Chapter 96: I Don't Like Using Force - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

### Chapter 96: I Don't Like Using Force At the dining table. Perhaps Luo Xiu's amicable demeanor was overdone, but the atmosphere became quite harmonious. There was no one else around—not even Anna, who had been sent away by Luo Xiu beforehand. To break down the wariness in the hearts of the two young witches, Luo Xiu went to great lengths. Naturally, his attentiveness received the reward it deserved. Though the girl named Eileen still maintained a cold demeanor of "stay away from me," the relationship between him and Selina had significantly improved. The sight of Selina and Luo Xiu chatting and laughing together made Eileen silently eating her meal shiver with irritation. It felt completely wrong. Weren't they supposed to resist together? She felt that if things continued like this, her friend Selina might end up willingly throwing herself into his arms. "Wake up, Selina!" These are traps he's set for us, just waiting for you to fall into them! Annoyed, Eileen pierced her chopsticks into her bowl of delicious food repeatedly. Yet briefly, she was again mesmerized by the array of dishes on the table, unable to stop drooling. For those like them, accustomed to gnawing on black bread, a feast like this was beyond imagination in their past lives. Their greatest wish back then was merely a fragrant, soft loaf of bread. Yet now, before them lay many delicacies they had never even heard of. While Eileen's thoughts wandered, Selina began to speak. "Lord Luo Xiu, you are truly the best person we've ever met in our lives. Thank you." After the recent conversation, Selina had learned the man's real name. Lord Luo Xiu Lian. Unlike Eileen, who was somewhat puzzled and clueless, Selina had heard of this name. Naturally, she understood the significance behind it. After all, he was the most outstanding genius the Maya Empire had seen in centuries! While internally astonished, her curiosity grew. "Lord Luo Xiu, forgive my boldness, but I still wish to understand why you are doing this?" Selina hesitated several times before ultimately voicing her question. Upon hearing this, even Eileen, who had been aloof, paused her eating and looked up. It was clear she was equally curious. Witnessing their reactions, Luo Xiu felt slightly helpless. He knew that unless he provided a credible reason, the two would guess back and forth, potentially losing sleep over it. He understood their mental state perfectly well. In their shoes, he, too, would be eager to figure things out. Thus, Luo Xiu pondered for a moment, then spoke earnestly, "Hmm... since you're both so curious, there's no harm in telling you." He cleared his throat, suppressing his embarrassment. "The truth is, you two enchanting witches were simply too adorable. Driven by your allure, we've reached this present situation." Upon hearing his words, Selina and Eileen exchanged glances, revealing expressions that seemed to say, "As expected." Eileen even grimaced disdainfully. Clearly, this devious man couldn't have pure intentions! They weren't particularly surprised by this reason. After all, they had already guessed as much regarding Luo Xiu's motives. In truth, aside from their physical attractiveness, they couldn't think of any other value they had. Nonetheless, Selina's inner doubts hadn't entirely dissipated. If he was merely interested in their appearance, then why not employ simpler and more forceful measures? Why treat them so politely and with respect instead? Noticing her skepticism, Luo Xiu chuckled and said, "Miss Selina, there's no need to worry." "My intent is rather simple, really. I just don’t want to acquire only your bodies." "I detest such measures, and instead of using force..." Luo Xiu paused briefly before continuing, "What I truly desire is your hearts." After finishing his sentence, he couldn't help but cringe at his own cheesy words. Fortunately, he managed to overcome the embarrassment and maintain his composure. After all, as long as I’m not embarrassed, it's the others who will feel awkward. Meanwhile, the girl sitting opposite him blushed furiously. Such a cliché wooing, for a young and inexperienced girl, was a bit too overwhelming. She pursed her lips, mustering the courage to look at him. "Lord Luo Xiu, you're kidding." "We are already outcasts of the Empire. Your willingness to accept us already moves me greatly. As long as you are willing..." Selina, feeling a bit shy, didn't finish her sentence but bowed her head. Her bashful demeanor was far from pretentious; instead, it perfectly embodied that pure allure, making her even more captivating. This entire display left Eileen astonished. She had no idea when her friend had mastered such acts of manipulating men. Indeed. Knowing Selina well, Eileen realized she was merely putting on a show to accommodate him. There was no other way since having this man by their side would ensure a carefree future. Eileen, reluctant to bow down for this, saw that Selina clearly had a different perspective. Thinking about this, she felt increasingly uneasy. She wasn't foolish. She knew Selina was likely doing this for her. No doubt the man was already internally overjoyed... Eileen felt incredibly desolate, attempting a few times to rise and stop things, only to be firmly held down under the table. Turning her head to look, she met Selina's eyes, which were signaling her not to act impulsively. Gritting her teeth, Eileen restrained herself. Of course, all these supposedly secret little gestures couldn't escape Luo Xiu's notice. He was momentarily taken aback, then began to chuckle. "Miss Selina, there's no need for this." He picked up a small knife, slicing a piece of steak and placing it on the girl's plate. His actions were smooth and elegant, exuding a natural grace. It was a skill inherent in those of high status. Luo Xiu took up a napkin and wiped his mouth. "I'll say it again. "Time will prove everything." The man smiled confidently. For some reason, Selina found herself captivated. She thought Lord Luo Xiu's smile was truly captivating. Yes, even without the smile, he was extraordinarily handsome. … ... After dinner, Luo Xiu escorted Eileen and Selina back to their room. The room was on the second floor, adjacent to Luo Xiu's bedroom. "Selina, I'm so full..." In the lavishly decorated room, Eileen lay on the soft bed, rubbing her stomach and making doe-like sounds. Now that the man had left, there was no need for her to maintain her cold mask. Eileen tightly embraced Selina, snuggling her head against her chest. Faced with Eileen's affection, Selina gently stroked her silky hair, reassuring her, "Eileen, we will get better." "Someday, things might improve." Hearing this, Eileen looked up and protested, "Selina, you place too much trust in that man. You need to be clear-headed, we are witches..." Mentioning the word "witch," the atmosphere in the room suddenly grew cold. (End of the Chapter)