Luna Hart listened to the story told by the manor lord. Although it was spoken to others, more than half of it seemed to be a reflection of his own experiences.
'Had he really gone through such things? Love and responsibility? Clinging and accepting?
Unexpectedly, the story turned out like this. It seemed like I… I was being reckless. Could the manor lord have already realized it? I must find an opportunity to apologize.'
'But how did the previous story relate to my situation?'
While she was still confused about how the story related to her own circumstances, the manor lord suddenly asked if she had realized anything.
'Was the story he told similar to hers? There must be a hidden meaning.'
"Manor lord once told me that I have two personalities. One was born from the harsh reality to protect me. The other came from my parents' love, from their wishes for what they wanted me to become. Surely, this is also about love and responsibility. Love must be the affection my parents have for me, and responsibility must be the other personality. And as for clinging and accepting, does this mean you want me to stop being so stubborn and open up?"
"Manor lord, did I understand you correctly?"
Noah, seeing that she had realized something from his nonsensical story, nodded approvingly.
"Indeed, Luna Hart is intelligent."
"Yes, that's right. Luna Hart, all I want to say is that whether it's reality or dreams, whatever you can do now is what matters. You don't need to worry too much about choosing between the two. One is your defense, and the other is what people aspire toward. Both are part of you, just like this medallion with two sides. Ultimately, both sides make up the whole medallion. Those who truly love you will accept all of you. I don't know what others think, but at least I can say that I accept both sides of you."
Liora and Lalatina, who were sitting nearby, added:
"Us too, we will never abandon you either."
Luna Hart stayed silent, deep in thought. Noah and the others didn't disturb her. It was best to let her reflect on it by herself. Usually, people who suffer from depression or multiple personalities just need to open up, interact more, and slowly they will improve. Perhaps it would take a long time for her to heal.
The atmosphere was somber, filled with a melancholy that made one want to cry. Noah spoke up:
"You all better eat quickly, or the meat will burn."
Lalatina held a skewer of meat in her hand, shyly asking:
"Manor lord, was the story you told earlier… was it real?"
Noah looked at her flushed cheeks and neatly tied-up hair. Her figure was soft and delicate. In the darkness, by the firelight, she looked incredibly beautiful. Surely, she must have been touched. Should I admit it? No, if I admit it too openly, it'll be too obvious. It's better to keep it half true, half false, and let her believe it herself.
"Uhmm… that story, I witnessed it myself, which is why I shared it with everyone. But I have one request: you must not tell this story to anyone outside. Let it be our little secret."
Liora, standing nearby, had eyes filled with tears.
"Manor lord, you've suffered so much. I… I…"
Noah waved his hand with a calm expression, as if everything had already passed, and it was no longer worth dwelling on. But inside, he was secretly delighted. "Ah, my dear Liora, you're too sweet. Keep misunderstanding…"
"I'm not pitiful. With Liora here serving me, how could I be pitiful? Where am I pitiful?"
"Liora, what nonsense are you thinking? If you keep going on, I might just have to eat you!"
Liora pretended to be scared, replying:
"Manor lord, I'm not tasty! If you must eat, eat Lalatina instead. She's older than me, her skin is fair and soft. .. You don't believe me? Try her out."
Lalatina, who was caught off guard, paused with the skewer still in her mouth. She stopped her actions and respectfully said:
"Manor lord, let's set aside whose meat is tastier for now. I suggest we first deal with the traitor, Liora. Manor lord, please give the order."
Noah felt a bit startled. What did she mean by that? Was she subtly admitting that her meat was indeed tastier? How unexpected, with her dignified and virtuous exterior, every word she speaks seems filled with such hidden allure. Truly, beautiful women are dangerous. He swallowed.
"Alright, let's deal with the traitor first."
Thus, after a moment of chasing and struggling, Liora found herself pinned to the grass by Lalatina. The two of them were disheveled, drenched in sweat. Lalatina had a satisfied smile, while Liora was wailing miserably.
"Sister, please spare me. Manor lord, spare me. I won't do it again, I promise! Aaahh… No, don't touch there… aahh, it tickles… aaahhh."
"Manor lord, this stubborn traitor won't give in. Please assist me."
Looking at a stunning beauty pressing down on a smaller girl, with disheveled clothes, Noah could barely restrain himself from rushing forward and doing something unseemly.
Suddenly, the ritual to recognize the medallion began...
...
When the ritual ended, Luna Hart stepped forward and knelt before Noah.
"Thank you, manor lord, for your guidance. I will never forget this favor for the rest of my life."
Noah nodded, pleased.
"Good. It's good that you've thought it through. Now, hurry over there and help Lalatina catch the traitor."
Not far away, Liora was lying on the grass.
"Manor lord, spare me… aaahh… Luna Hart, you traitor… aaahh."
Noah approached the three disheveled women, their clothes slightly revealing their fair, delicate skin. He thought to himself, biting into any of them would be the most wonderful thing in the world. The mix of fresh, sweet, and alluring fragrances filled his senses. In his mind, he imagined them all lying on a bed together. Trying to stay calm, he said:
"Liora, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Liora, pinned beneath, looked up determinedly.
"Manor lord, everything I said was true! Even Luna Hart tastes as good as Lalatina. Manor lord, you must try her… aahhh."
Luna Hart, flustered, quickly responded:
"Manor lord, you mustn't listen to this little pervert's nonsense. She must be punished."
Lalatina, with her face flushed, added:
"Manor lord, please hand this traitor over to us. We will surely discipline her properly."
Luna Hart echoed her sentiment.
"Please, manor lord, grant us permission."
Liora, struggling underneath, protested vehemently.
"Manor lord, save me! I've always been loyal to you. I've never betrayed you... Aaahh!"
Noah took a deep breath, his face serious.
"Lalatina, Luna Hart, both of you return to your rooms first. Liora, come to my room. I have business with you."
Before leaving, Noah picked up the medallion and called out, "Zhao Yu, please clean up the aftermath in the back courtyard."