Since it was already late, Ina had Selene send dinner directly.
However…
Loki glanced at Selene, who wore an embarrassed smile, then looked at the bottle of rose fragrance and the few lit candles just placed on the table.
Those things were obviously not side dishes meant to be eaten.
Something was off.
“What are these?”
“Uh, they’re to set the mood…”
Selene awkwardly pinched the hem of her skirt and glanced at Ina sitting nearby, as if this matter had nothing to do with her.
The witch slightly turned her face away, letting out an affected cough, then curved her index finger and lightly tapped the table.
…No, Ina, this was what you wanted, wasn’t it?
Selene almost rolled her eyes on the spot in frustration at her friend who was so smitten she’d forgotten herself. God only knew who had whispered in her ear just moments ago in that sticky, uncomfortable tone, begging her to bring these mood props.
If this woman is truly interested in Loki, can’t she just pursue him openly and honestly?
Just like that Serulu.
But no, she has to bring all these strange things… Honestly, she wondered what expression the witch clan would make if they knew their future matriarch was like this.
“It was Ina who asked me to bring them.”
Weighing the pros and cons, Selene didn’t hesitate to spill the truth.
Upon hearing this, the witch nearly lost her composure.
She bared her teeth slightly and shot Selene a “How dare you betray me” look before explaining in a serious tone.
“Actually, these are special items to relieve fatigue, Loki.”
“Uh… oh.”
Did I just not see the interaction between you two? Loki thought bitterly.
Still, he nodded in understanding.
Perhaps the witch lady liked this kind of ambiance; after all, tastes and hobbies are unpredictable — and considering her status, it wasn’t strange for her to engage in ceremonious acts.
After all, in a sense, Ina was also a young lady of noble blood.
“Miss Selene, thank you for your trouble. Have you eaten dinner?”
Loki asked.
“N-no trouble at all. Uh, I haven’t yet…”
“She’s already eaten.”
Ina stuffed some grilled meat and vegetables into a soft flatbread that looked like naan while speaking in a tone that clearly meant, “You’re in the way, go on and leave.”
This was her first time dining face-to-face with Lord Loki — a truly historic event worthy of the witch clan’s annals!
Though following Loki around as a cat and secretly watching him eat alone was also enjoyable… it was undoubtedly better to face him openly as herself!
Moreover, now that she finally had a chance without Serulu interfering, she had to seize it tightly.
The first to fall for Lord Loki was me!
Having learned of the complicated relationship between Loki and Serulu, the witch naturally couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.
Of course, since she already knew some of the saintess’s background, Ina found it hard not to feel a bit of sympathy for this girl who suddenly latched onto Lord Loki.
Being a little kinder and tolerant of her capriciousness wasn’t out of the question.
But business was business.
They all shared a past fate intertwined with Lord Loki; it wasn’t right for only this one girl to have all the intimate moments with him.
Not to mention… Ina and Loki each held half of a pair of matching rings. According to the witch clan’s rules, that already counted as “married”!
Ina thought confidently.
Selene smiled and lightly clenched her fist.
Suppressing the urge to use her strength as a knight’s daughter to bop Ina’s head filled with Loki’s thoughts, she made a firm decision. She would find a chance to give her friend a proper lesson.
“I won’t disturb you two any longer. Enjoy your meal.”
After saying this, she left the room.
It had to be said, the girl’s impeccable manners prevented either Loki or Ina from catching the emotions hidden beneath her words.
Though Loki felt something was off, watching her leave so gracefully, he swallowed back any words to ask her to stay.
Honestly, Selene’s personality and charm perfectly matched Loki’s tastes.
But as a soulless being hated to the point of being hunted by the great lords, Loki found it hard to build a fulfilling relationship.
This had been proven countless times in history.
Those recorded soulless beings not only failed to end well themselves but their families were ultimately torn apart, as if cursed with the most venomous spell.
This was also one of the reasons why Loki had spent nearly five years mostly alone.
After all, his modeling skills were exceptional, and the unique aura born from his complicated experiences naturally attracted all kinds of women.
…If this were a different worldview, he might have already built a huge harem.
Loki chuckled quietly at his own thoughts.
—Compared to him, Ina seemed worry-free.
She intended to thoroughly enjoy their brief time alone together — that said, after Selene left, Ina noticed a problem.
Her previous calm was completely gone, replaced by the pounding of her heart, rising body temperature that made her want to fan herself, and nervousness so intense she couldn’t utter a single word.
It was like having bought a lottery ticket just hoping to break even, but instead hitting the grand prize.
Though she hadn’t found the courage to confess her feelings, Ina had long since rehearsed countless scenarios of dining with Loki in her head.
Maybe she’d had some impulsive, bold ideas in private, but right now, her mind was filled only with innocence and youth.
For example, blushing furiously when their utensils accidentally clinked.
For example, feeling utterly embarrassed when she realized she had used the wrong cup from Loki.
—Unfortunately, reality wasn’t a scripted play.
Even when Ina tried to deliberately cause some friction, Loki flawlessly blocked all of it.
“Ina, did you just use the wrong cup?”
“I didn’t realize you liked this dish so much… it’s all yours. You fought hard earlier; please eat more.”
“You look a bit flushed. Did you accidentally bite into a chili pepper? Have some cold water. I’ll ask Selene to bring some milk.”
—Utter defeat.
No matter how “awkward” Ina’s performance was, it didn’t provoke Loki’s displeasure; on the contrary, it earned gentle accommodation.
The candlelight dinner hastily thrown together with world-shaking wisdom had utterly failed to produce the intended effect — other than satisfying the witch’s own fantasy, it achieved nothing.
…She really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.
After quickly finishing the flavorless meal, Ina slumped over the table like a salted fish, motionless.
Loki, puzzled, began tidying the dishes.
This girl felt strange; her behavior during the meal was like she had drunk fake liquor.
“In a bad mood?”
He asked.
“…No.”
Ina’s answer was weak and listless.