Chapter 75: Lady Li's Invitation

Chapter 75: Lady Liffier’s Invitation

After happily devouring two sweet potatoes, Leila patted her stomach and let out a satisfied breath. “Gray, how did you know such a delicious way to eat them?”

“Oh, I’m an orphan. I learned it when I was a kid, stealing food from others,” Ye Tian replied nonchalantly.

“You’re an orphan?” Leila exclaimed in surprise.

“Yeah, I guess I never told you before.”

“No.” The girl glanced at Ye Tian furtively, her heart fluttering. “Gray.”

“What is it?” Ye Tian looked up.

“Oh, nothing, nothing at all!” Leila stammered like a startled rabbit. “You go ahead, I have something to do. I’ve also tidied up your room.” With that, she covered her face and dashed off, leaving Ye Tian utterly confused.

“What, did she eat too much and have a stomachache? That shouldn’t be the case.” Ye Tian had eaten just as much and felt fine. He shook off the thought, placed several mud-caked beggar’s chickens in a basket, and set off at a brisk pace to deliver them to Arkana—he had no choice, the girl had something on him.

He trotted over; the girl was reading. Ye Tian didn’t disturb her—Arkana’s favorite pastime was reading, and anyone who interrupted her would regret it. He carefully set two beggar’s chickens on her desk and then went off to read himself, knowing full well she’d figure out how to eat them without instruction.

The first floor of the library housed introductory magic texts and explanations of spells below level five. The library had two more floors: the second contained the insights and notes of past Magisters from Feipuli Academy—highly coveted, but only accessible to those with sufficient magical skill, as the books themselves were enchanted. The third floor was strictly off-limits; even Arkana hadn’t breached its wards, let alone the students.

One had to admit that this famed academy on the continent was unmatched in its breadth of knowledge. Even a simple fireball spell had been analyzed in volumes by renowned mages, making comprehension almost effortless.

Mages were wondrous beings; they conjured spells from invisible yet tangible magical particles. Mastery required diligence and a touch of intelligence—the ability to pierce the veil.

Ye Tian flipped idly through a primer on elementary magic, which included all basic and level-one spells, common mistakes, and methods of improvement. He couldn’t use magic, but reading passed the time.

After waiting a long while, he closed the book in boredom—this wasn’t what interested him. What he really wanted was information about miracles; the rest could wait. He glanced over; Arkana was still engrossed in her reading. After some thought, he unwrapped a beggar’s chicken.

Instantly, the aroma of roasted chicken filled the library. The girl sniffed, looked around, and spotted Ye Tian’s mischievous grin. Annoyed, she tossed her book at him; Ye Tian quickly caught it—better that than face her wrath.

“Miss, it won’t taste as good once it’s cold,” Ye Tian explained carefully.

Arkana snorted, tore off a drumstick, and started eating with quiet delicacy.

Ye Tian chuckled, peeling the chicken from its oily paper and placing it on a plate. He still didn’t understand why people here had so many dining rituals, so many dishes and plates!

The girl ate quietly and neatly as always. Soon, another clean bone came flying his way; Ye Tian caught it in a hurry. Arkana treated her books like friends—if one was damaged, Ye Tian wouldn’t be allowed back in the library.

Despite her calm demeanor, Arkana had quite the appetite. After two whole chickens, she sighed with satisfaction. Ye Tian quickly produced a handkerchief to wipe the grease from her hands, then poured her a cup of red tea and set it before her.

“Gray, can I see your handkerchief?” Arkana asked suddenly.

“Why?” Ye Tian was puzzled.

“Just let me, please?” Arkana pleaded coquettishly.

“Fine, don’t damage it,” he grumbled, handing over the folded handkerchief.

“What a strange fabric. I’ve never seen anything like it,” she marveled, examining it closely.

“It’s similar to your silk,” Ye Tian replied. “May I have it back?”

“No, give it to me,” Arkana said playfully.

“No,” Ye Tian refused flatly.

“Stingy,” the girl pouted but returned the handkerchief. Then she offered to trade her own, pulling out a handkerchief from her clothes.

“No, give it back,” Ye Tian insisted with a frown.

She looked at him, lips pursed, but finally relented and watched him put it away. Suddenly she asked, “Was it given to you by a girl?”

“Yes,” Ye Tian admitted without hesitation.

The girl pressed her lips together, sulking as she sipped her tea. “Oh, right—the academy is holding a dance tomorrow. You’ll be my partner.”

Thud! Ye Tian toppled over.

“What’s wrong, you don’t want to?” Arkana asked with displeasure.

“No,” Ye Tian replied seriously. “Miss Arkana, I’m a servant. Me, your dance partner? Are you mad?”

