‘Was Eirinne’s heart really the purest?’
Thinking of Atiya’s evaluation of her, Eirinne couldn’t help but touch her lower abdomen.
Beneath her dress, her belly was still marked with the brand Inan had left on her—a heart entwined within a complex pattern! This was the pink tattoo Inan had left behind, and no matter what method she used, she couldn’t remove it. It was as if merely seeing the tattoo would remind her of her humiliating past.
‘I wonder if you’ll ever regret everything you’ve done…’ Eirinne lowered her eyes slightly, stroking the magic book in her hand. ‘Inan Hill, I will never forget the shame you brought upon me for as long as I live.’
Eirinne took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, and looked toward the distance. Her gaze gradually became fierce.
While she didn’t know why the Saintess believed she was pure, there had to be a reason for it. Currently, Eirinne only wanted to become stronger so she could rescue Aurora from the hands of that demon.
A few days later, Freya and Aurora were at the castle, welcoming the arrival of Eirinne’s mother, Shenina.
This woman also possessed smooth silver hair paired with blue eyes, which seemed to reflect an endless melancholy. Unlike Eirinne’s cold temperament, this woman had a unique charm of sadness and maternal love. It was an aura that only a mature woman could possess. She wore a long black dress, her hair pinned up, and simple jewelry.
Even without trying to dress up, Shenina still exuded a natural, elegant charm that caused everyone present to look her way.
Aurora held up her skirt and ran toward Shenina with small steps, hugging her. “Grandmother!”
Shenina also shed tears. She took Aurora into her arms and kissed her forehead. “My little darling…”
Feeling Shenina’s closeness, a sweet smile appeared on Aurora’s face. She used her tiny hands to gently wipe the tears from Shenina’s face and said in a milky voice, “Grandmother, please don’t cry. You won’t be pretty if you cry.”
“Yes, my little darling has grown quite sensible.” Shenina wiped her tears. Reunited with her granddaughter in a foreign land and seeing her dressed like a little princess without being bullied brought a great deal of comfort to her heart.
Freya also slowly approached Shenina and shook her hand. “Madam, hello. I apologize, but my husband is still out handling affairs and will return soon. Please come with me to the living room to taste the delicacies of the Lawson Territory.”
Shenina nodded slightly. Holding Aurora’s hand and guided by Freya, they moved together to the living room.
Inside the living room, a magnificent crystal chandelier cast a soft glow. The dining table was covered with various delicacies from the Lawson Territory, their exquisite presentation making one’s mouth water.
This was the first time Shenina had ever stepped out of the Snow Country into the human world. The simple Snow People only wanted to spend their lives in the Snow Country. Unless necessary, they didn’t want any interaction with humans.
Inan, having just finished inspecting the iron mines, returned to the castle and slowly pushed open the doors to the living room.
With just one look, Shenina was certain that this person was the noble who had imprisoned Eirinne and Aurora. He had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, with a sword hanging from his waist that featured an emerald embedded in the hilt.
His black noble attire was carved with golden patterns. When Inan’s sharp, eagle-like eyes turned toward her, Shenina actually felt a sense of dread.
‘How many lives has this person taken? How many innocent beings has he slaughtered to have such a gaze of contempt for life?’
Even though this man exuded a fresh scent, he still made one feel a thick aura of blood! At this moment, Shenina felt like a lamb that could be eaten bone-dry by the hungry wolf that was Inan at any time!
She forced herself to endure the panic in her heart and tried to remain calm. After all, she had come here as part of a diplomatic visit, which meant she represented the image of the Snow Race.
While her mind was in a state of chaos, Inan had already arrived before her. He stared down at her from above, making Shenina, who was sitting on the sofa, afraid to move, as if she might be killed by him at any moment.
Then, she saw the young noble reveal a smile. He bent his head, took her delicate hand, and kissed it. This was the hand-kissing rite among humans. Shenina knew of it, but she didn’t dare move.
“Madam, I’ve kept you waiting.” Inan’s performance of the hand-kiss was impeccable and exceptionally elegant. He looked up at this noble lady of the Snow Race and showed a warm smile. “It is an honor to have been able to invite you here today. I hope you won’t blame me for any lack of hospitality.”
Shenina withdrew her hand with a slight tremble, trying her best to steady herself as she returned a somewhat stiff smile. “Lord Inan is too kind.”
“As a friendly neighbor of the North of the Isore Empire, I have always deeply yearned for the Snow Country as the Lord of the North.” Inan fully utilized his political prowess, speaking eloquently. “To be honest, I am very disgusted by the behavior of the nobles who offended the Snow Race! I deeply apologize for this, and I apologize for the countless Snow People who have been displaced within the Isore Empire!”
Inan’s sudden apology caught Shenina somewhat off guard. She already knew how hateful this human was from Eirinne’s description, so she knew these were just polite words from Inan. However, she hadn’t expected Inan to be so hypocritical, being so polite even toward her. This definitely hid an unspeakable conspiracy!
But how could the simple Snow Race know how to speak such pleasantries? She had no idea how to respond.
Fortunately, Inan saw her awkwardness and resolved her situation in a timely manner. “I have already instructed my subordinates to hand over all the Snow Race slaves. When you return, you can take them back with you. Consider it a gesture of goodwill on my part.”
Shenina’s heart tightened. Inan’s move seemed to be an act of kindness, but she felt more and more that there was a deeper conspiracy hidden behind it. She looked up at Inan, trying to find a flaw in his expression, but she could only thank him because his sincerity was quite high!
“Lord Inan, on behalf of the citizens of the Snow Country who have suffered in the Isore Empire, I thank you.”
Inan smiled. He just wanted to exchange these snow slaves for Eirinne. As for whether this deal would go through, this woman likely didn’t have the power to refuse!
“There is no need to thank me. Rather, it is I who should apologize.” Inan paused, finally revealing his true colors. “However, I wonder where Eirinne is? Did she not accompany you on this visit?”
“Eirinne…” Shenina showed a bewildered expression. “Is she not here with you?”
Inan was also confused. He had sent Eirinne back to the Snow Country long ago. As her mother, did she not know?
After a period of hesitation, Shenina slowly revealed the information about Eirinne’s disappearance.
When Inan heard the news, he was shocked, and a thick killing intent emanated from his body!
“What! She’s missing?! Who did it!?” Inan crushed the teacup in his hand. “WHO DARED TO TOUCH MY WOMAN!?”