Chapter 17: Footwork
The next morning, at the breakfast table in Noval Mansion.
Lena sat at the head of the long table, her high-collared morning attire perfectly highlighting the vigor between her brows.
Lena was precisely measuring the third spoonful of sugar with a teaspoon, which was an unwavering habit when she drank Darjeeling black tea.
Reid’s gaze subtly brushed over Lena’s fingertips, quietly noting this small habit.
In Reid’s front pocket, the fifty-gold-coin check from yesterday was warmed to a pleasing temperature by his body heat.
Moreover, it was not just a matter of fifty gold coins.
When the check was in his hands, Reid’s system appropriately prompted him, allowing him to gain 50 system points simultaneously.
After that, Reid’s gaze towards Lena became somewhat fervent.
Although I know that memorizing some of my boss’s little quirks is indeed a bit perverse.
But I can’t help it; Lena truly gives her all.
Boss, I am so eager to improve.
Sigh, this is not hard-earned money; it’s clearly just a petty expense.
As Reid’s attention was momentarily on Lena, Veronica, sitting across from him, spoke up.
Veronica’s gaze lingered for a moment on Reid’s slightly worn formal attire, a barely noticeable curve forming at the corners of her lips.
This morning, she had intentionally styled her platinum blonde hair into a dignified low bun, leaving a few natural curls by her ears, giving her an exceptionally gentle and graceful appearance.
“Lena, sister.”
Veronica set down her silver fork, her voice carrying just the right amount of concern:
“It seems Mr. Reid’s formal attire is from a couple of years ago?”
Lena frowned and glanced over, indeed noticing some yellowish stains at Reid’s cuffs.
Lena initially thought Veronica would use this topic to mock her, but Veronica’s blue eyes were filled with worry:
“With the masquerade ball next week, nearly every noble family of note in Gran City will attend.”
“If other families see Mr. Reid in old formal attire…”
Veronica deliberately trailed off, her fingertip gently tapping the rim of her teacup.
Lena, being clever, immediately understood the implication in Veronica’s words.
Lena’s frown deepened.
This wasn’t because Veronica was poking at Reid; it was because what Veronica said made sense.
Although Reid’s looks could make any formal attire appear extraordinary.
Yet the more casual details actually reflect the strength of nobility.
After all, only significant families have the time and energy to focus on details that ordinary people wouldn’t care about.
Though not openly stated, nobles often compete behind the scenes.
If Reid were to attend in old formal attire, it would reflect negatively on both Lena and the entire Noval family.
This is also one of the reasons Lena insisted Reid study The Book of Etiquette.
Last time at the gathering, Lena’s stunning performance had ensured that hardly anyone noticed Reid’s attire.
However, arranging a suitable formal outfit for Reid was already on Lena’s agenda, but Lena had only been back in Gran City for a few days.
During these days, Lena had been preoccupied with various matters, causing a delay in getting Reid fitted for a new outfit.
Lena set down her teacup, the porcelain making a crisp “ding” as it met the saucer.
There certainly was this issue, but for Veronica to bring it up so proactively seemed a bit absurd, right?
While maintaining a calm exterior, Lena’s heart was filled with suspicion.
Normally, wouldn’t she intentionally ignore or even actively prevent me from arranging a new outfit for Reid, just so we could embarrass ourselves at the masquerade ball?
Veronica hardly seemed like someone vying for the duke’s inheritance; she genuinely appeared to care for me and the Noval family.
“So, Lena, sister,” Veronica said, poking the poached egg on her plate with the tip of her knife, causing the egg white to quiver under her hand, “why don’t we go to the tailor street together?”
“I know a newly opened shop that is said to be favored even by the royal family for their craftsmanship.”
Taking advantage of the moment while serving Lena more tea, Reid and Lena exchanged a glance in the corner of Veronica’s line of sight.
Reid: What scheme is this Veronica up to now?
Lena: Let’s turn the tables on her.
Reid felt like crying without tears.
While earning the trust of Employer Miss was quite good and would facilitate future work, it shouldn’t add extra burdens to me.
Matters like formal attire could be handled at a different time; there was no need to take Veronica along.
“What does Mr. Reid think?” Veronica tossed the topic toward Reid.
Almost simultaneously, a subtle rustling sound from the tablecloth made Reid’s hand, holding the teapot, pause imperceptibly—
The reason was simple; something soft was crawling up his calf.
At this angle…
There could only be one suspect.
Reid’s gaze flicked to Veronica across the table, but all he saw was her flawlessly gentle smile.
What trick is this Veronica up to?
The tips of her feet under the table began to trace circles, the sound of her silk stockings rubbing against his trousers perfectly masked by the noise of the maid clearing dishes.
Reid continued pouring tea for Lena, his jawline tightening momentarily behind the steam that obscured his expression.
So, this is the game we’re playing?
“I am not well acquainted with tailors.”
Reid set down the teapot, his right hand appearing casually lowering to the table beneath, accurately grasping the rogue ankle causing trouble.
“But I’ve heard that their cashmere fabric—” Reid’s thumb rolled over Veronica’s ankle, “is particularly prone to static electricity.”
Veronica’s breath hitched, the knife scraping against the porcelain plate made a slight sound.
Yet Veronica did not retreat; instead, she gently kicked off her shoe and brought the other foot in as well.
This time, Veronica successfully ventured between Reid’s knees.
“I know sister Lena is busy with official duties; of course, I will ensure everything is arranged properly and won’t delay sister Lena,”
Veronica pressed down with the tip of her foot at the same time, smiling as she continued:
“—and Mr. Reid’s time.”
While her words were filled with respect, Veronica’s actions beneath the table grew increasingly bold.
Two soft and springy arches successfully wrapped around Reid’s calf, ten agile toes tightly clenching the seam of his trousers—
Creating an upward friction.
The silver fork in Reid’s hand bent slightly, poking a small hole in the edge of the fried egg.
This girl!
Is this never-ending?
Reid looked up, and Veronica was licking the strawberry jam off her lips, but a pink stain still lingered at the corner of her mouth.
Before they even set off, so much trouble already; they would be leaving together with three people.
Reid silently sighed in his heart, wondering how much extra work this would add for him!
Meanwhile, Lena at the head of the table remained completely oblivious to the commotion beneath. She set down her teacup, her gaze lingering for a moment on Veronica’s sincere expression before finally nodding:
“Alright, but we must return before three in the afternoon; I have things to attend to.”
In the morning light, Veronica smoothed her skirt and stood up, her dignified low bun remaining perfectly in place.
But only Reid knew that the tips of her stockings hidden beneath the table still bore traces of his body warmth.
