(Lexia’s POV)

Four days have passed since I began my new role as Ryujin-sama’s personal maid. Each day has felt like living in a dream, a reality I never thought possible. Being so close to Ryujin-sama and attending to his needs has been an exhilarating experience, the highlight of my life. But this newfound happiness comes with a looming shadow – the cost of achieving it.

I know what I must do. I must solidify this role as mine to take it permanently from Nee-sama. It’s a necessity. My love for Ryujin-sama burns as fiercely as hers, perhaps even more. Yet, she has always been closest to him, leaving me in the shadows.

It’s time to step into the light.

My plan is clear. I need to make an indelible impression on Alexia-sama to prove that I fit better for this role than my Nee-sama. To achieve this, I’ve started waking up at 4 a.m., an hour earlier than Nee-sama, who rises at 5 a.m., and well before Ryujin-sama, who wakes at 6 a.m.

I meticulously prepare for the day ahead in these quiet, early hours. Every detail must be perfect. Every task must be performed flawlessly. I cannot afford any slip-ups. I need to outshine Nee-sama to show that I am more dedicated, attentive, and worthy of being by Ryujin-sama’s side.

This is more than just a competition. It’s a silent battle for the heart of the one I love. And in this battle, I am determined to be the victor. I will continue as Ryujin-sama’s personal maid, whatever it takes.

As soon as I rose from my bed, I set about preparing breakfast with a meticulous focus. Ryujin-sama has a penchant for foods that boost his training regime, and I remembered from my observations of Nee-sama that his favorite treat is chocolate cake. She often used it as a sweet persuasion tool, a tactic I noted for future use.

Understanding the importance of a balanced diet for Ryujin-sama, especially given his rigorous training, I planned to prepare a range of vitamin-rich foods. Fruits were an essential part of this plan. I gathered an assortment of fresh fruits, ensuring they were thoroughly washed and ready to be transformed into a nourishing smoothie.

I meticulously chopped the fruits, each slice precise and uniform. Then, it was time to blend them into a smoothie, but not just any smoothie – one infused with my magic. I invoked my “Frost Blend,” a spell I had perfected over time. As I chanted the incantation, a gentle frost began to form around the fruits, encasing them in a delicate layer of ice.

With a swift motion of my hands, the icy fruits started to rotate, merging and blending under the influence of my magic. The frost preserved the freshness of the fruits and added a cool, refreshing touch to the smoothie. It was a perfect blend of natural goodness and magical enhancement – a concoction worthy of Ryujin-sama’s refined tastes.

With the smoothie ready, I turned to the next task at hand – baking bread. This was a bit trickier. The Blue Lotus Sect specialized in ice magic, perfect for making the smoothie, but bread required the oven. It felt odd not to rely on magic for this, like stepping out of my comfort zone. But it was necessary, so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

As I was preparing the dough, Ester walked into the kitchen. Ryujin’s cousin was a striking figure with sleek black hair – much like her father’s – and sharp black eyes. There was something about her that always seemed calculating, as if she was constantly weaving plans in her mind. Unlike Ryujin-sama and Alexia-sama, who were known for their distinctive red hair, a rarity in our world, Ester’s appearance was more typical for members of the Blue Lotus Sect.

“Welcome, Ester-sama.” 

I greeted her, trying to focus on my task.

“You don’t need to call me ‘sama’, Lexia. We’re almost equal now that you’ve been appointed Ryujin’s personal maid. Congratulations on your promotion.” 

Her words were a reminder of the temporary nature of my position. Ester might not hold a high rank, but she still had more influence and standing in the sect than I did.

“I’m sorry, Ester-sama, but I must concentrate on preparing Ryujin-sama’s breakfast. I can’t afford any distractions.” 

“Don’t be so cold, Lexia-chan. I understand what you’re after. You want to outshine your Nee-sama and secure this position for yourself. But believe me, waking up an hour earlier isn’t cut it. Amanda managed all her morning tasks in mere seconds.”

“…”

“I see I’ve piqued your interest. Finish up here and come to my room. I might have some advice for you on how to be more… cunning.”

“…”

“Think carefully. After all, we both know that your Nee-sama Amanda’s punishment won’t last more than two weeks. I don’t think you can surpass her in such a short amount of time…” 

With that, she turned and left the room, her steps echoing softly as she disappeared.

Ester’s words echoed in my mind, a sinister melody of half-truths and hidden agendas. She slipped out of the room, leaving a trail of unsettling thoughts behind her. That cunning fox. My Nee-sama had always warned me about her.

Not being part of Ryujin’s main family, Ester had grown up alongside my Nee-sama. Amanda often described her as crafty, always scheming to get what she wanted. Ester’s sudden offer of help was suspicious. She must be seeking some benefit from this situation. Could it be possible that she harbored feelings for Ryujin-sama? No, that seemed unlikely. Ester was the kind of person who only loved herself and wealth.

But, frustrating as it was, she had a point. Surpassing Amanda in such a short period was a near-impossible feat. My heart sank at the realization. The idea of competing against my Nee-sama, who had already proven her capabilities, seemed daunting, almost futile.

I sighed, feeling the weight of my situation. I could try, but deep down, I knew Ester might be right. Overcoming Amanda’s achievements in just a few weeks was an uphill battle.

Reluctantly, I admitted to myself that I might have to trust Ester despite her dubious intentions. Teaming up with her, even temporarily, might be my only chance to secure my position as Ryujin-sama’s personal maid. It was a gamble, but one I had to take. With a heavy heart, I continued my tasks, my mind racing with possibilities and apprehensions about what lay ahead.