Chapter 31: Old Debts
The first snow of early winter fell outside the French windows. The ochre candlelight decorated the dining room with a warm and cozy atmosphere.
The air was filled with the aroma of food. In the center of the long table was a large, golden-brown, crispy turkey, its glossy skin coated in a rich, amber-colored sauce.
“It smells so good.”
Herlkin tucked away her fluffy tail. Now was not the time to exude charm. She didn’t want her fur to affect everyone’s meal.
Adele gestured for her and Aomo to sit down. “Don’t be formal. Try the appetizer soup first.”
The creamy oyster chowder had just been taken off the stove. The fresh saltiness of the sea and the sweet aroma of the cream were perfectly balanced.
The long table in the dining room was very large. Herlkin, eyeing the turkey, found a seat closest to the meat. Aomo sat one seat away from her.
Lina was placed at the head of the table by Adele. Her eyes were not on the fragrant mashed potatoes, nor on the muffins covered in strawberry jam.
All her attention was on Adele.
Ever since they had kissed at noon, the two of them had been too shy to look at each other.
It always felt a little embarrassing.
“Teacher, I want to eat the sticky rice,” Lina said, randomly finding a topic of conversation.
Adele gave a “Mhm.” “I’ll get it for you after Haia comes down.”
The tips of her ears were red, and a faint, irrepressible smile played on her lips.
Aomo sat diagonally opposite them. She seemed to see pink bubbles popping up above Lina’s head. She couldn’t help but smile, but this smile quickly froze because of a female voice.
“Everyone’s here. It’s me who’s late.”
Haia had let down her long hair, which was usually tied up high. The top two buttons, which were always fastened, were also undone. That meticulous, cold aura was softened a bit, replaced by a casual, frivolous air.
She didn’t look like she was here to eat, but more like she was here to stir up trouble.
Adele and Lina were completely unaware, but Herlkin and Aomo had already sensed a subtle tension.
“Sit wherever you like. If you like meat, sit here. If you like vegetables and dessert, sit there.”
Adele said, while scooping sticky rice for Lina.
“Alright.” Haia’s gaze swept across the table. She first walked behind Herlkin and paused slightly.
Herlkin’s face was calm and composed, but her wavering eyes still betrayed her unease.
Haia’s hand landed on the back of her chair. Her long fingers tapped lightly on the backrest.
A subtle vibration traveled to Herlkin’s bottom. She couldn’t help but tense her back.
It was a subconscious fear.
As if she had been well-trained.
Haia was very satisfied with her reaction and continued to walk, stopping behind Aomo.
Aomo was holding a small spoon, concentrating on her soup, completely ignoring the person behind her.
Of course, if her breathing hadn’t been so rapid, her act would have been more convincing.
Haia’s gaze was fixed on Aomo.
After a moment, she pulled out the chair between Herlkin and Aomo without warning. The legs of the chair scraped against the floor, making a harsh sound.
She squeezed herself between the two of them.
“Then I’ll sit here.”
The dining table was very long, with many seats to choose from. But she had to sit between the two of them.
This unusual action finally caught Adele’s attention.
She looked at the three people opposite her and vaguely felt that the atmosphere was not right.
Before she could investigate further, a leg suddenly stretched out from under the table.
No.
It was a foot.
A bare foot.
Adele was not wearing tight riding breeches tonight. At this moment, the cuffs of her trousers were open, giving the bad rabbit an opportunity.
A person with a strong learning ability is good at applying what they’ve learned. Light or heavy, deep or shallow—the person who couldn’t even breathe properly at noon now understood the rhythm of advance and retreat.
A slightly cool touch wrapped around her ankle.
Adele sat stiffly, randomly scooping at the oyster soup with her fork.
The coolness circled her ankle bone, and Adele’s thoughts were also spun into a daze.
Only after putting the empty fork in her mouth did she finally realize that a fork couldn’t scoop up soup.
Lina saw her action and smiled obediently. Her drooping long ears quietly curled into a heart shape, but the audacity under the tablecloth still hadn’t stopped.
Adele stuffed a large piece of potato into her mouth.
