From Pawn to King: Ruling a Harem of Chaos

Chapter 9: The Maid's Bleak Future

The maid, with her cold, aloof demeanor, radiated an oppressive presence.

Her aura wasn't just due to her flawless, statuesque figure—it was also her strength.

Tier 3!

Both her ability and potential were remarkable.

In this world, cultivation was divided into nine tiers: Tier 1 signified entry-level, Tier 2 indicated proficiency, and Tier 3 was already considered exceptional talent.

Tiers 4, 5, and 6 represented the power levels of the previous generation's elites.

Tia looked at Shia with growing disdain.

This useless fool, devoid of any cultivation talent, dared to treat her so brazenly.

Now, she would teach him a lesson about respecting the strong!

Tia stretched her limbs, her slender legs and graceful arms revealing their healthy, well-defined curves.

As Lilith's personal maid and an unexpected combat powerhouse in the game, Tia's strength was unrivaled in the early stages, capable of dominating any encounter.

And Shia? He hadn't even reached Tier 1. He lacked any cultivation talent whatsoever.

Yet, despite this, Shia remained calm.

He simply raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

With arms crossed, he leaned casually against the wall, one leg crossed over the other—a relaxed observer.

He hadn't feared Tia even before acquiring his "golden finger," let alone now.

Tia's threats and intimidation didn't faze him at all.

It seemed she'd already forgotten the lesson he had taught her earlier.

Shia's indifferent attitude only added fuel to Tia's simmering rage.

How dare this trash look so unconcerned?

She was determined to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget!

Just as Tia was about to make her move, Shia spoke.

"Arrogant little maid, do you want your perverted hobby revealed to your mistress?"

His lazy yet clear voice rang out, and a faint glimmer flashed across the inconspicuous silver ring on his finger.

Tia froze.

Her blood seemed to congeal as she stood there, unable to move.

The disdainful, haughty expression on her face shattered completely.

Compared to Ella's calm reaction, Tia's was far worse.

She panicked instantly.

She couldn't even hide it.

Her mind raced with confusion and fear.

How did he know?

He shouldn't know.

No, this must be a bluff!

But Shia mercilessly exposed her.

"What do you think will happen if people find out that you're a pervert who collects your mistress's worn garments? How will your mistress face the world then?"

"Imagine what others would say about her for keeping a maid like you."

"Wouldn't people speculate that she might share your... unusual preferences?"

"And as for you, who would ever hire a maid like that?"

"Your mistress's reputation would be in ruins, and as for your future... tsk, tsk."

Shia left the rest unsaid, but the unspoken implications hit even harder.

Tia couldn't help but follow his hypothetical scenario to its grim conclusion.

The thought of such a future filled her with despair and suffocating dread.

She couldn't see any light—her life was bleak and hopeless.

Tia stood frozen, trembling uncontrollably from the fear that gripped her soul.

Her voluptuous figure quivered, rippling with each shiver.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Only the trembling of her lips betrayed her terror.

No, no, this can't happen.

She wanted to scream, but her voice failed her.

Shia raised an eyebrow.

"What's the matter? Still thinking about beating me up?"

He sighed inwardly.

How pathetic. She's already shaking from fear. And I haven't even used my big moves yet.

Tia no longer harbored any thoughts of teaching Shia a lesson.

All she could think about was that her darkest secret had been exposed.

Shia shifted into an even more comfortable position.

"You know what to do now, don't you?"

Tia's gaze landed on Shia's face.

Looking at his composed demeanor, she clenched her teeth in frustration.

But to protect her secret and avoid the nightmare of that future, she had no choice but to beg.

Her body lowered gradually, and the detestable figure before her grew more towering and imposing in her eyes.

Though her heart was filled with contempt, she couldn't do otherwise.

"Please... I beg you not to tell anyone about this."

Her cold, aloof voice was soft and trembling.

Shia observed the awkwardness on her face.

She was saying humble words, but her expression was one of absolute defiance.

He scratched his ear lazily.

"That's how you ask for a favor?"

Sheesh. I really need to fix that lousy attitude of hers.

Tia bit her lip, her eyes wavering with confusion and anger.

Humiliation overflowed in her heart.

What more does he want from me?

"Do you even know how to apologize properly?"

Shia's smile widened, his demeanor uncharacteristically friendly.

Step two of dismantling the phoenix protagonist: start with her fiercely loyal maid.

Ah, I'm just too kind.

With arms crossed and a scrutinizing gaze, Shia held a long pointer stick in his hand.

"Nope, lower yourself more."

The pointer lightly tapped Tia's back.

At this moment, she was kneeling on the floor, her forehead touching the ground, hands placed on either side of her head.

A perfect dogeza—or so she thought.

Her long silver hair fell to the floor, reflecting faintly against the cold, polished surface. She caught a blurry glimpse of her own reflection.

Her voluptuous legs knelt in a tight posture, her well-proportioned thighs pressing against each other, leaving deeper marks where her white stockings cut into her skin.

Her heart was filled with humiliation and shame.

How much lower can I bow? My chest is already squished flat—I can't bend further!

"Spread your arms farther. Why are they so close? Do you even know what sincerity means?"

Though the humiliation gnawed at her, Tia had no choice but to adjust her posture according to Shia's instructions.

She had always been exceptional, standing out wherever she went.

Why was she the only maid allowed to serve her mistress personally?

Because she was excellent—better than anyone else.

By standing beside her mistress, she elevated her standing and ensured her care.

Even when walking alone, she commanded respect. Even other noblewomen treated her with courtesy.

But now?

Here she was, kneeling on the cold, hard floor, being manipulated like a puppet.

At this moment, she felt like a dog wagging its tail in submission.

It was the ultimate humiliation.

Not that she entirely rejected the idea of being a "dog," but she resented having to act this way for Shia.

If it were her mistress training her, she wouldn't mind.

For her mistress, she'd do anything.

But this wasn't her mistress.

Her secret was now in Shia's hands, and she had no choice but to let him control her.

I'll endure this!

Tia closed her eyes, silently bearing the shame inflicted upon her.

You think this is over?

Not a chance!