Chapter 101: Why, My Selina?! - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

## Chapter 101: Why, My Selina?! Luo Xiu woke up early today. He stood by the study window, gazing at the bustling street outside. The architecture lining the streets was uniformly styled in a typical Western medieval fantasy design. He had already sent off his reply to the Church, and now all he could do was wait in silence. Though he appeared relaxed while speaking to Selina last night, he was indeed uncertain deep down. As Luo Xiu pondered, he suddenly focused his mind. He extended his hand, his palm long, fair, and well-defined. At the tip of his index finger, a flicker of electricity suddenly appeared, dancing playfully and offering Luo Xiu a slight sense of security. This time, he was no longer just an average man incapable of defending himself but a powerful mage with command over thunder. In the Maya Empire, nothing was more esteemed than magic. A mage's status towered over all others. A high-level mage was akin to a relentless war machine. Though their physical bodies might be weak, they wielded spells and forbidden arts capable of annihilating everything, enabling them to stand above all. Not even the Church was an exception. Every senior member of the Church held the rank of a high-level mage. Strength was essential… Luo Xiu reminisced about a girl from his past life who had pursued the path of cultivation, feeling a spark of curiosity. Which would prevail, cultivation or magic? Naturally, he knew he wouldn't get an answer now. Suppressing his thoughts, Luo Xiu left the study. He headed towards the dining room, pushing open the door upon arrival. Seated at the table were two girls of exquisite features, their skin radiant and glowing in the sunlight. They had changed out of the maid outfits from the night before, each now adorned in a richly colored gown. Selina wore an elegant purple dress, its edges embroidered with ancient and graceful patterns. Two rose-purple ribbons cascaded down her sides, highlighting her delicate waist and a burgeoning chest. Seeing Luo Xiu enter, she quickly turned to him, her eyes twinkling with a smile she couldn't hide. In contrast to Selina’s warm gestures, Eilene appeared more aloof. She wore a dress as black as ink, sitting gracefully with a cool expression. Even upon noticing someone entering, Eilene offered nothing more than a quick glance before looking away. "Good morning, Miss Selina." Luo Xiu smiled as he greeted them. He glanced at Eilene's tense expression but didn't take offense at her lack of response, greeting her just as warmly, "Good morning, Miss Eilene." Selina's hands were clasped on her lap. Though they hadn't seen each other since the previous night, her eyes were filled with a longing she couldn't conceal. "Lord Luo Xiu." She responded softly, while her hand, hidden under the table, reached out to touch her friend's arm. Eilene understood her gesture, recognizing it as a nudge to respond to this strange man. Yet, perhaps due to a rare good night's sleep, even the man's once-detestable face seemed surprisingly agreeable to Eilene at that moment. She straightened slightly, intending to offer a begrudging response. But just as she prepared to speak, she noticed the man had already turned away. Luo Xiu didn't expect any response from Eilene. Eilene's expression froze, nearly causing her composure to falter. She took a deep breath, calming herself with reminders to remain cool-headed and not impulsive. Calm down, calm down. Resist the urge to act rashly. One had to admit, it was tolerable to endure a life of darkness and the damp, odorous sewers if one had never experienced light. But the enticing softness of last night's fragrant, plush bed made Eilene hesitant to leave her current life behind. Even knowing the man's less-than-innocent intentions, her firm resolve wavered. Perhaps letting this odd character gain a little advantage wouldn't be so wrong? Shaking her head to dismiss the thought, Eilene chided herself. Eilene, how could you fall so easily? Your dear Selina still awaits your rescue! Unaware of the conflicting thoughts within one girl's mind, Luo Xiu moved to the opposite side of the table and took a seat. He smiled at Selina, asking, "How was your sleep last night? Did you rest well?" "If you need anything, just let me know. If I’m not around, you can also find Anna." Taken aback by this consideration, Selina said, "Lord Luo Xiu, you’ve already been so generous to us. I don’t even know how to repay you..." Luo Xiu listened patiently, then casually cut a delicate piece of bread from the platter before him. Using a fork, he placed it onto the girl's plate. "Do you really see me as someone who helps only for something in return, Selina?" His tone feigned anger, clearly jesting. Yet Selina, flustered, stood up immediately, her head shaking vigorously, "Lord Luo Xiu, please don’t say that about yourself. I never thought that way." Seeing her earnest reaction, Luo Xiu was taken aback. He chuckled, saying, "Sit, sit. Of course, I know you don’t think that. No need to get all worked up." He pointed to the slice of bread on her plate, "Try it? Anna baked it herself." The obedient girl sat down and took a bite of the bread. It was soft and dense, with a hint of charred aroma upon entering her mouth. Her eyes brightened instantly, akin to the first sprouts of spring. "Anna is amazing. Her cooking is unexpectedly wonderful." Selina spoke with sincere admiration. Luo Xiu smiled, suggesting, "There’s not much to do around here. If you ever feel bored, you might want to learn from her." "Really?" Selina clasped her hands together, her eyes lighting up. The conversation between them flowed easily and joyfully. Despite the presence of a certain ice block at the table, the atmosphere was jovial. Eilene could only watch, her heart aching. Pain, so much pain! Why, my Selina?! It was as though something that had once belonged solely to her was now forcibly shared. Oh no, Eilene thought, seeing Selina’s expression as if she wanted nothing more than to leap into his arms—she feared the idea of her giving everything away. Of course, she couldn’t blame Selina. Such a gentle and kind person could never be at fault. It must be that strange man who secretly enchanted my Selina! Clearly, rescuing Selina was of utmost urgency! Eilene was still dwelling in these intense thoughts when she suddenly noticed a soft piece of bread placed before her. She looked up, meeting the clear gaze of the man. He asked, "What's wrong? Don’t like this?" Eilene paused. ... ... In the afternoon, the estate received new guests. Or rather, an uninvited visitor. He wasn’t alone but accompanied by a precisely trained troop. The army was solemn and organized, obviously not to be trifled with. When Anna informed Luo Xiu of their arrival, he was quite surprised. He hadn’t expected to be confronted at his doorstep just a day later. Fortunately, the visitors weren’t from the Church but the royal family of the Maya Empire. The leader was Prince Lance, the third prince favored by the current emperor. At this moment, he stood at the estate's entrance, a deep frown creasing his forehead, a hint of impatience flickering across his expression. (Chapter end)