Xiliya knew that Charles wasn’t afraid of the matter escalating to the City Guard at all. Her original plan had been to wait for him to make a move against her, so she could rightfully defend herself and smash his dog head in.
However, if Masha used this as an excuse afterward, it would still be troublesome. It seemed that Ximo’s trick was superior after all. As long as they held the absolute moral high ground, even Charles wouldn’t dare to act shamelessly in front of the City Guard, right?
“Not bad acting skills. As expected of an assassin skilled in disguise, Ximo.”
She had reused the trick she once pulled in front of Annaer, and it looked like this little maid was indeed quite scheming.
“Alright, most of the onlookers have dispersed. No need to keep pretending.”
Xiliya helped Ximo to her feet. Ximo couldn’t argue with Xiliya on the main street, so she could only speak pitifully.
“Miss, can we go back now? I’m feeling a bit… tired today.”
“You’re right, we should head back.” Xiliya glanced at the sky. “Masha is probably waiting at home, anxious out of her mind by now.”
The two prepared to return home. A pleased arc tugged at Xiliya’s lips—she hadn’t gone out today just to shop, of course. But after taking just a few steps, she turned back and beckoned to Ximo.
“The bags. Hand them over.”
Xiliya didn’t buy Ximo’s earlier performance, but seeing the little maid gasping for breath tugged at her heartstrings a bit.
…
Meanwhile, in the reception room of the Camberlan Mansion, Masha was smiling obsequiously as she explained something to her guest.
“Of course it wasn’t me. It was that little brat Xiliya.”
“Something happen? Don’t worry, the Camberlan Family is still under my control for now. She can’t stir up any waves…”
“Of course not. Our private dealings will continue as usual, unaffected…”
The rotund, big-eared president of the Textile Merchant Guild sitting across from Masha burst into hearty laughter.
“With Madam Masha’s assurance, I’m relieved. Then, moving forward—happy cooperation.”
“Happy cooperation.”
He stood, shook hands with Masha, donned his coat and hat, and left the reception room under a maid’s guidance.
“Xiliya…”
In mere seconds, Masha’s expression turned stormy. She vented her anger by hurling the teacup in her hand to the floor, shattering white porcelain fragments everywhere.
She hadn’t expected this little waste to dare set such a trap for her.
After the news spread in the city that the Camberlan Family’s maids had posted high-reward quests at the Adventurers’ Association to investigate the various merchant guilds, all the guild leaders assumed it was Masha’s orders. No one would suspect it was that useless young miss.
Thus, throughout the day, representatives from the major guilds had come knocking personally to question her… especially those with whom she had under-the-table deals.
After all, these were shady transactions, and the merchants were extremely cautious about them.
Masha didn’t believe Xiliya could know about her behind-the-scenes dealings. She hadn’t shown any flaws even when Dos Camberlan was alive—how could this little waste possibly notice anything?
Still, Masha was certain this was Xiliya deliberately disgust her. Though it wouldn’t cause real damage, dealing with so many visitors and explanations all day was a hassle.
It had to be Xiliya who instructed her newly acquired personal maid to do this!
“Annaer.”
Annaer, dressed neatly in her maid uniform, appeared before Masha promptly. “Madam, what are your orders?”
“Where’s Xiliya? Hasn’t she returned yet?”
“The young miss and Ximo just returned to the mansion. Shall I fetch her to see you now?”
Masha glanced at the teacup shards on the floor. “No, first get someone to clean this up, then have her come see me.”
Over half an hour later, Xiliya finally sauntered into the reception room.
“Auntie Masha, you wanted to see me?”
Masha barely managed a smile. “You’ve been out of the mansion all day, child. Where did you run off to?”
“Just went shopping.”
“Your health is frail to begin with. You should rest more. Next time you go out, at least tell me first…”
“Thank you for your concern, Auntie Masha. I’ll keep that in mind.” Xiliya nodded obediently. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going then?”
Xiliya turned to leave, but Masha stopped her. The smile on Masha’s face was starting to crack—this little girl had become so sharp-tongued when?
“Hold on. One more thing. The commission to investigate the guilds from a couple days ago—you had your maid post it, didn’t you?”
Xiliya chuckled inwardly. This old fox finally couldn’t hold back from getting to the point.
“Yes, I did.”
Xiliya didn’t hide it. “I’ll be coming of age soon, so I wanted to get familiar with the guilds we deal with ahead of time. That way, I won’t be flustered when I inherit the Camberlan Family business.”
“What’s wrong, Auntie Masha? Is there a problem?”
Xiliya watched Masha’s expression. In truth, Ximo’s rash action had actually helped her.
Over the past couple days, Xiliya had lightly searched the mansion for evidence of Masha’s smuggling, but found nothing. This old fox hid her tail well. To make her slip up, she’d probably need a strong dose of medicine.
Sure enough, as soon as Ximo’s stunt broke, the old fox couldn’t sit still.
“Um… yes, it’s good that you’re ambitious. I support you, Xiliya.”
Seeing Masha’s comical expression—like she’d swallowed a fly but had to hold it in—Xiliya felt delighted, and she minded Ximo’s earlier scheme against her a lot less.
“How about this,” Masha’s eyes darted around as if she’d thought of something. “Since you’re interested, I have a task for you. The Black Currant Chamber invited me to visit a couple days ago. Why don’t you go in my stead? It’ll be good practice to get acquainted with the guilds.”
As expected, this old fox couldn’t resist making her move.
Xiliya remembered that in her previous life, Masha had said something similar, inviting her to visit a guild. That very night, Northern Beastmen raided the Black Currant Chamber’s warehouse, and she’d been caught up in it, getting injured.
But now, thinking back, Masha had probably hoped she’d die in that attack.
“Sure, it’s a deal then.”
Xiliya smiled brightly. This life, she’d play along and step by step drag out Masha’s fox tail.
Masha sneered inwardly, eagerly anticipating whether Xiliya would still be smiling so happily when she returned from the Black Currant Chamber.
In the reception room, the two sat facing each other, each harboring their own ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, deep in the mansion, in Ximo’s room, the little maid was on all fours, rummaging through boxes and cabinets.
【Plot Task: “Visit the guild and get injured in the raid (Incomplete)” is about to activate. Remember to complete the task on time, dear.】
The System’s prompt sounded at that moment, causing Ximo to jerk her head up like a startled ostrich.
Huh? What was going on? What happened?