Lop-eared rabbit! Are the books you read in the study every day proper books?
She felt that she should also catch up on her studies.
The coolness slipped into her trouser leg, going deeper.
Adele chewed the potato with more force. She thought of noon again.
Bad rabbit.
Do you have to be bitten to learn to be good?
She thought this in her heart. No matter how lost in thought and ruthless she was, when it came to the real battle, there were only two words left—
Indulgence.
Lina was like this now because she had spoiled her.
What she had spoiled, she had to bear.
Even if one day she was completely worked up, it would still be “her own doing.”
Adele looked at Lina and said, “Eat properly.”
These words, to Lina’s ears, became—
Eat properly first, then I’ll deal with you later.
Lina took the sticky rice mixed with coconut milk and mango and gave a sweet smile. “Okay.”
Teacher, I will definitely satisfy you.
Adele’s lower back went numb from her smile.
Lop-eared rabbit, so hard to handle.
On the other side of the table.
Just as Herlkin was about to move to the side, Haia held her chair.
“Am I in your way?”
“…No.”
Herlkin didn’t move again. She didn’t want to, and she didn’t dare to, provoke the person beside her. “Let’s eat.”
Otherwise, her tail would suffer again.
“Alright.”
Aomo still didn’t look at Haia, but her jawline seemed to be even tighter.
“You should eat this.” Haia pushed a plate of butter-fried mushrooms in front of her. “This is delicious.”
She also pushed a plate of chicken legs to Herlkin. “Eat. It’s your favorite.”
The atmosphere grew even stranger.
Adele looked at the three people opposite her again.
Do they… know each other?
She felt it would be too abrupt to ask rashly, so she didn’t say anything.
Suddenly, that cool sensation withdrew.
Adele looked at Lina.
Lina puffed out her cheeks and stuffed the sticky rice into her mouth.
Looking at others again! Not looking at me! Mmph…?
Adele took the initiative to stretch her leg over.
Lina instantly understood her meaning and smiled as she chewed.
Adele felt the force on her thigh, smiled, and felt a doting affection in her heart.
Go ahead and step on it.
Lop-eared rabbit, step on it as you please.
What could she do?
Nothing but spoil her.
The head chef brought a silver carving knife and began to carve the turkey. The crispy skin was slowly cut open, and the rich juices flowed out, the aroma of the meat filling the air.
But Herlkin had no appetite. She just wanted to run. Aomo also found the food tasteless.
And what about Haia?
She sat between the two of them, her movements with the fork and knife elegant and composed, as if the person who had just abruptly sat down was not her.
She cut a small piece of turkey and chewed it slowly. It seemed she was savoring the delicacy, but the corner of her eye was locked on the two people on either side. Although there was a smile on her lips, it didn’t reach her eyes, and even seemed a little strange, cold and sinister.
Perhaps to alleviate this suffocating atmosphere, Aomo took the initiative to peel a chestnut for her.
“Oh, I’m not worthy.” Haia said sarcastically, “You should give it to her.”
The expression on Aomo’s face froze. Her lips twitched. “It’s fine. I’ll peel a couple more.”
“Oh, so there’s for everyone. I thought you only peeled it for me.” Haia put down her fork and said, “Then I’ll eat it.”
Aomo didn’t respond. Her movements were filled with a cautious probing, and even a hint of ingratiation.
Herlkin’s expression was even more complicated.
“Mmm! It’s not bad. The ones you peel are delicious. I can’t even bear to swallow it.” Haia said and turned to Herlkin. “Right?”
Before Herlkin could answer, she said again, “No, you should be used to it. You wouldn’t find it so novel.”
“You…” Herlkin didn’t look at her, turned to her own plate, and forcefully cut a large piece of turkey, stuffing it into her mouth.
Aomo’s face turned slightly pale, and she also turned her face away.
Adele saw all three of their reactions. Just as she was thinking, she was stepped on so hard her whole body trembled.
This time, it wasn’t a light temptation, but had a hint of a temper.
Lina stared at her, her blue eyes seeming to say—
Look at me. Only look at me.
Adele pinched the mischievous foot.
