Volume 1 Chapter 82

Volume 1 + Chapter 82: The Scheming Little Zhizhi Baby

The knocking on the door was rhythmic and gentle.

Eve opened the door, only to see standing outside the very maid who had previously helped her and given her the key to this house.

At the same time, she was also the personal maid of Princess Alice, who was deeply trusted by the royal family of the Empire.

Although she was a maid, being able to reach this level meant her status was by no means low. What’s more, she even owned such a property in the most prosperous area of the imperial capital.

“Good evening, Miss Eve.”

The maid slightly bowed her head and respectfully saluted Eve.

“Good evening. Miss Maid, visiting so late at night is…”

Eve hurriedly returned the salute, but she was still wearing her apron, which was clearly a bit inappropriate. This made her a little embarrassed…

“No need to be nervous. Is the house comfortable enough to live in?”

“Comfortable, very comfortable. Thank you for your help. Otherwise, my daughter and I really wouldn’t have known where to go.”

Eve was truly grateful to the maid before her, after all, she had helped solve her greatest difficulty—housing.

“That’s good. This house has been vacant for a long time, and with Miss Eve taking care of it, I can rest assured.”

“You can live here as long as you want. Don’t be polite with me. My lady Princess especially instructed me to take good care of Miss Eve.”

The maid gently nodded.

“Why don’t we go inside and talk.”

Eve stepped aside, but whether it was because Eve was too… or because the doorway was designed too narrow,

Even though Eve had turned sideways, the space still felt rather cramped. This made Eve awkward, and she couldn’t help but step back a few paces…

The maid looked at Eve’s graceful side profile and couldn’t help but smile a little.

No wonder Her Highness was so fond of Miss Eve—truly, from one angle a range of peaks, from another, lofty ridges…

“No need. I’m only here to deliver Her Majesty the Empress’s instructions.”

“Her Majesty the Empress… instructions?”

An imperial edict?

Shouldn’t she kneel to receive it?

No, this world didn’t seem to follow that custom. But just standing here and listening—would that not be too disrespectful to Her Majesty the Empress?

“Her Majesty the Empress hopes you can arrive at the palace tomorrow morning on time to prepare for making her gown.”

“Regarding Her Highness the Princess’s private lessons, she hopes you can also give a trial lecture for her to observe.”

After relaying the official matter, out of her favoritism for her lady, the maid remembered her princess’s special instructions.

“As long as the trial lecture passes, the remuneration from Her Majesty the Empress will not be low.”

The maid spoke as she handed Eve a heavy pouch of coins.

This time, besides delivering the message, she was also tasked with delivering Eve the deposit.

Eve stared blankly at the heavy pouch in her hands. From her experience, it should contain glittering gold coins, and certainly no fewer than ten.

“This is the deposit for the gown. After you pass tomorrow’s trial lecture, Her Majesty the Empress will immediately settle a full week’s private teaching salary for you.”

“Though the schedule is rather tight, we hope you can manage your time well and make proper adjustments. My lady Princess is also very much looking forward to your success.”

After a few more polite words, the maid did not linger and soon left.

Watching the maid’s departing figure, Eve couldn’t help but sigh… what a good person.

But tomorrow she had to both prepare the Empress’s gown and, in the Empress’s presence, lecture Alice.

With time so tight, Eve didn’t know if she could manage.

Especially giving Alice a lesson… Eve feared she might secretly play some little tricks again.

For example, touching her leg while she lectured… no, that was too low-level, not stimulating enough. Clearly Princess Alice wouldn’t stoop to that.

Based on what Eve knew of Her Highness Alice, in tomorrow’s trial lecture there was a ninety-nine percent chance she’d go in without underwear, and a one percent chance she wouldn’t even wear a skirt.

Of course, because the Empress would be present, the “no skirt” chance was just one percent.

If the Empress weren’t there, the probability would theoretically be one hundred percent.

