Watching her princess’s ever-more-conciliatory demeanor, Aph grew anxious.

"Senior Nia, I also have a gift for you."

The two locked eyes, each seeing challenge and defiance in the other’s gaze.

—Your Highness, I’m doing this for your sake!

—This is my responsibility; it’s my duty!

Neither would yield.

And so, without reaching an understanding, they doubled down in their efforts to curry favor.

Nia, although appearing embarrassed, didn’t move an inch, sitting confidently in her seat.

Couldn’t she tell they were competing for her favor?

Of course, she could.

In fact, she found it quite amusing.

Why should the focus of their quarrel shift elsewhere when it should be all about me?

Rong, watching the scene unfold, sighed deeply.

After spending so much time with Nia, she’d come to understand things she really shouldn’t have.

Seeing Violet and Aph now, they looked just like two concubines vying for the empress’s attention, desperate for her acknowledgment.

The culprit behind all this chaos wasn’t even Nia, who seemed to be fanning the flames on purpose. No, it was...

Under the table, a pair of slender, white-stocking-clad legs stealthily stretched forward, brushing against someone else’s legs.

Rong nudged twice before pressing her foot on Shia’s, her gaze filled with a hint of grievance.

Look at the mess you’ve caused!

If you weren’t out there charming so many outstanding beauties, would such a scene even happen?

You already have me and the elf princess—now you’re bringing in a royal knight and a princess?

See? Now even close friends are at odds!

Rong’s small foot, wrapped snugly in silky stockings, pressed and rubbed, venting her frustration.

She was going to teach her overly flirtatious master a lesson!

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However, just as she was in the midst of her indignation, her little foot was suddenly caught by a warm hand beneath the table.

The sensation of that hand made her heart skip a beat.

Especially since it wasn’t just holding her foot—it was kneading it!

Rong’s gaze became even more accusing, her strength slipping away as her legs grew weak. She couldn’t muster any resistance at all.

It tickled, and she wanted to pull back, but she couldn’t break free.

Her expression turned even more pitiful as her lips pressed into a tight line. She bit her lower lip lightly, shooting Shia a reproachful look.

It’s all your fault, and now you’re doing 'this' to me?

She tried her best to look angry, but her attempt was utterly unconvincing.

Shia’s expression, however, held a hint of apology, as if he had realized his mistake.

But the more serious Rong’s face became, the more merciless Shia’s teasing grew.

She felt her body getting softer, like she was about to melt into a puddle. She had to grab the table for support, barely managing to maintain her composure.

Her ears flushed a bright red, her teeth clenched, trying to look stern, but it only made her seem even more flustered.

Above the table, it seemed like Rong was reprimanding Shia.

But below, the dynamic was completely reversed.

Shia leisurely held Rong’s mischievous little foot, a playful glint in his eye.

Teasing his cheeky maid? That was one of his specialties.

Well, not teasing—disciplining. The master-servant hierarchy must remain intact.

Gradually, the look in Rong’s eyes changed to one of pleading.

She whimpered internally, 'I really know I was wrong now!'

---

The meal proceeded harmoniously for everyone else. Violet and Aph were eager to build rapport, and Nia reciprocated their sincerity with genuine warmth.

By the end, Nia had gained two new friends.

Holding Violet’s hand in one and Aph’s in the other, she smiled brightly.

"You’re both so wonderful! From now on, we’re officially good friends~!"

Violet and Aph exchanged a glance, sparks practically flying between them.

But the "pure and innocent" elf princess seemed completely oblivious.

She happily extended an invitation to her new friends.

"It’s getting late. Why don’t you both stay over as guests tonight?"

The offer was incredibly tempting for both of them.

This time, Aph even spoke before Violet could.

"A friend’s invitation? I’d be delighted."

Violet, unwilling to be outdone, chimed in immediately.

"That’s perfect! I feel like we have so much more to talk about!"

She hooked her arm around Nia’s, practically glowing with excitement.

Nia’s radiant smile only widened.

"We’ve all had such a long day. How about we go take a bath together?"

---

In the bathroom, Nia stared curiously at Aph, her wide eyes brimming with astonishment.

"Wow, they actually float!"

Unable to resist, she reached out and gave them a poke.

Aph’s cheeks instantly turned beet red as she let out a startled cry.

"So soft," Nia remarked, her voice filled with genuine amazement.

Encouraged, she even tried poking herself to see if she could achieve the same effect.

Watching from the side, Violet couldn’t help but feel envious of her friend’s figure. Her hands twitched before she finally gave in, reaching out as well.

"Your Highness~!"

Aph’s voice rang out from the bathroom, unclear whether she was addressing Violet or the elf princess.

What followed was a chorus of laughter and playful splashing, the sounds of water echoing alongside the girls’ giggles.

---

Meanwhile, the succubus maid, Rong, sat on the sofa, her legs still too weak to stand. She leaned limply against the cushions, silently regaining her strength.

Her gaze shifted toward Shia, her expression tinged with something between exasperation and bitterness.

"Three beautiful girls bathing together—Master, you must find that 'very' interesting, right?"

Shia pulled his gaze from the bathroom door and turned toward Rong.

The succubus princess pouted, her eyes filled with disdain, as if she were staring at some irredeemable scoundrel.

She had no energy left to move a single finger, her legs still trembling from earlier.

"Are you jealous?"

Shia’s tone was innocent, as though he’d done nothing wrong.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com