The Priest’s Fall Into Lustful Heat - Chapter 71

“What kind of relationship do you have with my sister?”

Duvalkan seemed to notice that the child’s attention had shifted back to him. After pretending to think for a moment, he shot a sly glance at Ashtel and curled his lips into a suggestive smile.

‘What is he planning to say?’

If he spouted any nonsense in front of Payne, she would personally visit his dreams and tear his mouth apart.

“We share a secret.”

“A secret?”

“Yes, I know a big secret about your sister.”

“What are you talking about?”

Ashtel jumped in, immediately denying it.

A secret? That was exactly the kind of comment that would make both Payne and Moablon suspicious. Moablon was particularly intense about her interest and attachment to Ashtel, so the idea that there might be something she didn’t know would definitely set her off.

And if Duvalkan kept this up…

“What secret? Huh? Sister, why do you have secrets without telling me?”

“No, Moa, it’s not like that.”

“Not like that? Then what is it? Mister, you tell me. Now!”

“Uh, Mister?”

In an instant, Duvalkan’s title was downgraded to ‘Mister’.

He tried to protest that he was only twenty-seven, but no one paid him any attention. Before Moablon could get any more agitated, Ashtel quickly whispered in her ear.

“Sis, you don’t need to listen to anything that guy says. He’s just pretending there’s something to get my attention.”

“Oh, really? He’s interested in you?”

“Yeah. I don’t know why, though.”

Well, she could only guess that it was her beauty, which not even magic could fully conceal. Or maybe it was her charming personality, which set her apart from other humans. There were countless reasons why she might be so appealing, but Ashtel shook her head, feeling exhausted. Dealing with Moablon was tiring enough.

Payne, who had been watching them closely, gently suggested.

“We should go inside. We’ve been standing out here for a while.”

“Oh, you’re right. Let’s go, ladies, shall we?”

“I want to eat meat!”

With Duvalkan’s quick recovery, Moablon eagerly spread her arms and dashed into the restaurant.

Ashtel, who had been about to decline once again, could only extend her hand in vain as she watched them go.

‘Oh no, what if she causes trouble?’

This was the kind of worry Hela usually had about her, and now Ashtel found herself in the same position. How had things turned out like this?

Ashtel, who still preferred to avoid trouble, found it overwhelming to handle Moablon’s antics. Feeling dejected, she trudged into the restaurant, with Payne’s gaze following her.

* * *

“So, you have eleven siblings?”

“Yes, I’m the youngest.”

“That’s quite a big family.”

Despite her worries, the impromptu gathering with Moablon went smoothly. She ate with gusto what was served, juicy meat, and chatted away like a regular person.

Ashtel watched in surprise, her eyes wide as she ate and frequently glanced at Moablon.

“Does that mean Miss Maid’s whole family is in Singria?”

Payne, who had been silent until then, asked in a low voice. It felt like something important to ask Ashtel as he hadn’t said a word until now.

Ashtel nearly choked on her food, hurriedly swallowing and shaking her head. Moablon, noticing her discomfort, handed her a cup and added an explanation.

“They’re all outside. I just came here to visit.”

“On your own? To the capital?”

“Yeah.”

Moablon nodded nonchalantly, but both Duvalkan and Payne’s expressions subtly shifted.

“It’s quite difficult for a minor to pass through the capital’s gates without a guardian. How did you manage it?”

Payne’s question made Moablon and Ashtel freeze.

‘Such things didn’t exist until a hundred years ago.’

Moablon’s startled gaze met Ashtel’s. Ashtel didn’t know the details of how humans entered the capital, so she had no answers.

“I came with another sister. I came alone to visit Sis Sue.”

But experience was experience. After a moment of panic, Moablon swallowed her food and took a sip of her drink with an air of indifference. Such details that might change wouldn’t hurt either.

Fortunately, Payne and Duvalkan nodded understandingly and smiled.

“It seems your younger sister is quite sharp, Miss Maid.”

“Yes, well, that’s true.”

Given her centuries of experience, it was a given. Ashtel thought this as she picked up a piece of lettuce soaked in sauce.