**Chapter 296: Don’t Tell Her**
“Eh…”
Caught off guard by the question, Selena visibly hesitated. She instinctively wanted to confess how she had sought out Lord Luo Xiu to share her feelings. However, recalling Eileen’s consistently disdainful attitude, she quickly changed her answer, “I, I’m going to the restroom too.”
Eileen quietly observed her for a few moments, then didn’t press further.
…
…
The next morning.
During breakfast, Luo Xiu noticed that Eileen’s attitude towards him had worsened considerably. While it was still far better than when they first met, they had been able to communicate normally just two days prior. For instance, during meals, Luo Xiu would occasionally feed Eileen, and despite her cold demeanor, she would grudgingly accept. Today, however, she completely ignored his attempts to feed her.
Luo Xiu was perplexed and asked what was wrong, wondering if he had somehow displeased the young lady. Eileen turned her head, let out a cold snort, and said something that Luo Xiu and Selena both found utterly baffling.
“Isn’t this how you like it?”
“How I like it…?”
Luo Xiu was utterly confused, stating he had no idea what she was talking about. Eileen, however, believed he was deliberately playing dumb in front of Selena. After all, she clearly remembered his teasing remark from last night: ‘I prefer your unruly self from before.’
At this thought, a hint of shame and annoyance flickered across Eileen’s features. She put down her plate, turned around, and left. What a complete humiliation! Eileen bit her lip, inwardly cursing her own weakness from last night. How could she have let him have his way so easily?
Meanwhile, Luo Xiu was naturally unaware of Eileen’s thoughts at that moment. He turned to look at Selena, questioning her with his eyes. Selena, in turn, looked back at him with a similar expression of confusion. The two exchanged glances, both at a loss as to why she was having another emotional outburst.
…
…
It was the crisp autumn season. Walking down the corridor, Eileen followed a small path through the garden to a spot where she often came to ponder alone. Tall flower bushes lined the path on either side, creating a tranquil environment filled with faint, fragrant scents. She enjoyed spending time here, savoring the hard-won peace.
Truthfully, she would rather be with Selena, but Selena had been growing increasingly attached to that man lately. This often left Eileen watching from the sidelines, feeling like an outsider. Eileen hadn’t considered trying to pull Selena away from that pervert. However, whenever she saw the smile radiating from Selena’s face as she conversed with him, she couldn’t bring herself to interrupt. Over time, she found it easier to just avoid seeing it and enjoy her own solitude.
Just like now.
It was still early, and the grass and flowers along the path were still adorned with a few dewdrops, sparkling like emeralds. Eileen sat on a patch of lawn, drawing her knees up and wrapping her arms around herself. Resting her head on her knees, she gazed absently at the sky.
After a while, as if recalling something, the girl’s delicate cheeks began to flush slightly. The events of last night inevitably replayed in her mind whenever she quieted down. A secluded late-night embrace, the panting sounds that made her blush just thinking about them. The sensations left her feeling dizzy and lightheaded even now.
She shook her head. “No, no. If I keep thinking about it, I’ll go crazy.”
Just then, a soft pattering sound of footsteps approached from behind. Eileen didn’t turn around; she knew who it was. Only that person would seek her out in this secluded spot.
As expected, a familiar male voice called out the next moment. His tone was always calm and unhurried, a soothing sound. “What’s wrong? Hiding out here alone again?”
Luo Xiu sat down beside her. Beneath their feet lay a vast expanse of lush green grass. A gentle breeze rustled by, carrying a refreshing coolness. Eileen turned her head, still refusing to look at him. She replied coldly, “What’s it to you? If you find me troublesome, just get rid of me.”
The girl’s temperament remained as usual—difficult to approach, covered in thorns. Fortunately, Luo Xiu was accustomed to it and didn’t feel slighted. He smiled, “Miss Eileen, by the Holy Light, I promise that as long as you don’t wish to leave, no one will be able to force you away.”
Luo Xiu’s voice was gentle, without any forced emphasis. He spoke each word with sincerity. Eileen’s small hands, resting on the grass, clenched slightly before relaxing. Her rosy lips moved, but her voice was too soft for Luo Xiu to hear clearly.
Luo Xiu didn’t mind. He lay down on the grass, propping his head on his hands, and gazed up at the vast blue sky. “So, who exactly upset you?” he asked. “Why don’t you tell me? Perhaps I can help.”
Hearing his concerned words, Eileen lowered her gaze and bit her lip. She thought to herself, *Who upset me? Don’t you know it yourself? Even now, with no one else around, you still pretend in front of me… Or is it that you enjoy this kind of special game?*
At this realization, Eileen couldn’t help but curse softly in a mixture of shame and annoyance. “Pervert!”
Luo Xiu glanced at her, shrugged, and wore an innocent expression. Just as he was about to retort, a morning breeze began to blow. The wind lifted the girl’s long hair, brushing against Luo Xiu’s face. It tickled. Luo Xiu reached out to tuck it away.
Seemingly noticing this, Eileen’s interest was piqued. She deliberately leaned closer, tossing her head from side to side. Her cascading hair then showered Luo Xiu’s face. Seeing his surprised attempt to block it, the girl’s lips curved upwards, her eyes twinkling with the mischief of a successful prank.
Luo Xiu could only smile helplessly. “Miss Eileen is truly a mischievous child.”
Upon hearing this, Eileen’s smiling face suddenly turned cold again. She snorted, “Who are you calling a child? At my age, I’m already old enough to be married.” According to the customs of the Maya Empire, which were somewhat similar to ancient Earth, women of thirteen or fourteen were typically ready for marriage.
Luo Xiu shook his head, not dwelling on the matter. The girl fell silent again. The lawn was quiet, with only the faint chirping of insects. After a moment, she suddenly asked, as if an idea struck her, “Does Selena know you came to find me?”
Luo Xiu paused, then truthfully replied, “She’s gone to learn pastry making from Anna. She insists we must try her handmade pastries. As for me coming here, I didn’t tell her.”
Eileen looked at him. “You didn’t tell her before either?”
Luo Xiu nodded, then asked with some confusion, “Why, do you miss her? If you do, I can ask her to join us next time.”
However, to Luo Xiu’s surprise, the girl remained silent for a moment before slowly shaking her head. She averted her gaze, no longer looking at Luo Xiu. In a soft voice, she said, “Don’t tell her.”
(End of Chapter)
