[If the snake tin that Gokuten helped Yingkua with was never lost, if Sudi had never become a personal maid—what would this world be like? Based on this scenario, I wrote this side story.]
As always, it was a typical morning. The maids’ skirts fluttered as they respectfully carried golden trays, presenting them onto the table.
The royal family’s breakfast was not only abundant in variety but also extraordinarily exquisite. Each dish was crafted with unique care, as if meticulously carved by skilled hands.
Today’s highlight—a Jisilian Fruit Honey Cake—sat perfectly whole and unblemished, occupying the central position on the dining table.
Its crystal-clear red color gleamed like a gemstone, flowing over the fluffy whipped egg base. The fruit seeds and layers of cream intertwined elegantly.
This was the latest trending dessert among the Blood Clan, sourced from the western lands where the Jisili Fruit flourished. Its flavor was spicy and rich, making most humans shy away from it, yet the Blood Clan was particularly enamored with it.
Their taste preferences were vastly different from humans—they seemed to revel in the unique stimulation this cake offered.
Sista sat in her seat with natural grace, exuding an unadorned elegance with every gesture. She first lifted her teacup in a near-ritualistic manner, took a gentle sip, and only then turned her attention to the Jisilian Fruit Honey Cake before her.
That Blood Princess’s long black hair was as smooth as lacquer, naturally cascading down her back. A few stray strands brushed over her pale face, highlighting the delicate glow of her skin.
Tii moved about, attentively presenting different dishes to Sista.
As Sista’s personal maid, Tii always performed her duties with diligence and care, rarely making mistakes. Even the usually picky and eccentric Princess seldom found fault with her.
“Princess, here is today’s honey cake.”
“No, I’ve had enough.” Sista gently set down her fork, not even glancing back at Tii.
“The ladies of the Blood Clan have prepared a tea party and invited me to attend. I need to go change my clothes.”
“I’ve already noted it in your schedule,” Tii nodded.
The weather was delightfully fresh today. After breakfast, a gentle warmth and refreshing scent filled the room.
Tii held a silver comb adorned with precious lotus pearls, gently combing through Sista’s silky, flowing hair.
“Tii, make my outfit a bit more formal today,” Sista said.
“As you wish,” Tii replied with a faint smile, deftly twisting her wrist and weaving the hair into a braid. “Then I’ll style your hair into something both elegant and dignified. You’ll be the focus of attention at this afternoon’s tea party.”
As Tii’s fingers wove through the strands, a beautiful hairstyle gradually took shape. Sista closed her eyes lightly, feeling the gentle touch as Tii worked.
“How are the new maids?”
“They haven’t had training yet, so they’re a bit unaccustomed. But with some guidance, I’m sure they’ll do just fine,” Tii answered, standing respectfully aside, her manner tinged with a subtle hint of detachment.
“In that case, do take the time to teach them,” Sista instructed, sipping her tea.
Hearing these words, Tii felt a subtle ripple within, but she still answered in a calm tone.
“Princess, if I may ask—why did you choose an untested Blood Clan servant to work in the inner court as a maid?”
Upon hearing this, Sista froze for a moment, then let out a cold chuckle, her voice laced with a sharpness that could not be ignored.
“You are being quite direct today, Tii. That’s unlike you. You’ve always known what to say and what not to say—always as steady as water. I thought you could read people well.”
Tii’s heart trembled, but she quickly lowered her gaze, her posture respectful as she concealed her deeper emotions. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I spoke out of turn. I was just a little curious.”
She apologized in a quiet voice, her expression as calm as water. Only in the corner of her eyes—unseen by Sista—did a glimmer of sly amusement flicker.
“It’s not that I can’t tell you,” Sista replied with a slight smile, her red lips parting, a chill and playful flavor in her words, “When I find something interesting, I like to bring it under my wing and gradually break it. Isn’t that much more fun?”
Tii was silent for a moment.
“As you wish.”
After carefully finishing Sista’s hairstyle and sending her off in the lavish Earth Dragon Cart, Tii watched as the Blood Princess departed, not looking away until she vanished around the corner.
“Tii, Miss!”
A slightly hesitant voice called from behind.
“Hmm? What is it, Sudi?”
When she turned, Tii already wore her usual gentle smile.
“Madam Suling said a maid named Phil was supposed to clean the reading tower, but Phil claimed she was injured. Miss Tii, since you usually have less work, it was suggested you handle it…”
There was a hint of unease on Sudi’s face.
“It looks like a pretty big job, so I suggested maybe we could do it together. Let’s go up together in a bit.”
“Huh…” Tii was a bit surprised, not expecting Sudi to say that. “I’m happy you said that, Sudi…but is it really that tough? I’ve had some training, so I can do it alone if needed.”
Sudi shook her head firmly.
“No, let me help you,” she said, looking seriously at Tii. “After you served me breakfast that morning, you let me have your share. I never thanked you for that.”
“No need to remember that, really,” Tii’s tone softened. “Well, since you want to help me, let’s go to the reading tower together.”
Sudi answered with a smile. The two girls went to the utility room to fetch their tools, then, one after another, walked toward the lonely, dust-covered reading tower.
“Wait, your hair isn’t tied up yet,” Tii suddenly set down her tools halfway there, turning to look at Sudi. “If you go to work with your hair loose like that, it’ll be very inconvenient.”
Sudi paused, reaching behind her to fumble with her long hair. Then, tilting her head, she showed a troubled expression.
Truthfully, this was her first time ever growing her hair out. She had no idea how to tie it up.
She’d tried clumsily with a string in the morning and at night, but no matter what she did, it never worked.
…Come to think of it, shouldn’t every girl know how to do this? Isn’t it basic?
Yet she, a girl herself, had never mastered it—not a trace of experience.
“What’s wrong, Sudi? If you don’t have a hair tie, I can lend you one,” Tii moved closer.
“It’s not that…” Sudi looked a bit embarrassed, ducking her head. “Um, actually, I think it’s fine to just leave it loose…”
“Let me help you, then.” Tii couldn’t help but laugh, her voice clear as silver bells. “Sudi, you really aren’t good at this.”
“Eh? Did you notice, Tii?”
“Of course I did,” Tii said with a gentle smile, reaching out to brush Sudi’s bangs aside. “I’ve always been watching you.”
It wasn’t just the Blood Princess—even the girl before her seemed to have a special kind of charm for her.
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