“Master, your seat is this way.” A shop assistant dressed as a maid pointed Clo toward her table. Clo seemed to daze for a moment before sitting down, her eyes fixed on Li Yue as if she had discovered a massive hoard of treasure.
My goodness... a maid uniform... I never saw her in an outfit like this in my past life... My heaven... A Yue... My A Yue... Baby, you’re so cute... If only I could see this every day... I’d do whatever she said... This is too wonderful... No... if I keep thinking like this, this chapter won't pass censorship...
Clo coughed slightly, trying to keep her expression from spiraling out of control. She pressed her finger against her cheek, forcibly suppressing the corners of her mouth that were threatening to split into a wide grin. Fortunately, Li Yue’s Death Abyss wasn't active; otherwise, Clo’s series of dangerous thoughts would have been caught, leading to a harsh scolding with a look reserved for trash. Something like:
“You... your head is filled with nothing but lewd thoughts, isn't it?”
Of course, none of that happened. However, the inexplicable atmosphere made the hair on the back of Li Yue’s neck stand on end. For a moment, she felt a surge of intense panic, like a prey being targeted by a hunter.
She glanced at Clo, who was staring straight at her. Another maid handed Clo a menu and then nudged Li Yue. Li Yue immediately felt a sense of impending doom as she saw her colleague’s pleading gaze.
Damn, I have no choice but to go over there now.
She moved with stiff steps. Another maid quickly took over the orders she had been handling. Looking at Clo’s expression, Li Yue felt an inexplicable chill.
Forcing herself to stay calm, she pulled out her notepad and pencil, standing there as if facing a great enemy.
“Miss... what would you like to order?”
“In this shop... aren't you supposed to call me ‘Master’?” Clo looked up, flashing a smile like a little devil.
Crap.
Li Yue couldn't help but curse inwardly. Her teeth chattered slightly as she tried to keep her voice steady and calm, rather than trembling.
“That... mostly depends on our own discretion. It's not a mandatory requirement, but...” Li Yue paused, forcing herself not to say the second half of the sentence.
“What if I specifically want to hear you say it?” Clo crossed her hands, her expression full of playfulness. Although she looked a bit tired, that exhaustion seemed to have been cured by some special factor. As for what that factor was... well, everyone knows.
“.............”
“...Master... what would you like to order?” She bit her lower lip, her face flushing slightly. She turned her head away, only to find eyes watching her from every direction, which made her both embarrassed and annoyed.
“You're only allowed to call me that,” Clo said with a smile.
“Just order already...” Li Yue couldn't take it anymore. Her voice was halting, tinged with a bit of irritation.
“Alright, alright. I just wanted to hear it. You look so cute in that outfit,” Clo chuckled, handing the menu back. “Just bring me whatever. I like sweet things.”
“So you really are just messing with me... Besides, eating sweet things all the time isn't good for your health.”
“I'm the esteemed guest right now,” Clo huffed. “The customer is God. I am your deity.”
“Have you forgotten who had the highest kill count during the Twilight of the Gods?” Li Yue was speechless.
Clo froze, a flicker of a strange emotion passing through her eyes before she stuck her tongue out.
“Ice cream. I want strawberry flavor,” Clo smiled. “After all, this is...”
“Ah... no need to say it... I know my own flavor.” Li Yue’s face darkened with frustration. She tore off the slip and placed it on the counter.
A bowl of ice cream, emitting wisps of cold mist, was served quickly. After finishing a few tasks at other tables, Li Yue personally brought the ice cream to Clo.
Li Yue was busy, yet she also seemed somewhat idle. She didn't interact much with other customers. The men and women who were itching to talk to her only managed a reserved “thank you” when she served them. There was no real interaction, which saved time.
Although Li Yue didn't understand why her poor service was so popular, when it came to Clo, she felt forced to provide the full service experience.
“Feed me.” Clo pointed at her mouth and smiled. Li Yue’s mouth twitched.
“I paid extra,” Clo grinned.
“Spendthrift.”
“A large portion of that will end up in your hands.”
“...Thank you for your patronage.” Li Yue sighed and sat down next to Clo. The latter’s right hand naturally brushed against Li Yue’s left hand, which was bracing against the sofa. Feeling the slight warmth, Li Yue noticed that Clo’s palm was a bit clammy.
She’s sweating? Is she nervous? She seemed so composed just a moment ago. Why did she get nervous the moment I sat down?
Though puzzled, Li Yue used the spoon to scoop a bit of ice cream and began the feeding.
“Do you plan to work here long-term? The pay is slow and it's exhausting. What's so good about it?” Clo muttered. “There are plenty of missions in the academy. There are other ways to earn money.”
“Those commissions are likely either tedious or involve hunting magic beasts for materials. Even if they're just magic beasts, I don't really want to hunt things that can understand human nature anymore...” Li Yue’s eyes lowered, and her movements slowed. Seeing this, Clo leaned in and took a bite, savoring the taste of the ice cream—sweet and cold.
“If it's a complex matter, it's inevitable to get caught up in more conflict. Right now, I just want to live a peaceful life...”
A peaceful life... really? That sounds... so happy. Does she really think that way now? She really... has changed. That's good.
Rate on N.U.
