On the status panel, Eris's favorability had actually leaped out of the negative range and into the positive. That single gentle caress just now had somehow increased it by ten points out of thin air, leaving it sitting steadily at 11.
He nodded privately to himself; this "heavy dose of medicine" had certainly been effective.
Though Eris's current reaction carried a faint hint of Stockholm Syndrome, what did it matter? Compared to her previous willfulness and arrogance, this submissive dependency was undoubtedly much more to his liking.
"Y-yes! I'll be obedient! I'll be a good girl!"
There was a hint of cheerfulness in Eris's voice. She narrowed her crimson eyes slightly and subconsciously rubbed her head against Su Mu's palm like a kitten having its fur stroked. She had completely dropped her guard, immersing herself in this rare moment of tenderness.
After a few more strokes, Su Mu slowly withdrew his hand.
The smile on Eris's face instantly faded by half, and a visible look of loss welled up in her eyes. Her fingertips curled slightly as she looked up at Su Mu with a timid gaze.
She blinked frequently, her long lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. Hidden behind them, her red eyes were full of anticipation and unease. After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke in a voice as faint as a mosquito: "C-can you pet me a few more times... just a little more..."
"I could," Su Mu replied, still smiling, though his tone was guiding. "But if you want to receive something, you have to give something first. Simply demanding things doesn't make you a good girl."
"Is that so..." Eris furrowed her brows, her small face twisted in serious thought. Her crimson eyes darted around a few times before she suddenly seemed to think of something. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson instantly, and she ducked beneath the covers. A muffled, stuttering voice came from under the blankets, thick with uncontrollable bashfulness: "Ngh... w-will... this... be enough..."
"Mm, such a good girl."
A flash of amusement crossed Su Mu's eyes as he once again placed his hand atop her head.
From beneath the covers, Eris immediately made small sounds of delight. A bright smile spread across her face, and her movements became even more diligent.
After their intimate time, the morning light had fully saturated the bedroom.
Like a clingy kitten, Eris followed submissively at Su Mu's side, awkwardly helping him tidy his clothes. Her movements were clumsy and frantic; whenever her fingertips brushed against his hem, she would reflexively pull back, her cheeks flushing before she continued with caution. Through much stumbling and hesitation, she finally managed to get Su Mu dressed properly.
Afterward, Su Mu handed over an exquisite cat-themed maid outfit—its collar was adorned with lace, the skirt had puffy pleats, and it came with a small pair of cat-ear hair accessories.
Eris took the clothes, and although she was shy, she obediently changed into them. The cat-paw bowtie at the collar made her face look even more charming, and her red eyes were full of dependency.
When the two walked out of the bedroom, a slender figure was already standing outside the door.
Lilia stood with perfect posture, her skin gleaming like porcelain in the morning light. She held washing supplies in her hands, her demeanor respectful and humble. Seeing the two emerge, she immediately bowed. "My Lord, you are awake. Breakfast is ready. Please allow me to assist with your morning ablutions."
Her voice was cool, yet carried the perfect level of submissiveness.
Su Mu glanced at her. Seeing that she was still in the same state of undress as yesterday, he realized his previous orders had made her too afraid to dress herself without permission.
He pulled out a standard maid uniform and handed it over, his tone flat. "No need to rush the washing. Put this on first."
"Yes, my Lord."
Lilia accepted the order respectfully. Taking the clothes, she began to dress right in front of them. Her movements were efficient and her expression calm, as if this level of transparency was already etched into her very bones.
However, as she looked down to fasten her buttons, her gaze flicked briefly behind Su Mu. Eris was currently clutching Su Mu's coattails with both hands, her head slightly lowered. The cat-maid outfit made her look exceptionally soft and delicate. Seeing that clingy behavior caused a very faint flash of jealousy to cross Lilia's eyes.
But in an instant, she suppressed that strange emotion. Fully dressed, she bowed once more to await instructions.
"My Lord, please let me assist you with your washing," Lilia repeated, her tone still reverent.
Su Mu nodded slightly, then turned to Eris at his side. "Eris, you go wash up too. If you don't know where to go or what to do, ask the others."
"...Yes."
Eris answered in a small voice. Her fingers tightened on Su Mu's coattails for a moment, her red eyes full of reluctance, but she still obediently let go. She walked toward the bathroom, looking back over her shoulder with every step.
After only a few paces, she ran into March 7th, who was carrying a water glass. Under March 7th's enthusiastic guidance, Eris obediently began her morning routine.
Meanwhile, Su Mu finished washing under Lilia's care and followed her to the living room.
The dining table was already prepared. A rich breakfast was laid out across the snow-white tablecloth—golden, crispy toast, fragrant fried eggs, warm milk, honey bread, and several plates of exquisite snacks. It had clearly been prepared with great care.
Not long after, Eris followed March 7th over.
March 7th was as full of energy as ever, skipping along while holding Eris's hand, her mouth never stopping as she gave the girl various instructions.
Then, Himeko, who had been reading on the sofa nearby, closed her book and stood up. She wore a simple white gown, her temperament gentle yet carrying a mature air of efficiency as she walked slowly toward the table.
Once everyone had gathered, Lilia maintained her bowing posture at the side of the table, not daring to overstep in the slightest. Eris huddled close to Su Mu, clutching her skirt with her small hands. She remained standing as well, her eyes timidly scanning the table, not daring to take a seat on her own.
"Everyone, sit down." Su Mu was the first to take a seat, his tone calm but carrying an indisputable authority. "As long as you are obedient, I am actually quite easy to get along with."
"Mm!"
Eris's eyes lit up. She immediately sat in the chair next to Su Mu with a happy expression, her small hands resting properly on the edge of the table. Like a kitten that had been given a treat, her eyes were full of joy.
Lilia, however, remained standing. It wasn't that she didn't believe Su Mu, but rather that her years of experience had accustomed her to a life of humble service. The idea of sitting at the same table as her master was too foreign for her to process, and for a moment, she didn't know how to react.
Su Mu looked up at her, his voice soft but carrying a hint of a warning. "What? Are my words no longer effective? Or do you want to taste punishment again?"
"N-no, that's not it!" Lilia's heart tightened, and she hurriedly bowed in thanks. "T-thank you, my Lord!"
As she spoke, she carefully pulled out a chair some distance away from Su Mu. Even as she sat, her back remained ramrod straight. She stole occasional glances at Su Mu's expression, terrified that she might do something improper.
"Alright. Eat whatever you like." Su Mu picked up his utensils and looked back at Eris. "The same goes for you, Eris. From now on, you must try to do things for yourself. You can't always rely on others."
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