CHAP 4

I think to myself. Asahi is rarely spotted and is mostly training and studying is what I was told from other servant girls.

"he really is popular. tell me xiao ling does he seriously only attended banquets rarely?"

Xiao Ling nods, leaning back into the warm water.

"Yes, rarely. He prefers to meditate and train. He says banquets are… a distraction."

She pauses

"Though I suspect he just finds them boring. He's very focused on his shamanic duties."

She glances at me.

"It's quite an honor when he does grace us with his presence."

"okay"

I say plainly

Xiao Ling seems to sense my lack of enthusiasm and doesn't push the conversation. She simply relaxes in the water, enjoying the warmth and the quiet

After a comfortable silence, she speaks softly.

"The water is getting a little cool, don't you think? Perhaps we should head back and get dressed."

She looks at me with a gentle smile.

"We don't want to catch a cold before the feast."

"right. we still need to get dressed and meet up in the corridor"

Xiao Ling tugs me gently, leading me out of the bath and towards the changing rooms.

The changing room is simple but clean, with a small bench and a mirrored wall. I quickly dry off and slip into my clothes. i look at my clothes, a simple pink Hanfu and a yellow sash with a yellow hair ribbon. I use it to tie my hair into a half ponytail.

As i emerge from the changing room, Xiao Ling is already waiting for me in the corridor, leaning against the wall with a smug grin.

"Took you long enough!"

She teases playfully.

She circles me slowly, examining my appearance with a critical eye.

"The half-ponytail is a nice touch, too. Very…elegant."

She pauses, then smirks.

"You'll certainly catch Young Master Asaha's eye tonight."

I frown.

"I told you it's not like that but I suppose there is no point in trying to convince you since you'll never believe me."

I pause and glance at her.

"you used your yellow hair ribbon to do a side ponytail. it looks cute"

Xiao Ling's cheeks flush a delicate pink at my compliment, and she shyly touches the yellow ribbon in her hair.

"Oh… thank you, Yue Mei."

She murmurs softly, avoiding my gaze for a moment.

"I… I thought it might brighten up my look a little."

She quickens her pace, eager to change the subject.

"Let's focus on the feast."

She looks ahead, a determined glint in her eyes.

"We need to make sure everything goes smoothly"

we line up with the other servant girls. we all wear the same thing so people know we are servants. the madam is Infront of us, we all have a glass filled with Alcohol to give to the lords. i guess this is all we have to do. Good. I don't want to interact with anyone more than I have to.The corridor bustles with activity as me and the other servant girls line up, a sea of matching uniforms. The air hums with anticipation and the scent of rich food drifts from the banquet hall.The madam, a stern-faced woman with impeccable posture, surveys the line with a critical eye. "

"Remember your training,"

she instructs in a sharp tone.

"Present the glasses with both hands, bow respectfully, and do not speak unless spoken to. Understand?"

A chorus of "Yes, Madam!" echoes down the line.

The doors to the banquet hall swing open, revealing a lavishly decorated room filled with elegantly dressed lords and ladies. The sight is overwhelming, a dazzling display of wealth and power.

The madam nods, signaling the start of the procession and step forward into the hall.