Chapter 55: Are Days Really Getting Better?

“Eh? Our little Aier is blushing!”

Xie Yier saw how shy Aier was, and had no intention of letting her off the hook. Instead, she leaned in even closer to tease her.

Aier’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she whimpered coquettishly, “I—I’m not, it’s just hot.”

“Oh? The weather really is quite hot today, isn’t it?”

Xie Yier pretended to reach out, wafting a gentle fragrance before Aier’s face, then quickly withdrew her hand, lifting Aier’s delicate chin and leaning down for a kiss.

“Mm…”

The whole action was smooth as flowing water, giving Aier no time to react.

The sensation of their lips touching was soft and warm, and she could smell Xie Yier’s unique scent.

“Alright, get changed and come down for breakfast.”

With that, she went straight to the wardrobe to pick out her clothes.

Two kisses in one morning…

Aier shook her head, trying not to think about it. Besides, what use was there in thinking? She might as well go to her own wardrobe and pick out something to wear.

When she put on her beige cinched-waist long dress, Xie Yier, now in a black gown, took her by the hand and led her out of the room.

At the villa dining room entrance, the little Maid Annie had been waiting for some time.

“Good morning, Duke. Good morning, Miss Aier.”

Annie bowed respectfully, her voice calm and deferential, her posture flawless.

You’d never guess how unreliable she was in private.

When Annie was serious, she was the very image of a perfect Maid.

Once Aier and the others were seated, Annie snapped her fingers, and a group of Maids who had been waiting filed out from the serving entrance.

They moved swiftly, setting a sumptuous Breakfast on the table.

Xie Yier’s side was still the unchanging fried bacon with toasted bread, and a cup of black coffee.

How could she eat the same thing every day and never get tired of it…

Aier’s Breakfast was much more lavish.

A piece of soft white bread, a plate of pre-sliced smoked sausage, a serving of beef pudding, and a steaming cup of milk.

Only after seeing Xie Yier lift her coffee and take a sip did I pick up my white bread and, together with the sausage, take big hearty bites.

“Mm~ Delicious~”

Under the spell of good food, last night’s embarrassment was instantly forgotten by Aier.

Maybe this was some kind of Protector Mechanism from the brain?

“Today’s Saturday. There aren’t any classes at the academy, right?”

Xie Yier asked casually, almost offhand.

She quickly finished her main course, drained her coffee, crossed her legs, and seemed completely at ease.

“That’s right, first year is still pretty relaxed and easygoing.”

Aier finished the milk in her cup as well, the lingering fragrance in her mouth soothing both body and mind.

Xie Yier nodded, “Perfect. Spend the morning helping me handle documents. In the afternoon, I’ll take you around the Central District, and on the way back, you can see your little sister.”

Aier instantly straightened up, her whole body perking up.

A surprised and sweet smile blossomed on her face, and her voice unconsciously softened.

“Really? Thank you, Master, you’re so good to me!”

This heartfelt happiness and gratitude brought a satisfied smile to Xie Yier’s lips as well.

Clearly, Xie Yier was quite pleased with Aier’s current demeanor.

Honestly, Aier never expected Xie Yier would take the initiative to let her visit Xiqi. She’d wanted to ask several times, but never found the chance—she was either being Punished or on her way to being Punished, never a moment for herself.

But today, Xie Yier actually…

Could it be that life is really getting better?

Even last night, she’d braced herself for some kind of wicked Punishment.

But all that happened was that they cuddled to sleep. Thinking back, that was almost a kind of leniency.

And truthfully, Master treated her quite well. She lacked for nothing in food, clothing, or anything else.

Even during that, she’d started to care whether Aier enjoyed herself…

Ripples began to stir in Aier’s heart.

She didn’t even realize that, just now, she’d called Xie Yier “Master” in her thoughts, not “that woman” or simply by name.

Aier’s gaze drifted toward Xie Yier…

Her profile, quietly sipping coffee… really was… quite beautiful…

Wait! How could I think that?

When Aier realized where her mind was wandering, she startled herself.

Is this Stockholm Syndrome?!

Get it together, Aier! The word ‘lust’ has a blade hanging over it!

Think about a life of freedom! Think about the adorable Xiqi!

You absolutely can’t fall for her!

Aier patted her own cheeks, trying to snap herself out of it.

All these cute little actions were caught by Xie Yier, who couldn’t help but lick the corner of her lips.

So cute~

But she had to admit, when Aier was sweet and obedient, she really was a good little girl~

Adorable, but when she’s disobedient, she just begs to be disciplined.

After Breakfast, the two of them left the dining room.

This time, Aier took the initiative to hold Xie Yier’s hand, even sliding her palm into Xie Yier’s.

After all, the other party had shown so much sincerity and kindness—if she didn’t make a move, she’d seem ungrateful.

A little extra sweetness, and maybe her days would get a bit better.

Sensing the gentle pressure from Aier’s side, Xie Yier felt a bit light-headed.

This feeling really wasn’t bad at all.

Before she knew it, Xie Yier’s warm, strong hand tightened back, as if she never wanted to let go.

Hand in hand, the two walked toward the Lord Tower.

All the cleaning Maids they passed noticed the smile on Xie Yier’s face.

With her lips slightly upturned, Xie Yier had lost her usual unapproachable aura, seeming much friendlier than usual.

When the two reached the spiral staircase inside the tower, Ailei was already waiting there.

“Good morning, Lady, and Miss Aier.”

Ailei bowed slightly, as cold and elegant as ever. During work hours, she was like an ice sculpture beauty.

Today, Xie Yier had gotten up late and didn’t arrive at the Iron Eagle Fortress until nearly ten. Ailei’s eyes went wide as if she’d seen a ghost, her little head filling with all kinds of wild thoughts.

Ailei had already learned from Maid Annie about Aier’s experience last night, so she was a bit worried. She’d expected to see a wilted Aier again, but to her surprise, Aier was like a Sunflower, upright and radiant.

Her spirit… seemed quite full?

Completely different from her usual timid, cautious little hamster self.

“Huh?”

Ailei wondered quietly to herself, also noting that Aier and Xie Yier were walking side by side.

In the past, Xie Yier would always be dragging Aier behind her… but now, they were so close?

Wait, did the training finally work?

While Xie Yier let go of Aier’s hand and headed upstairs first, Ailei stepped forward and tugged Aier’s arm.

Ailei flashed a meaningful smile, “Not bad, you’re the first one to break Lady’s record for never being late. To keep someone as disciplined as her up so late, that’s impressive.”

Ailei’s voice was so low and soft, like a feather brushing past the ear—only Aier could hear it.

Aier gave a wry smile, “It’s not like that, Master punished me until late last night, so of course we got up late.”