Chapter 16 : Chapter 16
Chapter 16. The Powerless Vivian
See? She was getting impatient again.
Eve took two more steps forward. The tension in Vivian’s brows visibly eased. From this distance, Eve could clearly see the strands of hair that had not completely dried yet, the delicate bare feet extending from beneath the nightdress, and the boredom and fatigue lingering within those eyes.
And… curiosity?
Vivian looked up at her and fell silent. The room was filled only with the ticking sound of the clock.
After quite a while, she finally spoke again.
“Kneel.”
“Young Lady, I have already said—”
“Tch… Did Vya teach you anything at all? Wearing that uniform and holding that position, are you here just to refuse my orders?”
Eve still did not move.
Vivian narrowed her eyes, pressing her lips together as she bit them in irritation.
“My senile father really sent me a difficult one.”
She had realized something.
A forceful verbal command—something meant to trample on dignity—could not shake the will of the maid before her. Not even the authority of a daughter of the Hessein Family seemed to matter.
The woman in front of her did not even seem afraid of death.
That expressionless face stirred a nameless irritation within Vivian.
Since harsh methods were ineffective…
Vivian felt restless. She could hardly believe she was actually considering reasoning things out like a coward.
Still, she slowly spoke.
“Since you refuse to kneel, then let me explain it properly.”
“Last night you touched me. That was wrong. So if I return the same treatment to you, there should be no problem, correct?”
It sounded reasonable enough.
Eve did not think too deeply about it and simply nodded lightly.
“Good. Then kne—” Vivian paused. “Squat down.”
Another silence followed.
Eve could not immediately understand the meaning behind it, but squatting did not seem harmful.
So she slowly bent her knees.
Her movements were precise, like something straight out of an etiquette textbook. Her hands rested neatly on her knees, her skirt spreading across the carpet as her gaze lowered to the patterns woven beneath Vivian’s feet.
She maintained this posture for roughly two and a half seconds.
Then she heard a quiet laugh—playful and satisfied.
Such a small figure, yet acting so imposing.
“Very good. Now look at me.”
Eve complied and raised her eyes.
From this angle, Vivian seemed almost tall. Her natural aristocratic aura completely enveloped Eve.
One could only say the distance between the bed and the floor had been designed rather thoughtfully.
Next, Vivian crossed her legs elegantly.
But that was not all.
The next moment, her bare foot extended toward the white-haired maid’s face.
Eve instinctively leaned backward.
“Why are you dodging? Do not dodge!”
“…”
“I never said I would touch you with my hands. This is your punishment. Accept it,” Vivian said sharply, frowning. “I have already explained enough.”
She clearly wanted to appear dignified and commanding.
Yet her proud voice and adorable appearance made it far less intimidating than she intended.
Eve thought about it for a moment.
At least the Young Lady had just bathed.
Still, she had to clarify one thing—she was not particularly interested in bare feet. If they had been covered in stockings, there probably would not have been so many complications.
Even so, she reluctantly persuaded herself and straightened her posture again.
Vivian scoffed.
Then she pressed her small foot against Eve’s cheek. It felt almost like she was playing with her as she applied a bit of pressure, her toes pressing into the maid’s skin.
“That rare appearance of yours… what a waste to use it on such a stubborn personality.”
“If the Young Lady says so, then it must be so,” Eve replied calmly, her expression unchanged no matter how Vivian moved her foot.
Vivian shook her head.
It was not enough.
This level was clearly not enough.
Why was there still no reaction from this woman?
No humiliation. No anger. Not even the slightest expression of discomfort.
So Vivian pressed harder, attempting to leave a mark on that nearly flawless face.
As time passed, even her toes began to ache from the effort. If she continued, they might cramp.
In the end, Vivian gave up for the moment and simply rested her foot on Eve’s shoulder.
Ah? Was it over?
Eve came back to herself.
She had not quite enjoyed—no, that was not it.
She had simply been worried that the Young Lady had not finished yet.
Actually, she could have endured a little longer if necessary.
But then Eve’s bright crimson eyes caught sight of something unexpected.
From her angle, she could inadvertently glimpse the delicate outline beneath Vivian’s lace-trimmed nightwear.
It was only for a brief moment.
Eve did not say anything.
After all, if she pointed it out, she would certainly be scolded again.
Better to say nothing.
Sometimes, when someone does not realize they are embarrassing themselves, it is kinder not to draw attention to it.
“What are you looking at?!”
Ah… she had been discovered.
Eve raised her eyes again and met Vivian’s furious gaze.
But unexpectedly, Vivian did not pursue the matter further. Instead, a teasing smile slowly curved on her lips.
She leaned back slightly, supporting herself with both hands on the bed, then used her now-rested foot to press against Eve’s cheek again.
“Answer me. Where were you looking?”
“Young Lady,” Eve replied calmly, “I was analyzing the fabric of your nightdress. It has good breathability but insufficient warmth. I would recommend switching to a thicker one.”
“Heh. Do you think I would believe that?” Vivian sneered. “Your filthy gaze was obvious. It disgusts me. A shameless lecher like you only exists to drive up the price of rice.”
Eve remained silent.
But in the next moment she froze slightly—not because Vivian continued insulting her.
Rather, because Vivian had just shifted her posture again.
Her foot left Eve’s shoulder as she crossed her legs once more.
Eve remained expressionless.
Meanwhile, Vivian was beginning to question reality.
Why was there still no reaction?
Was this woman even human?
Was she unattractive?
Why did Eve not even blink?
Of course she did not blink.
The moment had been brief enough already. Blinking would have wasted precious time.
Still unwilling to accept reality, Vivian suddenly asked,
“You… do you think this Young Lady is not beautiful?”
The moment she finished speaking, she regretted it.
The question sounded too much like she was seeking affirmation. It damaged her dignity.
“Young Lady,” Eve replied calmly, “your beauty surpasses countless others.”
“Then why does your face show no expression?!”
“You misunderstand, Young Lady. I am not a frivolous person.”
Vivian froze.
Then her face darkened instantly.
“So you are saying I am a frivolous person?!”
“If the Young Lady says so, then it must be so.”
“Ah—! You are infuriating!”
Vivian finally gave up. She grabbed a pillow, hugged it, and began pounding it furiously with her elbow.
After more than ten strikes, she stopped, breathing heavily. Strands of hair clung messily to her forehead.
Slowly, she turned her head.
Eve was still squatting in the same place.
Under the lamplight, Eve’s silver hair seemed edged with gold, and her crimson eyes shone brightly.
The two of them stared at each other for a long two and a half seconds.
Suddenly, Vivian tossed the pillow aside.
She patted the space beside her on the bed. Her voice carried a weary tone of surrender.
“Come here. Sit here.”