After sending the maid off, Eve closed the door and opened the heavy pouch for a look. As expected, the Empress was generous.

Truly the Empire’s top wealthy woman—the pouch contained ten glittering gold coins.

Honestly, the gown Eve made for Leah, not counting labor, had cost just over two silver coins.

Even if the leftover fabric was reused, the cost could be reduced further.

But the Empress casually paid ten gold coins—truly lavish.

Yet a problem immediately followed. After all, Eve was not a professional seamstress. She didn’t even own a proper measuring ruler.

When making Leah’s gown, she could use Leah’s other dresses as reference and drape fabric directly over her body for fitting.

And since Leah was her own daughter, if there was any uncertainty—say bust, waist, hip measurements—she could simply measure with her hands.

Though Eve lacked a professional measuring ruler, her hands and eyes served as her ruler.

But… Here was the problem.

If she entered the palace and, facing the pure, noble Empress, still tried to measure by hand and eye, those “tools” would likely be confiscated by the royal guards.

After all, who would believe you were “taking measurements”? All anyone would see was your hand resting on the Empress’s chest for half an hour…

And savoring it, too?

Now, buying a professional measuring tape was too late, not to mention Eve wouldn’t know how to use one anyway.

As mentioned before, Eve wasn’t a trained seamstress…

A gown’s design could not be sloppy, especially one for the Empress. If inaccurate measurements led to an imperfect finished product, making the Empress feel deceived, then it wouldn’t just be about returning the deposit.

But Eve couldn’t really measure by hand, could she?

“Oh, so many gold coins.”

A full-bellied Zhizhi also came over, looking at the pouch of coins in Eve’s hands and letting out an emotionless exclamation.

The rich-girl Zhizhi baby had only come over to find an excuse to stick close to Eve, not because she cared about a pouch of shiny stones.

“Miss Eve, you’ve earned so many gold coins yet don’t look happy? I just heard—you’re going to the palace tomorrow to make a gown for Her Majesty the Empress?”

Zhizhi quietly brushed her own white-silk leg against Eve’s slim black-silk-covered leg.

The motion was smooth and natural. Eve was even getting used to it, not realizing Zhizhi’s affectionate gesture at first.

But Umi, who had just finished washing dishes for Leah, noticed something odd.

Just like her first time dining here, she felt Zhizhi harbored unusual feelings toward Eve.

And now that the sky was darkening, to avoid stumbling upon a wild girl’s “silver party,” she decided to excuse herself and head home to read her magic books.

Mainly, Umi lacked experience. If they really did it, should she join… or just watch?

Or… watch and help herself?

None seemed right. Best to go home quickly. By working hard and getting into the Church Academy early, her mother wouldn’t have to struggle to save money anymore.

Speaking of which, it seemed her mother hadn’t had new clothes for a long time. Miss Eve’s craftsmanship was impressive—if there was a chance, maybe ask her to make one.

It didn’t need to be too fancy—just a decently pretty dress would do.

Umi remembered, ever since her mother started saving money, she hadn’t worn a pretty dress.

“Um… Miss Eve, thank you for your hospitality. My mother is waiting at home, so I’ll take my leave.”

Umi walked to Eve’s side and bowed obediently.

Eve’s cooking was delicious—this she had to admit. She even wanted more after finishing.

The only downside was the ever-present risk of stumbling into a girl’s silver party here—it felt a little dangerous…

“Did you eat enough? Wait a moment.”

Eve quickly went to the kitchen and came back with several delicate lunch boxes, filled with dishes she had prepared today.

They were carefully kept warm with magic, still hot to the touch, showing Eve’s thoughtfulness.

“Take these to your mother. Thank her for the ingredients—truly delicious. Please let her try my cooking too.”

“And also…”

Eve handed Umi a list.

“The last study plan wasn’t detailed enough, so I made you a new personalized one. Follow this list, and I believe you’ll enter the Church Academy with your own strength.”

