After the leisurely afternoon faded, evening arrived. The plate of strawberry-filled cookies—replenished twice already—was shared among the other maids. Luo Xianxue knew her Phantom Sir rarely visited after dark.
Evenings were never as relaxed for her. Every Sunday, Head Maid Jiang Jie reported on the Mansion’s status, followed by Butler Li Yansheng covering his assigned areas. Even without major incidents, it was protocol—to keep Luo Xianxue informed of recent happenings.
Fresh from a soothing bath, Luo Xianxue sat in her room while Mossy Fir dried her hair. A soft knock came; the Head Maid entered.
“Good evening, Aunt Jiang,” Luo Xianxue said with a polite nod. Jiang Jie blinked in mild surprise. *Is today’s Lady unusually gentle?*
She’d only seen Luo Xianxue twice while possessed by Chen Mo. Busy with duties, Jiang Jie rarely sought her out—especially since they stood on opposing sides. So why this sudden warmth?
Then she noticed Mossy Fir behind Luo Xianxue: expression icy, gaze dripping with clown-like mockery.
*Right. How could I forget her?* Jiang Jie stiffened. *The Lady’s act is a trap. Mossy Fir is tonight’s real target.*
“Lady,” Jiang Jie said formally, “I’ll report this week’s affairs.”
“Mm.” Luo Xianxue’s expression turned earnest. She never let her mind wander during reports—listening attentively was basic respect, and simply who she was.
Most of Jiang Jie’s update was routine, dull even. Only at the end did she mention something significant:
“Two maids guarding the storage warehouse: one slacks on inventory checks; the other refuses cooperation and neglects cleaning. Verified true. Shall I dismiss them?” Her eyes searched Luo Xianxue’s face.
Though Head Maid, dismissals required the Lady’s approval.
Luo Xianxue’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pondered. Noble households demanded swift action for negligence. Mossy Fir’s silent thought echoed: *Just fire them.*
After a pause, Luo Xianxue lifted her gaze. “Give them a warning. If negligence continues, inform me.”
“Understood.” Jiang Jie’s eyes dimmed a fraction. “Anything else, Lady?”
Luo Xianxue tilted her head, sensing oddness. “No. That’s all.”
“Very well.” Jiang Jie exited, brows knitting faintly. *Too calm. Rumors said the Lady suspected me… yet silence?* Mossy Fir’s mocking smirk flashed in her mind. *Calm before the storm?* A chill of unease settled deep.
Inside, Mossy Fir reluctantly released Luo Xianxue’s dried hair. “Lady… why spare them?”
Luo Xianxue stretched, her graceful silhouette drawing even Mossy Fir’s quiet envy.
“Perhaps they’ve simply strayed,” she said softly. “They deserve a chance.”
“You’re too kind,” Mossy Fir sighed.
Truthfully, she preferred the cold, dominant Lady—that icy allure left her breathless. *Ahhh… to be utterly dominated by her…*
Yet she’d never underestimate this gentle version. Noble blood ran deep; motives were never surface-level. Split personalities? Obvious. Different art styles, clashing tastes—matcha for this Lady, strawberry for the other. Even cookie limits: two strained the gentle Lady; the cold one devoured three in one breath.
*Granting mercy… but with purpose.* Mossy Fir sighed inwardly. *I still can’t keep up with you, Lady.*
Soon, a knock came—Li Yansheng signaling whether to receive his report in the guest room. Entering the Lady’s bedroom felt improper; he was male, after all. And the longer he stayed in this Mansion, the more rumors coiled around his nerves. *The Lady is utterly inscrutable.*
In the guest room, Li Yansheng delivered his concise weekly update. Only two weeks in, yet he’d adapted smoothly—busy, yet fulfilling. He left, puzzled. *So gentle tonight… good mood?*
Mossy Fir caught up moments later. “Butler Li,” she said lowly, “the Head Maid mentioned two negligent maids. Investigate them.”
In noble houses, every move held meaning. If the Lady wouldn’t dismiss them outright, the answer lay with the maids themselves. Li Yansheng nodded silently.
Back in her room, Luo Xianxue chatted briefly in her group chat. Glancing at the clock—nearly eleven—she set her phone on the nightstand and pulled the covers up.
“I wonder… will Phantom Sir visit tomorrow…?”
“Good night.”
