Chapter 106: Oh Luo Xiu, how can you let yourself fall into such complacency? - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

**Chapter 106: Oh Luo Xiu, how can you let yourself fall into such complacency?** In the ensuing days, Luo Xiu's manor returned to its usual tranquility. Although this peace was clearly only temporary, it was more than satisfactory for the two young 'witches.' They no longer had to worry about sources of food or sleep in dark, damp sewers. Their unique constitutions came with a cleansing effect. Otherwise, when they were first captured and brought to the church, their bodies would have collected layers of grime. During these days, Luo Xiu had swiftly fostered a closer relationship with them. Perhaps Lance's prior visit, along with the methods and determination Luo Xiu displayed, provided them with a great sense of security. This subtle shift in the attitudes of the two young 'witches' was undeniable. One has to admit, on this front, Luo Xiu owed Lance his thanks. It was as though Lance acted as a catalyst, rapidly maturing the relationship between them. Selena, needless to say, as Eileen remarked, had foolishly fallen for the bad-boy trap early on. Among them, the biggest transformation was seen in Eileen. The girl who often feigned indifference in front of Luo Xiu exhibited a significantly improved demeanor compared to when she first arrived at the manor. Initially, Eileen wouldn't show Luo Xiu any kindness, often meeting him with cold stares or muttering curses under her breath. Now, although she still occasionally put on a stern face to maintain an air of aloofness, it was far more pleasant than before. Luo Xiu sometimes spotted this extremely cautious girl sitting alone in the garden. She would either be gazing at the sky in a daze or playing with the garden's flowers and plants, a subtle smile often lingering on her face. In truth, Luo Xiu had done nothing special to earn her favor, nor had he tried to curry it. Their previous lives were just too harsh. Even this uneventful daily routine was enough to bring her a sense of peace. Though every time she noticed Luo Xiu approaching, Eileen would quickly don a stern expression, as if declaring she wasn't happy or fond of the place at all. Luo Xiu merely smiled it off. Girls at her age were often like this. Even if they adored something, they would pretend not to care, in an endearing display of awkwardness. Luo Xiu carried a healthy attitude towards it. He wasn't put off by Eileen, nor did he harbor any dislike. He merely found her tsundere demeanor amusingly charming. Particularly when he intentionally engaged in any intimate interaction with Selena in front of Eileen. Watching Eileen sulk in silence truly brought Luo Xiu an odd sense of satisfaction. It was reminiscent of those classic scenes in island films. Take now, for instance. On a crystal-clear sunny afternoon. Luo Xiu strolled with the two young 'witches' in the garden, basking in the gentle breeze and sunshine. Luo Xiu's manor was grand. And the front portion of it, the meticulously tended garden by Anna, was naturally large as well. They were currently situated in a corner of the garden. Here, a pavilion stood in rustic elegance, offering a sweeping view of the entire back garden. In the pavilion's center was a small table, laden with delicate pastries. Luo Xiu reclined comfortably in a chair, indulging in Selena's offerings. Selena wore a light yellow dress today, its hem adorned with a circle of fresh floral patterns, the dress's edge swayed with the breeze, revealing a glimpse of her crystal-like calf. Over these days, as the girl got familiar with the manor's environment and constantly stayed close to Luo Xiu, her personality became increasingly clingy and playful. She sat beside Luo Xiu, holding a small fruit platter, occasionally picking a piece and gently coaxing it into his mouth. Luo Xiu lounged with contentment, hands folded behind his head, relishing the decadent lifestyle typical of nobility. This prompted a fleeting internal confession to the Light for his indulgence. Oh Luo Xiu, you've come here bearing a mission. How can you spend your days lost in pleasure and idleness? The crisis from the royal family had been temporarily averted, but what about resolving issues with the church? Handling the church couldn’t be as brutish as dealing with the royal family. In other words, for now, the church remained allies with Luo Xiu. Fighting one's own didn't make sense. As he pondered this, a soft voice called him back. "Lord Luo Xiu." Accompanied by the voice, a plump green grape was proffered to his lips. Though Luo Xiu was mentally against such corrupt and declining indulgence, his body betrayed him as he opened his mouth. As lips closed over the grape, they inevitably brushed against the girl's slender fingertips. Every time, Selena withdrew her hand hurriedly as if slightly electrified. Luo Xiu chuckled wryly, "Though I may play with electricity, your reaction makes me feel like my whole body is electrified." Selena's cheeks flushed as she lowered her head and said nothing. Her small legs began to swing playfully. She wore oversized slippers, which completely enveloped her delicate feet. While comfortable, such large slippers lacked snugness. So, predictably, as she swung her feet a bit more vigorously, the slipper dropped to the ground with a 'plop.' "Ah." Selena exclaimed softly, attempting to retrieve it with her toes, but was always just out of reach. In the afternoon sun, her bare feet shimmered with a golden sheen, captivating indeed. Luo Xiu glanced inadvertently and then quickly looked away. He rose, retrieve her slipper, and helped her put it back on. They had many interactions over these days, none of them ambiguous. So Selena remained still, waiting obediently. The atmosphere between them felt remarkably serene. Except for Eileen in another corner of the pavilion, her face cold, gnashing silvery teeth in frustration. Her cheeks puffed, eyes slightly widened, casting a warning look at Luo Xiu, as if guarding Selena from something. Fortunately, Luo Xiu refrained from unnecessary gestures, retreating promptly after helping her with her shoe. Eileen's rosy lips moved as if to speak. But then she glanced at an overjoyed, blushing Selena. The words of admonishment clogged in her throat, refusing to come out. She thought gloomily. Fine, as long as Selena is happy, and besides, he indeed kept his promise, even opposing the entire royal family for their sake. Letting him take some liberties wasn't entirely unacceptable. With this in mind, Eileen's mood suddenly dipped. Because she knew they might not just be facing the whole royal family of Maya, but an entire world. The church, all the citizens of the Maya Empire... How much longer could these tranquil days last? Would this man who claimed he would protect them truly stand with them, opposing the entire world? Putting herself in that position. Eileen believed she certainly couldn't do it. She turned her head, gazing dazedly at the cerulean sky. **(End of Chapter)**