Chapter 309: Before the Master, the White-haired Maid's Sorrow, and Taming the Young Lady (2)
Though it was embarrassing that her maid had failed in her duties, Shia was, after all, considered one of her own.
So, in truth, Lilith wasn't particularly upset.
At least, after Shia pleaded for her, most of her frustration faded.
But now, a new dissatisfaction arose.
"Shia is speaking up for you, shouldn't you properly thank him?"
You want me to thank him?!
Tia lifted her gaze, her beautiful eyes glistening with moisture.
Like an icy mountain thawing, the cool mist in her eyes carried a distinct charm.
She looked at Lilith with a hint of shock.
Biting her lower lip, her expression seemed slightly wounded.
Lilith's stern gaze made it clear she wasn't joking.
Tia felt stifled but had no choice but to submit.
Turning to face Shia, her expression was conflicted.
She had already placed the teapot down, her hands resting on the table, unbothered by the tea soaking her fingers.
In the end, she opened her mouth slightly, her voice as faint as a whisper.
"T-Thank you."
Her heart filled with sorrow and indignation.
The very person who put her in this humiliating situation was now the one she had to thank?
Yet, she couldn't afford to let anything slip.
If the young lady found out what was happening under the table, perhaps she would come to despise Shia.
But what about her?
Would she still be allowed to stay by Lilith's side?
Even if her feelings toward the young lady had started to change, she still wished to remain by her side.
To personally bring her down.
So even though she was stifled, she had no choice but to follow Lilith's command, forcing herself to thank him.
Shia responded with a gentle smile.
"No need to thank me."
As he spoke, he slightly raised an eyebrow at Tia.
Even though Tia hadn't voiced it outright, her gaze spoke volumes.
She was enduring humiliation and oppression.
But she did not accept it.
Just a slight eyebrow raise—and Tia understood.
—Are you really that resistant? I don't think so.
Tia bit her lip and lowered her head again.
Her pale hands clenched into fists, still trembling uncontrollably.
Her face turned even redder.
No matter how much she tried to suppress it, her body continued to betray her.
Tia pursed her lips, seething with both anger and frustration.
Yet her weak and uncooperative body left her with no ground to refute anything.
Lilith watched the scene before her with satisfaction.
This dinner had not only won over her childhood sweetheart's heart, making him feel grateful toward her, but it also helped smooth things over between him and Tia by using her mistake as an opportunity.
After all, they were both hers. A bit of jealousy was fine, but pushing things too fast wouldn't be good.
Things were progressing just right.
I really am a little genius!
Shia observed the smug glint in Lilith's eyes and had to admit—she was a clever one.
He was also quite pleased with how things were turning out.
And once again, Tia found herself in a world of hurt.
Shia turned to Lilith, his voice gentle and refined.
"We are childhood friends, betrothed, and naturally, we are one."
"She is your maid, and this was a minor issue, hardly worth mentioning."
"However, she does seem truly unwell. How about I take her to rest first?"
A kind and considerate proposal, appearing genuinely thoughtful toward the servants.
Lilith harbored no suspicions.
She nodded, agreeing to Shia's suggestion.
In her current state, Tia clearly wasn't fit to serve her for the night.
And she certainly wouldn't be the one taking care of a maid herself.
Letting her "little pet" take care of things wasn't a bad idea.
"Go ahead. If you're feeling unwell, rest properly. We have to return to the family tomorrow—you can't be looking so frail."
Tia pressed her lips together, keeping her head down to avoid revealing anything unusual in her expression.
Hearing Lilith's words, she felt even more powerless.
Shia had already stood up.
She was granted a brief respite.
Yet, not even an ounce of relief filled her.
Instead, panic settled in.
She suddenly raised her head, looking at Shia in shock.
A vague suspicion formed in her mind.
Could he be thinking—
Shia gave Tia a gentle smile.
Yes, that's exactly what you're thinking.
A friendly gesture to "promote camaraderie."
Panic flashed across Tia's face.
She hurriedly tried to refuse.
"I-I can manage on my own. You don't need to help..."
But Shia was already standing, his voice full of concern.
"Tomorrow will be a busy day at the family. If you don't get proper rest, how will you manage?"
"Don't worry. I'll take good~ care of you."
Tia only grew more anxious.
Yet, her resistance was utterly ineffective.
Shia had already bent down, lifting her up.
With the chair's support gone, the exhausted white-haired maid could only lean against Shia for support, her legs weak.
Her tall, delicate figure pressed against the young man, resembling a fragile bird seeking refuge.
Watching the two leave, Lilith nodded in satisfaction.
Once Tia was taken back to her room and out of Lilith's sight, she could finally drop the act.
She subtly turned her head, trying to appear more resolute.
Even as she attempted to adopt an unapproachable ice queen demeanor, she utterly failed.
Her eyes darted nervously, full of guilt.
"Y-You can leave now!"
Shia didn't respond, merely tossing her onto the bed.