"So that's it?"
Ah, that's it then.
Xueluo murmured silently in her heart, fingers lightly tugging her skirt hem. After a brief pause, she continued the thought.
This is fine.
She lifted her head, gaze settling across from her.
There, Edward slowly raised a burger to his mouth.
Black-clad figures surrounded them—bodyguards, likely. Within their ring, a young master type sat beside a maid, both casually eating burgers. The sight naturally drew stares from shoppers on the commercial street.
[Well, he doesn’t seem keen to let us go. How do you feel, Xueluo?]
Feel?
Xueluo pondered Guya’s question.
The sun’s making me dizzy.
[Not that kind of feeling. Hang in there...]
As a Half Vampire fused with Third Generation Vampire blood, Xueluo tolerated sunlight well. Yet standing under it, she inexplicably felt heatstroke creeping in.
Just as she fought to stay conscious, Edward finished his burger ahead.
"Truly excellent. The rumors hold truth."
"Huh? Ah... glad you liked it."
After a quick reply, Xueluo watched Edward slide four bills toward her—payment.
Can’t you tip more for my cute act?
She pocketed the cash swiftly despite the thought.
[Then don’t take it if it’s too little...]
Before Xueluo could retort, Edward spoke again.
"Let’s get to the point."
He raised a hand, voice dropping.
"May I ask, Miss Xueluo—where were you last night?"
"Last night?"
She blinked, smiling.
"Preparing ingredients for today’s work, of course."
She recalled some old advice: a noblewoman’s best weapons are smiles and delicate appearances. The full version involved... less proper tactics. She’d stick to the first two.
Edward merely murmured, "I see... But doesn’t selling this earn barely anything?"
"Not all of us are born with silver spoons, Lord Edward."
Her smile stayed fixed, but her voice tightened. Edward blinked slowly, lowering his hand.
"Right. My apologies—I spoke thoughtlessly."
He placed his palms flat on the table, leaning forward.
"Consider this an apology. I am Edward Frosteren. Heir to the Frosteren family—one of the Hymn Guild’s three great houses."
Hymn Guild...
Xueluo knew the Guild was ruled by three families. She never imagined meeting one so soon.
"I’m here as an examiner for the upcoming Mage Academy entrance exams." Edward rose, walking toward his car. "If you intend to take them... mention my name. I’ll secure your spot."
...
Xueluo stood abruptly as he retreated. "Why help me? Do I need to be your maid now? No wall-pinning, no confession—you think this is some romance novel?"
"Do I look like a bullish CEO to you?" Edward sighed, opening his car door. "This is merely an apology. As an examiner, I sensed your magic. With power like yours... if you refuse to become a Mage, your potential ends here."
He leaned against the door, grinning. "Though if you’d rather earn money selling junk food—or becoming my maid—I wouldn’t object."
Sliding into the seat, he added, "I could use a little maid who cooks."
*Slam.*
The door shut. Black-clad men scrambled inside. The engine roared, tires spitting dust into Xueluo’s face as the car sped away.
Inside, Edward watched her furious, pale face in the rearview mirror, smiling faintly.
"Keep an eye on that girl during the exams."
"Yes, Young Mas—Lord Edward."
A bodyguard hesitated. "But why watch a commoner? She’s hardly—"
"Add extra garlic to her meals later. Test her." Edward rested his chin on his palm. "If nothing happens, all remains well. If something does... you know what to do."