If you keep this up, I’ll punish you.
A hint of mischief was hidden in Lina’s obedient smile.
Is it a punishment?
It’s clearly a reward.
Her gaze fell on Adele’s lips.
Oh no.
I don’t want to eat anymore.
I want to eat something else…
“I’m full. I’m going back first.”
Her amorous thoughts were interrupted. Lina turned to the other side and saw Aomo leave with great determination. Before she could react, Herlkin had also run off.
Only Haia was left, slowly and methodically cutting the turkey on her plate.
Lina looked at Adele.
Adele shrugged, indicating that she didn’t understand.
*
Aomo looked at the clock for the fifth time. Herlkin had been gone for an hour.
Haia’s appearance had made her heart panic.
She really couldn’t sit still and was about to go out to catch her.
The castle was in disrepair. Many of the wall lamps were broken. The corridor was dim. The smell of rotting old wood floated in the air. Aomo took a deep breath, but her heartbeat only grew more chaotic.
Just as she reached the corner of the stairs, she saw a person in the shadows.
“Teacher.”
Haia walked out of the darkness with a half-smile, like a hunter waiting for its prey, her steps light and slow. “Where are you going?”
A small smile squeezed its way onto Aomo’s lips. Before she could speak, she was cut off by Haia.
“To find Herlkin, right?”
Haia had already walked in front of Aomo. She was taller and, with a slight lean, she completely enveloped Aomo in her shadow.
“You’re as concerned about her as ever.”
She carried a faint chill, as if she had just come from outside.
Aomo subconsciously stepped back but was still surrounded by that chill. “Did you see her?”
“I did.” Haia seemed to be angered by her retreat. The smile in her eyes completely disappeared. “I killed her.”
Her heels hit the cold wall. Aomo had nowhere to retreat. “You wouldn’t. You’re not that kind of child.”
“Heh.” Haia chewed on the word “child.” “In that case, should I call you Mommy from now on?”
Mommy.
“Don’t be like this…” Aomo couldn’t stand her gaze. That gaze was too hot. “I’ve always seen you as a student. I never…”
“Shh—” Haia cut her off again. “Don’t say it. I don’t want to hear it.”
“Then I’m leaving.” Aomo was eager to leave.
Haia grabbed her arm, her movement even more forceful. “Do you hate me that much?”
Aomo was pulled off balance, and her tone also became impatient. “Stop being so unreasonable. I really don’t understand why you’ve become like this, so jealous! How old is Xiao Jin? Why do you have to compare everything with her!”
Haia was stunned for two seconds, then suddenly let go. “I’m jealous?”
Her voice seemed to be squeezed from between her teeth, very light, and also very painful. “She’s the one who stole the love that belonged exclusively to me. Teacher, we’re the closest… didn’t you tell me yourself that you—”
Slap—
The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the stairwell. Haia’s head was turned to the side from the force.
Aomo’s fingertips trembled. “To you, I’ve only ever had concern, not love. The same goes for Xiao Jin. You’ve been overthinking it.”
Haia touched her burning cheek. A few large teardrops silently fell on the steps. By the time she looked up, there was no trace of pain on her face.
“Since that’s the case, you should also show me some concern. I’m also injured.”
Aomo was suddenly startled and asked, “How did you know Xiao Jin was injured? Did you stitch her wound…”
“My technique, can’t you tell?” Haia gave a self-deprecating smile. “You came out so late to find her because you were afraid I would hurt her. I know it all. Why do you have to hide it… Am I just a cold-hearted person in your heart?”
She took a few steps back on her own initiative. “If I really wanted to kill her, I would have done it long ago. I wouldn’t have had to wait until today.”
“Haia!”
Aomo was filled with guilt. Just as she was about to say something, Haia had already walked away.
“…”
The protagonist of their conversation was, at this moment, standing at the corner of the stairs on the floor above.
Herlkin stood motionless, staring at everything that was happening below her. Her slightly swaying body was supported only by her grip on the handrail.
After Haia left, she also silently disappeared from the corridor.
As if she had never appeared.
As if she knew nothing.
