Chapter 70: Drink It Up
Liliane watched Ailiya with curiosity, eager to see what her so-called “slacker’s way” entailed. She granted Ailiya full authority, allowing her to use anything in the estate with a word to the maids. Still, she couldn’t resist adding, “I see nothing wrong with my usual rest. As a noble, honing oneself in spare moments is a natural pastime.”
“You’re not a noble or the Winter heiress right now,” Ailiya cut in bluntly. “You’re just a patient who needs absolute rest, sitting right in front of me.”
If Ailiya had to live Liliane’s life—where even a sip of water felt like a reward—she’d quit in three days and flee to the countryside to farm. Glancing at the ornate wall clock, she issued her first order. “I’m stepping out. Until I’m back, no work files. Don’t even think about ‘just a peek’ that turns into full-on work.”
Arms crossed, she warned sternly, “I promised Aurora I’d take care of you. If she hears I slacked off, with her classroom meltdown, she’d probably murder me back at the academy.”
Liliane’s brow twitched, irked by the commanding tone. “I’m not as undisciplined as you, Ailiya…” But under Ailiya’s unyielding stare, she sighed and nodded, agreeing.
Once Ailiya left, the room fell silent. Liliane sat in soft silk pajamas, the fabric clinging to her slender frame. The past days’ fevers were alien—her body weak, mind foggy, thoughts sluggish. It was as if a finely tuned machine, running for years, had its power cut.
Ailiya was gone for ages. Liliane wondered what she was up to but, bound by her promise, stayed put. A noble’s word was sacred.
Bored, her gaze drifted to the desk, where a few parchment envelopes stamped with the family crest lay—either Clara’s oversight or intentional. She forced her eyes away, staring at the clock’s leisurely ticking, her mind wandering to the backlog of work. How many files have piled up? If I don’t handle them, Clara and the others will have to.
Liliane hated burdening others. Her eyes flicked back to the files, an itch in her palms to feel their rough texture. A restless urge stirred, like suppressing her very nature.
Glancing around the empty room, her breaths heavy, she thought, Just a quick look… no one would know.
Like a cat eyeing a box’s hole, she couldn’t resist. Reaching for the files, she shifted her weak body closer to the bed’s edge. Her fingers brushed the cool parchment—
“I’m back!” The door burst open. Ailiya wheeled in a covered cart, storming in.
Liliane froze, eyes closed, sitting serenely like a statue, though the quilt beneath her hand was inexplicably rumpled. Hearing Ailiya, she opened her eyes, smiling perfectly. “Back so soon, Ailiya?”
Soon? I’ve been gone over an hour, Ailiya thought, feeling a chill from Liliane’s deep violet gaze, like a predator’s stare. Liliane, realizing her lapse, reverted to her usual cool demeanor.
“What’s that cart?” she asked.
“Rest lesson one: relax the body, ease the mind!” Ailiya declared proudly. “Step one: eat well, drink well!” She whipped off the cloth, revealing a silver pot simmering over a magical burner, paired with fine cutlery. The pot held fragrant yam and chicken porridge.
“I consulted the physician,” Ailiya explained, ladling a bowl. “He said you need nutrition. So, I had your maids help me cook this porridge—perfect for recovery.”
Liliane’s eyes widened slightly. Ailiya’s dorm room was a chaotic mess; she hadn’t pegged her for a cook. “Your room’s a dump,” Liliane said.
“It’s organized chaos!” Ailiya shot back. “I can find anything instantly if no one touches my stuff!” Puffing up, she added, “Besides, I don’t want others using my things!”
“You’re just lazy,” Liliane said, cutting through her.
“Don’t get cocky!” Ailiya huffed, pulling a dark, ominous potion from the cart’s lower shelf. Its stench was bitter enough to dry the tongue. “The physician gave me this. He said I must watch you drink it all.” Smirking mischievously, she cooed, “Don’t worry, I’ll spoon-feed you porridge after each sip to mask the taste. Open wide—”
“I’m not a child,” Liliane frowned, “It’s just a potion—”
Before she finished, Ailiya shoved a spoonful of the bitter, viscous potion into her mouth. The acrid, burnt-herb taste exploded, overwhelming her senses. Liliane’s face crumpled, fist pressed to her lips as she forced it down, her nose reddening from the assault.
Ailiya twirled the spoon, grinning like a cat with a prize. “Told you! Plenty more to go, my dear Lady Liliane~”