I had sunk too deep into my wandering thoughts, not paying attention to why these two were kneeling, and their obedient kneeling posture... Liora's fearful face... I must not overthink this...
"You two. Get up, why are you kneeling? What's going on? Speak slowly."
I intended to offer a hand to help, but stopped halfway...
It seemed these two were still very scared, unable to stand up, and their expressions weren't fake. Something was definitely wrong. This was the time to be serious.
"– Stand up first, and then tell me what happened."
Luna Hart, the eldest, still had a bit of fear on her face but slowly stood up. Liora next to her hadn't calmed down and couldn't get up.
Noah looked at Liora's frightened expression. This child, what on earth happened? Who would scare such a sweet girl like this? They must be heartless... Don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this.
Noah gently walked over, leaned down, and spoke with concern, slowly.
"– Little sister, you don't need to be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one can harm you. Your legs seem difficult to move; let me help you. First, take a deep breath and calm down."
Seeing the terrifying manor master approaching her, Liora felt her heart about to jump out of her chest.
Although he didn't seem as scary as before, her heart still couldn't bear it.
Noah noticed his comfort wasn't working and turned to Luna Hart to ask.
"– What's going on?"
After listening to Luna Hart's explanation, Noah remained silent, looking at the ground... After a moment, when Liora seemed to have calmed down, he brushed the sweat-soaked hair from her forehead and smiled.
"– It seems you're still very scared of me, huh? Looks like we'll need to spend more time together in the future. Or better yet... let's talk now."
Before Liora could react, Noah wrapped one arm around her shoulder and, with the other, lifted her into a princess carry before setting her down gently on a nearby table.
Sitting in the only chair opposite, Noah looked directly into her dreamy, dazed blue eyes, held her soft hands tightly, and said in a serious tone:
"– Liora, do you think I eat people?"
Liora sat obediently, not daring to move, and shook her head slightly.
"– No... not sure..."
Noah fell silent.
"– Yes, I will eat you when you grow up. Congratulations, you guessed right."
"– Do you think I'll eat your brother too?"
She seemed to realize something and calmed down a bit and shook her head.
"– No, you won't... (because he's not tasty)."
Seeing that his words had an effect, Noah continued.
"– Why do you think I won't eat your brother?"
"– ... I don't know."
Noah locked eyes with her and slowly, deliberately, said each word.
"– No, you're wrong. I will eat your brother too."
Liora was stunned, a bit confused by this...
Seeing that she no longer seemed scared, Noah gently patted her hand and said.
"– But if you behave well and listen, I might consider not eating your brother."
Liora... sat quietly, silently staring at the person in front of her.
... Silence...
Noah, seeing this, muttered to himself.
"– It seems you don't believe me. Fine, I'll eat you first, and then I'll eat your brother."
After saying that, he took one of her fingers and bit it lightly.
Luna Hart, standing nearby, watched everything, feeling like it wasn't real... That is such a childish way to behave!
So, after Liora had stopped crying, Noah said,
"– You haven't yet received the recognition token today, so come back tomorrow. But first, go to the kitchen for a meal, Lalatina has already gone ahead of you.
After eating, come to my room, I have something for you to do.
For now, I have some matters to attend to."