A Gentle World, Conflicted Heart

The dinner was a resounding success. Everyone exchanged cheerful smiles while enjoying the delicious food and lively conversation. Although Silver Bud was absent, perhaps her absence was precisely why everyone felt so uninhibited.

Tang Wenxu observed the crowd, lost in thought.

This was the third time he had found a place like this. The first time, it had just been him and Kuroki Nao at the dinner table in their villa. The second time, Father Kant, Mia, and the children had joined them at the church. Now, for this third occasion, even though he had bid farewell to his friends at Saint Lan, these kind-hearted girls had immediately stepped in to fill the void in his heart.

He had to admit, the world was truly gentle with him. Despite having only just arrived at the castle, Gefeng and Lyant had quickly accepted him. He was profoundly grateful to the Goddess. Though he didn’t know if the Goddess of this world truly existed, he thanked her from the bottom of his heart for always providing a home for him.

Yet, with this happiness came a heavy sense of guilt. ‘Was he betraying Silver Bud by doing this? Was it too cunning for him alone to be accepted by everyone? And what of the children at the church, who could only afford dishes made of potatoes…?’

Tang Wenxu was a contradictory soul; joy never overshadowed his underlying melancholy. The world treated him gently, but he couldn’t accept this happiness with a clear conscience—this was his greatest misfortune. However, this very misfortune was also his good fortune. The constant sorrow reflected in his eyes, a gentle sadness etched into his very being, was precisely what made him so endearing to others.

“Are you alright, Master?” Kuroki Nao, knowing him intimately, was the first to notice his unusual demeanor.

“Of course, I’m fine. I’m very happy.” Tang Wenxu offered a somewhat strained smile. He knew he couldn’t truly deceive her, but despite his lie, he hoped this benevolent falsehood would be forgiven.

Kuroki Nao said nothing. She understood her Master’s kindness better than anyone but often felt powerless against it. She simply lowered her head, clenching her small fists, and vowed silently: ‘Master, Nao will definitely create a home where you will have no more worries.’

However, Kuroki Nao wasn’t the only one to notice Tang Wenxu’s unease. Arlene also looked in his direction, her gaze filled with concern. Seemingly sensing Arlene’s stare, Tang Wenxu briefly met her eyes. It was then that he noticed Arlene’s plate was still full. She hadn’t eaten a single bite.

“Is it not to your taste?” Tang Wenxu asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Arlene shyly lowered her head, her face flushed, and mumbled something in a voice barely audible.

“What did you say?” Tang Wenxu leaned closer to hear.

The “Translator,” Gefeng, immediately interjected, “Little Arlene just said she’s on a diet, so she doesn’t eat much at night.”

“I see…” Tang Wenxu’s expression flickered with disappointment before he forced a gentle smile. “Arlene, you must take care of your health.”

Seeing his expression, Arlene felt a pang of heartache. With a slightly trembling hand, she picked up her spoon.

‘I can’t disappoint Father. He’s looking forward to me eating his cooking.’

Having seemingly steeled herself, Arlene painstakingly brought a spoonful of the dish to her mouth.

Tick-tock, tick-tock…

Unbeknownst to Tang Wenxu, tears began to stream down her face. ‘So happy, yet so painful…’

The taste hadn’t changed; it was still as delicious as she remembered. Arlene suddenly recalled her father’s habit, so she quickly wiped her face, forcing back her tears, and turned to say, “I’m going to the restroom.”

The reason she had been reluctant to touch Tang Wenxu’s cooking was that she didn’t want to cry in front of him. Even if he knew nothing, he was “Father” to her, and Arlene didn’t want him to worry about her. While the food was undeniably delicious, it stirred the deepest, most sorrowful yet warmest memories within her.

She recalled the last meal that kind man had made for her before his death, and the final thirty meters they had walked together. At the very end, the “Thank you” he had uttered in Mandarin pierced her heart like a needle. That man had always steadfastly believed he had “never been betrayed by a friend,” yet the truth had sold him out.

The kind man had been taken away by the kingdom’s guards, willingly ascending the scaffold amidst the jeers of the ignorant crowd below.

Crack…

The “traitor’s” head was severed.

Arlene collapsed weakly before the restroom mirror, gazing at her red-rimmed eyes, unable to compose herself for a long time. ‘It should be alright this time, because this time, no friend will betray Father.’

Wiping away her tears, Arlene touched the flame-shaped throwing knife hidden on her person, a wistful smile gracing her lips.

Upon returning to the table, Gefeng immediately asked, “Are you alright, Little Arlene? You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine.”

“Arlene, it’s getting late. Why don’t you call it a night and get some rest?” Tang Wenxu said, his voice full of concern.

“Mm.” Arlene nodded obediently, like a child.

Tang Wenxu watched her retreating back and said, “Nao, she’s a good girl. Don’t dislike her.”

Kuroki Nao stood behind Tang Wenxu, coldly watching Arlene’s departure. ‘Indeed, I can’t bring myself to like this hypocritical woman…’

A fleeting, cold smirk crossed Nao’s face. ‘I truly wish Master could see her true colors. She’s no kind, innocent girl; she’s a member of the Golden Cross, Dals’s lackey. But speaking of true colors, haven’t I also reserved my warmest side for Master and my coldest for everyone else?’

“You’re also a good girl—a better girl than anyone else,” Tang Wenxu said, seemingly discerning Kuroki Nao’s small anxieties, and gently stroked her head.