Chapter 98: Why Are You Wearing the Same Clothes as Anna? - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 98: Why Are You Wearing the Same Clothes as Anna? After their playful bath, the girls stepped behind the screen. There, they found the clothes Anna had thoughtfully prepared for them in advance. As Selina picked up the thin, semi-transparent silk garment, her already flushed cheeks from the steam turned an even deeper shade of red. Without a doubt, Lord Luo Xiu had prepared outfits that seemed rather improper... It was a maid outfit quite similar to what Anna wore, only in a much smaller size. Selina was currently holding one of these outfits. She didn’t realize this was Anna’s little scheme, assuming instead it was some mischievous whim of Lord Luo Xiu. So despite her embarrassment, she obediently put it on. Aileen, however, stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of indignation. In a tone that suggested she had expected this, she said, “See, Selina, I told you he had ulterior motives. Today it's a maid outfit; who knows what other depraved games he might propose in the future…” Unlike Selina, Aileen was clearly displeased. She was firm in her stance. “I refuse to wear this outfit to please that pervert!” ... ... Ten minutes later, in the hallway. With a look of reluctance on her face, Aileen had finally succumbed to Selina’s plea and donned the small maid outfit. This was also partly because their original dresses were long soiled with dirt, dust, and sweat, making them impossible to wear any longer. The hallway was quiet, and many of the rooms were dark. But the two girls were long accustomed to such darkness, so there was little fear. Instead, their hearts felt a certain joy, as if they had shed some burdens. Upon reaching the second floor, they saw one room brightly lit. Selina knew it was Lord Luo Xiu’s room. As she passed by that pool of light, she couldn’t help but pause, peering in through the window frequently. She could just make out the man sitting at the desk, an oil lamp casting a warm glow, paper and pen in hand as he wrote. Occasionally, he would pause, rubbing his chin thoughtfully before resuming his writing. Aileen noticed her hesitation and gently tugged her hand, though Selina didn’t move. Aileen’s demeanor changed slightly, lowering her voice, “Selina, you aren’t thinking of going in, are you?” Selina didn’t answer immediately, instead standing there for a while longer, her gaze thoughtful. The flickering candlelight reflected in her eyes. “I…” Selina bit her lip, fiddling with her fingers in hesitation. After a moment, she decisively said, “I want to go in and take a look.” Aileen was puzzled, her slender eyebrows knitting together. “Selina, going to him at this hour isn’t—” She faltered, embarrassed to finish her sentence. But Selina had made her decision. She shook her head, releasing Aileen’s hand. In a gentle voice, Selina said, “Aileen, you go back to the room and wait for me. I’ll be back soon.” Hearing this, Aileen’s eyes widened, wanting to say more, but Selina placed a finger gently on her lips. “Trust me, okay?” Suddenly, she smiled. “Besides, I don’t think Lord Luo Xiu is the kind of pervert you make him out to be.” Aileen pointed at their maid outfits, then looked Selina in the eye, saying everything without a word. Understanding, Selina blushed and defended, “It’s just a little hobby of Lord Luo Xiu’s…” Aileen was left speechless, tugging at her hair in exasperation. “You’re too gullible, Selina! We haven’t even known him for a day, yet you’re already speaking up for him.” “I think you’re just eager to go yourself. Be honest, is it because you find him handsome?” Aileen shot her a sharp look, feeling she might have hit the mark. Selina’s blush deepened, and she gently pushed Aileen away, flustered, “Aileen, stop it. I just wanted to say goodnight to Lord Luo Xiu…” Aileen was skeptical of this excuse. She eyed her friend with suspicion, “Really?” “Mm!” Selina nodded earnestly. Aileen sighed heavily, as if the weight of the world had been placed on her shoulders by Selina’s behavior. “Selina, you keep hanging on Lord Luo Xiu’s every word. If you’re not careful, soon you’ll be offering yourself to him—you’re making it so hard for me to not worry…” Selina froze at her words, unwilling to argue further; it was becoming more and more ridiculous. She shook her head, discarding her distractions, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. Inside, the man paused in his writing, shortly followed by his gentle voice. “Come in.” Selina glanced back at Aileen, “I’m going in.” She said this and, not waiting for Aileen’s response, pushed the door open and stepped inside. As the door swung open, a breeze from the night drifted in. The cool air lifted the hem of her skirt, sending a chill through Selina. She reflexively clasped her legs closer as she stepped forward. Meanwhile, Luo Xiu, seated at his desk and troubled over how to respond to the church, paused at the sound of the door. He put down his brush, raising his head. He was taken aback for a moment. Her slightly damp black hair lay across her forehead, silky tendrils falling along the sides. She appeared fresh-faced with rosy cheeks and bright, clear eyes. Wearing the familiar blue and white maid outfit, her slender legs were wrapped in thin white stockings, her stance delicate and demure like a bashful lily. Feeling his gaze, Selina grew self-conscious, lowering her head slightly, and in a small voice she murmured, “Lord Luo Xiu…” She couldn’t help but fidget, wearing such an unusual outfit and being stared at; it was a first for her. The fact she managed not to turn and flee immediately was already a significant effort. Luo Xiu coughed lightly, trying to ease the awkward moment. He then asked curiously, “Why are you wearing the same clothes as Anna?” “...Huh?” Selina was taken aback, thinking, weren’t these the clothes you prepared for us? She replied, “Miss Anna gave them to us. I thought it was your intention, Lord Luo Xiu. Was it not?” Now it was Luo Xiu’s turn to be dumbfounded. He had merely instructed Anna to prepare a change of clothes, not expecting her to come up with this. He had to admit, though, that Selina’s pure and charming face paired with this custom-fitted outfit was indeed quite pleasing to the eye. Shifting his gaze, he picked up a light cloak draped over the chair and stood to drape it over the girl’s shoulders. Selina didn’t resist, letting him do as he pleased, although her eyes held some confusion. Having completed this, Luo Xiu returned to his seat, offering a soft smile. “Anna might have misunderstood my instructions, but it’s late now. Please make do with it for tonight, and I’ll have her bring new clothes tomorrow.” Selina nodded compliantly. She tightened the cloak around her, feeling remnants of warmth from its previous use lingering on her back. For some reason, she suddenly felt a bit like crying. The girl rubbed her eyes, making no fuss, though the corners of her eyes turned a little red. She beamed, “Thank you, Lord Luo Xiu, you’re so kind.” (End of Chapter)