"Stop embarrassing yourself out here. Come inside and talk."
With that,
Haimo turned and walked back into the courtyard.
Loki hurriedly covered her right ear, already twisted bright red, with both hands. Hissing through her teeth, she followed Haimo through the Mansion's front door.
A few minutes later.
In the spacious first-floor hall.
Haimo sat casually at the huge Obsidian Round Table, leaning back in an Ironwood Vine chair fitted with thick, soft cushions.
Loki sat opposite him, rubbing her ear as her eyes darted around the entire hall, as though searching for something.
A moment later.
Ryu Lion approached with an exquisite tray, her head slightly lowered.
But as she poured the tea, distinct ripples spread through the clear liquid in the cups.
"Lord God."
"Please enjoy your tea."
"And... Lady Loki, please enjoy your tea."
Ryu Lion placed a steaming cup of black tea before Haimo and Loki each.
After saying that,
Ryu Lion did not dare linger for even a second. She quickly gathered up the tray, bowed slightly, and retreated toward the corridor on somewhat stiff legs.
At the corner by the staircase at the far end of the hall.
The moment Ryu Lion retreated,
Chloe and Lunoire immediately crowded around her.
The three girls stopped working altogether.
They simply huddled behind the staircase, peeking around the wall with half their heads sticking out as they secretly watched the hall.
Haimo picked up the teacup before him and gently blew on the steam rising from it.
His gaze passed over the rim toward the one opposite him, who was still looking all around.
"What are you looking at?"
"Did you come running here first thing in the morning just to inspect my Mansion's decor?"
"Hehe."
Loki withdrew her gaze.
After confirming that the little squirt-Hestia-was