Tia forced a stiff smile on her face.

"Such a joyous occasion naturally calls for celebration."

Shia raised an eyebrow.

This sudden enthusiasm from the master and servant duo felt like a weasel giving a New Year's greeting to a chicken—there had to be an ulterior motive.

Far from feeling flattered, he was on high alert.

As they chatted, Lilith had already pulled Shia to sit at the dining table.

The white candlesticks glowed warmly, their light flickering against the dark wine, creating an atmospheric scene filled with a subtle allure.

The two women flanked Shia, one on each side, with Lilith already pouring him a drink with attentive care.

"Shia, to congratulate you, I'll toast to you first."

Still slightly bewildered, Shia accepted the glass thrust into his hand.

What kind of trick was this?

This wasn’t something that had happened in the game!

"During the first specialty test, your tactic of confusing the enemy was brilliant. Come, let's drink to that!"

Lilith raised her glass with both hands, clinking it against Shia's.

'Clink!'

A crisp sound echoed as the crimson liquid in the glasses swirled briefly.

Shia brought the glass to his lips. The rich aroma filled his mouth with a slightly spicy edge that mellowed into a sweet aftertaste.

It was indeed a fine wine.

After one drink, the white-haired maid leaned closer, refilling his glass with devoted tenderness.

Her soft figure subtly pressed against Shia’s shoulder, the weight of her ample chest resting heavily against him. The scent of her warmth and softness created an intoxicating sensation of its own.

Meanwhile, Tia felt utterly conflicted.

Playing this role wasn’t something she enjoyed, especially not in front of Lilith.

It made her feel like... well, a bitch.

Tia bit her lip slightly, her gaze flitting about nervously until it met Lilith's eyes. The encouraging look she received dispelled her hesitation.

Yes, exactly! A subtle but deliberate seduction was the way to go!

You're doing great!

As soon as she locked eyes with Lilith, Tia's inner turmoil dissipated, replaced by a newfound determination.

All this was for Lilith—it didn’t matter!

The silent exchange between the two women didn’t escape Shia’s notice.

Although he hadn’t experienced this exact scenario, he could easily guess Lilith’s intentions.

You want to get me drunk, huh?

Fine. Let’s play along with your game!

As an expert alchemist of the ninth level, dealing with spiked wine was child’s play.

Shia reached out, gently taking Tia’s delicate hand and rubbing it lightly as he shifted his gaze toward her face.

Tia instinctively wanted to pull her hand back, her composure almost breaking.

Across from her, Lilith, however, looked thrilled.

Yes, this is exactly the reaction we want!

Shia didn’t push it too far, withdrawing his hand with a meaningful smile after a moment of idle toying.

Tia sighed in relief and continued pouring drinks for the two of them.

No one noticed the subtle substance that had appeared on Tia’s hand—not even Tia herself.

Only Shia, who raised his glass to conceal his smirk, knew.

After a few rounds, it wasn’t long before all three of them started looking a bit tipsy.

Lilith, in particular, seemed the most affected.

As the one taking special care to ensure Shia drank, she couldn’t avoid drinking herself. And when Shia returned her toasts, she gladly drank more, believing it would speed up her plan to get him drunk.

As for the goal of this plan?

Lilith had kind of forgotten by now.

The back-and-forth toasting had muddled her senses. She felt like she was walking on clouds—soft, light, and thoroughly comfortable.

Her body gradually slumped, her eyelids growing heavier and heavier.

The scene before her grew darker, darker still, until her eyes closed completely, and darkness claimed her.

Tia, however, hadn’t noticed Lilith’s state. She was too focused on executing their plan.

The wine had painted her cheeks with a rosy blush. Her slightly damp eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and though her gaze was beginning to lose focus, she still tried to maintain a semblance of composure. The allure she exuded in her dazed state was undeniable.

Without realizing it, the slightly tipsy beauty collapsed into Shia's arms.

The scent of masculine pheromones filled her nose so vividly.

And then, the moment came.

Tia reached up to cover her ample chest—though it was impossible to fully shield—with a look of shock on her face.

"What are you doing?! You’re Lilith’s fiancé, and you dare take advantage of me!?"

Her cold voice carried a husky sweetness, soft and slightly coquettish.

Clearly, Tia was attempting to slander Shia’s reputation and call on Lilith to uphold justice for her.

Everything was going perfectly.

Tia’s face mixed shock and anger, with even a hint of disappointment. Her voice trembled with sorrow and indignation—a performance worthy of full marks.

Tia was brimming with confidence and smugness.

Gotcha, you bastard. Thought you could intimidate me? Let’s see who has the upper hand now!

Though inwardly gleeful, she continued to feign the grief and indignation of someone who had been wronged.

But as her gaze swept over Shia, she realized his expression wasn’t quite right.

Not only was there no trace of panic, but he seemed amused, as though watching a show unfold.

Being caught taking advantage of another girl in front of his fiancée, and he wasn’t flustered at all?

Suddenly, she felt a tightening around her waist.

Shia had skillfully wrapped an arm around her, pulling her soft, warm body into his embrace.

His breath, tinged with wine, brushed against her face as he leaned close. Tia’s breath hitched.

His handsome face was right in front of her.

But no matter how attractive the face, all she could think about was that this man was a talentless fool—a mere bug who had dared to offend and threaten her. The thought filled her with anger.

Her heart pounded violently, her entire body stiff with tension.

He... he... how dare he!?

Lilith was right there! How could he boldly do something like this to her!?

Feeling the warmth of the soft figure in his arms and sensing her nervous tension, Shia chuckled.

He arched an eyebrow and kindly motioned for her to look to the side.

Tia followed his gaze.

Lilith’s stunning face was pressed against the table, her delicate body slumped forward. Her chest was squished against the table’s edge, her arm serving as a pillow for her cheek. She was fast asleep.

Her flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips painted the picture of someone in a blissful slumber.

Tia’s eyes widened slightly. Could it be?

Still holding onto a shred of hope, she clung to the possibility that Lilith was only pretending.

Then Shia reached out and poked Lilith’s cheek.

The soft, elastic texture of her face sank slightly under his touch, the collagen springing back enticingly.

And Shia wasn’t content to stop there—he started kneading it in front of Tia.

If Lilith was pretending, there was no way she wouldn’t react.

But she didn’t move at all.

Instead, a sweet smile spread across her face, and she murmured dreamily:

"Ice cream... so delicious~!"

The sweetness was unmistakable.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com