“You belong to me alone”—such words carried far too strong a possessiveness, but Ximo knew she could not escape Xiliya’s grasp anyway, so she had no issue agreeing to it.
Thus, the little maid obediently and submissively lowered her head. “Yes, Master.”
“Then it’s settled. You can only be my maid, serving only me alone…”
Xiliya touched the collar around Ximo’s neck, as if speaking to her or merely murmuring to herself.
—
The next day, in the reception room of the Camberlan Mansion.
Masha personally pushed a cup of fine red tea toward the person opposite her, smiling sweetly.
“The Camberlan Family should have held a welcome banquet for you, but since you insisted it wasn’t necessary, I feel a bit uneasy about it…”
“I’ve appreciated Madam Masha’s kind intentions,” Selina said as she gently sipped the tea. “I’m here on royal business, not as a guest. We can dispense with the extra formalities.”
In truth, Selina’s low-key solo appearance in the reception room stemmed from her own request. She did not want the Camberlan Family to make a big show of welcoming her, so she had specified only two people to meet her.
One was the mansion’s current person in charge, and the other was the Camberlan Family’s eldest daughter. However…
Selina looked around. “Is it just you, Madam Masha? Isn’t Miss Xiliya at the mansion?”
“Xiliya is feeling under the weather. Please don’t hold it against her,” Masha explained with a smile. “You might not know, but this child has been frail since she was little. I’ve always worried about her health.”
With that, Masha let out a concerned sigh.
Selina nodded. She actually knew about this. During her two days of private investigation in Camberlan City, she had heard plenty about Xiliya’s weak constitution. It was no secret in the city that this eldest daughter had been sickly since childhood.
Honestly, with such a physical condition, she was indeed not quite suited to be the City Lord of a border city.
“So as far as I know, Miss Xiliya will turn of age in another month and a half, right? What is your evaluation of her, Madam Masha?”
“Xiliya is a good child, and I’ve always supported her, but I’m a bit worried she’s too young and not mature enough to handle the City Lord’s duties…”
This differed from what Selina had learned during her investigations over the past two days. The city residents now spoke highly of Xiliya, and her capabilities were well-recognized within the City Guard—Selina had specifically sought out the current captain of the Camberlan City Guard for details.
Selina had thoroughly investigated the Camberlan Family before arriving. This Masha had no Camberlan bloodline and was not the legitimate City Lord. She had only temporarily taken over as family head and City Lord due to Dos Camberlan’s sudden death and the fact that the eldest daughter, Xiliya, was not yet of age.
As for any hidden dealings behind the scenes, Selina frankly did not care.
Having been born in the Imperial Capital, Selina was no stranger to the power struggles in noble families. It was not surprising what dirty deeds nobles might do in secret for their family’s power. But she was not here to uphold justice. She was only responsible for helping the royals appoint a City Lord for Camberlan City.
Masha continued in an elder’s tone, speaking about Xiliya with words that openly and subtly expressed doubt in her, implying she was not suited to be City Lord.
“But I do hope that child grows up quickly and inherits the Camberlan Family,” Masha concluded, then could not help asking, “By the way, what if she doesn’t pass muster with you?”
“The royals will appoint a new City Lord to replace Miss Xiliya, or it won’t be that troublesome—as long as someone in your Camberlan Family can take on the role.”
A flash of delight crossed Masha’s eyes. Just as she was about to say something, the reception room door was suddenly yanked open.
“Auntie Masha, really now. Such an important guest comes to our home, and you don’t even tell me? It makes me seem so rude.”
Masha froze in place. Xiliya? How had she come over? Hadn’t she deliberately not told anyone about Selina’s visit?
Selina’s dislike of fanfare had actually helped Masha. As acting family head, upon receiving word that Selina was coming to the Camberlan Mansion to assess the situation, she had immediately decided to suppress the news.
Xiliya let out a cold snort. Of course she knew Selina would visit the mansion today. After all, Masha had done the exact same thing in her previous life.
In her previous life, Masha had kept it secret from both sides, deliberately preventing Xiliya from meeting Selina so she could badmouth her during their private meeting.
Unfortunately, in the previous life, Xiliya had been embroiled in rumors of “neglect of duty” and “feasting while the Beastmen Clan attacked.” Selina’s city investigations had already painted an unfavorable picture, and with Masha fanning the flames, Selina had quickly formed a poor first impression, deeming Xiliya incompetent.
By the time Xiliya finally learned of Selina’s visit from a maid, it was too late. Her image in Selina’s mind was already set, and any explanations sounded like excuses.
But this life was different—Selina had not fully believed Masha’s earlier words anyway, as the Xiliya Masha described was the polar opposite of her current reputation in the city.
Not to mention that Xiliya, who was supposedly “too ill to get out of bed,” had suddenly appeared in the reception room.
“Xiliya? Child, are you feeling better to get out of bed?”
Masha reacted quickly, truly a master at playing dumb.
“What illness? I’ve been perfectly fine health-wise this period—so Auntie Masha, why didn’t you tell me about such a distinguished guest visiting?”
Masha forced a smile. “I sent a maid to call you. She told me you were bedridden—probably some maid slacking off and misreporting. I’ll punish them properly later.”
Selina eyed Xiliya with great interest. This eldest daughter’s demeanor did not match Masha’s description of a “soft and weak personality” at all.
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Xiliya.” Selina stood and shook hands with Xiliya. “I’m no distinguished guest—just here on the royals’ orders to assess the situation in Camberlan City.”
“I had thought the situation might be more complicated.” Selina glanced at Masha. “But I’ve already gotten a basic understanding in the city these past two days. Miss Xiliya is even more outstanding than I imagined.”
“And I hear Miss Xiliya will come of age in just over a month, right? Then I’ll wait until your coming-of-age ceremony is held and you formally inherit the Camberlan Family before returning to report back.”
At these words, Masha’s expression inevitably darkened.
