Distractions

Eni paused for a moment.

Growing up, Aise rarely spoke to her in such a commanding tone. Although she had always maintained her role as a maid, Aise had never actively ordered her to do anything. More often than not, they were like childhood sweethearts.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Aise's voice pulled her back from her daze.

"N-no... it's nothing, Young Master Aise." Eni hurriedly picked up the clothes hanging on the rack and helped Aise dress neatly. "I was just a little surprised..."

Girls mature earlier than boys; Eni had already blossomed, while Aise was still growing. In reality, the two were about the same height.

The young girl's fingertips trembled slightly. Aise's broad shoulders and solid muscles already gave him the silhouette of a man. When tying his belt, Eni had to lean in very close, catching the faint, clean scent of soap on him.

Moreover, the youth before her was already quite mature and dependable.

"You are my maid. It's only natural for you to help me with this kind of thing, isn't it?" Aise examined his attire in the mirror.

Eni's movements were indeed unpracticed, but she was careful enough. Every wrinkle was meticulously smoothed out, and the silver buckles were fastened flawlessly. Aise was rather satisfied.

"You are right, Young Master Aise." Eni smiled sweetly. She didn't actually dislike this atmosphere; in fact, she felt a trace of secret joy in her heart.

"Do we have any plans for today, Young Master Aise?" Eni asked.

"Yes, we will go bid farewell to Lady Ankula, then find a carriage and head to the next city." Aise took out a bottle of perfume and sprayed a little on himself. A cool, crisp fragrance instantly filled the air.

It was prepared for him by Aina. Its purpose was not only to mask odors but also to help him calm his mind and suppress his desires.

The effect wasn't that strong, but it was better than nothing.

"Leaving so soon?" Eni was slightly taken aback. They had only just arrived here yesterday.

Aise explained calmly, "Lady Ankula is very busy. I've already had her examine me, and last night I saw her entrust a servant to send out a letter. It should be for my father. It wouldn't be good for us to continue imposing on her..."

"Oh..." Eni felt a bit disappointed.

Although there was a small misunderstanding when they first met, she still really liked this beautiful and interesting elder... Besides, she was very magnanimous and hadn't blamed her at all.

"Then where are we going next, Young Master Aise?" Eni asked softly, her fingers unconsciously twirling the ends of her hair.

"Let's find a city close to the labyrinth and settle down there." Aise slowly put on a pair of leather gloves.

Aise paused for a moment and continued to explain, "Lady Ankula is the Lord of Aulie City. If we stay here, we will definitely receive a lot of care from her, and we cannot owe too many favors."

His considerations were always so thorough, not at all like a youth.

"Alright, I'll listen to you, Young Master Aise." Eni's tone still sounded a little reluctant.

...

A carriage slowly drove out of Aulie City.

Aise held the reins, sitting at the front, with Eni sitting beside him.

The carriage was given to them by Ankula as a parting gift, and Aise had ultimately accepted it.

"Young Master Aise," Eni suddenly spoke up to ask.

"What is it?" Aise turned his head, a few strands of black hair brushed across his fair cheek by the wind.

"Since you know how to drive a carriage, when we left home... why didn't you ask Master Xia Lun for one?" Eni asked with some curiosity.

A long silence followed.

His father's soul had been completely captivated by his mother, making him forget about this matter, and Aise didn't want to take the initiative to ask his father for things.

"We left in too much of a hurry, I forgot," Aise said indifferently.

Eni burst into a chuckle. "What a surprise, Young Master Aise actually has careless moments too."

Aise did not specify who had forgotten.

The carriage wheels rolled over a small path covered with a layer of fallen leaves. The fresh scent of plants mixed with the smell of dirt, bringing peace to one's mind.

Eni secretly observed the youth sitting beside her.

Under the sunlight, the lines of Aise's profile were as clear as a sculpture, his long eyelashes casting fine shadows under his eyes. She noticed the hands holding the reins—his distinct-knuckled fingers wore leather gloves, yet their slender shape could still be seen.

Aise was truly quite handsome; it could be said that he perfectly inherited the best facial features of Xia Lun and Aina.

When the carriage drove over a small pothole and bumped slightly, Eni took the opportunity to lean her shoulder over, bumping against Aise.

Through the fabric, she could feel the youth's solid arm. The corners of Aise's mouth curled up into a faint curve. A blush flew across Eni's face, and she hurriedly lowered her head.

However, the young girl did not notice that the gaze in the youth's eyes was as calm as stagnant water, and the curve of his mouth held a hint of mockery.

After all, her only goal was to get close to him... In her eyes, he was an absolute monster.

What excellent acting. It was impressive that she could endure the discomfort in her heart just to curry favor with him.

Aise felt no emotional fluctuations whatsoever regarding Eni's actions.

When he had previously overheard the conversation between Eni and her mother outside the door, he had already completely given up on her.

He used to have some affection for this playmate who had been with him since childhood, but now Aise had entirely let it go.

Since she liked acting, all he needed to do now was play along. It would make things easier for both of them.

Yes, what he excelled at most was acting...

Since he was a child, he had been acting. In front of his father, he suppressed his desire to slaughter, putting on the appearance of a normal, obedient child.

Only his mother could see through his disguise... She wouldn't expose him; she was even quite satisfied with it.

Because in her eyes, there was only his father.

A trace of black aura flashed across Aise's blood-red pupils.

"Why? Why suppress your nature?"

"Release it completely... It will definitely be exhilarating."

"Let the world see the real you, Aise..."

"Lately, you've gained new desires, haven't you?"

Distracting thoughts tangled up like vines; it seemed as though another consciousness in his heart was whispering to him.

He had encountered a similar situation before when he was in the Spirit World.

Aise furrowed his brows tightly.

"What's wrong, Young Master Aise? You're sweating a lot," Eni's worried voice came from the side as she took out a handkerchief and wiped Aise's forehead.

"It's nothing, just a bit hot." Aise took the handkerchief from Eni's hand. The silk still retained the young girl's body heat and fragrance.

"Hot?" Eni blinked. The autumn air was crisp and refreshing, and a gentle breeze was blowing against the carriage. She actually felt quite comfortable.

Aise didn't continue the conversation. He cracked the horsewhip, and the horse let out a neigh, quickening its pace. The wheels rolled over the ground full of fallen leaves, making a crisp crunching sound.