Lasha's arrival dispelled much of the fatigue in Shien's mind, leaving behind only a heart full of confusion and questions.
However, Shien was in no hurry. He first took Lasha back to House Razahad.
Lasha remained as expressionless as ever, following closely behind Shien while maintaining a distance of three steps from him. She looked just like a fiercely loyal maid at Shien's side.
Just like that, the two of them returned to House Razahad.
As it happened, Aiyi seemed to have come out of her room as well.
"I'm back."
Shien instinctively greeted her.
But Aiyi's reaction was a little strange.
"Ugh."
The moment the little girl saw Shien, her whole body stiffened slightly for some reason, freezing in place.
"Little Aiyi?"
Seeing her like this, Shien called out to her in puzzlement.
Yet not only did Aiyi fail to respond, she remained frozen in place. Her pretty face gradually flushed, and her expression became incomparably stiff, as though she had recalled something too unbearable to look back on. Her entire being seemed deeply unsettled.
Shien was somewhat concerned, so he took a few steps closer.
However, almost as if by reflex, Aiyi took several steps back.
"..."
Shien fell silent.
"..."
Aiyi came to her senses as well and likewise fell silent.
After a while, Shien moved closer again.
Seeing that, Aiyi retreated again without hesitation.
Shien continued approaching.
Aiyi continued retreating.
"What are you doing?"
The corner of Shien's mouth twitched.
But his question earned only one response.
"Don't say anything, and don't ask anything either. Just don't come near me for now, understand?"
Aiyi glared at Shien, her pretty face still slightly red. As she gave him that warning without allowing any argument, she also cast him a peculiar look.
Shien could understand that look.
Precisely