Chapter 74: Meow~Ah

The warmth of the bath lingered in the air. Under the soft glow of the crystal wall lamps, Liliane’s bedroom was quiet, save for the faint sound of their breathing. The lingering dampness and faint rose scent wove an ambiguous atmosphere, heavy with unspoken tension.

A decisive silence hung between them.

Both had changed into comfortable nightdresses, but the raw honesty of the bathhouse moment wrapped them in an invisible veil, making every interaction feel charged. Ailiya sat stiffly, hands folded on her knees, fingers twisting nervously, betraying her unease. Her eyes darted—studying the carpet’s intricate patterns, then the starry night outside—avoiding Liliane’s gaze.

Calm down, Ailiya. Just heard some of her secrets, no big deal… Except it was. The air felt thick, her breaths heavy. I blurted out I’d give her something… Is now the right time? Won’t it make this weirder?

Liliane, by contrast, was composed, perched gracefully on the bed’s edge, idly drying her silver hair with a towel. Her movements were slow, almost distracted, her usual icy demeanor softened. No extra expression crossed her face, but her violet eyes subtly watched Ailiya’s fidgeting, a faint, unnoticed smile tugging at her lips.

Ailiya’s mind waged war. Where’s your sense, Ailiya Winster? Your dragon-hoarding thriftiness? Just because she seems fragile today, you’re ready to pull out your ultimate weapon? That gift—over a thousand gold coins, a handcrafted felt cat doll imbued with high-level life magic by Vice-Principal Melissa—was meant for Liliane’s birthday to maximize favor and offset debts. Using it now tanks the return on investment! Wrong timing! But… glancing at Liliane’s quiet figure, she sighed. Fine. Call it an emergency budget overrun.

Resolved, Ailiya stood, walking to her bag. She unzipped it carefully, hesitating as she pushed aside clothes. Her fingers brushed the cloth-wrapped gift, a pang of financial loss flashing across her face. Standing, she shuffled to Liliane, clutching the bundle. Nervously clearing her throat, she thrust it forward, eyes fixed on Liliane’s nightdress strap, avoiding her gaze.

“Here… for you,” she said, feigning nonchalance, like handling a mundane task. “Just, uh, thanks for letting me use that fancy bath, and… consider it hush money for your boring stories. Take it, and we’re square.”

Liliane paused her drying, her deep violet eyes locking onto Ailiya for a moment, piercing her bravado. With a knowing smile, she took the parcel and unwrapped it. A simple, slightly goofy felt cat doll emerged under the lamplight.

It was an idea sparked in the dungeon, seeing Liliane’s disappointment at not petting a cat. Ailiya had crafted it, then spent a fortune for Melissa to enchant it with life magic, creating a lifelike magical toy. Meant as a birthday trump card to leverage debt relief, it was now impulsively given as a get-well gift. Ailiya’s heart bled.

Liliane’s slender fingers brushed the doll’s head, feeling its faint, warm pulse from the magic. As she began inspecting it, Ailiya’s panic surged. “Ahem! It’s got basic life magic, so it’s warm. And… it makes sounds!” she blurted, words tumbling out. “But listen, the sounds are temporary! The workshop couldn’t get a proper cat, so I recorded some test ones! I’ll replace them with a purebred Silver Moon cat’s voice when I can afford it! Don’t mind the details!”

At “I recorded some,” Liliane’s brow twitched, her eyes gleaming with interest. Ignoring Ailiya’s frantic disclaimer, she pinched the doll, finding a hidden switch in its belly and pressed it.

“Meow~” A soft, slightly clumsy cat sound filled the room.

Ailiya’s face flushed crimson, her body stiffening like a statue. Liliane’s smile widened, and she pressed again.

“Mew?” A short, questioning sound.

She pressed once more, delighted. “Miiow♡” A saccharine, exaggerated meow, dripping with deliberate charm.

“Ugh…” Ailiya let out a whimper, hands slapping over her burning face, mortified enough to jump out the window and flee the kingdom. “I said it’s a sample! Stop pressing it!” Her muffled voice trembled through her fingers, her red ears and neck visible, radiating pure, girlish embarrassment.

Liliane didn’t press again. Watching the near-collapsing maid, her eyes brimmed with amusement. She hugged the “Ailiya-voiced” doll naturally, adjusting it lovingly. “I like it,” she said softly, her tone earnest, each word clear. Pausing, she added firmly, “This sample is perfect.”

Ailiya’s brain shut down.

“It’s late,” Liliane said, looking at the still-flustered Ailiya, her voice calm but inviting. “Why don’t you stay tonight?”

In the charged atmosphere, the offer hit like a fastball—not a master’s command but a personal, intimate request. For Ailiya, reeling from her social death, it was a fatal blow.

“N-No thanks!” She dropped her hands, waving frantically, stammering like a startled cat. “I gotta get back! Dorm curfew! And I’ve got work tomorrow! Yeah, work!” Avoiding Liliane’s eyes, she bowed hastily and bolted for the door, her steps quick but controlled, clinging to her last shred of dignity as she fled.

The door clicked shut, sealing away her frantic retreat.

Silence returned. Liliane sat alone, cradling the silly doll. She gazed at it, then gently pressed the switch again. “Meow~” In the quiet, her face softened into a rare, genuine smile, warm and content, unseen by anyone.