Liuli glanced at Serveyia.
The light from the bonfire cast flickering shadows across the maid’s face, making her expression difficult to read.
To be honest, under such light, Liuli had no way of judging Serveyia’s true thoughts.
What kind of emotion was she feeling when she spoke those words?
“So, Serveyia, is my current self in line with your expectations?”
“It is quite consistent, actually. To be honest, I did not expect you to go this far, Little Fox. You really are doing a great job right now.”
Although she still could not see Serveyia’s expression clearly, Liuli could tell that those words were a compliment.
To receive praise from Serveyia — did that mean she really had been doing well lately?
“Then, can I ask for a reward?”
People always tended to push their luck.
After receiving Serveyia’s praise, Liuli subconsciously wanted more.
“Oh? What kind of reward does the Little Fox want?”
“I don’t know… Can I owe it to you for now?”
Originally, Liuli had wanted Serveyia to show her some swordsmanship, but then she remembered that a Swordsmanship display was already included as part of her rewards for the Academy Festival.
It was better to change it to something else for now.
“Of course you can, but I suggest you redeem it as soon as possible. I cannot guarantee how long I will remember it.”
After Serveyia said this, a strange silence fell between the two of them.
They both watched the bonfire in the center of the square and the Students laughing and playing around it.
What were they thinking about right now?
“Serveyia, what exactly is our relationship right now?”
It was obvious that although Serveyia was her Maid in name, Liuli knew very well that the relationship between them was definitely not as simple as that.
“The Little Fox can have whatever relationship she wishes for us to have.”
“Any relationship at all?”
Liuli had never been in a relationship before, but she instinctively felt that Serveyia’s words were no different from an invitation.
“Hehe, it seems the Little Fox has a certain relationship she wants to achieve with me, yes?”
“Um…”
To Liuli, every aspect of Serveyia surpassed her own aesthetic preferences, and her personality was no longer as sharp-tongued as it had been when they first met.
From any perspective, she could be called the perfect choice for a partner.
The problem was, did she have the courage to name that relationship?
“The Little Fox can be bold. Who knows, I might even agree.”
“So it’s not a guarantee that you’ll agree?”
“After all, I would be worried if you proposed something too whimsical. I have to give myself a chance to refuse, don’t I?”
In that case, should she continue?
If she were rejected, it would be such an awkward scene.
She and Serveyia saw each other every day, and there was no possibility of avoiding one another.
Did she really have the courage to keep going?
“However, Little Fox, if you really have something on your mind, my advice is that it is best to say it. Not letting yourself down is the most important thing.”
Liuli had reason to suspect that Serveyia knew exactly what she was thinking and was simply waiting for her to speak.
But as for not having regrets, Liuli did not know if it was easier to regret not saying anything or to regret being rejected.
“Serveyia, is there a possibility that our relationship could take a step further?”
Liuli’s hesitation could hardly be blamed.
Having never been in love, she did not even know how to confess.
She had always believed in letting things happen naturally, but at this moment, she felt a sense of urgency.
Or to put it another way, being put on the spot like this made her feel incredibly restless.
“Oh? To what extent does the Little Fox want our relationship to progress?”
Serveyia’s reaction proved her Evil Taste once again.
Liuli did not believe that Serveyia couldn’t understand her meaning after she had said all that.
She simply wanted Liuli to say it out loud.
Then again, was her relationship with Serveyia truly intimate enough to be bound by a closer connection?
The word ‘Lovers’ was easy to say, but the price to be paid for those words was not simple.
Was she really ready?
Thinking of this, Liuli, who had been about to speak, closed her mouth again.
She felt that she needed a turning point — a moment that would allow her to stop overthinking and just speak.
If she were her past self, she might have chosen to drink.
She had heard of ‘liquid courage’ before.
But things were different now.
She didn’t think Serveyia would let her drink.
Without alcohol, the only catalyst Liuli could think of was the right atmosphere.
But could the current atmosphere be considered appropriate?
“If possible, I hope our relationship can go a step further and we can become Lovers. Is that okay?”
Liuli did not dare to look directly at Serveyia, her gaze fixed on the bonfire.
To be honest, she regretted it the instant the words left her mouth.
Should she have been more cautious?
Should she have been better prepared?
It shouldn’t have been like this — expressing her feelings in such an almost casual manner.
“I am a bit curious. Why would the Little Fox choose to become Lovers with me? If you really wanted to find a partner, there should be candidates much more suitable than I am, right?”
The good news was that Serveyia had not refused.
The bad news was that Serveyia had thrown out a brand-new question for her to answer, and it did not sound like an easy one.
Why exactly did she want to be lovers with Serveyia?
Truthfully, the moment that question was asked, Liuli felt a bit dazed.
She realized she couldn’t actually explain why.
She was simply following her heart, doing what she felt she should do.
Rather than a result of deep deliberation, it was more like an impulse controlled by hormones.
But she couldn’t say that, could she?
That couldn’t be used as a reason.
Liuli knew she had to find a reason that sounded somewhat reasonable.
But what was a suitable reason?
Could she really give one?
Forget about convincing Serveyia; she probably couldn’t even convince herself.
“If — and I mean if — it was Love at First Sight, would you believe me, Serveyia?”
Liuli felt she must look particularly conflicted right now.
She clearly wanted to find a high-sounding reason, but after thinking for a long time, she couldn’t come up with a single appropriate one.
Thinking of it that way, would it be better to just tell the truth?
“Then, what specifically do you like about me? Surely you can answer that question, Little Fox?”
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