Aomo went downstairs in a daze, hastily fleeing from that suffocating atmosphere.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The undercurrents of the three people were all taken in by a rabbit.
Lina stood silently on the top floor landing. Her breathing was light. Leaning against the handrail, her entire being almost merged with the darkness.
She was very sensitive. Herlkin’s panic, Aomo’s avoidance—she sensed it all in an instant. But what she empathized with even more was Haia.
Although the light was dim and she couldn’t see Haia’s expression clearly, she could feel that burning possessiveness, the hard shell that wrapped a heart that would shatter with a touch, the anxiety of unfulfilled desire, the pain of insecurity… every emotion was so clear.
Is it love?
Lina replayed their conversation in her mind. For a moment, she couldn’t be sure. In the almost suffocating atmosphere, she thought of her aunt.
Why didn’t Herlkin get close? Wasn’t Aomo her teacher? How could she be so indifferent when she saw another person break in?
Does she have no possessiveness?
If she was so open and honest, why did she run away in a panic?
If someone were to try and steal her teacher…
Lina’s thoughts were briefly stuck here.
If someone dared to steal Adele, her lop-eared rabbit’s fists were also very hard. A couple of punches, and it would hurt a lot.
Extreme sensitivity is a gift from the heavens. The malice hidden in the dark is hard to escape Lina’s eyes. Her subconscious will help her avoid danger. But at the same time, the pain and evil she can perceive are also more than ordinary people.
The eyes with which she views the world are always covered with a layer of gray, cold mist. Her nature makes her good at unraveling things, but her pessimism makes her focus on the dark side of human nature, always considering only the worst outcome.
The more evil she sees, the more painful it is.
This is a vicious cycle.
Sensitivity is a gift, but it is not easy to master.
Lina stared at the empty stairs below her. A lingering gloom quickly condensed around her.
She replayed everything she had just seen in her mind, frame by frame.
Control.
Unwillingness.
Avoidance.
Countless possibilities appeared in her mind.
These three people must have known each other before, and were even familiar with each other. Now that they have reunited, in this twisted triangle, what roles do they each play?
Lina was not interested in their grievances. She just couldn’t help but have some dark conjectures:
Is Herlkin really her aunt? Why had Herte never mentioned her?
Did Aomo come to the manor really just for Herlkin? Could she have other intentions for her, for the property in the manor?
Haia, leaving her good clinic, came to the manor just to settle old debts?
Once her thoughts slid into the abyss, they became uncontrollable.
Lina’s breathing quickened. The feeling of frustration appeared again. She instantly clenched her hands, afraid she would self-harm again.
Just then, a real, warm warmth wrapped tightly around her from behind.
Suddenly falling into a familiar and warm embrace, her falling spirit was held steady. Lina trembled.
It was Adele.
In just a few moments, the gloomy thoughts in her mind were like thin ice meeting the scorching sun, melting away in an instant.
She wanted to turn around but was held tightly by the arms around her waist. “What are you doing?”
A warm breath was just inches away, as if biting her ear.
Lina was powerless to resist. Her damp soul was willing to be carried to the ends of the earth by the gentle breeze from the ice field. She was willing to be at Adele’s mercy.
Anything was fine.
Lina no longer struggled. She leaned back slightly, letting herself sink into that reassuring tenderness.
“Waiting for you.”
Everything in the stairwell became distant and blurry at this moment. Lina could only hear Adele’s heartbeat.
A full moon hung high outside the window. The grandfather clock began its final round.
Order was about to collapse.
“Teacher, I’m about to lose control.” Lina’s smile was tinged with a test. “You should run.”
Adele had noticed her long ago.
The lop-eared rabbit, standing in a patch of darkness, had a gloomy aura. But in her eyes, it became a clear, cold brokenness.
Self-harm is no small matter.
The rabbit ball must be in too much pain to be like this.
If messing around together could relieve Lina’s pain, then let her order also collapse.
Adele said, “You’re the one who should run.”
“I won’t run.” Lina’s hand reached back to touch her face. “You can do anything to me.”
Anything is fine.
Go on.
“Then, let’s go back to the room.”
