https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-4-Lanchi-s-Studious-and-Intimidating-Demeanor/12582081/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-6-A-World-Renowned-Painting-One-of-Filial-Piety-and-One-of-Joy/12582083/
Chapter 5: Talia's Hunger
Chapter 5: Talia's Hunger
The evening breeze carried the scent of flowers and the freshness of greenery as it gently brushed past the entrance of the border library.
The moonlight falling on the stone steps softened, as if it were the melody of time, causing the occasional passersby on the street to want to pause and listen.
Talia sat motionless on the steps outside the library.
Until the sky darkened just a little more.
As the heavy, tall doors of the library opened, Lanchi emerged, a codex in hand.
Even though Talia had her back to Lanchi, at that moment, she tilted her head slightly, evidently sensing his presence.
"Hmm?"
Lanchi looked at the familiar figure with slight surprise and quickly walked over to her.
"You've been waiting here for me all this time?"
Lanchi was rather casual and sat down at a spot not too close or too far from her.
"I've received your payment, so of course, I'll do the job."
Talia said expressionlessly.
Unintentionally, she glanced at the 'Hutton Kingdom Codex' in Lanchi's hand.
She didn't know that Lanchi had spent the whole day in the library focusing on a particular book.
Now she finally knew the answer.
This guy probably wanted to become a lawyer or judge.
He truly was the epitome of a proper human.
"You... haven't eaten lunch?"
Lanchi looked at Talia, who was as still as a statue, and realized that she had likely been guarding this spot all day and was still hungry.
She was even more strict and meticulous in adhering to the terms of their deal than he had imagined; perhaps this was the pride of the evil demon tribe?
"..."
Talia remained silent, merely giving Lanchi a slightly displeased look.
She seemed to tacitly agree with his statement.
"Well... I was just about to prepare my dinner too. Would you like to join me?"
Lanchi paused awkwardly and then smiled sheepishly.
"No need. I'll leave once you return to your mansion."
Talia stood up, seemingly telling Lanchi through her actions: if you're going to return to your mansion, then hurry up and leave.
She wouldn't accept a human's unwarranted kindness.
"Today was my mistake. From now on, I'll definitely let you know in advance how long I'll be here."
Lanchi explained sincerely, his words filled with apology.
"So, as compensation, let me treat you to a meal."
However, Talia just stood there unmoved, as if she hadn't heard Lanchi's words.
"We have the best chef in town at our manor,"
"He specializes in the unique culinary delights of this South Ventina border territory and uses only the finest ingredients,"
"I assure you, it's a taste you won't find in other city-states,"
"We also have the finest cheese mango layered cake, mocha hazelnut crisp tarts, and platinum strawberry mousse cake..."
"..."
As Lanchi rattled on,
Talia's eyes seemed to flicker with a hint of emotion, but then she frowned.
"No, thank you."
Talia replied coldly, turning her head away and starting down the steps without another glance at Lanchi.
Lanchi's words from earlier lingered in her ears.
Like a demon's whisper, they were full of temptation.
For some reason, she felt as if she had experienced a trance-like moment—
As if she had a great demon strategist by her side, and if she could earn his wholehearted devotion, he would surely aid her in reclaiming her country...
No.
This human boy, who clearly belonged to the righteous and good-aligned camp, had nothing to do with her demonic kin.
As expected, her obsession with reclaiming her country was too strong.
As the evening sky grew darker, the border town's hues dimmed.
Lanchi's home stood out even more amidst the night's shadows, its crystal chandeliers and windows illuminating the mansion with a radiant glow.
Upstairs, in a spacious and elegant study, sat a dignified middle-aged man. His hair, tinged with silver at the temples, did little to diminish his air of authority.
Clad in a meticulously tailored vintage suit, with every crease and fold in place, he exuded an aura of meticulous precision.
He was Lanchi's father and the master of the house—Noe.
By his side, a butler was pouring tea with practiced grace.
The sound of approaching footsteps outside the study grew louder.
Soon, the study door swung open, revealing a black-haired, green-eyed young man with a perplexed expression.
Having just returned from the library and finished dinner, he hadn't had the chance to put down the codex in his hand before being summoned by a maid to the second-floor study.
"You're here," Noe acknowledged from his seat behind the desk, his gaze assessing Lanchi.
He had apparently been waiting in the study for Lanchi for quite some time.
"I apologize, Father. I wasn't aware you wished to see me tonight," Lanchi replied calmly.
Noe nodded. He had expected Lanchi to be late.
But he hadn't anticipated that Lanchi would be carrying a copy of the Hutton Kingdom Codex, bearing the distinctive mark of the border library.
He had assumed his son would be drunk again, but it seemed he had gone to the library instead.
Although Noe couldn't quite fathom why it was a codex, at that moment, Lanchi resembled a dignified cleric or scholar.
There was even a hint of the aura of a judge, holding the power of life and death in his hands.
Noe rubbed his temples.
It was obviously just an illusion.
His indulgent son had no affinity for the clergy.
It was fortunate that he hadn't been lured by some heretical sect.
At times, he genuinely worried that Lanchi might be swayed by those cultists.
In the worst-case scenario, he could even become a fanatic, worshipping those calamitous evil bishops.
Thankfully.
Noe was certain Lanchi didn't have the nerve to tangle with those darker-than-pitch characters.
(End of Chapter)
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