Chapter Eighty-One: A Tender Moment

“Lanlan, slow down, wait for me!” Arthur strode after Yingyue. Yingyue looked up at the ever understated yet lavish Lilith Castle, and couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion. It had only been a day, yet it felt as though so much more time had passed. Perhaps that was the effect of a change in heart.

Lost in thought, a warm smile tugged at her lips.

Just then, someone swept her up from behind, encircling her in a tight embrace. Warm breath tickled her cheek, hot and slightly itchy.

“Lanlan, why didn’t you wait for me? You just ran off by yourself!” Arthur grumbled, planting a loud, exaggerated kiss on her cheek. “This is your punishment for leaving your husband behind and going off alone!”

Yingyue couldn’t help but laugh. Was this supposed to be a punishment? It was almost unbearably sweet! And, besides—

“Hey, you’re a foreigner. Calling yourself ‘husband’ in Chinese is kind of strange, you know?”

“What’s so strange about it? When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” Arthur replied cheerfully from behind her, grinning.

“When in Rome?” Yingyue broke out in a cold sweat. “Excuse me, Your Highness Rivers, but aren’t we still in England?”

Arthur, who had been holding his head high and waiting for Yingyue’s affection, was caught completely off guard by her words. His flirtatious smile froze awkwardly on his face, and he muttered, a little resentfully,

“Then… then I suppose I should follow wherever my spouse goes, be it a rooster or a dog!”

Follow wherever your spouse goes, whether rooster or dog?

Yingyue stood there, dumbstruck, not even able to muster a sweat—her world simply went dark.

“Hey, if you don’t know how to use Chinese sayings, just don’t use them, okay?” Yingyue scolded him in exasperation. “And that phrase—do you even know what it means? When it’s supposed to be used? Or whom it’s supposed to refer to?” She broke free from Arthur’s embrace and turned to glare at him.

Arthur’s heart skipped a beat. Had he used it incorrectly? That couldn’t be! He’d worked so hard to learn Chinese culture for Lanlan’s sake! But then, a sudden realization struck him, and his face darkened.

Wait, he’d last crammed for Chinese culture… five years ago!

Arthur’s heart trembled with dread. He was doomed—truly doomed this time!

He kept his head down, sneaking glances at Yingyue’s stern little face as she glared at him menacingly. He quickly lowered his head even further, almost to the floor, and then, after a moment’s thought, raised his head with a pitiful expression and tried to placate her:

“Heh, uh, Lanlan, it was just… just a slip of the tongue. I swear I’ll study Chinese culture properly from now on.” As he spoke, he kept a close eye on her expression, and, seeing her features soften just a bit, he hurriedly raised his right hand. “Really, I promise.”

Yingyue watched Arthur’s anxious, earnest demeanor, secretly amused, though she kept her expression cold.

“Fine. Since this is your first offense, I’ll let it go. But in the future, don’t use ancient sayings you don’t understand—it’s embarrassing!” With an air of grandeur, she finished her rebuke and ascended the stairs without a backward glance.

Arthur let out a long, heavy sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Phew, that was close. Chinese culture truly is broad and profound. One misstep and you’re left with eternal regret!” he muttered under his breath. “And a Chinese wife is even harder to win than Chinese culture itself!” As he rambled to himself, a goofy grin spread across his face. “Still, a Chinese wife is so much more… flavorful!” Like a weasel who’d just stolen a chicken, he touched his lips and smacked them contentedly.

Meanwhile, Hill, the elderly butler who had just been preparing to greet Yingyue as she entered, was left trembling as if he had Parkinson’s. His heart was crying out in dismay—Your Highness, could you please be a little more mindful of your status? You’re a duke, after all—a duke personally appointed by Her Majesty the Queen! How could you behave so… so… so unbecomingly!

In truth, Hill wanted to say, How could you, in front of someone of my advanced age, flaunt your rather questionable Chinese knowledge in front of the young lady? Even if you’re not ashamed, I’m getting chills just watching!

Still, thoughts were one thing, but after a few seconds of trembling, the aged butler forced himself back to composure. With his perpetually stoic face, he respectfully stepped forward and bowed to Arthur, saying, “Your Highness, you must be weary after your journey. I’ve had your bath prepared—please allow me to show you the way.”

Arthur, still lost in his foolish grin, was startled by Hill’s sudden appearance, barely able to mask his expression in time. His dazzlingly handsome features twisted with surprise. He silently cursed—Hill really was getting senile, sneaking up without a sound. Was he trying to scare him to death?

