aier looked up, a trace of curiosity in her green eyes.
She noticed that Donna’s cheeks were also tinged with an unnatural blush, and her not-so-plentiful chest rose and fell slightly with her hurried breathing.
“I… I’m sorry!” Donna seemed to summon all her courage, suddenly lifting her head. Her orange eyes met Aier’s directly, brimming with sincere regret and shame. “Just now… at the Cafeteria Entrance… I was too impulsive! I made you so embarrassed in front of everyone…”
Her voice grew softer and softer, until it was barely a whisper, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt.
Honestly… if you set aside the shock and embarrassment at the time, in her previous life, Aier had fantasized about things like this every day…
“Actually… I didn’t really mind that much.” Aier’s voice softened, tinged with comfort. “It’s over now. Just… don’t do that again in the future.”
“A-and, here!”
As if suddenly remembering something, Donna fumbled through her small crossbody bag and pulled out an exquisitely wrapped little Gift Box.
The box wasn’t large, but it was obviously valuable at a glance. Its surface was covered in delicate silver silk, tied with a matching satin ribbon in a bow.
“T-this is for you!” She shoved the box into Aier’s hands.
Her movements were direct, but her eyes still dodged, her cheeks flushed red, and she struggled to maintain her tsundere pride.
“It’s just… just that I thought it was taking up space! Don’t get the wrong idea! I-it’s not like I especially prepared it as an apology gift for you or anything!”
Aier took the box in surprise. She hadn’t expected Donna to specially prepare a gift because of this.
But… was it because of that kiss? Looking at Donna’s tsundere look now, she didn’t seem so troublesome anymore. Instead, she was a bit cute, like a little animal…
“Actually… you didn’t have to…” Aier said softly.
“What do you mean, didn’t have to?!” Donna seemed to have her tail stepped on, instantly bristling as her orange eyes widened. “So you look down on my stuff? Or are you saying you won’t accept my apology?”
She put her hands on her hips and stepped closer, golden hair swinging with her movements, tracing a dazzling arc in the sunlight. “Did that woman say something bad about me to you after I left?!”
The playful bickering between the two was witnessed by the whole class, and many girls looked on with ambiguous, gossipy expressions.
The Empire of Dawn really does have a strong Yuri atmosphere.
“No… that’s not what I meant…” Aier was at a loss from Donna’s sudden outburst, hastily waving her hands to explain.
She took it back—tsunderes really were hard to deal with.
What Aier actually wanted to say was, “I appreciate the thought, it’s all in the past, there’s no need to go to such trouble.”
But clearly, the tsundere Donna had misunderstood it as rejection or disdain.
“Then what do you mean?” Donna pressed relentlessly, her voice full of aggrieved accusation, even giving Aier’s arm a light punch with her small fist. “I even skipped a class and ran home to get this for you!”
Forget it… there’s no reasoning with a tsundere.