Chapter 113: Don't Tell Her - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It
### Chapter 113: Don't Tell Her "Uh..." Selina was momentarily taken aback by the sudden question. Instinctively, she wanted to confess the feelings she had shared with Lord Lucius. However, recalling Eileen's persistent disdain, she changed her response, "I... I also went to the bathroom." Eileen looked at her quietly for a moment and didn't pursue the matter further. --- The next morning. During breakfast, Lucius noticed that Eileen's attitude towards him somehow seemed to have worsened. Although still better than when they first met, it was odd since they had been communicating just fine until a couple of days ago. For example, during meals, Lucius would occasionally offer Eileen some food. Despite her usual indifference, she would reluctantly accept it. But today, she outright ignored his gestures. Lucius was puzzled, asking what was wrong and how he might have upset the lady again. Eileen turned her head, huffed, and uttered something that baffled both Lucius and Selina. "Isn't this the way you like it?" The way I like it...? Lucius was utterly confused, indicating he didn't understand what she was talking about. Eileen, on the other hand, thought he was just feigning ignorance in front of Selina. She clearly remembered the teasing remark from last night—'I still like your rebellious side better.' As she recalled it, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance crossed her face. She put down her plate and left. Such a humiliation! Eileen bit her lip, inwardly cursing herself for her lack of resolve the previous night. How did she let him have his way so easily? On the other hand, Lucius was oblivious to Eileen's current thoughts. He turned to Selina, questioning her with his eyes. Selina simply looked back at him, equally baffled. The two exchanged bewildered glances, both clueless about the source of Eileen's sudden mood swing. --- The crisp autumn air filled the morning. Eileen strolled along the garden path, reaching her usual spot for daydreaming. Surrounded by tall flower bushes, the serene environment exuded a faint fragrance. She cherished the tranquility found here. Truthfully, she preferred spending time with Selina, but Selina was growing increasingly inseparable from that man lately. As a result, Eileen often found herself merely watching from the sidelines, feeling like an outsider. Eileen had considered pulling Selina away from that pervert. But upon seeing the joy on Selina's face during their conversations, she couldn't bring herself to disrupt it. Over time, it was easier just to avoid what upset her. Like now. The morning dew lingered on the blossoms and grass. Eileen sat on a lawn, legs bent and arms encircling herself. Resting her chin on her knees, she stared aimlessly at the sky. Lost in thought, a faint blush crept over her pristine face. Memories of last night—those solitary moments, the heated embrace. And those breathy whispers that sent warmth to her cheeks just by thinking of them. Nostalgic and tingling, Eileen's head still felt light. She shook her head. No, no. She couldn't let her mind wander further. Footsteps suddenly approached from the path behind. Eileen didn't turn around—she knew who it was. Only one person would seek this place out. Indeed, the familiar man's voice soon reached her ears. His tone always calm, neither rushed nor slow, reassuring to hear. "What are you doing? Hiding out here by yourself again." Lucius took a seat beside her on the lawn. Beneath them lay a lush green expanse. A gentle breeze brought with it a refreshing chill. Eileen turned her head away, refusing to look at him. Her words, however, remained cold, "What’s it to you? If I'm such a bother, feel free to kick me out." True to form, her demeanor was prickly and unapproachable. Fortunately, Lucius was accustomed to this and didn't feel slighted. He chuckled, "Miss Eileen, I swear by the holy light, as long as you don't wish to leave, no one will make you." Lucius' voice was gentle, without a trace of pomposity, offering assurance with sincerity. Eileen's hand, resting softly on the grass, clenched briefly before relaxing again. Her vibrant lips moved slightly, but Lucius couldn't catch her whisper. He remained unperturbed, lying back on the lawn, arms tucked behind his head, gazing up at the blue sky. "So, who upset you this time?" "You can tell me; maybe I can help." Hearing his concerned tone, Eileen bit her lip, keeping her gaze lowered. She thought, Don't you know who upset me? This is clearly your doing. Even with no one else around, you persist in pretending before me... Or do you simply enjoy these peculiar games? Caught in thought, Eileen couldn't help but mutter a word of reproach. "Pervert!" Lucius looked at her and shrugged, feigning innocence. He was about to retort when a breeze stirred. The wind lifted the girl's long hair, brushing it against Lucius’ face. It tickled. Lucius reached to brush it aside. Noticing, Eileen mischievously leaned closer, purposefully swishing her hair to cascade over his face. Caught off guard, Lucius raised his hands defensively. Her lips curled mischievously, eyes glinting with playful triumph. Lucius could only offer a helpless smile, "Miss Eileen is quite the mischievous one." In response, the hint of her smile disappeared, her expression cooling again. "Who are you calling childish? At my age, I'm more than ready for marriage." In the Maya Empire, customs resembled those of ancient Earth, with girls preparing for marriage as young as thirteen or fourteen. Lucius merely shook his head, choosing not to dwell on the cultural topic. Both fell silent. The lawn was peaceful, disturbed only by soft chirping insects. In time, Eileen's mind drifted. Abruptly, she asked, "Did Selina know you came to find me?" Caught off guard, Lucius answered truthfully, "She's with Anna, learning to bake. She insists we must try her homemade pastries." "As for visiting here, I didn't mention it to her." Eileen held his gaze, "You've never mentioned it before?" Lucius nodded, curious, "Why, do you miss her?" "If you do, I'll bring her along next time." Unexpectedly, Eileen fell silent before slowly shaking her head. She looked away, her focus elsewhere. "Don't tell her," she murmured softly.