Chapter 337: Honorable Traditions, Strict on Others, Indulgent on Herself: What Did You Two Do In There? (3)
Sophia opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say.
Wasn't this what you wanted?
Then why reject it?
It was all part of the plan!
What a joke!
You think you can freely enjoy the benefits of a dangerous seductress like her?
If he lacked this much caution, he wouldn't be worthy of his title as a nine-lives player.
Shia's voice was steady, only the occasional trembling in his tone betraying his anger.
"Madam, you must have misunderstood something."
He didn't even call her Aunt Ya anymore.
His voice was harsh, tinged with disappointment and hurt.
"What I want is simply your genuine smile. I just want you to be happy."
"If you want the recipe, how could I not give it to you?"
"But Lilith is still your daughter. I was afraid, because of me, you two might grow distant. I didn't want to hurt you."
"But you think I'm... that kind of person!"
"From the beginning, what I wanted was simple! I just wanted your sincere joy."
His voice was filled with emotion. He finally turned back to look at Sophia, who had now stood up.
A simp's declaration?
No. Words were weapons. Even something that sounded like blind devotion could work wonders—it all depended on how you used it.
At this moment, Sophia looked at the sincere boy, listened to his pure confession, and felt her heart skip a beat.
She was noble, beautiful, elegant, and had many admirers.
But none had ever made her feel this way.
That kind of raw, unfiltered love could only come from someone his age.
And because it was so pure, it was even more moving.
Maybe... he really does love me?
Sophia asked herself.
The seductive vixen was now getting tangled in the bad boy's web.
She looked at Shia, a small pang of guilt stirring in her heart, but more than that, she felt touched.
Who could resist a gentle, loyal young wolf?
Her previous killing intent had vanished.
Instead, she felt regret for her earlier thoughts.
If she had really gone through with them, she would have lost a boy who truly loved her.
And betraying someone like that would be a regret she could never make up for.
A true fox spirit never thinks she'll get caught.
Even stepping into the trap now, she remained oblivious, blinded by her own arrogance.
...
In the courtyard, the stern and serious head of the Guen family paced with his hands behind his back, looking grumpy.
But his gaze kept drifting toward the silent door.
Why was it so quiet?
They'd been in there a long time.
Could it be she was moved by his youth and fell for him?
We've been married over twenty years, and you wouldn't even give me a pair of socks, but now you're alone with him this long!?
Lilith sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, resting her chin in her hands, lifeless expression, eyes full of sorrow staring at the door.
Her mind had already conjured countless scenes.
Every one of them featured her boyfriend being toyed with by Sophia.
After all this time, Lilith had been bullied into trauma.
Before, she'd get mad and flustered when it happened.
But now that she couldn't even see it, she felt even worse!
Horace stopped walking. As he turned, his eyes "accidentally" landed on the door.
Lilith stood up too, stretching her neck, also glancing toward the door.
Both of them were losing it, thinking the same thing:
—What the hell are you two doing in there!?
Then, father and daughter locked eyes.
Both quickly masked their emotions.
"How's your studying going lately?"
"While I was away, have you and Mom been doing well?"
They sat at the stone table, making idle small talk.
Their backs stiff, pretending to be calm and composed.
Even their thoughts were in sync.
Don't let him (her) see through me!
Even though they were both inwardly panicking, worried that their beloved might be getting wrecked inside, they kept up a peaceful facade.
A fine example of Guen family excellence—strict with others when it comes to cheating.
Far away to the north of the Guen family estate...
The sounds of brutal battle rang out, drums pounding fiercely.
Blades and warhorses clashed in a grand display, far removed from the calm of a quiet town.
On such a battlefield, a blood-soaked rose bloomed.
The rose was dazzling like fire, dashing across the field.
Every bloom came with the arrival of death.
Long, fiery red hair flew in the wind, like the Reaper's scythe.
After slaying the final enemy, she sheathed her long blade, revealing a wickedly beautiful face.
Snow-white armor radiated killing intent, contrasting sharply with her flaming hair.
On the battlefield, she was the brightest light.
Soldiers cleaning up the field dared not meet her gaze, quickly bowing in awe.
Soon, a rider sped toward her.
A female officer dismounted and knelt on one knee, voice firm as she reported.
"Reporting to the commander, the northern barbarians have been completely cleared!"
She looked up at the figure before her, eyes filled with admiration and feverish devotion.
The red-haired dominatrix sat tall on her horse, posture impeccable.
Her seductive face held a calm, indifferent expression.
"The battle's over. Wrap things up. Prepare to return."
She had to go home for her mother's birthday.
As soon as she finished speaking, she yanked the reins and turned around.
Her tall figure was striking even beneath the white uniform, fiery red hair covering her eyes.
An icy aura radiated from her.
She was a true ice queen.
Not Sistine's aloofness, nor White's fake pride.
This was real, bone-chilling cold.
And she... was Lilith's Valkyrie of an adoptive sister.
Back in the courtyard, Lilith and Horace still hadn't seen the two come out.
They both retreated to their rooms, sneaking glances over their shoulders the whole way to avoid exposing their panic.
When Shia finally came out, the courtyard was empty.
He casually tidied his clothes and headed for Lilith's room.
After handling the big one, it was time for the little one.
His true goal was still his Mary Sue fiancée.
Lilith sat in front of her vanity, her delicate head slightly bowed.
She heard the door open and felt a flicker of happiness inside, but her face remained cold.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Shia entering through the mirror, and she was annoyed.
"So now you finally feel like coming back?"
Her voice was calm, but clearly tinged with displeasure.