Chapter 124: The White Silk Princess Gets Her Comeuppance – Punishment in the Little Black Room (2)

For the first time, Aph truly realized the importance of collaborating with Shia. A ruler needed more than just personal excellence—they needed mental resilience and life experience. Without a few hard lessons now, the princess might suffer far worse in the future.

At least, for now, Shia’s trials were controlled, ensuring Violet’s safety while she learned. It was far better than letting her stumble and fall in the real world, learning lessons the hard way.

With this thought, Aph’s gaze toward Shia grew more admiring, her trust in him solidifying further.

Of course, Violet understood none of this.

Admiring her vastly superior progress, Violet felt nothing but pride. She had expected to be showered with admiration and respect. Instead, she was met with… pitying glances.

“Huh? Why is Aph looking at me with sympathy?”

“What’s with this plain little girl’s gaze?”

“And… my senior, too?”

'What’s going on?!'

Violet was utterly confused. Weren’t they supposed to admire her efficiency? What was with those looks of pity? It made her feel as though 'she' were the fool here.

She didn’t get it.

“Truly worthy of being the Silver Moon Princess! Your work skills are impeccable!” Shia gave Violet a thumbs-up, his face full of admiration.

The moment he spoke, Violet’s confusion evaporated. Her spine straightened, and her chin tilted upwards, basking in the compliment.

Shia, ever the master manipulator, leaned fully into his role as her personal cheerleader.

“That technique—so professional! Absolute mastery!”

“Your efficiency is unparalleled—like a one-person army!”

“Good thing you’re here. Didn’t I say we couldn’t do this without you?”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Under Shia’s endless string of praises, Violet’s ego swelled.

'See? There are people who can recognize my brilliance.'

In her mind, she was a rare gem, a talent that ordinary people could neither comprehend nor compete with.

Proud and self-assured, the princess allowed her newfound confidence to take over. She even dared to critique Shia’s entire brewing setup.

“Brewing is about capturing the pure essence of the grain’s aroma while preserving its original taste,” she said, her tone dripping with authority.

“This entire process of yours, though flashy and elaborate, is ultimately superficial.”

“So much manpower and resources wasted for a mediocre result—it completely deviates from the essence of brewing.”

Violet walked through the basement with her nose in the air, pointing out the supposed flaws in Shia’s equipment and techniques.

Shia, the undisputed master of brewing with maxed-out skills, said nothing. He simply smiled, quietly listening to her criticisms.

As a princess, Violet had indeed been exposed to top-tier wines. Her royal lineage ensured the best storage conditions and access to expert brewers. Only the finest vintages were ever placed before her.

This environment had fostered a strong sense of confidence in her knowledge. Coupled with Shia’s deliberate flattery, Violet had deluded herself into thinking she was some kind of brewing expert.

With her self-proclaimed expertise, Violet picked apart every aspect of Shia’s brewing process, blissfully unaware of how ridiculous she sounded.

As the saying goes, "a half-filled pot makes the most noise."

Armed with what she believed to be profound insight, Violet critiqued Shia’s work with the pomp of someone who thought themselves a genius.

If it were just a few flattering comments to humor her, Shia wouldn’t have minded. But now that she’d begun outright criticizing him, his patience began to wane.

“You’ve underestimated my brewing techniques,” Shia said, his tone laced with something unspoken.

“A well-done brewing process can not only make you rich but even save a country.”

His words carried weight, but Violet didn’t believe a single syllable.

'Brewing? Save a country?' She scoffed internally. 'What nonsense.'

Her disbelief only deepened as she looked around. 'His brewing isn’t even that impressive.'

Shia, however, said nothing further. He merely smiled and observed her with an unreadable gaze, as if patiently waiting for something.

'And wait he would. The truth would prove itself.'

For now, though?

“Oh, Princess, so bold—already daring to question me?” Shia spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something dangerous.

Violet blinked, her overinflated confidence faltering slightly. She stared at Shia in confusion.

Shia’s smile remained warm and friendly, but his eyes hinted at something else entirely. Step by step, he moved closer to her.

“You just said my equipment and methods are flashy but impractical?”

Violet instinctively shrank back, a chill running down her spine.

“You don’t believe what I said earlier?”

She took an involuntary step back, but there was nowhere to retreat.

Shia loomed over her, his shadow engulfing her entirely.

“Did you think about the consequences of doubting me?”

Violet’s arrogance evaporated in an instant. Cold sweat beaded on her skin as panic set in. She wanted to run.

But before she could, Shia’s hand clamped firmly onto her shoulder.

“Gulp!” Violet’s throat tightened as she froze.

Shia’s expression softened into an almost angelic smile. He pulled her closer, his arm sliding around her shoulder and locking her in place. Half his body weight pressed against her, making escape impossible.

“As a reward for helping me, I’ll make sure to properly thank you,” Shia said, his tone dangerously sweet.

Violet’s wide eyes brimmed with fear as she forced a stiff smile, her hands fumbling to pry his hand off her shoulder.

“Ha… haha… no need for thanks, we’re all friends here…”

But Shia was already dragging her away.

He took her to a secluded room where no one could see. Once inside, he locked the door behind them.

Violet’s heart raced as she searched for a way out. Spotting an opening, she lunged for the door.

But Shia’s hand seized her ankle, yanking her back effortlessly.

Her sandal slipped off, leaving her delicate foot clad only in white stockings pressed against the soft carpet. The room wasn’t cold, but Violet’s heart felt like it had plunged into ice.

'Like a helpless girl facing a demon, there was no room for resistance.'

Shia’s hand closed around her ankle, his touch firm yet teasing. Violet bit her lip, her watery eyes filled with a mix of shame and helplessness.

Shia extended a finger, lightly brushing against her foot.

“Guh~!”

Her soft whimper filled the small room.