Chapter 324: Willingly Wearing Your Collar, Madam, It's You I Love (2)
Lilith was lost in bliss, unaware of her maid's unusual behavior until it was too late.
She recalled the gift she had given her yesterday.
During their conversation, past events had also come up.
Perhaps being back at the old residence had stirred up nostalgia?
She had always been by her side, and though her affection had long been maxed out, a bit of extra care was still necessary.
But only now realizing she should comfort her—wasn't it a bit too late?
"Click."
The door opened softly.
Tia turned her head toward the entrance.
The golden-haired young lady entered, her face adorned with a gentle smile, stepping into Tia's room.
"Tia, are you feeling better?"
Lilith sat by the bed, her voice full of concern.
Tia was about to get up to greet her but was pressed back down by Lilith.
"Lie down and rest."
Though Tia's expression remained cool, her eyes were filled with gratitude.
She was even on the verge of tears.
"Miss, you're so kind to me."
Lilith, feeling that personally visiting a servant's quarters was already a great act of grace, accepted Tia's gratitude with ease.
She hadn't even brought a gift for the sick, yet she was pleased to receive such appreciation.
"If you need anything, just let me know. You're the one I value and trust the most. I'll make sure no one mistreats you."
Lilith's eyes lingered on Tia, unable to look away.
Only now did she suddenly realize just how alluring the maid who had been by her side all this time truly was.
Her complexion was pale, and under her silver hair, her frail, half-reclined posture on the bed carried an irresistible charm.
Tears of emotion shimmered in her eyes, and the silky brocade quilt was shaped by her voluptuous, graceful figure, exuding a hazy beauty.
The combination of cold aloofness and frail sickness made her look even more delicate and pitiful.
At this moment, Lilith felt a tinge of heat in her chest.
She had always known that Tia was beautiful and outstanding.
But this was the first time she truly appreciated this kind of beauty.
Cold, yet soft.
Having been immersed in the pleasure of being surrounded by her maids these past few days, seeing Tia again now made her realize she was even more beautiful than she had thought.
Such a beautiful girl, right in front of her, yet she had never taken action?
Lilith felt a pang of regret.
But realizing it now wasn't too late.
Her mind started whirring, her eyes shifting slightly, as new thoughts formed.
Tricking her into bed and seeing her on the verge of tears—surely she would look even more beautiful then?
"Tia, you must get better soon. Without you by my side, no one else serves me as well as you do."
Lilith grasped Tia's hands, her slender, elegant fingers looking exquisite. Since she worked often, they weren't as delicate as one might expect, but instead carried a flexible strength, though not rough.
Her hands were a little cold, which made Lilith's heart ache with affection, wanting to hold them in her palms and warm them.
At the moment of contact, Lilith felt a wave of emotion.
She couldn't help but tighten her grip.
Tia discreetly withdrew her hands.
Her delicate fingers brushed against her lips as she lowered her gaze, a faint, unnatural blush on her face.
"Ahem..."
Her long eyelashes fluttered down, concealing the hint of disgust in her eyes.
"Miss, I'm still sick. I wouldn't want to infect you. Perhaps you should leave for now."
"Once I recover, I will return to serve you."
"I am yours, and I will always stand by your side to assist you."
As she finished speaking, Tia lifted her head, the deep emotions in her eyes remaining unreadable.
Lilith felt a slight disappointment.
She looked at Tia's small hands but also worried about catching an illness.
After all, these were hands that had touched her lips after coughing. What if they carried germs?
Still, she was pleased by Tia's loyalty.
But simply leaving wasn't an option either.
She subtly moved back a little.
"I came to see you, and I have nothing else to do right now. I'll stay and chat with you."
Tia's eyes darkened with more loathing and mockery.
The darkness had completely enveloped her heart.
Concern for me?
Even the salvation I once believed in was actually someone else's doing.
Back when you abandoned me, indulging in the service of other maids, where was your concern then?
If it were the old Tia, she would have been overwhelmed by Lilith's kindness and affection.
But now?
She only found this hypocritical woman utterly disgusting.
Since you won't leave, then let me do something for my true master.
Tia began weaving her web.
"If you're going to pretend, you must do it convincingly."
"Only enchanting women attract men's attention."
"As your maid, it is my duty to help you become more charming."
"Besides, if you become more alluring, wouldn't those girls like you even more?"
Lilith was touched and pleased.
Even while sick, Tia was still thinking about her plans.
She was moved to tears.
To have such a loyal maid—and such a beautiful one at that.
Of course, she was truly charming.
"You're right. So, what should I do to become more charming?"
Lilith looked at Tia seriously.
She realized that her maid was truly talented in this area.
Many of her words made sense.
Unaware that the power dynamic had quietly shifted.
Originally, she had wanted to trick Tia into bed and brainwash her.
But now she was the one being taught instead.
Tia's eyes gleamed with ridicule.
This wretched young lady—she needed to be turned into Master's devoted pet to atone for all the years she allowed Tia's ungratefulness toward him!
She wouldn't forget that it was this very woman who had indulged her past arrogance, letting her disrespect her true master.
As her master's fiancée, she had only ever used him for her own gain.
For years, she had been manipulating him!
But Master was powerful—he had successfully reversed the manipulation.
Back when she didn't know the truth, she had wanted to save this wretched woman.
But she was misunderstood instead.
Now, let me personally make amends and assist Master in his grand ambitions!
Tia's red lips parted, her cold voice flowing like silk.
Lilith nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with enlightenment.
But deep inside, she felt something strange.
She looked at Tia again but couldn't pinpoint the difference.
She was still as loyal as ever, still beautiful, still composed, and still offering advice for her plans.
Yet... something felt off.
But she pushed the thought aside quickly and took out a small notebook, eagerly jotting down the key points from Tia's words.
Tia and Lilith plotted together, each harboring their own schemes.
But the one they were conspiring against was not only being targeted by them.
The intelligence network of the Guen family was vast. Even though their territory was isolated and far from Seven Shields City, they were well aware of how popular Shia had become at the academy.