In the study on the top floor of the Camberlan Mansion.
When Xiliya’s father, Dos Camberlan, was still alive, this had been his office. However, Dos had indulged in alcohol and women, so he rarely appeared here.
After his death, Masha took over most of the mansion’s affairs, while Xiliya, as the heir, had few opportunities to enter.
The study was unlit at that moment, shrouded in complete darkness. Masha sat in the large chair, staring at a small hourglass on the desk.
“I’m very satisfied with this shipment. The payment will be the same as before, sent via the usual method.”
A deep voice emanated from the corner of the room.
“Mm,” Masha nodded. “I’ll notify you in advance about the time and place for the next transaction.”
“Also, the Black Currant Chamber has a shipment leaving the city soon. Have your people prepare.”
“Heh heh heh…” The deep voice from the corner laughed. “Good. Same as always—fifty-fifty split after it’s done.”
Even if Luo Keke racked her brains, she could never figure out why their family’s chamber shipments always got intercepted by the Beastmen Clan when leaving the city. She could never imagine that Masha had leaked the transport times and routes in advance.
The Camberlan Family controlled the city’s imports and exports, making such information easy for Masha to obtain.
“I like working with people like you, Masha, because you know exactly what you want. Cooperation based on mutual benefit is always pleasant.”
“You want the position of Camberlan Family head, and I can help you with that. I need supplies from Camberlan City, and you can provide them.”
Masha did not reply. She knew that such pleasantries usually signaled the end of the conversation.
“However, I heard from the scouts I have in the city that the Camberlan Family’s young lady has been quite restless lately. Do you need my help to put you in the family head’s position sooner?”
Masha paused in silence before responding. “No need. If that little girl causes trouble at a time like this, I’d be the prime suspect.”
“I have my own ways to get what I want. I refuse to believe a sickly wretch like her can stir up any waves.” Masha sneered.
“Very well.”
A massive figure slowly emerged from the shadows. It was a burly Beastman about three meters tall, clad in an expensive coat made of animal fur. Beneath its bluish-green skin, thick veins were clearly visible. Its appearance alone indicated that this Beastman held significant status.
The hourglass on the desk ran out at that exact moment. The Beastman glanced at it and said, “Time’s up. I should go. I hope the disturbance on West Street keeps the City Guard occupied long enough.”
Masha did not stand to see it off. She simply watched the towering figure leave the room, and the study fell silent once more.
—
When Ximo opened her eyes again, it was already morning the next day.
She stared at the familiar ceiling… Wait, why was this Xiliya’s room?
Ximo only remembered fainting in Xiliya’s arms. Even if Xiliya had brought her back to the Camberlan Mansion, she should have been taken to her own room, right?
Xiliya pushed open the door and walked in, placing the medicine bowl and breakfast on the side table.
“You’re awake?” Xiliya stirred the medicine bowl deftly. “Eat breakfast first. You can’t take this medicine on an empty stomach.”
Ximo uttered an “oh” and reached for the breakfast, but her right hand flinched back reflexively.
“Sorry, I forgot you were still injured.”
Xiliya glanced at Ximo’s bandaged right arm, then picked up the bowl of porridge herself and brought a spoonful to Ximo’s lips. “Open up.”
Ximo froze. Though Xiliya’s tone was the same as usual, …was it her imagination? Why did Xiliya’s actions feel much gentler?
After breakfast, Xiliya picked up the medicine bowl. “Yesterday, I had the doctor check you over while he was here. You can take the same medicine I used to—once in the morning and once at night, after meals.”
Ximo blinked. Did that mean Xiliya would prepare medicine for her from now on? It wasn’t her imagination after all—Xiliya was far gentler than she had been a couple of days ago.
Xiliya frowned. “Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just because you’re still useful to me. I don’t want you dying too soon.”
“I’ll prepare your medicine, and you do your work for me. Mutual benefit, right?”
Xiliya had originally planned to question Ximo in detail about the earlier commission, but recalling Ximo’s expert interrogation skills in the warehouse the day before… she decided against it. She figured she wouldn’t get anything out of her anyway and just assumed Ximo was a bit dumb and cute.
Ximo was about to drink the medicine when the System’s mechanical prompt sounded in her mind again.
【Plot Task “Visit the Chamber as a Guest and Get Injured in the Attack (Completed)”—reward “Pitiful Charm” has been settled.】
Ximo almost laughed in exasperation. “Next time there’s a plot task that involves getting hurt, I’d rather not do it. It really hurts.”
Ximo recalled the knife wound from the night before. Only someone who had truly been injured could understand just how painful it was!
“But dear, refusing to complete tasks will worsen your condition, you know.”
“Whatever!” Ximo glanced at the medicine bowl in front of her. “Anyway, now someone’s taking care of me. Skipping a couple of tasks shouldn’t matter, right?”
The System fell silent. Ximo wondered if she had finally won an argument against it for once.
“It tastes even more bitter than last time.”
Ximo took a small sip of the medicine and stuck out her tongue. For some reason, Xiliya found the little maid’s actions strangely endearing.
Whatever. On second thought, this little maid probably harbored no real malice toward her. Even the assassination attempt had likely just been part of her task—Ximo had no personal grudge against her.
If Ximo behaved obediently from now on, there was no need to make their relationship so strictly superior-subordinate.
“I’m heading out. I probably won’t be back until later this morning. Finish your medicine and rest well. I’ve asked Annaer for two days off for you.”
“Um…”
Ximo called out to Xiliya. Her attitude was so good today that Ximo thought she might push her luck a little. She pointed to her abdomen.
“What about this thing…?”
“We’ll see how you perform. If you’re obedient enough, removing it isn’t out of the question.”
Great!
After Xiliya closed the door and left, Ximo cheered inwardly. It seemed Xiliya was actually quite reasonable.
“Dear, once you’re rested, shall we prepare for the next task?”
【As the Sickly Young Lady, Xiliya’s recent life had been full of twists and turns. After returning to the mansion injured and finding no one cared, Xiliya couldn’t help but think of her mother.】
【When she was little, her mother always comforted her gently whenever she got hurt. Xiliya fondly recalled the taste of the blueberry mini-cakes her mother used to make by hand.】
【Please complete the plot task “Taste of Past Memories (Incomplete).” Failure will result in punishment.】
