Chapter 111: The Night Raid, Third Time’s the Charm - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 111: The Night Raid, Third Time’s the Charm Luo Xiu paused, his expression momentarily frozen. He cleared his throat softly, “Selina, both of us know that the trial is merely a ruse to placate the church, so why bother…” Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the girl pressing her body against him once more. Selina hugged him from behind, her laughter gentle, “Alright, Lord Luo Xiu, I understand.” Her voice returned to normal, and the previously flirtatious demeanor vanished without a trace. Selina continued to speak softly, “Lord Luo Xiu, can I just hold you like this? Just a hug, nothing more.” Her request was not unreasonable, and Luo Xiu certainly wouldn’t refuse. He lowered his head, covering her small, waist-knotting hands with his own. The sensation from her hands was somewhat cold, a stark contrast to the almost scorching heat at his back. For the next few minutes, neither spoke. The moonlight was tranquil, their outlines shrouded in its soft glow. Finally, Luo Xiu broke the silence. He said softly, “Selina, have you hugged enough? I’m about to turn around now, you know?” As the saying goes, the first blow is the strongest. Luo Xiu could clearly sense that after the initial burst of boldness, Selina had reverted to her usual bashful demeanor. He relaxed, even finding the mood to tease her. Sure enough, his words elicited a startled, shy squeal from the girl behind him. “Huh?!” “Wait, Lord Luo Xiu, no!” In a fluster, she hurriedly gathered the skirt that had slipped to the floor. Next came the faint rustling of clothes and the friction of fabric against skin. When she was finally dressed, she called out softly, prompting Luo Xiu to leisurely turn around. Selina stood there, fully dressed, her cheeks crimson. Her hair was slightly disheveled, a few strands clinging to her smooth forehead, and her eyes sparkled with an innocent bashfulness. The moment her gaze met Luo Xiu’s, she quickly looked away. Her collar was still a bit untidy, and the belt around her waist was nowhere to be found. As Luo Xiu’s gaze lingered on her, Selina felt her face heat up. Luckily, it was dark, or else her blushing face would have been obvious. Suddenly aware of the audacity of her actions, Selina realized she had done something utterly bold—trying to seduce Lord Luo Xiu. Just thinking about her brazen behavior made her face burn even more, let alone the heart racing within her chest. It was mortifying... Selina buried her head like an ostrich in the sand. Her toes were nervously curled together. Yet despite everything, regret wasn’t what she felt. Instead, she harbored a small, secretive joy and a sense of relief. Suppressing any lingering turmoil in his heart, Luo Xiu habitually poked her cheek, smiling, “So now you’re shy? What happened to all that bravado?” Selina fidgeted, mumbling incomprehensibly, and never managing a coherent response. Unable to suppress her embarrassment, she lightly punched Luo Xiu and fled, murmuring as she ran. “Honestly, Lord Luo Xiu is the worst, always teasing me like that!” These words seemed familiar. However, compared to when Eilene would say them, Selina’s voice was soft and gentle, lacking any real threat, instead feeling playfully coy. Seeing her finally leave, Luo Xiu relaxed, his tense body unwinding. He wiped the light sweat from his forehead, thinking it was trouble dealing with this little ‘witch’; one slip and he’d be thoroughly entangled… How mischievous, truly mischievous! Luo Xiu felt deep remorse for the impure thoughts that had crossed his mind. Just as Selina reached for the door handle, she suddenly turned around. Her eyes were bright, clear even in the night, her voice tinged with guilt, yet carrying an undeniable sweetness. “Lord Luo Xiu, thank you. I was too impulsive today. I’ll reflect on my actions when I get back!” Luo Xiu felt a sense of relief hearing this. At least his prior persuasion hadn’t been in vain. Just as this thought crossed his mind, he heard her add, “I’ll reflect well so that next time, I’ll succeed!” With that bold declaration, Selina dashed off, not looking back. Luo Xiu was momentarily taken aback, then called out, “Wait, Selina, you’re running the wrong way…” Boom! In the darkness, there was a muffled thud, likely the sound of a body colliding with a wall. However, Selina didn’t return despite Luo Xiu’s call. Instead, she seemed to run even faster, like a startled kitten. Oh well. Luo Xiu thought, after all, it’s a circle. No matter which way she runs, she’ll get out eventually. Already exhausted from reading, and after Selina’s antics, Luo Xiu truly felt ‘physically and mentally drained.’ He casually closed the door behind him. The room returned to silence, with only a faint lingering fragrance, as if recounting what had just happened. With his mind a bit scattered, Luo Xiu made his way toward the bed. Suddenly, he paused, feeling something odd beneath his foot. He bent down and picked it up. It felt cool and silky in his hand. Curious, he moved to the window, letting the moonlight reveal what it was. Pure white, delicate as a cicada’s wings. It was one of Selina’s stockings. Perhaps the room was too dark, and she missed putting it on? With that thought, Luo Xiu casually tossed it onto a chair. Given the late hour, it wasn’t reasonable to chase after her to return it. He could leave it there for her to retrieve it tomorrow. Stretching, Luo Xiu changed clothes and got ready for bed. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Luo Xiu frowned, feeling quite irritated. People might visit three times like how wise men call on a recluse, but this was the third night raid, seriously? He chose to ignore it, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing, and continued lying in bed. The knocking occurred only twice before it quieted down. Luo Xiu assumed Selina had picked up on his intention and given up. Yet the next moment, the door creaked open, pushed gently by someone. A small, stealthy figure snuck in quietly. She looked around cautiously, and upon seeing Luo Xiu apparently asleep in bed, she paused. Luo Xiu opened one eye discreetly. The night was deep and dark as ink; the moon outside was behind a veil of clouds. He couldn't see the expression on the girl's face clearly. Oh, Selina, grown bold, haven't you? Luo Xiu mused, determined to teach her a lesson. Seizing her moment of distraction, he swiftly extended an arm and pulled her into his embrace. (End of chapter)