58. Talk about deliciousness

Luna listened to the Manor Lord's tale. Said to be another's, but mostly his own.

He endured such things?

Love and duty? Holding on or accepting?

Didn't expect this… I was rash. Must find a chance to apologize.

But how's this story tied to me?

While pondering its connection, the Manor Lord asked, Realized anything?

Is his story like mine?

He must mean something.

"You said I have two personalities—one born from harsh reality, protecting me; one from my parents' love, their hope for me. That's love and duty too.

Love, my parents' care; duty, the other personality.

Holding on or accepting… Does you mean I shouldn't cling, but open my heart?"

"Manor Lord, is Luna right?"

Noah nodded, praising. Indeed, Luna's sharp.

"Exactly.

Luna, reality or dreams, what matters is now.

No need to choose. One's your shield, one's your heart. Both are you, like this token's two sides. Together, they make the whole.

Those who love you will accept all of you. I don't know others, but I can say I accept both sides."

Liora and Lalatina chimed in.

"We too, we won't reject you."

Luna, silent, pondering. Noah and the others left her to reflect.

Normally, split personality cases… open up, socialize, have fun, symptoms ease. Might need long-term care.

The air, heavy, mournful, tearful.

Noah spoke.

"Eat quick, or the meat'll burn."

Lalatina, holding a skewer, shyly asked.

"Manor Lord, that story… was it true?"

Noah, gazing at her flushed cheeks, neatly tied hair, delicate, slender frame. In the dark, by the fire, breathtakingly beautiful. She's touched. Should I admit it? No, too obvious. Better half-true, let her believe.

"Hmm… I saw it with my own eyes, so I told you. But I ask you not to share this. Our little secret, yes?"

Liora, eyes teary.

"Manor Lord, you're so pitiful…"

Noah, waving dismissively, face calm, as if it's past, no matter. But heart gleeful. Sweet Liora, keep misunderstanding…

"Pitiful? With Liora by my side, how could I be?

Where am I pitiful?"

"Liora, thinking nonsense again? Keep it up, I'll eat you."

Liora, feigning fear.

"Manor Lord, I'm not tasty. Eat Sister Lalatina instead. She's older, her skin's fair, fragrant. Try and see."

Lalatina, stunned. Skewer still in mouth, paused eating, spoke solemnly.

"Manor Lord, no talk of whose meat's tastier. This junior suggests purging the traitor Liora first. Please, your order."

Noah, stirred. What's she mean? Admitting her meat's tasty? So refined, saintly outside, yet such suggestive words within. Truly a nation-toppling beauty. Swallowing hard.

"Fine, we must purge the instigator."

After a chase, Lalatina subdued Liora, pinning her on the grass. Clothes disheveled, sweat-soaked. Lalatina, smirking triumphantly; Liora, wailing.

"Sister, spare me! Manor Lord, spare me! I won't do it again, aahhh… Don't touch there… Ticklish… aahhh…"

"Manor Lord, this traitor's stubborn. Please assist."

A stunning beauty pinning a petite loli, clothes half-revealing, half-concealing. Noah, deaf to their words, struggled to restrain beastly urges.

Suddenly, behind, the token's recognition ritual began…

…

When it ended, Luna knelt before Noah.

"Deep thanks, Manor Lord, for guiding, resolving my heart's knots. This junior will never forget."

Noah nodded, pleased.

"Good, you've understood.

Go help Lalatina, catch the traitor."

Not far, Liora lay on the grass???

"Manor Lord, spare me, just now, aaahhh… Sister Luna, no loyalty… aaahhh…"

Noah approached. Three beauties, clothes askew, revealing fair skin. Felt a bite would be the world's greatest delight. Scents mingled—fresh, cool, sultry, seductive—all reached him. Mind wandered to them all on a bed. Compose yourself.

"Liora, any defense?"

Liora, pinned, eyes resolute.

"Manor Lord, I spoke truth. Sister Luna's as tasty as Sister Lalatina. You must try… aaahhh…"

Luna, alarmed.

"Manor Lord, don't listen to this vile girl's nonsense. She must be punished."

Lalatina, face flushed to her ears.

"Manor Lord, let us deal with this traitor. We'll teach her properly."

Luna echoed.

"Please, Manor Lord, permit it."

Liora, struggling fiercely, protested.

"Manor Lord, save me! I'm always on your side, never betrayed…"

Noah, inhaling deeply, face stern.

"Lalatina, Luna, return to your rooms. Liora, to my room, we have matters to discuss."

Before leaving, Noah lifted the token, saying, "Zhao Yu, please clean up the courtyard."