"Layla..."
Suddenly, Makoto's imposing aura softened. She smiled gently, like a kind older sister, taking Layla's hand and speaking in a warm tone.
"Could you tell me how Luo Qing saved you?"
"Huh...?"
Layla's face turned awkward, and she looked down, mumbling softly.
"Well... it was outside the city. I was attacked by monsters, and Luo Qing stepped in to save me..."
"So that's how it happened."
Makoto's lips curled into a knowing smile, her sidelong glance at Luo Qing seeming to say: You're quite something, huh? Already a hero saving damsels in distress?
"Well then, perfect timing. We were just about to start preparing lunch. Since Miss Layla wants to help out..."
Makoto's eyes shifted back to Luo Qing.
"Would you mind running out to buy some sandworm meat for us, brave hero?"
"Didn't we already have plenty of meat at home? Alright, alright, I'll go."
With a single sharp look from Makoto, Luo Qing slinked out of the house without further protest.
Clearly, Makoto wanted to speak with Layla alone. Whether it was to assert her position or to pull Layla into her camp, Luo Qing didn't care. As long as it didn't cause him trouble, he was happy to comply.
---
Meanwhile...
Watching Luo Qing submit so obediently to this seemingly sweet and gentle woman, Layla couldn't help but be surprised. Who is this woman to keep that scoundrel Luo Qing so firmly under control?
"Come now, Layla."
Makoto gently took Layla's hand and led her toward the living room.
"Let me help you get familiar with the place."
---
Not long after...
When Luo Qing returned from the Grand Bazaar with the sandworm meat, the dining table was already set with an array of dishes. It looked like they hadn't needed the meat at all.
"You've already finished cooking? Then why send me out to buy this?"
"Because what you bought is for dinner, of course. Any problems with that?" Makoto's expression was so matter-of-fact that Luo Qing could only sigh.
"Wash your hands. We're all waiting for you."
"..."
---
The four of them sat at the table: Luo Qing at the head, Makoto to his right, Theresa to his left, and Layla sitting a little farther away.
Layla couldn't help but glance at the trio from time to time.
Theresa, the petite girl with a lively demeanor, was constantly scooping food onto Luo Qing's plate, affectionately calling him "Lord" with every sentence.
On the other side, Makoto carried herself with the grace of a perfect housewife, chatting with Luo Qing about domestic matters with a warm smile.
The three of them got along so naturally and harmoniously that there wasn't a trace of tension between them.
How does Luo Qing manage this?!
Layla felt completely out of place.
She had come here today to thank Luo Qing and settle her debt. In the process, she'd also hoped to warn him to stay away from her outer persona.
But now she felt like an outsider, a stranger intruding on their world.
Even in the kitchen earlier, she had barely been able to help. She'd only managed to cook her signature dish; the rest was all Makoto's work, while Layla had been relegated to washing vegetables and other minor tasks.
Can I even consider my debt paid after this?
Lost in thought, Layla suddenly heard Makoto's voice.
"Here, try Layla's dish—'Dreamy Rosette Custard.' It's quite wonderful."
Layla looked up to see Makoto placing her dish in front of Luo Qing, then winking playfully at her.
"So, Layla, how did you and Luo Qing meet?"
"Uh..."
Layla froze.
Could she admit that she'd woken up to find Luo Qing in her bedroom, tying her up with no explanation and asking about her hobbies?
Could she mention that this jerk had even touched her hands and feet?
She glanced at Luo Qing, who looked equally uneasy, and an idea struck her. This guy seems utterly submissive to Makoto. Maybe I can use that...
With a faint pout and a touch of grievance in her voice, she murmured,
"It's nothing, really... Luo Qing just barged into my room, claimed he was fulfilling a commission, tied me up, and started asking about my hobbies..."
"Oh?"
Theresa, who had been quietly focused on her meal, suddenly perked up.
"Did Lord only tie you up? He didn't do anything else?"
"Huh?"
Layla blinked, confused. "He... he also touched my hands and feet..."
"Now that sounds more like it."
Theresa nodded in satisfaction and returned to her meal without another word.
She clearly had no intention of stepping into the brewing storm, leaving the situation to Makoto.
"Oh?"
Makoto raised an eyebrow at Luo Qing, her smile carrying a hint of amusement.
"Misunderstanding... it's all a misunderstanding!" Luo Qing quickly interjected.
"Hmph. I know you too well."
Makoto let out a soft huff before turning back to Layla. She took Layla's hand gently, her tone as sweet as ever.
"Layla, if Luo Qing ever bullies you again, come straight to me. I'll make sure he gets what he deserves. I won't let him mistreat you."
"Thank you... Makoto... sister..."
Layla murmured softly, though she couldn't shake the strange feeling in her heart.
Why does this sound so odd? Luo Qing didn't actually do anything to me... so what's with this "I'll protect you" vibe?
---
Lunch eventually came to an end.
Layla felt a wave of relief wash over her. From this moment on, she resolved to treat Luo Qing as nothing more than a stranger. She had repaid her debt, and that was that.
With her outer persona's sleep period nearing its end, Layla politely declined Makoto's invitation to go out for a walk and chat.
As Makoto and Luo Qing headed to the kitchen to clean up, Layla prepared to slip away quietly.
But before she could leave, the eccentric Theresa appeared in front of her.
"You're leaving?"
"Y-yes, Theresa... sister. I have something to attend to, so I need to head back."
"I see..."
Theresa pulled her aside, glancing toward the kitchen with a conspiratorial look.
"Listen, you've got to pick up the pace, Third Sister. There are lots of people watching."
"Huh?"
Layla froze.
"Theresa, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I don't like Luo Qing..."
"I get it!"
Theresa's expression was one of total understanding.
"Girls like you are always shy and reserved. That's normal. But if you stay reserved for too long, it might be too late!"
"..."
Layla was at a loss for words.
When did I ever say I was being reserved?! I'm trying to avoid him, not get closer!
"Theresa, I really think you've misunderstood. I only came here to repay Luo Qing for saving my life."
"Oh, sure, sure."
Theresa nodded knowingly.
"A life-saving debt can only be repaid with a lifelong commitment, right?"
"..."
"Trust me, you've got to act fast. You're Number Three, after all. If you don't get on board... hey, wait, don't leave! I'm not finished yet—"
Before Theresa could finish, Layla fled, her face burning red.
What is wrong with this family?!
If their man likes another girl, shouldn't they be upset?
Why are they actively helping Luo Qing instead? And what does she mean by 'get on board'?!
---
Greetings, esteemed reader.
Your presence throughout this chapter's journey is deeply appreciated. In Liyue, we hold that every tale, much like the enduring stone, gains strength through the appreciation of those who encounter it.
Should you wish to support WiseTL's dedicated endeavors in bringing these narratives to you, you may consider visiting:
[patreon.com/WiseTL].
Even the most modest contribution serves as a cornerstone, fortifying the foundation upon which future stories are built.
With sincere regards,
Zhongli