A Maid’s Apprehension and a Master’s Reassurance

The small room instantly fell silent, leaving only the soft interweaving of their breaths. Mo Bai’s question made Bai Xia’s body stiffen slightly, as that earlier shyness and awkwardness were instantly replaced by a wave of apprehension.

Although she had been the one to ask Mo Bai to talk privately, when it came time to speak, Bai Xia found herself hesitating.

‘It’s just… how could she possibly bring this up?’

After all, these were the parents of her deskmate. To question their good intentions directly in front of Mo Bai—wouldn’t that seem incredibly rude?

Bai Xia’s concerns were etched across her delicate face, and her usually clear red eyes were now filled with a visible struggle.

Mo Bai watched her, so cautious and afraid of making a single misstep, feeling both amused and a pang of tenderness.

“What is it, really? Just tell me.”

He softened his tone, his fingertips gently tucking a wisp of silver hair behind her ear, the gesture laced with reassurance.

“Is there anything you can’t tell me? Hmm?”

“…” This gentle encouragement allowed Bai Xia to relax slightly. After a few moments of internal struggle, as if having made up her mind, she cautiously said,

“Then I’ll ask… Mo Ge, you mustn’t get angry.”

She looked up, her gaze timidly meeting his, hoping for his promise. After all, Bai Xia was truly afraid Mo Bai would be upset by her question.

“You’re my little maid, why would I get angry?” Mo Bai chuckled, his fingertip playfully brushing her small nose with a hint of intimate teasing, instantly making Bai Xia’s cheeks flush even deeper.

Then, his hand restlessly moved to gently caress her slender calf.

The cool fingertips touching her sensitive skin made Bai Xia instinctively shiver. Her adorable little feet, clad in white socks, curled up uneasily, attempting to escape the heart-accelerating touch. Yet, the boy’s warm palm gently grasped her ankle, pulling her back with an undeniable, tender force.

“Why are you hiding?” Mo Bai’s large hand gently held her tiny, white-socked foot, softly kneading its plush sole.

Her feet were adorably small and delicate; even through the lace-trimmed white socks, he could feel their soft texture.

As Mo Bai continued to toy with her feet, Bai Xia felt a wave of shameful heat spread from her ankles all the way to her ears. Her little foot, being caressed by the boy, trembled slightly, yet she dared not pull it away.

‘Pervert! Foot fetishist!’

Bai Xia fumed silently in her heart. Beneath her snowy hair, her earlobes were so red they seemed to bleed. Her petite body was curled in the boy’s embrace, yet she could only softly plead,

“Mo Ge… stop it…”

A subtle tickle mixed with an indescribable sense of shame. Her toes shyly curled, only to be gently smoothed out by the boy’s thumb.

“Are you going to tell me or not? If you don’t, I’ll start tickling you.”

Mo Bai lowered his voice, his fingertip threateningly scratching the soft arch of her foot.

“Kyaaa~!!!”

Caught off guard, Bai Xia’s sensitive sole was tickled, and she jolted as if electrocuted, letting out a short, sweet shriek. She hastily clapped a hand over her mouth, her red eyes glaring at Mo Bai in embarrassment and indignation, then accused him of his mischievous behavior.

“You… you cheated…”

“Oh, if you don’t speak up, next time I won’t stop,” Mo Bai raised an eyebrow, his fingertip tracing her sole again with a clear warning.

At this moment, the girl only hated her own uncooperative body. But Mo Bai was her master, after all, and naturally held a few small privileges over her body. Just by teasing her little feet, he made her whole body go limp, leaving her powerless to resist in his arms.

“I’ll tell you… I’ll tell you, just stop, Mo Ge…”

Bai Xia finally gave up struggling, her voice tinged with a self-pitying sob as she pleaded.

“I… I just feel that Uncle and Auntie are both from the Sword Wielders’ Bureau, and I’m a Bloodkin. So I’m really scared…”

Bai Xia’s voice grew softer and softer, her tone filled with worry for the future.

“Scared… that Uncle and Auntie one day will…”

Her voice trailed off there. Bai Xia didn’t even dare to look up at Mo Bai, instead burying her burning face deep into his chest, her voice muffled and choked.

“Will… will take me to the Sword Wielders’ Bureau…”

After all, she had worked odd jobs outside for so long and knew there was no such thing as a free lunch in the world. How could the Mo family, a prominent household, and their identity with the Sword Wielders’ Bureau, treat a helpless Bloodkin girl like her with such kindness without her becoming terrified, suspecting that behind this gentleness lay a price she couldn’t bear?

For instance… perhaps they actually intended to use her as some kind of experimental subject…

The girl’s words surprised Mo Bai, then he let out a laugh.

So his little maid was unhappy because she was worried about this?

Mo Bai felt both exasperated and amused, yet a subtle pang of tenderness arose in his heart. While it was indeed a bit rude to doubt his parents in front of him, Mo Bai could understand. After all, Bai Xia had struggled to survive on her own for too long, accustomed to assuming the worst to protect herself—it was her way of self-preservation.

“Silly girl…”

Mo Bai lowered his head to look at the anxious girl in his arms, then slowly leaned down. While still gently kneading her delicate, jade-like foot in his hand, he kissed her lips, which had parted slightly in surprise.

‘If she’s feeling insecure, then I’ll give Bai Xia all the security she desires,’ Mo Bai thought.

“Mm~”

Bai Xia let out a faint whimper, her body stiffening instantly, then softening as if all strength had been drained from her.

“Are you still overthinking things?”

Mo Bai’s voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of satisfaction after tasting something delicious. Bai Xia’s eyes were hazy, and she gasped softly, still immersed in the dizzying sensation of the sudden kiss.

She could only instinctively shake her head, shrinking into Mo Bai’s embrace like a tamed kitten.

‘So what should be done with a disobedient little maid next?’

Mo Bai’s lips curved into a subtle smile.