Rita's arrival was indeed a headache for Theresa.
Long before Rita became Durandal's adjutant, the precocious maid had harbored unique feelings toward the petite Theresa.
Of course, these feelings were neither romantic nor born of admiration for a superior.
Rather, they were something far more ambiguous, teetering on the edge of criminality.
It was a mix of "wanting to get closer," "wanting to possess," "wanting to take her home," and "wanting to hug, kiss, and lift her high."
In simpler terms, it was somewhat akin to... lolicon tendencies.
But Theresa was already a mature adult, well past forty, and as the principal of St. Freya Academy, she had to maintain her dignity in front of her students at all times.
Thus, she was particularly inept at dealing with Rita.
The mere thought of Rita staying for at least half a month gave Theresa a throbbing headache.
Where there was sorrow for some, there was joy for others.
July 4th.
That evening, Rita's NPC appeared in Ye Feng's St. Freya.
"It's been almost a month—why did Otto only send Sister Rita now?"
Ye Feng even suspected that the main reason might have been because of Higokumaru and Yae Sakura, rather than Kiana and the others entering his world.
No... if it was Otto, it was probably still because of Kiana.
To be precise, it was because of the Herrscher of the Void slumbering within Kiana.
"Whatever, who cares what he thinks."
Ye Feng didn't dwell on it.
What delighted him was that this time, there were two Ritas.
One was the Rita from the main world, and the other was the long-haired "Stygian Nymph."
The two looked identical, save for their hair length.
Their auras were also quite similar—both elegant and alluring—but with subtle differences. The short-haired Rita leaned toward soft charm, while the long-haired Rita exuded a mysterious allure.
Standing side by side, they looked like twin sisters.
"But somehow, an alternate version still feels a bit different from actual twins."
What exactly was the difference?
Ye Feng couldn't be bothered to think about it.
"Ye Feng."
A clear, refined voice called from behind. A classical beauty in a pale golden palace dress trailed her skirts as she gracefully approached.
"Oh, it's you, Ji Lin."
Ye Feng turned and introduced, "Rita Rossweisse—you must have met her already today, right?"
"..."
She actually hadn't.
Ever since performing The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate from the best seat two days ago, Ji Lin had been feeling an occasional burning sensation in the arches of her feet.
In reality, there was no heat—her real body had long been taken over by Dark Ji Lin. This was merely phantom heat.
Just being alone made her unbearably embarrassed.
How could she possibly face Kiana, or... even Fu Hua?
So, Ji Lin had flown to the Chiyou Island, guarding the crystalized forms of Danzhu and Cangxue.
There were so many things she wanted to say to Fu Hua... but these days, her mind was filled only with Ye Feng's unyielding vigor.
"Ji Lin, if you want to be a proper maid, the first step is to change how you address people. You should really learn from Rita in this regard."
Ji Lin's expression remained cold as she replied indifferently, "This concubine is no longer your maid. Why have you summoned me here?"
The moment Ji Lin entered this space, her body began moving on its own, bringing her straight to Ye Feng's side.
Ye Feng pulled out a stack of duel cards and flashed a bright smile.
"Let's play cards."
"This concubine does not know how."
"I've already input the rules into your mind. You're clever—you'll pick it up quickly."
"..."
Ji Lin hesitated, eyeing Ye Feng warily. He coaxed her gently:
"Don't worry, our match will be completely fair. I won't cheat in any way. If you win, I'll grant you any wish—any wish. If you lose, your punishment will be about the same as before."
"Being your personal maid for a day?"
"No, you just have to call me 'Master.'"
"?"
Ji Lin stared at Ye Feng in disbelief. The terms were this favorable?
"All I have to do is call you 'Master'?"
"That's right. But this 'calling me Master' has no time limit. If you lose, you'll have to keep calling me that forever."
"Fine."
Ji Lin agreed without hesitation.
In the past, even when hope seemed lost, Ji Lin would fight tooth and nail for a sliver of a chance.
Now, with the worst-case scenario being nothing more than this, she was more than willing to go all out.
"If you're fine with the terms, sign here."
Ye Feng produced a contract.
Ji Lin scanned it, her eyes immediately locking onto the key points:
[If Ji Lin loses: At any time, in any space, she must address Ye Feng as "Master."]
[If Ye Feng loses: He must fulfill any one of Ji Lin's requests.]
[Violators of the contract shall be punished.]
Ye Feng raised a finger.
"The punishment goes both ways. If I break the agreement, I'll be penalized too. No need to look at me like that—I made these rules myself. No point in undermining my own authority."
Mm!
Ji Lin nodded slowly but firmly.
She signed her name on the scroll.
If she could win, she would grasp a glimmer of hope.
"The contract is sealed. Those who break their word shall suffer the penalty of a full naked dogeza."
What was a "full naked dogeza"?
Ji Lin shook her head.
It didn't matter—she had no intention of breaking the contract anyway.
If she lost, the worst she'd have to do was call him "Master."
And besides, was defeat guaranteed?
Not necessarily!
Ji Lin clenched her fist slightly, as if trying to grasp the future itself.
The faint light in the darkness was right before her.
Even if she had to run with all her might, she would—
She stumbled.
Ji Lin lost to Ye Feng after all.
Even though she had familiarized herself with the rules, her experience was no match for his.
D-damn it!
But Ji Lin wasn't afraid.
"From now on, you must call me 'Master.'"
"Y-yes... M-Master..."
Ji Lin's pupils shrank.
Because she had instinctively tried to say "Ye Feng" in her mind—but even thinking his real name was forbidden!
Just how powerful was this contract?!
Ji Lin wanted to test it. She looked at Ye Feng and tried to silently call his name in her heart.
But the next moment—
Thud!
She dropped to her knees.
Her robes loosened, slipping off her flawless, snow-white skin like petals unfurling from a blooming flower.
"?"
"Ji Lin, you're breaking the rules already? Trying to go back on your word so soon?"
"?"
"Read the terms again: [At any time, in any space, she must address Ye Feng as "Master."] Even your thoughts count as a 'space.'"
Eh? Ehhh?!
It was that strict?!
Ji Lin had scrutinized the contract repeatedly and was sure there were no loopholes.
But even thinking his name would trigger the penalty?!
"I had fun playing cards with you today, Ji Lin, but it's getting late. I'm going to go chat with Rita now."
Huh? Wait.
You're leaving?
This is the cafeteria—dinner's about to start soon.
What am I supposed to do?!
Are you just going to leave me like this?!
Wait!
Seriously, wait!
At least let me put my clothes back on!
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