Chapter 358: Big Sister Mary Sue's Special Lesson, Your Little Sister is Right Outside the Door (1)
"Is it that my service wasn't to your liking?"
The Moon Queen shook her head slightly.
"Your skills are very good, but doing it without someone's consent is not acceptable."
A hint of guilt crossed Shia's face.
"Master, I've taken note."
Whether he would actually follow through was another matter entirely.
The Moon Queen, however, thought she had successfully persuaded him, nodding with satisfaction.
Shia casually shifted the topic.
"Master, earlier I heard you talking with Aunt Sophia. Did she invite you here?"
"Exactly."
"Just to ensure the safety of the birthday party?"
"Mhm."
"Eh?"
Shia showed a bit of surprise.
The Moon Queen tilted her head slightly, her body still feeling a little languid from the massage.
"What's wrong?"
Shia shook his head, a strange look flashing in his eyes.
"I just don't get it. Master, you're a Sword Saint. It's just a birthday party—why would they need someone as powerful as you to watch over it?"
Shia kept a careful eye on the Moon Queen's reaction.
Of course he knew Sophia's real intention, but bringing it up now was his way of nudging this Sword Saint to think deeper.
It was obvious Sophia had ulterior motives!
And she didn't even bother to tell you the real reason.
Aren't you even a little curious?
Turns out, she really wasn't.
"It doesn't matter. I only need to fulfill my promise, that's all."
As for the deeper reasons, the Moon Queen had no desire to dig.
Shia looked at the elegant and gentle woman before him, feeling a bit speechless.
The Moon Queen met his gaze and seemed to understand what he was thinking.
She smiled faintly and placed her hand gently on his head.
"Don't worry. Even though I won't question Lady Sophia's motives too much, I did promise little Tia and Diana that I would protect you."
"No matter what happens, I'll make sure you come back safe and sound."
After successfully passing this hurdle with the Moon Queen, Shia took the initiative to call Sistine.
While he waited for the call to connect, he had no idea what chaos was happening on the other end.
Sistine stood before a mirror, one hand holding her phone while the other frantically adjusted her hair and clothes, trying to present her best self.
She was frustrated—today's outfit was way too casual.
But it was too late to change now.
After three rings, the call connected.
On the phone screen appeared Sistine's serene, breathtaking face, wrapped in a flowing white dress that made her look like a goddess who had descended from the heavens.
"Senior."
A bright smile lifted Shia's face as he greeted her.
The phone wobbled twice before stabilizing.
"Mhm, are you doing okay over there?"
Sistine placed the phone properly before answering.
"I'm doing great. What about you, Senior?"
"I'm good too."
After replying, Sistine felt awkward, unsure how to keep the conversation going.
Even though she felt overwhelming affection and longing just seeing his face, no words came out.
"While I'm not there, Senior, make sure to balance rest and practice. Don't overwork yourself training with the sword."
"Okay."
"If you get lonely, you can always hang out with Rong and the others. They're really nice to you."
"Mhm, I know."
Sistine nodded obediently.
Every time she wanted to show concern for her boyfriend, she didn't know how to follow up.
When it came to being tongue-tied, these master and disciple were exactly the same.
Even though she looked calm and composed on the outside, only Sistine knew how tense her back was.
Seeing her so proper and ladylike, Shia couldn't help but chuckle.
"Senior, I just realized something."
"Huh?"
Sistine looked puzzled, a little panicked.
Did he notice how nervous I am?
Even if it's my boyfriend, it's still a bit embarrassing.
Little did she know—he did notice, but not that.
"You've stopped apologizing all the time, but now you just keep saying 'okay, okay, okay.'"
Visibly, Sistine's cheeks flushed red, her gaze starting to waver nervously.
Feeling her burning face, she wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
To her, those words were like thunder striking overhead.
Did she hear that right?
Apologizing habit?
How could he possibly know about that!
Uncontrollably, memories from the past surfaced.
She was falling apart inside, her voice even stuttering.
"Y-you, how do you know about that?"
Shia didn't seem too bothered about accidentally exposing her past embarrassment.
"Master told me."
He couldn't help but grin, eyes curving.
"Honestly, I never imagined Senior had that side to her."
Shia genuinely found Sistine adorable like this.
But Sistine couldn't see it that way at all!
That was her darkest, most embarrassing secret!
Sistine couldn't help but resent her master—how could she spill something like that!
Now that he knows my shame, how is he supposed to take me seriously?
The saintly Sword Maiden was quietly building up a grudge.
So, you like exposing my embarrassing secrets, huh? I'll remember that, Master!
Even though her secrets were now laid bare, Sistine still tried to salvage her image.
"Don't believe everything she says, okay? I'm not really like that."
But even if she wanted to explain, Sistine couldn't come up with a good excuse.
Aside from a dry sentence, there was nothing more.
She actually wanted to say, "Haven't you seen what kind of person I am? Why would you believe Master's nonsense? I've changed now, can't we just leave the past behind?"
But in the end, she couldn't say anything, just anxiously worrying alone.
Shia still smiled and nodded.
Sistine grew more uneasy.
Did that mean he didn't believe her?