Eve gently patted Umi’s head, her tone full of affection.

Umi received the list as if receiving her future hope.

She looked up at Eve’s gentle face—so kind, so warm.

“Don’t believe in shortcuts, and don’t think money solves everything. In the end, you must rely on yourself.”

“Do your best.”

Eve’s encouragement ignited Umi’s determination.

She clenched her teeth, resolving to crawl if she had to—she would cross the Church Academy’s threshold.

“I will. Then I’ll be going.”

Umi had never wanted to study this hard before. But she still wondered—why was the famous scarlet witch’s book not on the list again?

That was the best-selling magic book, yet Miss Eve didn’t recommend a single one.

Strange—did Eve really think so poorly of the scarlet witch’s writings?

Come to think of it… the scarlet witch was also named Eve.

What a coincidence.

After seeing Umi off, Eve finally let out a small sigh of relief.

Now all she had to do was send Zhizhi baby home to rest, and today would be complete.

She had to admit, even without much physical work today, she still felt quite tired.

But Zhizhi baby had no intention of leaving. She even took off her pink bunny slippers and sat on the sofa.

Her white-silk legs swayed slightly, her eyes full of expectation as she looked at Eve. That fair, lovely appearance was simply impossible not to feel tenderness for.

Like a child gazing at you, pleading to be kept company and chatted with.

“Miss Eve, my feet feel uncomfortable.”

Zhizhi was now skilled at this. Though her delicate feet felt perfectly fine, she reasoned: Eve’s massages were heavenly. By rounding up, not being massaged equaled discomfort.

“Alright, I’ll massage them for you.”

Eve was used to this request. She sat on the sofa, expertly pulling those white-silk-wrapped feet into her lap.

Although it wasn’t her first time, Zhizhi still couldn’t help but cover her lips, letting out soft hums.

Especially when Eve pressed certain sensitive spots in her soles, Zhizhi let out a sweet moan.

With a bit of rhythm, too. Eve wondered—if she mastered all of Zhizhi’s points, could she play “Spring Day Shadows” on her?

No—what was she even thinking?

Eve shook her head, brushing away the strange idea.

“Zhizhi, have you thought about what you want to do next?”

After all, Zhizhi had just graduated from the Church Academy. With her talent and powerful family background,

She should have clear goals for the future…

But at Eve’s question, she hesitated.

“I… don’t know.”

Zhizhi lowered her head, pouting in distress.

“Ever since my mother passed away, my heart has been in chaos. No direction, no drive.”

“Or maybe… I’ve always been this way. My mother just sheltered me too well. Now my true nature is revealed…”

Zhizhi had no real plans for the future. If she did, it would probably just be wanting to marry.

But she dared not say it—certainly not to Eve.

Because…

Looking at Eve’s beautiful, worried face, Zhizhi knew—it wasn’t the right time.

“I see. That’s okay. You’ve only just graduated, not even of age yet. There’s plenty of time. Feeling lost is normal.”

“Take it slowly. Our Zhizhi baby is so excellent, there’s no need to worry about the future.”

Eve carefully kneaded her feet, smiling warmly.

Zhizhi felt a rush of familiarity.

If her aunt were here, she’d scold her for being so useless.

But Eve wasn’t displeased at all—she even comforted her. She was as gentle as her mother.

Ever since her mother passed, Zhizhi hadn’t felt this kind of warmth.

All this time, she had lived alone, leaving home, thinking solitude would heal her.

But after meeting Eve, she realized—she had never healed. She had only forgotten bit by bit.

When faced with that familiar gentleness, she couldn’t help but lean closer…

“Mm, thank you for comforting me, Miss Eve.”

Zhizhi pressed her lips together, staring at Eve’s smiling lips so close. She wanted to lean in… closer still.

Her heart wavered—she truly wanted to kiss Eve.

After all, the atmosphere was perfect. Not kissing felt strange.

