"Hmph!" Ruby turned around, about to enter the room.
"Hey!" Grace stopped her. "Don't go!"
"What do you want?" Ruby glared fiercely.
"Did you forget something?" Grace raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Our bet, of course! Not only did I come back within three days, but General Evan Xiao himself came to pick me up. Shouldn't you keep your promise and go to the General to ask him to make me the head maid?"
With the written agreement in hand, and Lühe and Alan as witnesses, if she refused to admit it, she'd really lose face among them.
Ruby gritted her teeth, sneered coldly, and said, "Fine, I'll go! But do you really think General Evan Xiao will agree? Dream on!"
"Whether he agrees or not is up to him. Going to ask is your job. If the General refuses, that's your skill—I won't hold it against you!"
"Good! Let's go! General Evan Xiao's here anyway!" She grabbed a plate of pastries from the kitchen, Grace took a cup of tea, and the two of them headed to the study together.
Alan and Lühe also sneaked outside the door, straining their ears to eavesdrop.
After serving the pastries and tea, Ruby shot Grace a hateful look, took a deep breath, and knelt before Evan Xiao. "General, I have something to report."
"What is it?" Evan Xiao asked without even looking up.
"Lily Bai is skilled in medicine—not only did she save Miss Shishi's life, but she can also heal her face. It's a great achievement. Although I've served by your side for five years, always diligent and careful, knowing your habits and preferences... But I think Lily Bai is more capable than me. I want to ask for permission to hand over the position of head maid to her."
Most of her request was just bragging about herself.
Clearly, she was hoping Evan Xiao would refuse.
Evan Xiao remained expressionless. After listening, he turned to glance at Lily Bai.
She had just set down the hot tea and took away the cup of cold tea.
Her demeanor—eyes down, nose in line, heart focused—looked very proper.
Seeing Evan Xiao not answering, Ruby couldn't help but ask, "General, if you think this would be uncomfortable for you, just pretend I never said anything. I'll work even harder to serve you from now on!"
"Mm, approved," Evan Xiao said.
"Huh?" Ruby was caught off guard. "You... you mean—"
"Didn't you want to hand the head maid position to Lily Bai? I approve."
Steward Qin had already returned and confirmed that Ruby had indeed lied.
She had even personally asked Steward Qin what medicine Lily Bai had given him!
She actually dared to commit perjury right in front of him!
So, he had no intention of promoting Lily Bai.
He just couldn't tolerate a head maid who was full of lies—her character was too poor!
Of course, Lily Bai wasn't exactly a saint either.
He knew exactly what she was thinking!
Still, compared to Lily Bai, he disliked Ruby's type even more.
Besides, Lily Bai was still somewhat useful—her medical skills were decent...
When Ruby heard Evan Xiao's answer, she nearly coughed up blood from anger.
Wha—what!
How could this happen?
How could General Evan Xiao approve the moment she brought it up?
She'd served by General Evan Xiao's side for five years—did he really feel nothing for her as a loyal servant?
"Anything else?" Evan Xiao asked coldly, seeing her still kneeling on the ground, looking miserable.