“Cute?”
Was she out of her mind? This outfit was on par with Lady Leia’s—how could it possibly be just “cute”? No, “cute” wouldn’t cut it at all. It had to be something like “majestic” or “terrifying” to match what she was wearing!
“Yeah, really…”
Lucy stammered, gazing worshipfully at the unflappable Celi and Lady Leia, endlessly envious of their unshakable composure.
For something this utterly ordinary, no further words were needed.
“Damn it, uh, Lucy.” Lady Xuefei refused to believe it. She lowered her legs, eyes wide, and nearly leaped from her throne. “Do I not look like the Evil Dragon? Like a ruler who dominates the world?!”
“What nonsense is Lady Xuefei saying? Cuteness is your prerogative~”
It was like coating a little cookie in sweet chocolate—Lady Xuefei in black stockings only added to her charm, making her even cuter than usual. And with her deliberate attempt at a serious expression, she exuded an entirely novel kind of adorableness. She puffed out her chest in haughty defiance, as if tiny sparks of fury might burst forth at any moment, warming everyone’s hearts.
Lady Xuefei had once again underestimated just how deeply the teachings of the Xuefei Cult were ingrained.
“No worries.” At that moment, Lady Leia, standing by the door, couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Lunchtime is private time for me and Lady Xuefei. No other maids allowed.”
“Is that how it is, Lady Leia?”
“Of course~”
Seeing the calm on Lady Leia’s face and the sweet smile she showed only to Lady Xuefei, Lucy got the message. She bowed, a smile brimming with blessings and hopes, and departed. In her heart, she couldn’t stop marveling at Lady Leia’s ingenious scheming…
But Lady Xuefei was baffled.
What did that mean? She was just leaving like that?
Where was the majesty? The overwhelming presence?
What was the point of the black stockings?!
With no answer forthcoming, Lady Xuefei could only shoot Lady Leia a aggrieved look. The smile hadn’t fully faded from the latter’s face. Noticing Lady Xuefei’s gaze, she bowed slightly.
Oh, so that was it. So that’s how it was…
The loss of her dignity wasn’t due to Laer or the mischievous Maid Corps at all—it was Lady Leia pulling the strings!
“Leia… damn it, ugh.”
Lady Xuefei huffed out a breath of white vapor.
She had wanted to summon Lady Leia over for a proper scolding, but in her haste and anger, she had no idea how to even begin.
And so…
“Hmph!”
Lady Xuefei planted her hands on her hips, cheeks puffed in fury as she turned her head away, pretending utter indifference. Her petulant tone echoed through the empty room.
She was mad now—good luck coaxing her out of it!
She wouldn’t give Lady Leia the time of day for a whole week. Let her sweat! Let her learn the consequences of angering the Evil Dragon!
Seeing this, Lady Leia approached. In deference to Lady Xuefei’s dignity as the Dragon King, she didn’t ascend the steps but gazed up carefully instead.
“If you’re unsatisfied with your outfit, Master, why not come with me to change into something else?”
“Never mind…”
Lady Xuefei sighed.
With the competition still ongoing and the Collar about to be fastened on her soon, she gritted her teeth, racking her brain for ways to prank Lady Leia in revenge.
~~~
Soon, afternoon arrived.
A gentle spring breeze bathed the world in warmth, birds soared through the sky, and vibrant blossoms carpeted the ground, forming a intoxicating sea of flowers that perfumed the humid air. A few dew drops traced paths down green leaves, falling onto the dark soil. A wild fox darted past, its sleek fur untouched by moisture. Suddenly, it lifted its head, staring curiously at the two “colossal beasts” that had appeared before it.
Lady Leia carried a small basket, a light tune playing on her lips, her eyes curved into joyful crescents. She occasionally watched Lady Xuefei, who walked ahead, with eyes full of affection. But whenever the latter glanced back, her expression shifted seamlessly to the dignified poise befitting a maid.
The bushes lining the gravel path rose to waist height in places, nearly two meters in others—perfect spots for a secret rendezvous. But with Celi shadowing them discreetly, no secrets could linger here.
The most precious moments could only be saved for their nights alone…
With a casual wave of her hand, the dew on her apron vanished entirely.
“Leia, are you ready?”
“What would you have me do, Master?”
“Hmph, you’ll find out soon enough.”
Lady Xuefei had made up her mind.
If Lady Leia lost this battle, she would have to play the role of a timid, dainty little wife at the wedding to please her, while Lady Xuefei took center stage. In that moment, her Dragon King aura would awe the world!
As for Lady Leia, she would merely be the little wife.
Now, flames of “revenge” burned in her eyes, intent on consuming Lady Leia utterly!
“Shall I weave a flower crown for Xuefei this time?” Leia’s basket was crammed full of all sorts of flowers, each giving off an intoxicating scent.
But Xuefei made no reply. Suddenly, she halted and said solemnly,
“Leia, kiss me.”
“Oh?”
She spread her arms wide, heedless of the two pink petals that drifted onto her forehead. Leia stepped forward, brushed aside Xuefei’s silver locks, and drew one petal into her mouth.
“Really?”
“Really!”
Xuefei’s fervor only intensified.
In her eyes, this was a duel.
“Master, then… eh…”
Before Leia could finish her words, Xuefei closed the distance between them. Ignoring their negligible difference in height, she embraced Leia’s wings, shut her eyes, and pressed her lips forward.
The kiss skimmed like a dragonfly over water. Xuefei ducked her head, her cheeks glowing as red-hot as a branding iron.
“Master?” Leia tilted her head, seemingly baffled by Xuefei’s behavior.
“Leia, continue!” Xuefei urged, her face aflame, her gaze steadfast as if she might buckle at any moment.
Seeing such an endearing look on Xuefei’s face, Leia caught on. With a smile, she said,
“Ah, so that’s it. Very well then~”
Was this what a duel was like—like knights locked in a fair and honorable contest?
As long as Xuefei held onto her senses amid repeated deep kisses while Leia lost control and defied her command, a point would be deducted.
On the flip side, if Leia retained her composure, Xuefei’s own folly would end the maid competition in a faint, dooming her to wear the collar the next day.
Without another word, Leia drew Xuefei into her arms and surged forward with unrestrained passion.
~~~
One wave of passion had scarcely ebbed before another swelled; their two dragon tails coiled together in a spiral.
Before long, Leia gazed at Xuefei—her eyes glazing over, her tail drooping—and said,
“You truly don’t understand, do you? How effortlessly I can toy with you… No competition required at all. Why not resort to more forceful means? Are you afraid of hurting me?”
Her question went unanswered. Xuefei slipped into unconsciousness, her eyes vacant, lost to the world.
What she didn’t know was that Celi had already departed at Laer’s urging.
Ever since their intimate encounter in the dressing room, Celi had refrained from documenting this heart-pounding competition.
Thus, the so-called “decisive battle” held no meaning whatsoever. Even if Leia got Xuefei pregnant with a second child right there, it wouldn’t alter the result—already sealed at noon—the ultimate triumph.
Perhaps in Xuefei’s eyes, Leia was perfection incarnate… breeding the illusion of a score deficit.
91:89
Xuefei Wins