"Love, love?" Lin Anyi panicked. He did not realize the deep meaning in Alechino's words, but simply thought that such words should not be said in front of Funina.
Quickly changing the subject, he tried to make his voice sound calm and polite:
"The taste is very unique. Thank you for your hospitality, Alechino."
Alechino's mouth corners slightly raised. She could sense the insincerity in Lin Anyi's words, but she didn't mind. Instead, she enjoyed the feeling of being in control of the situation.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you can taste my cooking," she responded elegantly.
At this time, Funina noticed the subtle atmosphere and couldn't help feeling a little uneasy. Fearing that Alechino might take the upper hand in other aspects, she whispered:
"Anyi, then you should also try the dessert I made. Maybe it will be more to your taste."
Lin Anyi turned to Funina, gratitude evident in his eyes. He nodded gently as he accepted the dessert. He knew that, no matter what, Funina was always considerate, always trying her best to provide him with a little warmth in this complicated situation.
______________
As dinner concluded, Lin Anyi finished enjoying all the food that Alechino and Funina had carefully prepared for him. Alechino began cleaning up the dishes, her mind secretly pondering how to deal with Funina's affairs in the coming days.
She glanced at the clock on the wall and noticed it was already late. A slight frown formed on her face, as though she was weighing her next plan.
But then, Alechino suddenly relaxed her expression, a faint smile appearing as she suggested to Funina:
"Miss Funina, considering the late hour, it might be better for you to stay at the Hearth House tonight instead of rushing home."
Funina was a little surprised by this suggestion. She followed Alechino's gaze to the clock and saw it was indeed late. However, staying at the Hearth House wasn't her intention. She was about to refuse, but a sudden thought flashed through her mind.
Glancing at Lin Anyi with a glimmer of hope in her eyes, she asked:
"Then... can I sleep in the same room as Lin Anyi?"
Alechino's smile faltered slightly at Funina's request, and a sharp look flashed across her eyes. She thought to herself:
"This little girl is really pushing her luck. Does she really think I'll allow her such an opportunity?"
Maintaining her friendly demeanor, Alechino replied slowly:
"Miss Funina, considering everyone's safety and privacy, the Hearth House has specific rules. Tonight, I will prepare a comfortable guest room for you."
Funina felt a twinge of disappointment at Alechino's response, but she understood that it was difficult to challenge the rules within Alechino's territory. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement.
Lin Anyi, listening to the exchange, couldn't help but feel a pang of helplessness. He looked at Funina, his expression filled with guilt. Leaning closer to her, he whispered softly:
"Fufu, you should rest tonight. I'll find a chance to take a walk with you tomorrow."
These words comforted Funina. She smiled warmly at Lin Anyi. Though she felt a bit reluctant, his care for her warmed her heart.
Meanwhile, Alechino observed the tenderness and consideration Lin Anyi showed Funina. A complex emotion flickered in her eyes. Raising an eyebrow slightly, she sneered inwardly, thinking:
"Oh, so considerate. It seems he really cares about his wife."
Although Alechino didn't show it on the surface, she was already planning her next move. The corners of her mouth lifted into a meaningful smile.
"Anyi, don't wander around tonight. There's some work I need to discuss with you and the housekeeper later~"
Lin Anyi's heart tightened upon hearing Alechino's words. He understood that this likely meant he wouldn't have much time to spend with Funina tonight.
However, he nodded in agreement, a hint of reluctance flickering in his eyes.
"I understand, Alechino."
Funina noticed Lin Anyi's helplessness and Alechino's calm demeanor, and a wave of worry surged in her heart. She didn't want to put Lin Anyi in a difficult position, but she also knew that Alechino's words in the Hearth House were as good as commands.
Although the scene appeared calm, a subtle tension lingered in the air. Funina looked at Lin Anyi helplessly and spoke softly:
"Anyi, work is important. I'll wait for you to finish."
Alechino, satisfied with Funina's response, felt even more confident in her strategy.
Lin Anyi and Funina exchanged a glance, silently conveying the helplessness and concern they both felt. They knew this would likely be another restless night.
"Alright, it's getting late. Funina, come with me—I'll personally arrange your accommodation," Alechino suggested.
Hearing this, Funina nervously took a half-step back, her eyes darting around as she hesitated.
"No need, I think Miss Linnet can help arrange it," she said, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes unconsciously, betraying her unease.
Alechino, however, was not willing to relent. Her tone became firm and authoritative:
"How could that be? Miss Funina, as a distinguished guest of our Hearth House, even if you stay in a guest room, you deserve the best arrangements."
Funina was no match for Alechino's commanding presence. Her voice grew smaller and smaller, until it was nearly inaudible:
"But, but…"
While Funina could muster courage when competing for Lin Anyi's favor, she struggled to stand firm in Alechino's presence. As soon as Alechino mentioned arranging her accommodation personally, Funina's first thought was that she must be up to something.
Alechino noticed Funina's uneasiness and smirked slyly. Stepping closer, she lowered her voice to a level only Funina could hear:
"Don't worry, I'll arrange for you to stay in the room right next to Lin Anyi's dormitory. Is that sincere enough?"
Funina's eyes lit up at this unexpected response. The arrangement softened her reservations slightly, comforting her with the thought of being close to Lin Anyi.
She nodded hesitantly and said in a quiet tone:
"If that's the case, then I'd be very grateful."
Alechino's smile widened.
"Of course. Though your rooms are only separated by a wall, I trust you'll be honest and not wander back and forth at night."
"Huh?" Funina was about to protest, but after a quick glance at Alechino's unwavering expression, she gave in.
Alechino studied the obedient Funina before her, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes as she imagined how things might unfold. A pleased smile tugged at her lips. Without giving Funina a chance to refute further, Alechino turned and led her, along with Linnet, out of the room.