Chapter 116: The Dark Goddess’s Maternal Strategy and the Belated Love Conflict (4)

Chapter 116: The Dark Goddess's Maternal Strategy and the Belated Love Conflict (4)

Diana stared at the dazed golden-haired elf in front of her, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

At the same time, the image finally registered in Nia's brain. Her blank expression instantly changed, but unlike Diana's exhilaration, Nia's eyes filled with fear.

Why is she here?

Why is 'she' here?!

The same question popped into their heads, but their emotions couldn't have been more different. Clearly, these two knew each other.

It wasn't unusual for Nia to recognize Diana; after all, Diana was the headmaster of Seven Shields Academy. But the tension between them stemmed from a rather complicated history that couldn't be ignored.

Nia, being one of the most exceptional third-year students, was someone Diana had taken special notice of. In fact, Nia was another one of Diana's "potential children."

Although Nia, even in her innocence, had sensed the danger of such a proposal and outright rejected it, she'd experienced firsthand how relentless this clingy "big sister" could be.

"Nia~! What a surprise to see you here!" Diana's voice was filled with delight.

"Stay back!" Nia shouted, her tone dripping with alarm.

Before Diana could move closer, Nia had already darted behind Shia, using him as a shield with startling speed. Every time Diana moved left, Nia would move right, and vice versa.

The entire scene resembled a game of tag, but with Diana's 'ample assets' pressing uncomfortably close to Shia, who couldn't help but notice how 'pleasantly soft' the contact felt.

"Nia, come here and give Mama a hug! I've missed you so much~!" Diana cooed playfully.

"Stop calling yourself my mama! I'm not coming over!" Nia retorted, her voice trembling.

Diana smirked mischievously. "By the way, Nia, what are you doing in a 'human male's house' all alone?"

Nia's lips tightened, refusing to answer.

Seeing her reluctance, Diana casually leaned against the table, her tone turning slightly threatening.

"Hmm… I wonder what your 'strict aunt' on the council would think about this situation?" Diana teased, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You know how rigid and proper she is. She wouldn't approve of her precious niece being here, would she?"

Diana clicked her tongue mockingly, her crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh dear, Nia, you wouldn't want her finding out, would you?"

Nia's expression faltered, and her half-hidden face showed clear signs of worry. The image of her stern, commanding aunt flashed through her mind: glasses with golden frames, sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through lies, and an air of unyielding authority.

If her aunt found out…

Nia shivered. Suddenly, being Diana's "child" didn't seem so bad. Sure, Diana was overly affectionate and a little scary, but she seemed well-meaning… right?

Nia bit her lip, deep in thought, while Diana watched her eagerly, her excitement building.

'Just say yes already!'

Nia seemed on the verge of caving, but then her light-green eyes flared with resolve. Her long golden hair turned silver in an instant, and her timid demeanor vanished.

Nia's other self—confident and assertive—had taken over.

"You won't tell my aunt," she declared with a proud tilt of her chin, her voice dripping with defiance.

Seeing the silver-haired version of Nia, Diana's excitement only grew. 'Two personalities in one girl? Twice the fun! Twice the children!'

But Nia wasn't about to back down.

"You and my aunt are sworn enemies, aren't you? You wouldn't talk to her voluntarily," she scoffed, mimicking Diana's earlier click of the tongue. "And even if you did, why would she believe you?"

Her cheeky retort was downright rude, but Diana didn't mind. Instead, she pouted theatrically.

Her plan to intimidate Nia had failed, and now she could only watch as her "potential child" slipped out of her grasp.

So close… just so close.

Sensing the tension, Shia quickly intervened to diffuse the situation.

"Are you hungry? It's already past lunchtime. Why don't we all eat? No matter what, a guest is still a guest, so let's try my cooking," Shia offered, turning to Diana for the last part.

He desperately needed to shift the strange atmosphere before things spiraled further out of control. After all, nothing couldn't be solved at the dinner table, right?

Or so he thought.

---

Nia clutched her stomach, clearly still hungry from earlier. Diana, meanwhile, was reminded of Shia's previous hospitality and couldn't help but swallow her anticipation.

Clearing her throat, Diana straightened up, assuming her dignified headmaster persona.

"I don't mind, but as young people, you shouldn't skip meals. It's important for your growth," she said, a hint of smugness still in her tone.

The dining table was soon laden with delicious dishes, but neither Nia nor Diana—nor even Rong, who had joined them—seemed particularly interested in the food.

"Come on, don't be shy. Sit down and eat," Shia urged, breaking the silence.

But his attempt to lighten the mood failed miserably.

Nia clung to his side, practically draping herself over him to claim the seat closest to him. Meanwhile, Rong tried to grab the other side but was beaten to it by Diana, who had already positioned herself next to Shia. Her 'ample chest' nearly knocked over the plates on the table as she leaned in.

Rong sighed, biting her lip in frustration, and reluctantly took the seat opposite Shia. She cast him a forlorn glance, her feelings of helplessness evident.

Diana rested one arm on the table, turning slightly to face Shia with a soft smile.

"It's always best to eat next to you, little one. Just looking at your face makes the food taste better."

Shia forced a laugh, feeling like he was sitting on pins and needles. Was this really his first life crisis?

As if to push things further, Diana gracefully picked up a piece of food and held it to his lips.

"Open wide, ah~!" she cooed, her voice dripping with maternal affection.

Meanwhile, Nia, who had been tense the entire time, could no longer hold back. The sight of Diana so shamelessly cozying up to Shia was unbearable.

She shoved a bowl of soup in front of Shia, blocking Diana in the process. 'This big-breasted woman is 'so' annoying!'

Wanting to bully 'me' was bad enough, but now she's trying to seduce Master Shia? Over my dead body!

A Special Thank You!:

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Brother VBlood], for supporting me on Patreon!