With a dramatic roll of his eyes, Arthur tried to recover his dignity. “Mm.” He then walked off toward the bathroom with a show of elegance.

Once Arthur had left, a few stewards and maids emerged from discreet corners of the hall, whispering among themselves.

“My goodness, I’ve never seen His Highness like that before!”

“Me neither! He’s always so gentle and aloof—who would have thought he had another side to him?”

“Exactly. I always felt His Highness’s very presence was a reminder of our humble status, a warning to stay in our place. Who knew—”

“Everyone has a softer side, deep down. His Highness’s heart must have always belonged to the young lady.”

“Ahem—” In the midst of their chatter, a sudden cough sent a shock through the group. Faces paled and hearts sank—this was bad. The butler had made it clear from the beginning: discussing the Duke was strictly forbidden! If His Highness caught wind of their gossip, being dismissed would be the least of their worries. Heads bowed low, no one dared breathe too loudly, awaiting their fate.

Hill, having escorted Arthur to the bathroom, now stood outside waiting to be summoned. Arthur hated having anyone nearby during his bath, unless absolutely necessary. As soon as Hill stepped out, he witnessed the alarming scene in the hall. If the Duke’s rivals learned of this, wouldn’t it be as good as exposing all his weaknesses? Hill’s face darkened—clearly, something had to be done.

“Hill, send Susan in, please,” came Yingyue’s voice from her room.

Hill hesitated. If Susan were suddenly replaced, the young lady would surely ask questions. If she learned what had happened, she’d be furious—and when she was angry, His Highness would suffer for it…

Shaking his head slightly, Hill addressed the gathered maids and stewards in a stern tone.

“This will happen only once. Should there be a repeat—” He left the threat unfinished; everyone understood the consequences and answered respectfully, “Yes, Master Hill.”

Hill gestured for them to disperse. Once everyone had gone except Susan, he said, “Susan, go on—the young lady is waiting.”

“Yes, Master Hill.” Susan hurried off toward Yingyue’s room.

While warmth filled Lilith Castle, the atmosphere in the Spencer villa was far less pleasant.

Maria stood in the doorway, gazing at the shattered door and the dust-filled room. Her emerald eyes gleamed, but her delicate face betrayed no emotion.

Those standing at the entrance glanced nervously at Maria’s inscrutable expression, none daring to break the silence. They exchanged meaningful looks.

You go—ask the young lady what to do next.

Why me? You’re her left hand. Why don’t you go?

You’re the right hand—that takes precedence! As the “right hand” glared at the “left hand,” he abruptly turned to signal someone else.

You go—you’re the young lady’s “eyes.” She’s always valued her eyes the most.

The one known as the “eyes” turned positively green—greener than Maria’s own emerald gaze.

Cowards! You’re trying to send me, the “eyes”—the most fragile part! Unlike your sturdy left and right hands, I’m delicate. I’m not going—if anyone’s going, it should be you!

With a resentful glare at the “hands,” the “eyes” turned away, refusing to acknowledge them.

Hmph! Everyone knows the young lady is in a foul mood right now. If they think I’ll be their scapegoat, they’re dreaming!

The “hands,” seeing the “eyes” ignore them, exchanged furtive glances and nodded. In perfect unison, the left hand’s right hand and the right hand’s left hand reached out together—

In the blink of an eye, the “eyes” found himself pushed forward, standing before Maria.

The “hands” smirked at their success, their eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of a plan well executed.

The “eyes” could have wept, but dared not turn back for retribution—Maria’s gaze was now sharp as a blade, making cold sweat break out down his spine.

Hmph! Revenge is a dish best served cold. Just wait, I’ll see both your left and right hands ruined!

He cursed the two of them inside and out, but on the surface, forced a bright smile and addressed Maria with fawning deference.

“Young lady, what shall we do next?”

Maria frowned at the “eyes,” speaking slowly.

“Do what?”

Do what? The three of them were momentarily stunned. Looking at the wrecked remains of Maria’s bedroom, the answer seemed obvious—they ought to return the favor in kind!

After all, as the saying goes, “A courtesy not returned is impolite.”

Indeed, Chinese culture seemed to be all the rage abroad these days.

The “eyes” rolled his gaze, trying to gauge Maria’s intentions, and decided to proceed as usual, asking tentatively,

“Should we deal with that woman—” He drew his finger across his throat in a cutting gesture, his eyes glinting coldly.

—Author’s Note—

Today, the story goes premium! Dear readers, I hope you’ll continue to support me!