Chapter 67: Why are you looking at me?
The earth-shaking sobs finally subsided. Ailiya, sniffling, wiped her tear-streaked face with her sleeve, staggering to her feet. She noticed the entire training field—Aurora, Seraphina, the noble girls, even Prince Leon—staring at her with complex, indescribable expressions.
“What’re you looking at?” Ailiya tilted her head, confused.
“Why do you think?!” The noble girls roared in unison.
Prince Leon approached, his flawless smile intact, nodding to Cordelia’s trio. “Since you lost, let’s go.” His warm gaze swept over them. “Thank you for standing up for me. Your courage is admirable.”
Raising his voice for all to hear, he added, “In light of your efforts, I invite everyone to my private royal training grounds.”
His handsome face, gentle smile, and magnetic voice captivated every girl. Cordelia, Beatrice, and Genevieve blushed, fidgeting shyly. “Oh, how could we…” “But since it’s Your Highness’s invitation…”
The crowd erupted in excited squeals. “Prince Leon’s so gracious!” “Such charm and poise!” “Nothing like that commoner with her cheap tricks!” Some shot Ailiya pointed glances.
Ailiya crossed her arms, grumbling inwardly. Talk about flip-flopping!
She called out, “Prince Leon, you have a private field, and your lackeys still hassled me? Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Leon winked, his smile sly. “When someone steps up for me, I can’t disappoint them. I had to let them shine.”
With that, he turned, announcing, “Follow me, everyone.” Cheers of “Long live Prince Leon!” followed as the crowd swarmed after him like bees to honey, leaving the field as if the duel never happened.
Ailiya stood, stunned, feeling like a discarded tool. I’m the winner! she huffed, stomping. “Why’s no one praising me?”
“They didn’t slap you silly for ditching noble decorum. Be grateful,” Aurora quipped.
Liliane approached, eyeing Ailiya with a teasing lilt. “That gamble was bold, but a bit overdone.”
“It was a thousand gold coins!” Ailiya protested. “Maybe pocket change for you nobles, but for me, that’s thousands of bread loaves sold, minus costs!” She puffed out her chest. “Besides, it’s about pride! I hate being looked down on!”
“Oh?” Aurora raised a brow. “What if you lost? No dolls, no maid outfit.”
“No worries!” Ailiya grinned, jerking her chin toward Liliane. “Lady Liliane would’ve saved me!”
Liliane tapped her lip, feigning thought, her violet eyes glinting playfully. “Hmm… no, I wouldn’t.” She drawled, “If useless Ailiya lost, I’d sell you to that slave trader in the south district for a tidy profit.”
Ailiya’s smugness froze, replaced by panic. She lunged, clinging to Liliane’s arm, pleading, “I’m sorry, Lady Liliane! Don’t sell me!”
Aurora sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Where’s that pride now?”
“Shut it!” Ailiya snapped. “Pride’s great, but survival first!”
The training field’s chaos dissolved into laughter and banter. Liliane glanced at the sky, the golden sunlight softening. “It’s getting late. My treat—let’s eat.”
Aurora started to demur, but Ailiya’s head popped up. “Can we order the expensive stuff?” Her eyes sparkled.
The group laughed, heading out. Ailiya trailed behind, plotting to fleece Liliane’s wallet with lobster, abalone, truffles, and caviar.
Then she saw Liliane stumble, her petite frame swaying. Before Ailiya could ask, “You okay?” Liliane collapsed backward.
“Lady Liliane!” Ailiya’s eyes widened, lunging to catch her soft body.
Aurora and Seraphina rushed over. Liliane’s eyes were shut, her lips bloodless, her brow furrowed in pain. Her slender fingers clutched Ailiya’s maid uniform.
“I’ll take you to rest!” Ailiya said, frantic.
“…I’m fine,” Liliane murmured, her voice frail, struggling to rise. But Ailiya felt her trembling, her breaths hot and rapid.
Fine? She’s burning up! Ailiya’s resolve hardened. She pried Liliane’s hands off, spun, and hoisted her onto her back. The heat through Liliane’s clothes was alarming.
“Put me down…” Liliane protested, eyes fluttering open. The intimate contact—her back pressed against Ailiya’s—flustered her, but her strength failed against Ailiya’s surprising might.
“You guys go eat!” Ailiya shouted to Aurora and Seraphina. “I’m taking Lady Liliane back!”
She sprinted toward the dorms, wind whistling past, Liliane’s consciousness fading in the fever’s haze. Her final awareness clung to the steady, urgent rhythm of Ailiya’s footsteps.