(Lexia’s POV)

As Ester’s words continued to haunt me, I couldn’t allow them to derail my immediate duties. There was still much to be done, and regardless of the uncertainty of my future role, my present responsibility as Ryujin-sama’s personal maid remained unchanged. Ryujin-sama would be waking up soon, most likely famished and needing his nutritious breakfast to fuel his rigorous training regimen.

My resolve hardened. Even if my efforts to secure my position permanently were fraught with doubt and the looming shadow of Ester’s manipulations, I had to continue striving for perfection in my current role. It was imperative to demonstrate my unwavering dedication and competence, no matter how futile it might seem in the grand scheme of things.

With meticulous attention to detail, I laid out Ryujin-sama’s breakfast, ensuring everything was in its perfect place. The vibrant smoothie, rich with vitamins and nutrients, stood ready, a testament to my commitment to his health and training needs. Every item on the table was arranged precisely, displaying a harmony of colors and textures that happened to appeal to the eye and nourish the body.

As I stepped back to survey the breakfast setup, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pride in my work. I may have been caught in a web of uncertainty and intrigue, but at this moment, in this task, my dedication was clear and unwavering. It was a small victory, a moment of clarity amid swirling doubts and strategies.

With a deep breath, I prepared to wake Ryujin-sama, ready to face whatever the day might bring. 

◇

As usual, Ryujin-sama woke up at exactly 6 a.m. His punctuality was like clockwork, never a second off. I waited in the kitchen, where I had meticulously prepared his breakfast, paying extra attention to the vitamins, knowing how crucial they were for his training.

“Howdy, Lexia-chan.” 

Ryujin greeted me cheerfully as he entered the kitchen, his hair slightly tousled, a clear sign he had just risen from bed.

But that slightly unkempt look of Ryujin-sama was far from unappealing. It was quite the opposite. His fiery red hair was somewhat disarrayed, framing his face that bore the softness of waking up. My heart skipped a beat. This casual, unguarded version of Ryujin-sama was a sight to behold. I could easily lose myself for hours just admiring this less polished yet equally charming side of him.

“Lexia-chan, is something wrong?” Ryujin-sama’s voice snapped me out of my reverie.

Caught daydreaming, I stammered a bit, “No, I was just… thinking, you know, about life.”

“Ah yes… How’s your sister Amanda doing? My mom can be pretty intimidating.” 

“She’s… she’s fine.” 

“Well, give her my best wishes. Anyway, I need to start my training now. Bye, Lexia-chan.”

“Ryujin… wait…” I called out as he finished his meal, but he was already leaving.

I let out a long sigh. Well, no matter. I decided to clean up the dishes quickly to watch Ryujin-sama train. Just the thought of it brought a mischievous smile to my face. Fufufu. Watching him train was always a highlight of my day, a secret pleasure I cherished.

(Ester’s POV)

After my conversation with little Lexia, I retreated to the sanctuary of my room. The plan to sway Ryujin-sama’s perception of Amelia required a delicate, strategic approach, and Lexia’s involvement was crucial. My goal was audacious: to shift my cousin Ryujin’s view of his step-cousin from a mere child to a woman. A task teetering on the brink of impossibility but necessary nonetheless. The consequences could be dire if I didn’t pull off this intricate plan.

Unlike Amanda, where manipulations and tricks could be used, dealing with Amelia was like handling a live wire – unpredictable and dangerous. She was a ticking time bomb, capable of exploding and taking me down with her at any given moment.

“Ester!” 

Speak of the devil, and the devil – or the devil queen – appears.

“Come in, Amelia-sama.” 

Amelia entered without further ado, her presence commanding and intense. 

“So, Ester, how’s the plan progressing?”

“It’s on track. I’ve got everything figured out.” 

“You better. I need you to lay out the plan for me.”

I took a deep breath. “As you know, Ryujin-sama sees you as a younger sister, a child… a brat…”

“I get it, Ester, no need to rub it in.” 

I couldn’t help but smirk. It’s in my nature to provoke a bit. 

“Continuing… for Ryujin-sama to start seeing you as a woman, the change has to be gradual. Think of him like a wild animal – too much too soon, and he’ll bolt. It needs to be subtle, almost invisible.”

“And Lexia? How does she fit into this?” 

“Lexia is our eyes and ears. She’s close to Ryujin, so she can gauge how things unfold and guide us accordingly.”

In truth, there was also a certain amusement in manipulating Lexia. But that was a detail Amelia didn’t need to know.

“That sounds plausible. This plan better work, Ester. I’m counting on you,” Amelia stated before turning around to leave.

Oh, it will, fufu.