CHAPTER 45: POLEMIC

"Has Myris left?" Losiya asked with some suspicion after Alice reported to her.

"Yes, she just left, and Tania happened to go with her," Alice said respectfully with her hands clasped in front of her.

Losiya nodded and didn’t think much more of it.

Compared to Tania’s potential usefulness, the information Myris could provide was of greater value to her. Moreover, Myris would likely run into trouble soon, so this was the perfect opportunity to push that burden onto her and the Holy Light Church.

"Enie was saved last night by Lady Myris," Alice added.

Hearing that, Losiya’s resentment toward Myris softened slightly.

Of course, a favor is a favor—but when the time came, she still planned to cause Myris some trouble.

"What exactly is this ’Illusory Demon Bloom’?" Losiya asked as she sat down, still feeling a lingering sense of fear.

She had thought it was just a fragrance ingredient, but now it seemed the side effects were terrifyingly severe.

"Enie had been under a lot of pressure at home for some time, so she used this to relieve stress," Alice explained while picking up a container of powder from the table.

"This kind of aromatic product sells well because it helps people relax, and for a short time, it creates a pleasant illusion."

"We just didn’t expect that under the wrong conditions, its side effects would stack like this."

As for Lady Catherine, her case was the most unusual—she had been cursed by a demon during a purge, struck with an attack that destroyed both body and spirit.

Fortunately, Julian had been present, and thanks to him, the curse had been truly suppressed in every sense.

Thinking of that, Losiya couldn’t help but glance at Julian, who sat quietly beside her, head down, slowly stirring his tea. He hadn’t said a single word to her since entering the room.

If not for that strange coincidence at the auction where she had acquired Julian, she could hardly imagine how desperate she’d be right now.

At the very least, she had prepared herself to lose her Aunt.

"Speaking of which, you really were decisive yesterday," Alice said with a hint of admiration.

Hmm?

Losiya looked at her in confusion, and Alice continued, "Yesterday, when Tania made that request, you didn’t agree at all. Instead, you completely cut ties and had her thrown into the dungeon—all because of Julian."

Julian’s spoon paused in the tea. Alice quietly observed him—his frustrated expression instantly melted, and now he sat silently, hiding his emotions in his lowered gaze.

Losiya saw this and quickly seized the opportunity, leaning in with affectionate concern. She even took the fork and cut the meat on his plate for him.

Julian looked at her hand—at the moment, she was gently stroking the back of his, her fingers quietly locking his down.

Sigh...

A swell of emotion left Julian unable to muster any other feeling. He relaxed, sitting calmly and letting Losiya carry on with her subtle little gestures.

Alice stood nearby, wearing a barely perceptible smile as she observed the two of them.

"So you’re all here..."

From the staircase behind them, a surprised and happy voice came from Lady Catherine. Julian finally found the chance to pull his hand back from Losiya’s and turned around.

Lady Catherine, with her tall and curvaceous figure, was slowly descending from the upper floor.

As always, she wore a deep-colored fitted robe. Her long, shapely legs were barely visible through her violet stockings as she walked.

Losiya also noticed the lady’s graceful and noble figure. She pouted slightly and looked toward Julian—only to see his eyes fixed steadily on Catherine.

Noble, elegant, and wise—a woman like that would be the center of attention wherever she went. Losiya understood that, but she couldn’t help feeling a trace of discomfort in her heart.

Even if that woman was her own aunt, she couldn’t accept Julian being distracted by her.

"Aunt, why are you coming down so late?" Losiya walked over and affectionately took Lady Catherine’s arm, asking with concern.

But Catherine’s expression was slightly strange. She studied Losiya’s complexion and posture. That once-immature face had clearly become more mature overnight, her glow deeper, her every smile laced with an alluring charm. Even her smile, once bright and unguarded, curled with a quiet, knowing seduction—each tilt of her lips hinting at secrets Catherine couldn’t quite decipher.

The memories of last night suddenly surged up. Though she had handled it calmly before, now she inexplicably felt embarrassed.

The feeling of being overtaken on the side path by her own niece—no one could easily swallow that.

Catherine forced herself to calm down and said with a gentle smile, "I was just resting again and accidentally fell asleep."

"Hehe, well, you’re getting older. My mom also likes to nap in the afternoon."

"Don’t tease your aunt," Catherine said with mock irritation, lightly tapping Losiya’s smooth forehead with a finger.

"Since you’re here, let’s eat."

Naturally, she had no reason to decline and let herself be pulled into a seat.

"Good afternoon, Lady Catherine," Alice greeted respectfully.

But as Catherine walked past her, she couldn’t help but feel that Alice’s polite gaze carried a layer of hidden meaning.

Once seated, Catherine was greeted warmly by Julian.

"Good afternoon, Aunt Catherine."

Both Losiya and Catherine froze for a moment. Once she recovered, Catherine responded with a kind smile. "Thank you, little Julian. Please continue to look after Losiya for me."

Losiya, unable to meet his eyes, sat down and glanced shyly at Julian, her expression glowing.

Under the table, Catherine noticed the two of them holding hands and couldn’t help but raise her teacup with a quiet sigh. There was joy in her eyes... but also a hint of envy.

This impromptu lunch gathering of a few people truly felt like a real family—smiles on their faces, relaxed and informal as they ate and chatted.

"Miss, Lady Myris left a message for you," Alice suddenly spoke.

"What message?" Losiya asked while chewing on her steak.

"She said... she’ll be waiting for you in the Holy City."

All four at the table were briefly stunned. Julian was the first to react, asking in confusion,

"Is that... a challenge?"

"Pfft..."

Losiya picked up a napkin and laughed. "Seems I’m not the only one with complaints about her—she’s not too fond of me either."

"This year’s Holy City Festival is the biggest in a decade. It’ll be held in a month," Alice reminded them.

"We’ll prepare in the coming days. Last time, all those so-called ’prodigies’ got completely thrashed by me. She’s the only one left standing, clinging to her status as some ’saint.’" Losiya said with disdain.

Julian looked at her, visibly puzzled by her confidence.

Alice helpfully explained, "A few years ago, Miss participated in one of the Holy City Festivals. That time, she defeated all the top-tier young supernaturals from across the continent. That’s when she gained her reputation—and the emperor himself granted her the title of Countess."

Julian blinked in surprise. He already knew Losiya was gifted and strong, but to think she was that powerful?

She was practically like a main character straight out of a fantasy novel from his past life.