Chapter 365: Uninvited Guest, Scumbag vs. Tease, Facing the Bull is the Real Fun (2)
Sophia, however, was genuinely pleased.
To her, praise for the children she raised was the highest honor.
"I've also heard the eldest daughter here is currently studying at Seven Shields Academy. Now that I see her, she indeed lives up to your name, Madam Sophia."
Sophia grew even more delighted.
Though it seemed like mere pleasantries, it was the highest praise a mother could receive.
She even laughed aloud.
Her stunning face radiated mature charm.
"You're too kind."
Lilith, though maintaining a dignified smile, felt something was off.
Given her recent tensions with her mother over the battle for her "puppy," she was desperate to outshine Sophia.
Yet now she was being praised as "Sophia's daughter"?
Wasn't that just another way of belittling her?
Still, out of courtesy, she could only gracefully accept the compliment with a smile and a nod.
Both sisters, though for different reasons, felt a faint but shared irritation.
Irene's gaze finally fell on Shia.
"I heard that Madam Sophia's daughters are all outstanding, but this handsome young man—I seem to have heard little about him?"
Shia smiled warmly, though his eyes were filled with disdain.
Keep pretending!
Pretending not to know me?
Sophia's smile grew even more proud.
"Has the High Priestess heard of Drunken Dreams?"
A flicker of surprise flashed through Irene's eyes before she quickly masked it.
"I've heard Drunken Dreams was created by Master Shia. This young man here is also called Shia—could it be..."
Sophia nodded, a trace of pride hidden in her smile.
"This child loves to tinker with such things."
"We're not a strict household, but he still hid it from us, afraid I'd disapprove."
As she spoke, Sophia cast Shia a playful glance—more of a proud show-off than a real scolding.
Shia cooperatively showed a sheepish expression.
Irene followed along, praising him.
"Master Shia's fame precedes him. Madam Sophia should be proud."
"I've long admired Master Shia's work. Thanks to Madam Sophia, I now have the fortune of meeting him."
Speaking warmly, Irene rose.
The gems she wore jingled pleasantly, sparkling brightly under the light.
She extended her hand toward Shia with a smile.
"Master Shia~ A pleasure to meet you."
Shia also stood and stepped forward to clasp her slender hand.
But he squeezed it slightly.
"Master is too grand a title—how could I compare to the High Priestess?"
He lowered his voice, so only the two of them could hear.
"Or should I say—long time no see?"
Irene's heart skipped a beat.
She raised her eyes to meet Shia's gaze, almost convinced he knew everything.
Yet Shia's expression remained utterly calm, as if he hadn't said anything.
Was it her imagination?
Of course not.
Shia's eyes gleamed mischievously—with your full-on tea act, who could you possibly fool?
"You young folks surely have more to talk about."
Sophia's voice interrupted the odd atmosphere.
"High Priestess, why not let my daughter Lilith entertain you instead?"
Though phrased politely, Sophia wasn't really asking.
She had many matters to arrange, and entrusting the hosting to Lilith was the most practical choice.
In matters of noble etiquette, Sophia had never been lax.
Lilith wore a perfect smile, neither obsequious nor cold.
"If there's any lapse in hospitality, please forgive me, High Priestess."
The mother-daughter duo seamlessly sealed the arrangement.
The radiant High Priestess accepted gracefully, nodding to Lilith.
"I'll be in your care, Miss Lilith."
Then she turned back to Sophia.
"Madam, may I also request that Master Shia remain?"
At once, three women's gazes sharpened.
Fafna's eyes flickered with displeasure.
She wasn't sure why, but she felt deeply uncomfortable.
Sophia was surprised, but quickly smiled and agreed.
Only Lilith grew visibly more wary.
Why insist on Shia staying?
Sounds very suspicious!
She glared at Irene with pure vigilance.
Shia was her puppy, her childhood sweetheart, her nominal fiancé, and her best wingman for chasing girls!
How could she allow someone else to covet what was hers?
Even though Lilith usually adored collecting pretty girls, Irene's words sparked nothing but hostility.
She didn't even recognize the woman before her as the goddess she had once admired at school.
Hilarious—not even a clue.
Lilith's mind raced through countless dark scenarios as Sophia took her leave.
Once the main hall was left in Lilith's charge, she quickly suggested a change of venue.
Irene followed, but her gaze lingered longingly on Shia, her autumn-water eyes brimming with unhidden affection.
Lilith grew more and more annoyed.
Everyone wanted to snatch her puppy?
Come on, it's just a minor cult leader.
The Guen family only treats guests courteously out of politeness—don't overestimate yourself!
She kept a polite smile, but inside she was boiling.
"High Priestess, would you like to try some green tea from our Guen family's private gardens?"
Without realizing it, Lilith had stopped seeing Shia as a mere tool.
He was becoming important—weighty.
And this importance kept growing.
The moment someone else coveted him, she felt fierce hostility.
Meanwhile, Irene's eyes stayed glued to Shia, almost forming invisible threads of longing.
"Is this the tea Master Shia likes?"
Her clear, melodic voice was full of innocent curiosity, yet it made Lilith's smile freeze into something stiff and brittle.
How could my childhood sweetheart ever fall for a low-level green tea like you?
Of course he prefers black tea!
But do you even deserve a cup?
Offering you this tea is just a subtle way to remind you to know your place!
But of course, she couldn't say that aloud.