“Milis has already left?”
Luo Xiya listened to Elise’s report, her tone tinged with curiosity.
“Yes, just now. She took Tania with her as well,” Elise replied respectfully, hands folded neatly in front of her.
Luo Xiya nodded, not giving it any further thought.
Compared to Tania’s potential value, the information Milis provided was far more significant to her.
Besides, she had been worried about the trouble she would face afterward, but now, that trouble had conveniently been shifted onto Milis and the Holy Light Church.
“Annie was saved by Lady Milis last night, quite effortlessly,” Elise added.
At this, Luo Xiya’s resentment toward Milis softened just a little.
Of course, that was one thing, but she still planned to settle scores with her when the time came.
“This Demonic Flower, what exactly is it?”
Luo Xiya sat down, still feeling a lingering sense of dread.
She’d originally thought it was just a spice ingredient, but now it seemed the side effects were terrifying.
“Annie was under a lot of pressure at home for a while, so she tried using it to relieve some of the stress,” Elise explained, pinching a bit of powder from the dish on the table.
“This spice sells so well because it can erase people’s fatigue and create a wonderful illusion for a short time.”
“It’s just that no one expected the side effects to accumulate to such a degree.”
As for Lady Catherine, her case was the most unique. In the end of the monster subjugation, she was Cursed, at the cost of both body and soul.
Fortunately, Roman was there, only with his help could the Curse be truly suppressed.
Thinking of this, Luo Xiya couldn’t help but glance at Roman beside her. He was quietly stirring his tea, sulking, and hadn’t said a word to her since earlier.
If she hadn’t by chance won Roman at the Auction, she could hardly imagine the despair she’d be facing now.
At the very least, she would have had to prepare herself to lose Aunt Catherine.
“You know, my lady, you really were decisive yesterday,” Elise took the opportunity to praise her.
Hmm?
Luo Xiya looked puzzled, so Elise continued, “Yesterday, you refused Tania’s request, and because of Roman, you directly tore all pretense and threw her into the Dungeon.”
Roman’s spoon paused mid-stir. Elise sneaked a glance and saw his sulky little expression instantly melt away, his eyes lowering to hide his emotions.
Catching on, Luo Xiya wasted no time, drawing near and fussing over him with warmth and care, even helping him cut the meat on his plate.
He watched as Luo Xiya’s hand covered his, quietly linking their fingers together.
Ah…
The warmth in his heart washed away all other feelings.
Roman simply sat there, letting Luo Xiya continue her little gestures.
Elise stood to the side, a faint, knowing smile on her lips as she watched the two.
“You’re all here…”
A delighted voice came from the stairs behind them.
Roman finally found a chance to let go of Luo Xiya’s hand and turned around.
Lady Catherine, with her tall, voluptuous figure, was gracefully descending the stairs.
She wore her usual dark, form-fitting gown, her long, shapely legs sheathed in violet stockings that flashed in and out of view as she walked.
Luo Xiya also saw Lady Catherine’s elegant, noble bearing.
She pouted, then glanced at Roman, only to find his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Lady Catherine.
Noble, elegant, intellectual, such a woman would be the center of attention anywhere. Luo Xiya understood, but still felt a twinge of discomfort in her heart.
Even if the other was her own aunt, she couldn’t stand Roman being drawn to her.
“Auntie, why are you coming down so late?”
Luo Xiya went up and affectionately took Lady Catherine’s arm, her tone full of concern.
Lady Catherine’s expression was a little odd as she looked Luo Xiya up and down.
After just one night, her once youthful features had matured significantly.
She looked more grown up, and a touch of allure had appeared between her smiles and glances.
Memories of last night surged up, and the always-composed Lady Catherine suddenly felt a wave of shame.
Being outdone by her own niece in this way was a difficult feeling to swallow.
Forcing herself to snap back to reality, Lady Catherine smiled and said.
“I just went back for a quick nap and accidentally overslept.”
“Hehe, you’re getting old, aren’t you? My mother also likes to take naps,” Luo Xiya teased.
“Don’t make fun of your aunt.”
Lady Catherine rapped Luo Xiya’s smooth forehead with her finger, half-annoyed.
“Now that you’re here, let’s eat.”
She had no reason to refuse and let herself be pulled over to the table.
“Good afternoon, Madam,” Elise greeted politely.
As Lady Catherine passed by Elise, she couldn’t help but notice the respectful yet meaningful look in Elise’s eyes.
Once seated, Lady Catherine received Roman’s greeting.
“Good afternoon, Aunt Catherine.”
Luo Xiya and Lady Catherine both froze for a second, then Lady Catherine quickly broke into a kindly smile.
“Thank you, little Roman. In the future, I’ll count on you to take good care of Luo Xiya.”
Luo Xiya, rarely shy, sat down with a blush, sneaking glances at Roman, her eyes sparkling.
Lady Catherine noticed the two holding hands under the table, and couldn’t help but take a sip of tea, feeling a mix of joy and a hint of envy.
This lunch, with everyone gathered together, felt just like a real family.
Smiles abounded, with no strict rules, and the meal was filled with conversation and laughter.
“My lady, Lady Milis asked me to pass on a message before she left,” Elise suddenly said.
“Mmm? What did she say…”
Luo Xiya asked, chewing on her steak, not particularly concerned.
“She said… she’ll be waiting for you in the Holy City.”
All four of them were momentarily stunned.
Roman was the first to react, asking with confusion, “Is that a challenge?”
“Pfft…”
Luo Xiya couldn’t help but laugh, grabbing a napkin.
“Looks like it’s not just me who has a problem with her, she has quite a few opinions about me too…”
“This year’s Ceremony in the Holy City is the largest in a decade, and it’s only a month away,” Elise, the head maid, reminded her with concern.
“We should start preparing. Last time, I taught all those so-called geniuses a lesson, only that stubborn ‘Saintess’ is left,” Luo Xiya said, her tone full of disdain.
Roman listened to Luo Xiya’s self-satisfied words, looking puzzled.
Elise quickly explained, “A few years ago, my lady participated in the Holy City’s Ceremony. At that time, she defeated every extraordinary peer on the continent. That victory earned her such fame that His Majesty the Emperor personally granted her the title of Count.”
Roman blinked in surprise.
He knew Luo Xiya was talented and strong, but he hadn’t realized just how impressive she truly was.
It was just like something out of the novels from his previous life.