The next day, Field arrived as scheduled.
Because of this operation, Liyakade and Alice couldn’t be of much help. Alice was disliked by Irina Zi, and Liyakade would be manipulated by Irina Zi.
If the two were together, it would definitely be counterproductive. So Field let them stay in the dormitory as usual, with Liyakade continuing to tutor Alice alone.
“Princess Field, this way please.”
Irina Zi had changed into her elegant civilian clothes and personally came out to the courtyard to greet Field. It was clear that Irina Zi still regarded Field quite seriously.
Although Irina Zi suspected Field’s visit this time was not with good intentions, what if there was a slight chance otherwise?
What if Field had indeed felt her affection and wanted to build a good relationship with her?
Such an opportunity must not be missed.
Irina Zi led Field to an open-air balcony.
After they sat down, she had the servants prepare Afternoon Tea. Soon, the servants brought over several exquisite multi-tiered trays laden with various pastries, sandwiches, small cakes, and other sweets.
Then they brought out white porcelain tea sets, and Irina Zi personally poured a cup of steaming hot coffee for Field, adding sugar cubes and milk.
“No need to add for me, I’ll do it myself.”
Field watched this and felt Irina Zi was a bit overenthusiastic. Besides, everyone’s tastes differ; it was somewhat impolite for Irina Zi to season the coffee directly for her. “My habits are different from others.”
“No problem.”
Irina Zi chuckled lightly and didn’t stop her actions.
“I know Princess Field’s preferences very well. By the way, the coffee beans used to grind this coffee are also your favorite variety.”
“…Alright then.”
On the surface, Field remained calm, but inside, she felt a chill creeping over her.
She had never told anyone what kind of coffee beans she liked or how much sugar she added. Why did Irina Zi know all this so clearly?
No, she must be bluffing.
But as Irina Zi continued her movements, Field felt colder and colder. The amount of additives Irina Zi added matched exactly the quantity Field normally used.
“Please, Princess Field.”
Irina Zi wore an expectant smile. This smile felt different from usual to Field—it held no hint of falsehood. But this time, the more genuine the smile, the more terrified Field felt.
Originally, Field didn’t think Irina Zi truly liked her. She believed that her professed affection was just a cover for other motives. But seeing Irina Zi’s behavior and smile, Field felt that Irina Zi might be sincere.
Field feigned composure and sipped the coffee Irina Zi had prepared. The aroma was indeed from her favorite coffee beans.
[Always watching Princess Field.]
For no reason, Field recalled Liyakade’s previous description.
Now that she thought about it, it was terrifyingly detailed. Even her eating habits had been completely uncovered. Had her previous life been under Irina Zi’s surveillance all along?
The thought made Field feel sick to her stomach.
After all, why did Irina Zi like her?
They had only played together briefly during childhood.
After that, until entering the academy, they had hardly met. Even after enrolling, they never greeted each other. Why would Irina Zi like her?
“Is it good, Princess Field?”
Irina Zi looked at Field expectantly, waiting for a reply.
“G-good. By the way, how do you know my tastes so well?”
The more the rich aroma matched Field’s preferences, the more nauseous she felt.
“Because I’ve always been watching Princess Field.”
Irina Zi admitted without hesitation.
“Always… what do you mean by always?”
Field swallowed and tried to press further.
“Hehe, what does always mean? Always means always.”
Irina Zi’s eyes seemed to burn with fanaticism.
“No matter what Princess Field is doing, I’ve always been watching. When you eat, when you study, when other nobles secretly disparage you, when Her Highness Sistem defeats you, when you sulk alone on the back hill—I’ve always been watching.”
Field had never seen this side of Irina Zi before. She knew there was something hidden beneath Irina Zi’s false exterior, but she hadn’t imagined this: a zealot-like obsession with her as the object of worship.
“Princess Field, when I heard you took the initiative to play with me, do you know how happy that made me?”
Irina Zi’s face shone with ecstasy. “
After all these years, you finally remembered me. Please, be with me…”
“Ahem, ahem.”
Field quickly coughed twice to prevent Irina Zi from saying anything more terrifying. “Let’s not talk about this now.”
She picked up a pastry and ate casually.
“Mm, delicious. I like this one.”
“As long as Princess Field likes it, it’s fine. I specially prepared these for you.”
Irina Zi showed no discouragement after being interrupted.
Field maintained her composure, hiding her disgust as best as she could, and chatted casually with Irina Zi.
Irina Zi responded cooperatively.
It seemed the earlier disturbance was just a small episode during Afternoon Tea.
“By the way, Irina Zi, can I buy some slaves from you?”
After chatting for a while and seeing Irina Zi’s lowered guard, Field finally voiced her true purpose.
“Of course.”
Irina Zi’s expression stiffened momentarily but quickly returned to normal. “I’ll take you to the Cang’an Room shortly.”
“Good, thank you.”
Field didn’t expect Irina Zi to agree so easily.
Field had been under high tension, spending a lot of effort just to appear calm on the surface, so she naturally didn’t notice the subtle change in Irina Zi’s demeanor.
From Field’s perspective, Liyakade had indeed evaded Irina Zi’s surveillance all along, and Irina Zi had not discovered Liyakade’s betrayal.
However, Irina Zi’s quick consent was an act.
Throughout this Afternoon Tea, Field’s performance made Irina Zi believe she was not here for Liyakade.
But when Field finally mentioned buying slaves, Irina Zi realized she had been mistaken; her true feelings clearly hadn’t been sensed by Field.
Irina Zi led Field windingly to the Cang’an Room.
“Princess Field, here you can find all the information and lists of the slaves in the estate. See if any of them suit your preference.”