"Please punish me."
She squeezed her eyes shut, hiding the turmoil in her heart. Her voice was barely louder than a mosquito's buzz, and she dared not face him.
Because there was no doubt that this was an offense against her master.
Especially for someone like her, who had always known her place, such overstepping was absolutely unforgivable.
"I... I'm sorry."
But Lin En said nothing. A trace of his earlier astonishment still lingered in his eyes, though he was only surprised by her sudden ambush. After all, he had always seen Mirror as a quiet girl who followed the rules. As for being offended, he honestly wouldn't have minded a few more offenses like that.
Still, there was no doubt that even a fool could tell from this incident that feelings transcending the limits of master and servant might be slowly taking root in this girl's heart.
But...
"I got kissed."
When Mirror instinctively raised her head, she saw her master crouching in front of her, a gentle smile on his face. With both arms resting on his knees, he gazed into her eyes with a smile.
The light of the Great Sun spilled through the window and fell across the side of his face, leaving her so dazed that, for a moment, she could no longer think.
For a long time afterward.
The image of this scene would keep lingering in her heart, becoming a snapshot of that moment she could never forget.
"What is there to apologize for?"
Lin En helped her up and rubbed her head like an older brother.
"But if it really bothers you, then your punishment will be to work hard. Build me an unwaveringly loyal inspection squad. That would be the best way to repay me. Understand?"
He was so gentle.
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