Chapter 311: Before the Master, the White-haired Maid's Sorrow, and Taming the Young Lady (4)
On the doorframe, a glaring mark was left behind, an unwelcome reminder.
She didn't want this.
She didn't want this situation.
How could she yield to reality?
Even if, for the moment, she was at a disadvantage, she was still the same Tia... right?
Yes!
Yet, within her eyes, the shape of a peach blossom was slowly forming.
---
The next day, the sun shone brightly in the crisp autumn air.
As the morning light awakened the city, Shia and the others left their temporary residence, heading for the Guen family's teleportation array, waiting for the portal to activate.
Teleportation arrays required constant maintenance and manual operation.
Constructing a spatial bridge between two locations each day took considerable time.
And waiting was dull.
Lilith's eyes casually swept over Tia but paused as she sensed something unusual.
Her gaze slowly returned, scrutinizing Tia from head to toe with a peculiar expression.
Tia tensed under Lilith's stare.
Her bare feet were exposed to the air, slightly chilled.
She hadn't intended to go barefoot.
But her stockings had been ruined last night, making them unwearable.
And since they were only staying in Bonn for one night, she hadn't brought a spare pair.
Lilith lowered her gaze, eventually settling on Tia's legs.
She didn't particularly care about the bare feet.
What puzzled her was—
"Why are your knees so red?"
Lilith's voice carried a hint of curiosity.
Tia instinctively pulled her legs back, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under her mistress's scrutiny.
She recalled last night.
And immediately forced the memories away.
Pressing her lips together, she could only come up with a feeble excuse.
"I wasn't feeling well and tripped while walking. I hit them."
A flimsy lie, hastily concocted, yet it still left her uneasy.
Would the young lady suspect anything?
Not that it mattered now.
If she had cared last night, perhaps none of it would have happened.
Now that everything was already done, what good was her concern?
Beyond giving her the trouble of making up an excuse, what could it possibly change?
Fortunately, Tia's worry was unnecessary.
Lilith had merely asked in passing and wasn't particularly invested in the answer.
She was just looking for a topic to start a conversation.
She didn't care about the redness on Tia's knees, just as she didn't care why she was barefoot.
What she truly wanted was to discuss how to further solidify Shia's loyalty.
"The favor I did last night was effective—I can feel that he's more loyal to me now."
"Once we return to the territory, how do you think I can make him love me more, appreciate me more, and be even more loyal to me?"
Tia couldn't help but glance sideways.
Did the young lady have some sort of misconception about her own charm?
Last night?
Effective?
More like the sleeping-with-him effect was working wonders!
"Do you think letting him stay in the outer room of my chamber would be good?"
"Or maybe I should step in and defend him when others pick on him?"
"Hmm... I remember Cousin Alo never liked him. I should find a way to make them cross paths."
Lilith chattered on, detailing her plans.
She could already envision Shia becoming more and more devoted to her.
By then, everything of his would belong to her!
Thinking of the group of older sisters and young ladies who had seen Shia off last night, Lilith's eyes sparkled.
"I can't wait to claim every woman around him!"
Lilith's voice dropped slightly, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Tia remained silent, merely listening.
But upon hearing those words, she couldn't help but secretly roll her eyes.
Where did the young lady get this blind confidence?
Trying to win his favor?
She was the one being seduced!
Tia wanted to retort but ultimately held her tongue.
After so many failed attempts to warn her, she had lost the will to try again.
Fine, let her fall for it if she must.
She had already done all she could.
But the young lady wouldn't listen!
Might as well let her experience the consequences herself.
By then, perhaps she'd finally realize how much effort Tia had put in.
Only then would she regret it, understanding that Tia had always been her one true ally.
Besides, as Shia had said, when that day came, maybe Tia could personally...
Lost in thought, Tia's gaze flickered over Lilith, her expression unreadable.
"Young lady, this approach might backfire."
Tia finally spoke.
Lilith, deep in her daydreams, paused and looked at her with some suspicion.
Tia smiled faintly, her tone deliberate and slow as she analyzed the situation.
"Because of his status, Shia has always been looked down upon in the Guen family."
"But he's a man, and men care about their pride."
"If you act more affectionate toward him, prioritizing him, wouldn't he feel a greater sense of pride?"
"Wouldn't that make him even more grateful to you?"
"If you allow the other heirs to bully him, he might become more submissive to you, but they are still your family and friends."
"Who's to say he won't hold resentment toward the family while he's appreciating you?"
"But if he feels more connected to the family, wouldn't that ultimately benefit you?"
Lilith's expression shifted into deep contemplation.
Unaware of Tia's subtle manipulation, she actually found her words reasonable.
Tia's eyes darkened.
This was the deal between her and Shia.
To help tame the young lady.