But if she did, would Eve be upset? After all, she was Leah’s friend. Kissing her friend’s mother out of nowhere—wasn’t that too…

Too thrilling.

And Leah was busy in the kitchen, tidying the house. So diligent…

How could she steal a kiss from her friend’s mother while the friend worked?

But Eve’s lips looked so kissable, so fragrant, so soft—she wanted to taste them.

“Oh, right!”

Eve suddenly remembered something, pulling Zhizhi out of her pink fantasy.

“Your underwear should be dry by now. I’ll help you bring it in.”

Eve lifted her black-silk-wrapped thighs from the sofa, slipped her delicate feet into slippers, and went to the balcony.

Soon she returned with Zhizhi’s fragrant laundry.

“I’ll fold these for you. Later, put them in your wardrobe. Whenever you can’t manage laundry, just come to me.”

Thoughtful as ever, Eve folded Zhizhi’s underwear neatly.

Zhizhi blushed watching her undergarments handled so carefully, even brought close for inspection.

Though she had countless naughty thoughts about Eve, they stayed thoughts.

Taking action required courage—she was still a maiden, after all.

But among the underwear, Zhizhi spotted a black lace-trimmed piece—beautiful and unfamiliar.

Not hers. Likely Eve had accidentally brought in one of her own while collecting.

Zhizhi’s clever mind spun quickly.

Swiftly, she snatched the lace fabric into her hand. Miss Eve had good taste—the feel was divine.

If only Eve wore it for her to touch… even smell—it’d extend her life.

Shame it had been washed.

“I-I’ll help you. I can’t always trouble Miss Eve. I need to learn independence.”

Zhizhi pretended to help fold, but secretly slipped the lace into her possession.

She was thrilled at the unexpected prize, already planning its future use.

Still a pity it was washed. Otherwise, she’d have gone for an epic “through the lungs.”

As for brewing tea with Eve’s black stockings—that’d wait for another time.

“My, Zhizhi baby is so sensible. Alright then, let’s fold together. I’ll teach you how.”

Eve clasped her hand, teaching patiently.

Zhizhi inhaled her gentle fragrance, utterly entranced.

Though Eve taught well, Zhizhi remembered none of it.

All she felt was her small hand in Eve’s soft palm, tenderly guided.

The world seemed unimportant.

For a moment, Zhizhi drifted.

Her mind wasn’t on the clothes, nor Eve’s words.

She recalled her mother once teaching her to fold like this.

Back then, she hadn’t paid attention either, only wishing to snuggle close.

Now, with her mother gone, she had no chance—until she met Eve.

Miss Eve was so gentle, so fragrant. She really, really liked her.

Zhizhi felt herself melt in Eve’s arms, wanting to become one with her.

Become one… with Eve?

“Alright, done. Just put these away when you get home.”

Eve’s words pulled her back to reality.

Interrupted from her pink fantasy, Zhizhi pouted in disappointment.

So close to success—yet stopped…

“Do you need me to walk you home?”

“N-no, I’ll take them myself. Um… may I stay a little longer? Just a little.”

Blushing, she looked shy.

“Of course. No problem.”

Eve nodded. She knew Zhizhi lived alone. Returning home meant loneliness.

Opening her heart and staying longer was good. Let her stay.

But Eve didn’t know Zhizhi’s real plan had only just begun.

She was shy, but not foolish. After tasting Eve’s gentleness, she wanted more.

Like a scheming little girl who says, “Big sister, your hands are so soft, may I touch them?”—once she touches, she won’t stop.

Why go home, open doors, undress, climb into bed, pull up blankets—all alone?

Better to pretend to fall asleep here, in Miss Eve’s house.

Then maybe she’d get to sleep with her.

Zhizhi thought herself a genius.

So, while Eve busied herself with chores, she stretched out her white-silk legs, closed her eyes, and pretended to sleep.