Chapter 318: Mary Sue's First Kiss Lost, The Arrogant Maid's Declaration of War (4)
True dominance is not determined by height alone.
Even as she sat and he stood, she remained the proud queen.
"Trash, our contract needs to be rewritten."
Tia's gaze was icy, filled with arrogance as she looked at Shia.
If he dared to disrespect her on her own turf, she would ensure he deeply regretted it.
Their statuses were no longer the same—naturally, the previous contract could no longer be upheld.
Her prior submission had been nothing more than a compromise to circumstance.
Now, it was time for a counterattack.
Her expression turned cold, leaving no room for negotiation.
Gone was the obedient maid from before.
Shia slowly scanned her from head to toe.
The pristine white stockings, the black-and-white maid dress stretched tightly over her voluptuous curves.
Her stunning face was filled with defiance and arrogance.
The way she looked at him—full of contempt.
Tia did not shy away from his gaze. Seeing him remain silent, she took it as tacit agreement.
—And if he didn't agree?
Then she would simply beat him into submission.
She hadn't come to negotiate; she had come to notify.
"The contract must now favor me. You will assist 'me'."
Tia stood up.
Her tall figure exuded an imposing chill.
Before, she had acted for the sake of protecting her lady.
Now, even if it meant leading her lady astray, it should be *her* decision to do so.
And *he*, a talentless weakling, had no right to demand her assistance.
When status and strength were no longer equal, it was time to reshuffle the deck.
She was stronger, and this was her domain. Why should she still follow an outdated contract?
Indeed, ideals were beautiful.
But reality...
Shia's gaze flickered with thoughtfulness.
"What did you just say?"
His voice was slow, his demeanor unhurried.
As if he hadn't even taken her words seriously.
Tia lifted her chin even higher, about to repeat herself—
Only to be cut off by Shia.
"Did you forget who your master is?"
The boy's voice was clear and warm, like a gentle spring breeze.
But the meaning behind his words sent a chill down the spine.
Even in her own territory, Tia felt goosebumps rise.
And before she could react—
Slap!
A crisp sound echoed through the room.
Shia's expression remained neutral, only his eyes carrying a hint of severity.
Couldn't even tell apart the roles of master and servant.
Did she think she could dictate terms to him?
Rebellion was the privilege of the strong. But she was still just a servant.
And disobedient servants needed to be reminded of their place.
Tia felt the sharp sting radiate across her cheek.
Her soft body trembled from the force.
That familiar, overwhelming sense of subjugation surged back.
Her legs lost all strength, giving out beneath her.
She knelt involuntarily.
Dazed, she looked up at Shia.
Though he didn't appear truly angry, his presence alone sent a shiver through her heart.
It was as if he had transformed into an untouchable god—majestic, domineering, and terrifying.
A muffled thud echoed as her knees hit the floor.
Shia lowered his gaze further.
Her pristine white stockings touched the ground, now tainted with a fine layer of dust from the long-unused room.
But at this moment, Tia had no capacity to care about something as trivial as dirty stockings.
She tilted her head up, staring at the towering figure before her.
To her, it felt like he had overtaken the entire world.
An uncontrollable fear spread through her chest.
Only now did she realize what she had done.
Why had her legs given out?
Why had she knelt?
This was 'her' territory—shouldn't she have held the advantage?
And yet, she couldn't even summon the strength to stand.
She kept repeating to herself: 'Get up. Don't falter. Fight back!'
But her body refused to obey.
Her legs remained powerless. A deep, instinctual fear had taken hold, chilling her from the inside out.
It wasn't just intimidation.
She feared him.
Shia chuckled, looking down at her.
Quick submission.
The arrogance from moments ago had completely vanished.
How many times had she been taught this lesson?
Yet she never seemed to learn, always provoking, always challenging him.
It seemed she needed another reminder.
Tia had never expected that just one slap, just one gaze, would render her utterly powerless.
And for the first time, she was forced to confront a bitter truth.
She had long since developed a natural, deep-seated fear of this man.
It wasn't something she could suppress or reason away.
This fear and submission had been ingrained into her very being.
All it took was a single look, a single motion—and she could do nothing but surrender.
She refused to admit it, but the reality was undeniable.
She feared him from the depths of her soul.
The realization filled her with sorrow.
Utter defeat.
Shia gazed down at her.
His right hand stretched outward, light gathering in his palm.
A shadowy shape began to form.
A whip.
"Since you can't seem to remember who your master is, I'll have to make it more... memorable."
"After all, defying your master comes with consequences."
Tia's eyes widened as the blurred shape of the whip solidified.
Her heart sank further.
She wanted to flee, but her body no longer had the strength to resist.
Instead, she instinctively positioned herself for punishment.
Her delicate waist arched ever so slightly, as if subconsciously bracing for impact.
The ethereal whip in Shia's hand dissipated momentarily, revealing its true form.
A whip crafted from illusionary power.
Tia's gaze fell upon it, unable to look away.
She swallowed lightly.
She wasn't sure if she was nervous.
Or anticipating something else.