NOVEL NEXT Chapter 140: Shura Field
"No," Orion started to explain. "Bronya and I are not..."
Just then—
"Huh? Why isn't the door closed?" a familiar voice came from the doorway.
Orion's heart instantly skipped a beat.
Bronya walked in carrying an exquisite food container and froze when she saw the scene inside. "Orion? This is...?"
Her gaze fell on the scythe in Seele's hand, and she instantly became alert. "Home invasion?" Bronya immediately put down the container, her hand reaching for her waist as she entered a state of alert.
Seele gripped her scythe, her eyes fixed on the young woman. Silver-gray long hair, delicate features, and the elegant demeanor unique to Overworld nobility. She was a beauty completely different from the roughness of the Underworld—exquisite, noble, and unattainable.
Sure enough... she's very beautiful, a bitter feeling arose in Seele's heart. Is she the rumored heir of Belobog? No wonder Orion was captivated.
She subconsciously glanced at herself—scars left by years of fighting, dust-stained clothes, and calloused hands. Compared to the girl before her, who was like a princess, she was...
"Bronya, no need to be nervous," Orion's voice broke the standoff. "This is my friend from the Underworld, Seele." He turned to Seele. "Seele, this is my classmate, Bronya."
Bronya looked at Orion in confusion. "Friend? Then why is she...?"
"We were just sparring," Orion said lightly. "Seele's scythe skills are excellent. It's been a while, so I wanted to spar a bit."
Seele was stunned for a moment but eventually cooperated, lowering her scythe. "...Yeah, it's been a while. My hands were itching."
Bronya was skeptical, but she couldn't press further. "I see. Nice to meet you, my name is Bronya Rand." She curtsied gracefully. "I heard Orion mention that he was well taken care of by Miss Seele when he was in the Underworld."
He... mentioned me? "It was just mutual help between friends," Seele's expression softened a little. "Does he often talk to you about things in the Underworld?"
"Occasionally," Bronya said, sensing the dynamic. "However, he does talk more about Miss Seele."
Orion watched the two from the side. He understood Seele's personality—strong and direct, but soft-hearted. As long as she knew he and Bronya weren't in a relationship, most of her anger would dissipate.
"Does Orion... live alone in the Overworld?" Seele asked, feigning casualness.
"Yes," Bronya replied. "I occasionally bring him some food, as he's not very good at taking care of himself."
"He really isn't," Seele agreed. "When we were together, he..." She stopped, realizing she almost mentioned living with him.
"Together?" Bronya looked at her curiously.
"When we lived together in the Underworld," Seele quickly corrected, her face a little unnatural, "he often forgot to eat..."
"It seems Orion really needs someone to take care of him," Bronya said with a smile, her gaze shifting between the two. The atmosphere grew subtle.
"Oh, right, Seele," Orion changed the subject. "The room I prepared for you is already set up. Want to take a look?"
"A room?" Seele was surprised.
"Didn't I say I'd bring you to live in the Overworld? Now that the lockdown is lifted, it's a good time to move in."
Again, living together...?
"Well... I won't disturb you then," Bronya said tactfully. "The food is here, remember to eat it while it's hot."
"Wait," Orion called out. "Let's eat together. It's a good chance for you two to get to know each other." He looked at Seele. "Bronya's cooking is excellent."
Seele pouted. "Really? Then I'd like to try it." If her cooking is so good, does she often cook for him here?
The three sat at the dining table.
"This is really delicious," Seele took a bite and had to admit it.
"Thank you," Bronya smiled. "Orion also likes this dish very much, so I often come over to make it."
Often? Seele's hand tightened on her chopsticks.
"Seele's cooking is also very good," Orion said quickly. "Back in the Underworld, her soup was especially warming."
"Is that so?" Bronya looked at Seele. "I'd really like to try it sometime."
"There will be plenty of opportunities," Seele put down her chopsticks, looking directly at Bronya. "After all, I'm moving in."
Bronya's smile faltered. "Oh? Weren't you still considering it?"
"I've decided," Seele picked up her water glass. "Orion lives too lonely by himself; he needs someone to accompany him."
"Indeed," Bronya elegantly wiped her mouth. "That's why even with my busy schedule, I often come over... but now that Miss Seele is here, I'm much more relieved."
"Busy schedule and still able to come over often?" Seele raised an eyebrow. "Lady Bronya must be working hard."
"It's worth spending some time for friends," Bronya returned with a perfect smile. "Just like Miss Seele took care of Orion back then... now, he is being taken care of by me."
"Hmph, now? How long have you known him?"
"Not long... but the depth of a relationship cannot be measured by time, can it?"
Their gazes collided fiercely in the air, and the atmosphere at the dining table dropped to a freezing point. Orion silently refilled their tea, thinking that this meal probably wouldn't be finished.
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