“I’m not mad. I just couldn’t find anyone else and thought I’d make do with you,” Arkana replied, staring at her teacup.

“You must be joking. If you called out, the entire library couldn’t hold everyone who’d volunteer.”

Arkana became annoyed. “Are you coming or not?” Her voice rose, drawing the few pairs of eyes in the empty library their way.

“No,” Ye Tian said firmly.

“Is that so?” Before Arkana could reply, a seductive woman entered. “What’s that smell? It’s delicious.” She licked her lips, spotted Ye Tian holding a teapot, and frowned before beckoning him over. “Come here.”

“Is there something you need?” Ye Tian put down the teapot and started to approach, but Arkana grabbed his sleeve. He looked back at her as Arkana sipped her tea and asked, “Miss Liffier, do you need something?”

“I’m looking for him. That has nothing to do with you, does it?” Liffier replied with a frown.

“How is it not? Can’t you see he’s my steward?” Arkana raised her cup.

Liffier’s eyes lit up; she laughed coyly. “Fine, then I’ll hire you as my steward.”

“Sorry, he’s already under contract with me,” Arkana replied sweetly.

“Oh? Then, what’s the buyout fee? I’ll pay it.” Liffier smiled, glancing at Ye Tian.

“Enough, enough, aren’t you two bored? I’m not cut out to be a steward. What do you want, Miss Liffier?” Ye Tian said impatiently.

Liffier eyed Arkana, then sauntered over and lifted Ye Tian’s chin with a finger. “Tomorrow’s the academy ball. Be my partner.”

“No!” “No!” came two voices in unison.

“What’s wrong?” Liffier asked with a smile.

“He’s my partner,” Arkana replied, setting down her tea.

“Is that so?” Liffier grinned at Arkana, then looked at Ye Tian.

“Sorry,” Ye Tian replied expressionlessly.

“Really, what does that little girl have over me?” Liffier pouted, stepped closer, her face almost touching Ye Tian’s.

“Hey, mind your manners!” Arkana fumed. In terms of looks, Arkana was no worse, but when it came to figure, she was outmatched. Age was all she had, but what did that matter?

“Well?” Liffier asked with a playful smile, exhaling gently. Ye Tian felt goosebumps rise—not from her allure, but from the chill she radiated, even when flirting.

“No,” Ye Tian finally said as Arkana’s anxiety peaked. “I’m not going. I can’t dance. I’m a servant. If I show up at such a ball, won’t you be embarrassed?”

“Not at all,” Liffier replied after a moment’s pause, still smiling.

“Well, I would.” Ye Tian sighed. “Ladies, think about it, please? I’m not a toy or a shield. And as you can see, I’m not thick enough to block all your admirers.”

“Alright, enough. You two carry on. I have work—there’s still the courtyard to clean.” With that, Ye Tian set down the teapot, picked up his basket, and left, muttering about the absurdity of it all.

“Hey, Gray?” Arkana called after him.

Ye Tian didn’t look back. Staying any longer, he’d die without knowing how. He’d better get back to his chores—they must have piled up. And his own room still needed tidying; otherwise, where would he sleep tonight?

When he returned to his dormitory, it was already spotless. Even the broken door had been replaced. Scratching his head, Ye Tian sighed—it could only have been Leila. Suddenly anxious, he hurried inside and searched his bedding. His expression changed.

“Leila! Leila?” Ye Tian rushed to the maids’ quarters. Like the others, Leila shared a room with another maid, and the accommodations were far better than those for the men.

“Leila!” Ye Tian burst in and saw the girl sitting at her vanity, gently brushing the freshly washed fur of Roast Meat. Now he understood why the little creature’s coat stayed so soft despite sleeping all day—Leila cared for it.

“Ah!” Leila started to scream when Ye Tian barged in, then quickly slapped a hand over her mouth.

“Sorry, sorry!” Ye Tian turned to leave, but someone opened the door from outside.

“Leila, want to go shopping?” a voice called.

“Oh no, it’s Angelica.” Leila leapt up, grabbed Ye Tian, and dragged him into the adjoining bathroom, where a large bathtub was still covered in frothy bubbles.

“Are you alright?” Leila asked, noticing Ye Tian staring fixedly at the ceiling.

“I’m fine,” Ye Tian replied—of course he couldn’t admit otherwise. Leila must have just bathed, wearing only a towel—if he so much as glanced down, he’d see everything.

“Leila, I’m going to the bathroom first. Afterwards, let’s go shopping, alright? The academy’s ball is tomorrow, and we need to buy supplies.” With that, the other girl started to open the bathroom door.

“Wait, wait, I’m still bathing!” Leila called out anxiously.

“What’s the big deal? Haven’t I seen everything on you before?” the girl outside retorted, opening the door as she spoke.